Best Network Monitoring Software · 2026
ManageEngine OpManager vs 
SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted ManageEngine OpManager vs SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted: on our data-weighted scoring, ManageEngine OpManager edges ahead (8.3 vs 7.8/10). ManageEngine OpManager starts at $95/yr (10 devices, Standard) and is best for smbs and mid-market wanting affordable, device-based network + server monitoring; 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 ManageEngine OpManager 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 | ManageEngine OpManager | SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial | 8.3 | 7.8 |
| User reviews | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Adoption | 5.6 | 7.7 |
| Affordability | 1.4 | 5.1 |
| Feature breadth | 8.0 | 6.0 |
| Ease of trial | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| ManageEngine OpManager | SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $95/yr (10 devices, Standard) | $7.42/node/mo |
| Pricing model | per device | per device |
| Free trial / tier | 30 days | 30 days |
| Best for | SMBs and mid-market wanting affordable, device-based network + server monitoring | Enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly Hybrid Cloud Observability) |
| Deployment | Cloud + on-prem | Cloud + on-prem |
| G2 rating | 4.6/5 (127) | 4.3/5 (835) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 8.3 | 7.8 |
You need smbs and mid-market wanting affordable, device-based network + server monitoring.
You need enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly hybrid cloud observability).
ManageEngine OpManager bills on a per device model from $95/yr (10 devices, Standard) (30 days trial), 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.
ManageEngine OpManager ships 8 headline capabilities (Device-based licensing (all interfaces incl.), Network + server + VM monitoring, Fault + performance management, Customizable dashboards + maps) and deploys Cloud + on-prem. SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted ships 6 (Network performance monitoring (NPM), Server + application management, NetFlow + bandwidth analysis, Config + IP address management), deploying Cloud + on-prem.
ManageEngine OpManager holds 4.6/5 (~127 G2 reviews); SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted holds 4.3/5 (~835 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, ManageEngine OpManager edges ahead (8.3 vs 7.8/10). Pick SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted instead when enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly hybrid cloud observability). See ManageEngine OpManager alternatives or SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted alternatives.