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SolarWinds NPM Reviews

Vendor: SolarWinds
4.1 out of 5
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What is SolarWinds NPM?

SolarWinds NPM is a network performance monitoring tool offering a user-friendly interface with customizable dashboards. It provides real-time tracking of device health, latency, and bandwidth utilization, supporting diverse integration and scalability needs.

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SolarWinds NPM is the #4 ranked solution in best Network Monitoring Tools, #5 ranked solution in Infrastructure Monitoring tools, and #9 ranked solution in top Cloud Monitoring Software. PeerSpot users give SolarWinds NPM an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. SolarWinds NPM is most commonly compared to Datadog: SolarWinds NPM vs Datadog. SolarWinds NPM is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 50% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a manufacturing company, accounting for 10% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
SolarWinds NPM
April 2026
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SolarWinds NPM mindshare

Product category:
Network Monitoring Software
As of April 2026, the mindshare of SolarWinds NPM in the Network Monitoring Software category stands at 3.6%, down from 4.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Network Monitoring Software Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
SolarWinds NPM3.6%
Zabbix4.3%
PRTG Network Monitor3.1%
Other89.0%
Network Monitoring Software

PeerResearch reports based on SolarWinds NPM reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryNetwork Monitoring SoftwareApr 30, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersApr 30, 2026Download
ComparisonSolarWinds NPM vs ZabbixApr 30, 2026Download
ComparisonSolarWinds NPM vs Auvik Network Management (ANM)Apr 30, 2026Download
ComparisonSolarWinds NPM vs DatadogApr 30, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Datadog4.32.5%97%208 interviewsAdd to research
Zabbix4.24.3%95%108 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

SolarWinds NPM is appreciated for its ease of deployment, scalability, and user-friendly interface. It provides robust SNMP monitoring, customizable alerts, and comprehensive reporting tools. Users value its network mapping, graphical dashboards, and real-time data visualization features. It supports multi-vendor networks and integrates seamlessly with other modules. NetPath and PerfStack are notable additions. Alert systems offer proactive issue management. The Thwack community provides excellent support and customization ideas.
  • "I like the tracking feature to track devices and see where they are connected, which is very practical."
  • "SolarWinds NPM has helped our organization by proactively indicating if we are low on resources for a particular server."
  • "At the moment, our main tool is SolarWinds NPM, and we keep using it, especially for monitoring cloud devices."

Room for Improvement

SolarWinds NPM experiences challenges with network discovery and mapping, as users report issues with missing devices and inaccurate topology. The user interface requires enhancement with improved customization and intuitive design. Technical support faces criticism for delayed responses. Users seek better integration with other platforms and more robust reporting features. Automation and real-time analytics need further development, and the pricing structure is considered high. Stability issues arise with large-scale implementations, and security remains a concern.
  • "The console could be more user-friendly. It would be better if SolarWinds updated the user interface."
  • "SolarWinds NPM is very unstable. We often have website loading issues."
  • "We also had to be attentive to vulnerabilities, because SolarWinds NPM have some issues in that area."

ROI

SolarWinds NPM offers significant ROI by enhancing infrastructure efficiency and reducing downtime. It enables detailed visibility, optimizing bandwidth use, and cuts support costs by 75% compared to previous tools. It keeps systems proactive and identifies issues faster, even before user complaints. Organizations highlight its cost-effectiveness, reporting that it paid for itself within six months. Users praise it for saving time, money, and preventing costly outages. Its flexibility supports diverse needs, optimizing resources effectively.

Pricing

SolarWinds NPM offers flexible pricing tailored to enterprise needs, though it can be costly for smaller organizations. Initial setup costs range from $2,000 to $200,000, often depending on the number of nodes and interfaces to be monitored. Annual maintenance can reach up to 20% of the initial purchase. The pricing model is based on licensing by monitored elements, not devices. Discounts and promotions are periodically available through direct sales channels.
  • "The pricing is in the middle. It's not particularly cost-effective, but it's not overly expensive either."
  • "The solution's pricing is low compared to a lot of other tools in the market."
  • "Most of the licenses are perpetual, and the annual maintenance charges are not high."

Popular Use Cases

SolarWinds NPM is primarily used for network monitoring. It tracks up/down status, bandwidth utilization, and performance across network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, and servers. Users leverage it for reporting, troubleshooting, and ensuring network stability. It is particularly useful for monitoring global networks, ensuring application performance, and managing infrastructure. The tool is valued for its ability to monitor network health, device availability, and to provide real-time data insights.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for SolarWinds NPM are generally positive but have some mixed opinions. Many users praise the fast response times and knowledgeable staff, highlighting their ability to resolve issues efficiently. However, some express concerns about slow response times for non-critical issues and challenges in accessing technical support. The online community and forums are valuable resources for users seeking assistance, while some suggest areas for improvement in addressing complex or time-sensitive issues.

Deployment

SolarWinds NPM's initial setup is generally straightforward, utilizing a wizard for guidance. While simple in many cases, complexity can arise in larger enterprise environments requiring customization. Users highlight the need for knowledge in areas like SQL and networking. Some report ease with the setup process, especially when following documented guides and utilizing vendor support. When scaling and customizing, the process might demand more expertise, especially for environments with many devices.

Scalability

Users find SolarWinds NPM scalable, accommodating small to large environments. Some report issues with virtual deployments, increasing licenses, and performance without hardware upgrades. Additional polling engines can enhance scalability, although cost is a concern. Despite challenges, NPM adjusts well by adding nodes, servers, or pollers, proving effective for many large organizations. Admins highlight scalability's dependency on resources and infrastructure needs, while noting that NPM supports extensive networks efficiently.

Stability

Some found SolarWinds NPM stable with minimal concerns, especially when prerequisites were followed. Upgrades sometimes caused issues, but support was usually helpful. Database issues were occasionally mentioned, often linked to resource allocation. Performance can drop if not correctly configured, but many reported improvements over the years. Users suggest following proper documentation for optimal stability. Despite occasional bugs, SolarWinds NPM is generally described as reliable, though public security incidents have been noted.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our SolarWinds NPM Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business45
Midsize Enterprise27
Large Enterprise67
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business510
Midsize Enterprise301
Large Enterprise823
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
10%
Financial Services Firm
10%
Government
7%
Computer Software Company
6%
Healthcare Company
5%
Construction Company
5%
University
5%
Comms Service Provider
4%
Educational Organization
4%
Energy/Utilities Company
4%
Retailer
4%
Outsourcing Company
3%
Real Estate/Law Firm
3%
Marketing Services Firm
3%
Media Company
3%
Insurance Company
3%
Performing Arts
3%
Transportation Company
2%
Hospitality Company
2%
Legal Firm
2%
Non Profit
1%
Logistics Company
1%
Consumer Goods Company
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%

Compare SolarWinds NPM with alternative products

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Learn more about SolarWinds NPM

SolarWinds NPM's robust features include real-time monitoring of network performance and efficient tracking of device health, latency, and bandwidth utilization. The tool is appreciated for its ease of deployment, scalability, and support for integration with other tools. Features like SNMP monitoring, NetPath, and comprehensive reporting enhance its diagnostic capabilities and network visibility. However, users identify areas for improvement such as real-time analytics, advanced customization options, and enhanced scalability for larger enterprises. Better customer support, improved integrations, and security measures are also desired.

What are the key features of SolarWinds NPM?
  • User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies navigation and operation.
  • Customizable Dashboards: Allows personalized data views.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Provides instant updates on network performance.
  • Strong Alerting Capabilities: Offers immediate notifications for issues.
  • Scalability: Supports growth with ease.
  • Integration: Works smoothly with other tools for comprehensive monitoring.
  • SNMP Monitoring: Tracks device stats effectively.
  • NetPath: Helps visualize network paths and performance.
What benefits and ROI can users expect?
  • Improved Network Visibility: Enables proactive issue resolution.
  • Enhanced Diagnostics: Facilitates quicker troubleshooting.
  • Real-Time Performance Data: Supports informed decision-making.
  • Ease of Deployment: Reduces setup time and complexity.
  • Infrastructure Monitoring: Ensures network stability and reliability.
  • Custom Integration: Adapts to existing IT environments.

In enterprise environments, SolarWinds NPM is deployed to monitor network health and device status, sending alerts for any issues. It provides visibility into network performance, tracking bandwidth utilization and server metrics efficiently. Its applications span from monitoring routers, switches, and firewalls to supporting infrastructure monitoring across industries.

SolarWinds NPM was previously known as Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor, SolarWinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer.

SolarWinds NPM customers

Microsoft, Federal Express, Hewlett-Packard, and MasterCard

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What Is The Biggest Difference Between NETSCOUT and SolarWinds?
  • 53
What SolarWinds NPM alternatives do you recommend?
  • 30
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor compared to alternative solutions
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Is Zabbix or SolarWinds NPM better for infrastructure monitoring?
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How does Solarwinds NPM compare with Dynatrace?
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What is the main difference between SolarWinds NPM and Riverbed NetIM?
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When evaluating Network Performance Monitoring, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?

Product Categories

Product Categories
Network Monitoring Software
IT Infrastructure Monitoring
Cloud Monitoring Software

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SolarWinds NPM Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Manager IT at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees3.5I've used SolarWinds NPM for years to monitor servers and networks effectively, but its outdated UI and limited advanced features need improvement; while it's reliable, modern tools with AI may soon offer better alternatives.
Network Architect at a logistics company with 5,001-10,000 employees5.0I use SolarWinds NPM for global network management, leveraging its monitoring and configuration features. It offers cost-effective, flexible licensing on Azure. NPM supports various modules, though database monitoring needs improvement. Its AI-driven automation enhances decision-making and efficiency.
Network Security Engineer at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees4.0I implemented SolarWinds NPM for our customers to monitor device status and network utilization. It's user-friendly with detailed insights, but technical support response times need improvement. I've also used WhatsUp Gold, ManageEngine, and PRTG for network monitoring.
Architect at ReBIT4.0We use SolarWinds NPM to monitor network devices and identify issues early, which has improved our operations. It's stable, scalable, and offers helpful dashboards, though adding device backup features would enhance it. I'd rate it 8 out of 10.
Manager at Optimum Origens Inc.4.0I use SolarWinds for end-user performance monitoring and find its device availability and alerting features valuable. However, I face limitations as each polling engine supports only 30,000 elements. It could improve by offering compliance support and better integration with configuration management tools.
Solutions Architect at Boch Systems Company Limited4.5I use SolarWinds NPM for monitoring databases, infrastructure, and network performance with modular options. It offers rich features but lacks full-fledged observability and is complex. I previously used PRTG and recommend Datadog for its comprehensive SaaS capabilities.
Technical Manager at APRAL4.5I use SolarWinds NPM to monitor our extensive network of 250 sites, offering essential visibility and reducing operational costs by alerting us to issues before they impact services. However, its customization options are limited compared to tools like opManager and PRTG.
Network Administrator at PT Bni Life Insurance4.0We primarily use SolarWinds NPM for monitoring server status and examining packet transfers. Its database performance analyzer is invaluable for network performance management. The significant return on investment justifies its cost, and we haven't considered alternate solutions.