PRTG – more than just
an alternative to Checkmk
Choose between on-premises and cloud-based PRTG products for networks of all sizes
Benefit from different user interfaces for web, desktop, and mobile with great usability
Extremely easy to set up and configure – without the need for agents
PRTG vs. Checkmk – which tool is better?
Both PRTG and Checkmk are comprehensive network monitoring tools that let you keep an eye on your entire IT environment and make sure that your business operations run smoothly. Upon closer inspection, however, we did notice some differences between the two tools.
If you're looking for an alternative to Checkmk, then you should definitely check out PRTG Network Monitor. On this page, we’ll explain what makes PRTG stand out from Checkmk.
What is Checkmk?
Checkmk is a network monitoring tool that provides for comprehensive monitoring of IT infrastructures. Checkmk runs exclusively on Linux servers and comes in a variety of versions, including the open-source Raw Edition (CRE), the Enterprise Edition (CEE), and the Managed Services Edition (CME).
PRTG: on-premises or hosted – you have the choice
There are three different PRTG products. PRTG Network Monitor and PRTG Enterprise Monitor are installed on a Windows server and hosted on your network.
PRTG Hosted Monitor is a flexible SaaS tool that is hosted in the cloud and can be used on any operating system.
PRTG Enterprise Monitor for large and distributed networks
If you’re looking for monitoring a large IT environment, then PRTG Enterprise Monitor might be the right choice for you. It is easy to upgrade and provides you with an overview of thousands of devices and systems in multiple locations.
And thanks to its exclusive ITOps Board, you get a service-oriented view of your entire IT infrastructure and network in addition.
Why PRTG is the perfect alternative to Checkmk
In PRTG, “sensors” are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, e.g. the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, the free space of a disk drive. On average you need about 5-10 sensors per device or one sensor per switch port. 
How PRTG defines sensors
Tried and tested tool developed by an experienced team
Paessler has been making life easy for IT administrators for over 20 years. Today, more than 500,000 admins worldwide use PRTG. In our case studies, you'll find reports from companies from a wide range of industries that describe how they use PRTG and how the software helps them improve their business processes. PRTG also consistently ranks first in independent tests.
Our dedicated team of developers work hard to ensure that each new version of PRTG is better than the last. In addition to making ongoing improvements to the software, the team develops new sensors to allow for the straightforward integration of devices and services.
Flexible licensing model based on the number of sensors
Every PRTG license comes with the full range of features, which means you’ll never have to pay for plug-ins or add-ons. License prices are based on the number of required PRTG sensors. Each sensor covers several monitoring metrics, the so-called channels.
With Checkmk, prices are based on the number of services. A service can cover the same scope as a PRTG sensor, or it can be just a specific metric, which corresponds to the channel of a PRTG sensor. Even if pricing differs in terms of definition, the costs for PRTG and Checkmk are about the same.
Easy & agentless setup, high customizability
PRTG is set up in a few quick clicks. Its smart auto-discovery feature automatically adds relevant parts of your network to the monitoring environment. Of course, you can also configure PRTG in countless different ways to tailor the monitoring tool to your needs. With PRTG, you can even create your own custom sensors. What’s more: PRTG runs completely without the needs for agents.
Checkmk also offers automatic network and service discovery as well as a large number of out-of-the-box integration plug-ins. While HTTP-, SNMP-, and API-based monitoring with Checkmk works without agents, all other monitoring requires the installation of a Checkmk agent on the monitored server or workstation.
Intuitive and user-friendly
Monitoring software only saves sysadmins time when it’s easy to use. PRTG is designed with an intuitive user interface that provides for excellent usability. With PRTG, sensors and measurement points can be added with just a few clicks. Easy-to-read visualizations of your network (for example, the Sunburst view) as well as customizable dashboards and network maps let you determine the status of your network at one quick glance.
Checkmk also provides graphic maps and charts which are, however, relatively basic in look & feel. With Checkmk, it is not possible to create your own comprehensive and interactive network maps, as you can do with the PRTG map designer.
Compatible with any operating system
PRTG can be used on any operating system: You need a Windows server to install PRTG, but with the PRTG app for desktop you can also manage and control your monitoring environment on macOS or Linux. PRTG Hosted Monitor can be used on any computer connected to the Internet.
PRTG also comes with mobile apps for your smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet.
Trusted by 500,000 users and recognized
by industry analysts as a leader
“Fantastic network and infrastructure monitoring solution that is easy to deploy and easier still to use. Simply the best available.”
“Software is absolutely perfect, Support is superior. Meets all needs and requirements, this is a must have solution if you are needing any form of monitoring.”
“The tool excels at its primary focus of being a unified infrastructure management and network monitoring service.”
Keep a constant eye on your network – even while on the go
PRTG is set up in a matter of minutes and can be used on a wide variety of mobile devices.
Still not convinced?
More than 500,000 sysadmins love PRTG
Paessler PRTG is used by companies of all sizes. Sysadmins love PRTG because it makes their job a whole lot easier.
Still not convinced?
Monitor your entire IT infrastructure
Bandwidth, servers, virtual environments, websites, VoIP services – PRTG keeps an eye on your entire network.
Try Paessler PRTG for free
Everyone has different monitoring needs. That’s why we let you try PRTG for free. Start now with your trial.
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PRTG |
Network Monitoring Software - Version 23.3.88.1421 (October 2nd, 2023) |
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Hosting |
Download for Windows and cloud-based version PRTG Hosted Monitor available |
Languages |
English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese |
Pricing |
Up to 100 sensors for free (Price List) |
Unified Monitoring |
Network devices, bandwidth, servers, applications, virtual environments, remote systems, IoT, and more |
Supported Vendors & Applications |
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