PRTG vs Datadog: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between PRTG and Datadog comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
PRTG
All-in-One Network Monitoring Software to stay ahead of IT infrastructure issues.
Best for you if:
- • Monitors all IT infrastructure components: networks, servers, applications, databases, and cloud services.
- • Provides real-time visualization, customizable dashboards, and alerts for proactive issue resolution.
Datadog
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
Best for you if:
- • Cloud monitoring and security platform
- • Unified observability across infrastructure
| At a Glance |  PRTG |  Datadog |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $1800/moPRTG 500 | $15/host/month (annual)Infrastructure Pro |
Best For | Monitoring | Monitoring |
Rating | - | - |
Choose PRTG or Datadog?
Choose PRTG if
All-in-One Network Monitoring Software to stay ahead of IT infrastructure issues.
- Good network monitoring
- Comprehensive
- Good for enterprise
Choose Datadog if
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
- Comprehensive platform
- Great visualizations
- 700+ integrations
- Budget matters ($15/host/month (annual) vs $1800/mo)
| Feature | PRTG | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 378 reviews | ★4.4/5 1,156 reviews |
| Categories | MonitoringCloud & Infrastructure | MonitoringLog Management |
In-Depth Analysis
PRTG
All-in-One Network Monitoring Software to stay ahead of IT infrastructure issues.
Strengths
- +Good network monitoring
- +Comprehensive
- +Good for enterprise
- +Active development
- +Free tier available
Weaknesses
- -Windows only
- -Per-sensor pricing
- -Complex configuration
- -UI dated
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Datadog
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
Strengths
- +Comprehensive platform
- +Great visualizations
- +700+ integrations
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing
- -Can be expensive
Key features
Pricing: PRTG vs Datadog
| Plan | PRTG | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Freeware | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $1800 PRTG 500 | $15 /host/month (annual) Infrastructure Pro |
| Tier 3 | $3200 PRTG 1000 | $23 /host/month (annual) Infrastructure Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $31 /host/month (annual, with Infra) APM |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $40 /host/month (annual, with Infra) APM Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on PRTG pricing and Datadog pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: PRTG
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: PRTG
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Datadog
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are monitoring tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Datadog
- Larger review base (1,156 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
PRTG
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
The Bottom Line
Datadog is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRTG or Datadog better?
Datadog is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are PRTG and Datadog used for?
PRTG: All-in-One Network Monitoring Software to stay ahead of IT infrastructure issues.. Datadog: Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps.
What does PRTG cost vs Datadog?
PRTG is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Datadog is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.