Best Network Monitoring Software · 2026
Nagios XI vs 
SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted Nagios XI vs SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted: on our data-weighted scoring, Nagios XI edges ahead (8.0 vs 7.8/10). Nagios XI starts at $2595/one-time (100 nodes, Standard) and is best for teams wanting on-prem, perpetually-licensed infrastructure monitoring with a free open-source core; 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 Nagios XI 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 | Nagios XI | SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial | 8.0 | 7.8 |
| User reviews | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Adoption | 4.6 | 7.7 |
| Affordability | 9.5 | 5.1 |
| Feature breadth | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Ease of trial | 10.0 | 6.0 |
| Nagios XI | SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $2595/one-time (100 nodes, Standard) | $7.42/node/mo |
| Pricing model | per device | per device |
| Free trial / tier | Free tier + 30 days | 30 days |
| Best for | Teams wanting on-prem, perpetually-licensed infrastructure monitoring with a free open-source core | Enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly Hybrid Cloud Observability) |
| Deployment | On-prem | Cloud + on-prem |
| G2 rating | 4.5/5 (55) | 4.3/5 (835) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 8.0 | 7.8 |
You need teams wanting on-prem, perpetually-licensed infrastructure monitoring with a free open-source core.
You need enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly hybrid cloud observability).
Nagios XI bills on a per device model from $2595/one-time (100 nodes, Standard) (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.
Nagios XI ships 6 headline capabilities (SNMP + network device monitoring, Perpetual on-prem licensing, Event-driven remediation, Free open-source core (Nagios Core)) and deploys 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.
Nagios XI holds 4.5/5 (~55 G2 reviews); SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted holds 4.3/5 (~835 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, Nagios XI edges ahead (8.0 vs 7.8/10). Pick SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted instead when enterprises wanting deep, self-hosted network + infrastructure observability (formerly hybrid cloud observability). See Nagios XI alternatives or SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted alternatives.