Best Forward Networks alternatives in 2026
8 direct alternatives to Forward Networks, compared on pricing, features, and best-for use cases. Pick the right replacement without the marketing fluff.
Curated by Louis Corneloup · Updated Cite this list: Toolradar, best Forward Networks alternatives 2026, toolradar.com/alternatives/forward-networks
Why people consider alternatives to Forward Networks
Forward Networks provides best-in-class network digital twin software that allows organizations to query their entire network like a database, gain end-to-end visibility, and safely take action across complex network environments.
Teams most often switch away when one of these starts to bite:
- •Pricing at scale as usage or premium tiers add up.
- •Missing integrations with the rest of your stack.
- •Performance or scale limits as your needs grow.
- •A specific feature gap you have hit in cloud & infrastructure.
The 8 alternatives below cover the same core job (cloud & infrastructure) with different trade-offs. Ranked by real-signal score: G2 and Capterra ratings, media mentions, and editor review.
8 alternatives to Forward Networks
Ranked by G2 and Capterra ratings, media mentions, and editor review, plus how directly they replace Forward Networks.
- 1
Dynatrace
PaidBattle-tested at scaleFull-stack observability and AIOps platform
Direct alternative4.5(1,455)as of Sep 2026Compare Forward Networks vs Dynatrace → - 2
Datadog
FreemiumCheaper than Forward NetworksCloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
Direct alternative4.4(726)as of Aug 2026Compare Forward Networks vs Datadog → - 3
Kentik Network
FreemiumCheaper than Forward NetworksUnify network intelligence and observability from data center to cloud with AI-powered insights.
Direct alternative4.8(23)as of Sep 2026Compare Forward Networks vs Kentik Network → - 4
Proton VPN
FreemiumCheaper than Forward NetworksSwiss privacy protection with unlimited bandwidth
Direct alternative4.6(41,014)as of May 2026Compare Forward Networks vs Proton VPN → - 5
Microsoft Excel
FreemiumCheaper than Forward NetworksIndustry-standard spreadsheet software
Direct alternative4.8(22,705)as of Sep 2026Compare Forward Networks vs Microsoft Excel → - 6
SurveyMonkey
FreemiumCheaper than Forward NetworksGather feedback faster with pre-built templates and powerful analysis
Direct alternative4.5(34,413)as of Sep 2026Compare Forward Networks vs SurveyMonkey → - 7
Proton
FreemiumCheaper than Forward NetworksEnd-to-end encrypted suite for total digital privacy
Direct alternative4.8(31,996)as of May 2026Compare Forward Networks vs Proton → - 8
Dropbox
FreemiumCheaper than Forward NetworksCloud storage and collaboration
Direct alternative4.4(53,152)as of Sep 2026Compare Forward Networks vs Dropbox →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Forward Networks?
Based on real-signal scoring (G2 and Capterra ratings, media mentions, and editorial review), the top alternatives to Forward Networks are Dynatrace, Datadog, Kentik Network. Each solves the same core job with different trade-offs on pricing, features, and integrations.
Is there a free alternative to Forward Networks?
There is no fully free alternative in this list. Datadog is freemium: a permanent free tier plus paid plans (Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps).
Why do people look for Forward Networks alternatives?
Common reasons teams switch away from Forward Networks: pricing that scales aggressively, missing integrations with the rest of their stack, performance or scale limits, or a specific feature gap in cloud & infrastructure. The alternatives on this page solve the same core problem with different trade-offs.
Side-by-side comparisons
In-depth comparison pages for Forward Networks versus each alternative.
Review Forward Networks, get a free AI guide
Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.
Still considering Forward Networks?
See the full review, pricing breakdown, and community feedback before you decide.