Auvik vs SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Auvik is a cloud-based network management platform used by over 80,000 IT professionals and MSPs to get real-time visibility into their infrastructure. It automatically discovers devices and generates live network topology maps that update as the network changes, removing the need for manual diagram creation, and backs up device configurations with version history for easy comparison and recovery. The platform includes NetFlow-based traffic analysis to reveal user activity and traffic destinations, over 64 pre-configured alerts that display directly on network maps, and an integrated AI agent that analyzes network data to suggest probable root causes during troubleshooting. It supports 700+ device vendors out of the box and integrates with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, ConnectWise, and ServiceNow, serving MSPs and internal IT teams across manufacturing, healthcare, education, and financial services with clients reported including American Airlines, Westin Hotels, and DirecTV.
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) delivers comprehensive, real-time insight into network health, performance, and availability. It helps IT professionals quickly identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot issues, and ensure optimal network operation across complex environments. Built on the SolarWinds Orion Platform, NPM integrates seamlessly with other SolarWinds tools, offering customizable dashboards, alerts, and reporting to streamline network management and reduce downtime.
- Automatic, always-current network topology mapping
- Broad out-of-the-box support for 700+ device vendors
- AI-assisted troubleshooting reduces manual root-cause analysis
- Strong integrations with common MSP and ITSM tools
- Comprehensive real-time visibility across heterogeneous networks
- Deep integration with SolarWinds Orion and NetFlow Analyzer
- Highly customizable alerts and dashboards
- Scalable for small to large enterprise environments
- Exact pricing isn't published; it scales with sites and device count
- Feature depth is geared toward MSPs and larger IT teams rather than home networks
- NetFlow-level analysis requires compatible network hardware
- Higher cost compared to basic open-source monitoring tools
- Steeper learning curve for advanced configuration
- Primarily web-based; limited native mobile app functionality
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAuvik offers AI‑driven, auto‑mapping and strong MSP‑focused integrations, while SolarWinds NPM provides deeper performance analytics and broader NetFlow/sFlow support; choose based on whether you need automated topology for multi‑site MSPs or detailed performance troubleshooting for enterprise IT.
Key differences
- •Auvik auto‑discovers devices and continuously updates live topology maps; SolarWinds requires manual configuration for many views.
- •SolarWinds analyzes NetFlow, sFlow, and J‑Flow plus deep packet inspection; Auvik’s NetFlow analysis is limited to compatible hardware.
- •Auvik integrates with Slack, Teams, ConnectWise, ServiceNow; SolarWinds integrates primarily with its own Orion platform and NetFlow Analyzer.
- •Pricing model: Auvik scales by sites/devices with unpublished rates; SolarWinds uses subscription pricing with higher stated cost.
- •AI‑assisted root‑cause suggestions are unique to Auvik; SolarWinds offers extensive historical reporting and trend analysis.
Pricing & value
SolarWinds NPM is known for higher subscription cost, but offers extensive performance features; Auvik pricing not published, scaling may be less predictable.
Ease of use / learning curve
Auvik’s automatic discovery and AI assistance reduce manual setup, whereas SolarWinds has a steeper learning curve for advanced config.
Features & depth
SolarWinds provides deep packet inspection, multi‑protocol NetFlow/sFlow analysis, and detailed historical reporting beyond Auvik’s basic NetFlow.
Integrations & ecosystem
Auvik lists integrations with Slack, Teams, ConnectWise, ServiceNow; SolarWinds mainly integrates within its own Orion ecosystem.
Collaboration
Auvik’s alerts appear directly on network maps and integrates with collaboration tools, facilitating team response.
Scalability
Both are cloud/SaaS and support multi‑site environments; Auvik scales by sites/devices, SolarWinds scales from small to large enterprises.
Support
SolarWinds offers 24/7 phone, live chat, and email support; Auvik’s support options not specified.
Choose Auvik if…
MSPs or IT teams managing many sites needing auto‑mapping and AI‑driven troubleshooting.
Choose SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor if…
Enterprise IT groups that require deep performance analytics, multi‑protocol flow analysis, and robust support.
Common questions
How does pricing compare between Auvik and SolarWinds NPM?
Auvik’s subscription scales by sites and devices and pricing isn’t publicly listed; SolarWinds NPM is a higher‑cost subscription with known pricing tiers.
Which tool offers more automated network discovery?
Auvik automatically discovers devices and continuously updates live topology maps; SolarWinds requires more manual configuration.
Do both solutions support NetFlow analysis?
Yes, both analyze NetFlow, but SolarWinds also supports sFlow and J‑Flow and provides deeper packet inspection.