Best Network Monitoring Software · 2026
Datadog vs 
SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted Datadog vs SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted: on our data-weighted scoring, Datadog edges ahead (8.4 vs 7.8/10). Datadog starts at $5/host/mo and is best for cloud-native teams wanting unified network, infrastructure, and application observability as SaaS; SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted starts at $7.42/node/mo and is best for enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly Hybrid Cloud Observability). Choose Datadog for the stronger overall track record; consider SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
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Six criteria, each scored 0–10 on the same scale from real review data, public pricing and feature coverage. See our methodology →
| Criterion | Datadog | SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial | 8.4 | 7.8 |
| User reviews | 8.6 | 8.6 |
| Adoption | 7.2 | 7.7 |
| Affordability | 9.5 | 5.0 |
| Feature breadth | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Ease of trial | 10.0 | 6.0 |
| Datadog | SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $5/host/mo | $7.42/node/mo |
| Pricing model | per device | per device |
| Free trial / tier | Free tier + 14 days | 30 days |
| Best for | Cloud-native teams wanting unified network, infrastructure, and application observability as SaaS | Enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly Hybrid Cloud Observability) |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud + on-prem |
| G2 rating | 4.3/5 (545) | 4.3/5 (835) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 8.4 | 7.8 |
You need cloud-native teams wanting unified network, infrastructure, and application observability as saas.
You need enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly hybrid cloud observability).
Datadog bills on a per device model from $5/host/mo (free tier available), while SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted uses a per device model from $7.42/node/mo (30 days trial). Because the models differ, the cheaper option flips depending on your fleet size — model both at your seat/endpoint count.
Datadog ships 6 headline capabilities (Cloud Network Monitoring (flows), Network Device Monitoring (SNMP), Unified infra + APM + logs, 800+ integrations) and deploys Cloud. SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted ships 6 (Network performance monitoring (NPM), Server + application management, NetFlow + bandwidth analysis, Config + IP address management), deploying Cloud + on-prem.
Datadog holds 4.3/5 (~545 G2 reviews); SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted holds 4.3/5 (~835 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, Datadog edges ahead (8.4 vs 7.8/10). Pick SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted instead when enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly hybrid cloud observability). See Datadog alternatives or SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted alternatives.
