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Azure Network Watcher vs Ixia Hawkeye comparison

Microsoft and Keysight Technologies are both solutions in the Network Monitoring Software category. Microsoft is ranked #51 with an average rating of 8.3, while Keysight Technologies is ranked #37 with an average rating of 10.0. Microsoft holds a 0.4% mindshare in NMS, compared to Keysight Technologies’s 0.3% mindshare. Additionally, 91% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Keysight Technologies users who would recommend it.
Azure Network Watcher
Read 12 Azure Network Watcher reviews
  • 743 Views
  • 698 Comparison Views
91% willing to recommend
Ixia Hawkeye
Read 4 Ixia Hawkeye reviews
  • 701 Views
  • 477 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 10, 2024

Network monitoring domain sees competition between Ixia Hawkeye and Azure Network Watcher, with Ixia Hawkeye having an edge in in-depth performance analysis while Azure Network Watcher shines with Azure integrations.

Features: Ixia Hawkeye provides real-time network performance monitoring, end-to-end visibility, and proactive diagnostics. Azure Network Watcher includes network diagnostic tools, network topology visualization, and packet capture capabilities, advantageous for Azure service users.

Room for Improvement: Ixia Hawkeye could enhance its cloud integration, mobile support, and user interface design. Azure Network Watcher may improve by offering more competitive pricing, expanding non-Azure platform support, and enhancing customer support accessibility.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Ixia Hawkeye offers flexible deployment options with strong customer support, easing adaptation across networks. Azure Network Watcher ensures efficient Azure-based application deployment, backed by Microsoft's comprehensive resources.

Pricing and ROI: Ixia Hawkeye's competitive pricing offers substantial ROI with advanced insights and downtime prevention. Azure Network Watcher, though potentially pricier, delivers value through integrated Azure monitoring experiences.

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To learn more, read our detailed Azure Network Watcher vs. Ixia Hawkeye Report (Updated: July 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Azure Network Watcher vs. Ixia Hawkeye
July 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Azure Network Watcher
Ranking in Network Monitoring Software
51st
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.0
Number of Reviews
12
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Ixia Hawkeye
Ranking in Network Monitoring Software
37th
Average Rating
9.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
4
Ranking in other categories
Unified Communications Monitoring (3rd), IT Infrastructure Monitoring (36th)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Network Monitoring Software category, the mindshare of Azure Network Watcher is 0.4%, down from 0.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Ixia Hawkeye is 0.3%, down from 0.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Network Monitoring Software
 

Featured Reviews

Bijoyendra Roychowdhury - PeerSpot reviewer
Network monitoring provides comprehensive analytics while the interface requires further development
The quality of Azure Network Watcher is quite good in terms of the in-depth analysis you can create from these matrices. There are other monitoring tools such as New Relic, AppDynamics, and Dynatrace which provide very detailed network tracing. Cloud providers such as Azure or AWS do not have that kind of GUI-based capability at this point, but using PowerShell or Python, you can develop it yourself. From the GUI perspective, it still needs to evolve in terms of quality and standard, though overall, it is quite good for troubleshooting. Regarding areas for improvement, when comparing to other network tools beyond Azure Monitor or Azure Network Watcher, those tools can identify single failed packets. This level of granularity is not currently possible with cloud providers as they only go to a certain level rather than the granular level needed for deep troubleshooting, though they do provide hints with available matrices.
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José Enrique Cano Rodriguez - PeerSpot reviewer
A valuable tool for optimizing network performance and security with comprehensive network monitoring capabilities, user-friendly interface, and flexibility for scripting
Distinguishing itself from network management systems like SolarWinds Orion and Dataminer, Hawkeye offers a distinctive feature. It empowers network administrators to access specialized and detailed views for specific tests, including video streaming and performance related to specific applications like video games. In contrast, SolarWinds and Dataminer typically offer a more general evaluation of network health. Hawkeye's unique capability enables a detailed analysis of network performance through specific tests, allowing administrators to identify areas in need of improvement and take precise actions to enhance network performance.
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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"What I like most about Azure Network Watcher is that it's focused more on the architecture. I also like that it has a packet capture feature that tells you how the packet travels and whether it's exiting Azure, etc."
"I like the visibility."
"The most valuable feature of Azure Network Watcher is the cloud-native application firewall. It is helpful for securing databases."
"The most valuable features I have found are typology, visualization, and capture."
"The stability is very good. I rate it a ten out of ten."
"The most valuable feature of Azure Network Watcher is using the gateways with the connections. The monitoring is useful for the logs and application insights into the data. The traffic filtering issues when it comes to deploying those applications are helpful."
"The solution is good for monitoring device behavior."
"It provides good visibility."
More Azure Network Watcher pros
"Our customer was happiest with the price of this product."
"The ease of setup is the most valuable aspect of this solution. It's easy to set up and run tests."
"It empowers network administrators to access specialized and detailed views for specific tests, including video streaming and performance related to specific applications like video games."
"The most valuable feature is the deployment because it's very easy to deploy real flow through the network."
 

Cons

"User experience could be improved."
"The solution could improve by limiting the need to clarify the logs. When the clarification is minimized, it is better for everyone involved."
"Technical support from Microsoft needs significant improvement compared to other product vendors."
"The initial setup and initial learning curve could be improved to be easier."
"Lacks sufficient security features."
"Azure Network Watcher needs to have better documentation and it needs to capture information accurately."
"Azure Network Watcher could improve by having other built-in applications. For example, an application to log activities for in and outbound traffic."
"I would like to see in the future if we can troubleshoot as a firewall because it is equipment as a network player and some diagnostics."
More Azure Network Watcher cons
"Ixia has one flaw, which is that they do not print the license code on the paper licenses that are shipped to the customers."
"The customization of tests and even the results can be improved."
"You can't delete more than one thing at a time. It would be great to be able to highlight three out of five things and delete them, whether it's a test or an actual report."
"Improvements in network performance are essential."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Price-wise, I have no information on how much Azure Network Watcher costs."
"The price of the solution is reasonable."
"The pricing is good. It's not too expensive."
"Azure Network Watcher is a little bit expensive."
"It cost us approximately 25,000 for two years. This is cheaper than ThousandEyes."
"In larger networks, the costs for licenses tend to be more reasonable, but for smaller networks, it appears relatively costly."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
16%
Computer Software Company
12%
Government
11%
University
5%
Computer Software Company
10%
Energy/Utilities Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Azure Network Watcher?
I like the visibility.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Azure Network Watcher?
It is affordable.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Azure Network Watcher?
User experience could be improved.
See all answers
What do you like most about Ixia Hawkeye?
It empowers network administrators to access specialized and detailed views for specific tests, including video streaming and performance related to specific applications like video games.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Ixia Hawkeye?
Improvements in network performance are essential.
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Ixia Hawkeye?
Our objective is to evaluate the performance of GPON and DOCSIS networks which involves considering factors such as pricing, sales, and the technical aspects of conducting tests. To achieve this, v...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Microsoft Network Monitor vs Azure Network Watcher Logo
Microsoft Network Monitor vs Azure Network Watcher
Compared 23% of the time
ThousandEyes vs Azure Network Watcher Logo
ThousandEyes vs Azure Network Watcher
Compared 23% of the time
SolarWinds NPM vs Azure Network Watcher Logo
SolarWinds NPM vs Azure Network Watcher
Compared 18% of the time
Nmap vs Azure Network Watcher Logo
Nmap vs Azure Network Watcher
Compared 18% of the time
PRTG Network Monitor vs Azure Network Watcher Logo
PRTG Network Monitor vs Azure Network Watcher
Compared 18% of the time
More Azure Network Watcher Competitors
NETSCOUT nGeniusONE vs Ixia Hawkeye Logo
NETSCOUT nGeniusONE vs Ixia Hawkeye
Compared 19% of the time
ThousandEyes vs Ixia Hawkeye Logo
ThousandEyes vs Ixia Hawkeye
Compared 19% of the time
Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline vs Ixia Hawkeye Logo
Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline vs Ixia Hawkeye
Compared 18% of the time
DX Unified Infrastructure Management vs Ixia Hawkeye Logo
DX Unified Infrastructure Management vs Ixia Hawkeye
Compared 13% of the time
Aurea CX Monitor vs Ixia Hawkeye Logo
Aurea CX Monitor vs Ixia Hawkeye
Compared 13% of the time
More Ixia Hawkeye Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Azure Network Watcher
August 2025
Azure Network Watcher reportDownload Azure Network Watcher product report
Buyer's Guide
Network Monitoring Software
August 2025
Ixia Hawkeye reportDownload Ixia Hawkeye product report
 

Overview

Azure Network Watcher is a comprehensive network monitoring and diagnostic service offered by Microsoft Azure. It provides a range of tools and capabilities to help users monitor, diagnose, and gain insights into their Azure network infrastructure. With Network Watcher, users can capture and analyze network traffic, monitor network performance, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and gain visibility into network topology. It also offers features like packet capture, flow logs, connection monitoring, and VPN diagnostics to ensure the smooth operation of Azure networks. Network Watcher enables users to proactively identify and resolve network issues, optimize network performance, and enhance the overall reliability and security of their Azure network environment.

Microsoft
Hawkeye quickly and effectively validates network performance, isolates problems, and proactively detects issues by running scheduled verification tests. Using a combination of hardware and software agents called Performance Endpoints, Hawkeye simulates application traffic and sends key performance metrics to a central console for fast action.
Keysight Technologies
 

Sample Customers

Information Not Available
EMA
Buyer's Guide
Azure Network Watcher vs. Ixia Hawkeye
July 2025
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