10 Best Network Management & Monitoring Tools of 2026

At their core, network automation tools solve two critical problems for IT and MSP teams:

• Automate manual workflows to save humans time and cognitive load, so they can focus on more strategic tasks
• Reduce human error to help ensure predictable and repeatable results for workflows like configuration management and network mapping

It’s no surprise that network automation software saves time and manual effort. What remains surprising, though, is that despite all the focus on network automation and AI in recent years, incidents related to human error are still on the rise. According to the Uptime Institute, the proportion of human-error-related outages increased by 10% in 2025, and almost 40% of organizations suffered a major outage caused by human error in the last three years.

Fortunately, there are numerous tools available to help teams mitigate human error and automate network workflows. This being said, anyone looking for a network automation platform today is likely to run into the paradox of choice, as there are many tools to choose from, each with a slightly different value proposition and feature set. In this article, we’ll help you sort through the noise, find the signal, and explore the top 10 network automation tools to help you automate, standardize, and document your networks in 2026.

What are network automation tools, and why are they important?

Network automation tools are solutions that help address the challenges of scaling a network beyond what can be reasonably managed manually. Network automation removes humans from both high- and low-value repetitive tasks, enabling teams to increase efficiency and avoid errors.

For example, one of Steve Petryschuk’s, Auvik’s Director and network management expert, favorite network automation anecdotes is about a company that was implementing some basic production network change. The team needed to change VLANs on a specific group of physical interfaces. It took two engineers several hours, whereas automation could have deployed the change in seconds, while also reducing the risk of human error.

Use cases like this exist many times over across most networks. But with the right network automation strategy and tool stack, teams can meaningfully improve their network operations. Some of the most common network automation use cases include:

• Network mapping and network documentation to provide IT and MSP teams with an up-to-date and continuously maintained source of truth for network topologies and configurations
• Network discovery to provide a complete view of all the devices connected to your networks
• Network monitoring to check device health, check for faults, and make informed change management decisions
• Network configuration management to mitigate configuration drift, ensure uniform configurations across devices, and reduce the risk of typos causing production issues 
• Network backups are performed on regular schedules or after changes are made to ensure that “golden” configurations or images are available if an incident arises

Top 10 network automation tools

In the sections below, we’ll break down each of the top 10 best network automation software tools in 2026, explain key features and capabilities, pros and cons, and provide tips to help you understand which tool is the best fit for your use case.

Auvik Network Management (ANM) is a cloud-based network automation, monitoring, and management software trusted by over 80,000 IT pros and MSPs. Auvik is known for simplifying network management without skimping on capabilities. ANM can discover over 15,000 devices from over 700 different vendors and can be easily deployed in minutes.

With Auvik, IT teams and MSPs can dynamically map their networks, maintain network docs across multiple distributed networks from one platform, continuously discover network devices, automate network change tracking and configuration backups, and minimize alert fatigue with intelligent alerting. Plus, the platform comes with real-world evidence supporting Auvik’s position as a leader in network automation:

• Ranked 4.7/5 on Capterra for ease of use, setup, and support
• Ranked 4.5/5 on G2  across 300+ reviews, with users highlighting intuitive design and fast network discovery
• 4.7/5 starts on Getapp, loved for simplifying complex network environments
• 4.7/5 stars on Software Advice for dependable performance and responsive support

One of the best real-world summaries of where Auvik shines in network mapping comes from G2 reviewer Kapil R:

“What I like best about Auvik is how effortlessly it maps out the entire network. The automatic device discovery and live topology view make it really easy to understand what’s connected where, without having to dig through a bunch of configs or spreadsheets. It’s super helpful for troubleshooting too; you can literally see issues as they happen. Plus, the interface is clean and pretty intuitive, even for someone who’s not deep into networking every day.”

Key features of Auvik’s Network Automation Software

• Automated device discovery and topology mapping
• Real-time network visualization with physical and logical layers
• Integrated performance monitoring and intelligent alerting
• TrafficInsights^™ for advanced flow analysis and encrypted traffic visibility
• Automated configuration management and change tracking
• Multi-site management for MSPs and distributed networks
• Secure role-based access control (RBAC) with SSO and MFA support
• API and webhook integrations for workflow automation

SolarWinds Network Automation Manager is built for managing large, complex networks at scale. It combines network performance monitoring, traffic and bandwidth analysis, and configuration/change management into a single platform. IT teams commonly use it to maintain visibility into NetFlow data, back up device configurations, and monitor voice infrastructure across distributed environments.

Best for: Enterprise IT teams managing large, multi-vendor networks that need strong configuration management and traffic visibility.

PRTG Network Monitor is a user-friendly monitoring platform known for quick deployment and intuitive dashboards. It leverages SNMP and WMI to provide real-time visibility into network performance and infrastructure health, with flexible alerting and strong visualization suited for small to mid-sized environments.

Best for: Small to mid-sized IT teams that want fast, visual network monitoring without heavy configuration overhead.

ManageEngine OpManager provides end-to-end network and server monitoring with a focus on root-cause analysis. It covers performance, availability, and fault management across physical and virtual infrastructure, offering broad visibility for teams that need a single-pane-of-glass view.

Best for: Organizations that need broad infrastructure monitoring and already use (or plan to use) ManageEngine tools.

Domotz is a cost-effective network monitoring solution focused on real-time visibility and rapid issue identification. It is commonly used for audits, device inventory, and backup configuration validation, particularly in MSP or distributed network environments.

Best for: MSPs and IT teams managing distributed or SMB networks on a tight budget.

LogicMonitor is a SaaS-based hybrid observability platform that uses AI-driven insights to support predictive operations. It offers strong out-of-the-box monitoring with deep customization options, making it adaptable across on-prem and cloud environments.

Best for: Teams that want quick value with room to scale and customize, especially in hybrid or cloud-heavy environments.

NetBrain focuses on network automation and visibility through dynamic mapping and AI-assisted troubleshooting. It provides live network diagrams, hybrid-cloud path analysis, and automated diagnostics designed to speed up incident response and reduce manual troubleshooting.

Best for: Large network teams that prioritize visual troubleshooting and dynamic network mapping.

Ansible is an open-source automation platform designed for configuration management, orchestration, and IT task automation. It excels at post-provisioning workflows, patching, and environment setup using a simple, agentless architecture.

Best for: Infrastructure teams looking to automate configuration, patching, and repeatable system tasks.

ServiceRadar is an open-source network monitoring platform designed for remote infrastructure environments. It provides real-time alerts, SNMP-based monitoring, and detailed dashboards, with a focus on secure access and cloud integration.

Best for: Technically capable teams that want open-source monitoring and are comfortable with evolving tooling.

Intential is a cloud-native network monitoring platform built around hybrid and autonomous AI systems. It emphasizes automation, scalability, and integration with existing tooling to support modern, distributed network environments.

Best for: Organizations investing in AI-driven network operations and willing to trade setup time for long-term scalability.

Best network automation tools summary chart

Here’s a quick comparison of the top 10 network automation tools we’ve covered, highlighting their type, differentiator, what might surprise you, and a concise elevator pitch to help you choose the right fit for your needs.

Network monitoring and management tool	Type	Differentiator	What might surprise you	Elevator pitch
Auvik	Cloud-based network automation and management	Simplicity and time to value	Robust management API and strong system security	Best in class network automation for MSPs and ITs.
SolarWinds Network Automation Manager	Automation software for complex networks	Tight integration with other SolarWinds tools	Premium support availability	Network automation tool for SolarWinds ecosystems
PRTG Network Monitoring	Network monitoring	Strong SNMP and WMI support	Visualization capabilities	Network automation for small to mid-sized environments
ManageEngine OpsManager	Network management	Tight integration with other ManageEngine tools	Focus on root cause analysis	Network automation tool for ManageEngine ecosystems
Domotz	Network monitoring and management	Low cost and focus on smaller networks	Configuration backup capabilities	Network monitoring for teams on a tight budget
LogicMonitor	Observability platform	Observability focused	AI-assisted insights	Observability tool that can support network workflows
NetBrain	Network discovery	Focus on visual troubleshooting	AI-assisted troubleshooting	Network discovery and assurance
Ansible	Open-source automation platform	Flexibility	Community support	Open-source configuration and orchestration that can be applied to a wide-range of devices
ServiceRadar	Open-source network monitoring platform	Strong SNMP support	Visualization capabilities	Open-source network monitoring with strong SNMP support
Itential	Cloud-based network monitoring	AI focus	AI-driven network operations capabilities	Cloud-based network tool with an emphasis on AI

Necessary features for successful network automation in 2026

While there are a myriad of features automation services will claim are the most valuable for your MSP, the following features are critical to ensuring your network automation tool does in fact automate your workflow, rather than simply further complicate it.

1. API-first design to support automated workflows

The Auvik API provides a way to programmatically access and integrate the platform.

Machine-to-machine communication is fundamental to automation. Network automation tools should expose a robust API that allows your teams to integrate, scale, and programmatically manage the solution. Be wary of tools with a poorly documented API or limited functionality exposed via APIs, as they could become a bottleneck to your operations and limit extensibility.

2. Multi-vendor and hybrid environment support to reduce lock-in

Auvik supports devices from a wide range of vendors.

Vendor and environment lock-in don’t scale. Your network automation solution should support all the environments (cloud, on-prem, etc.) and network device vendors your team needs to manage. Look for solutions that support a wide variety of vendors and management protocols, so you have the flexibility to meet business demands today and when the next interesting use case pops up.

3. Source-of-truth integration for inventory and desired state

Network configurations in Auvik.

Network docs are the cornerstone of network automation. Without a reliable source of truth, you can’t safely or reliably automate production workflows. That’s why your network automation tool should act as (or at least have access to) a complete network inventory and configuration repository that includes a representation of the desired state of network devices. 

4. Standardized configuration templating to improve consistency

A Cisco router that Auvik can authenticate to for management.

Repeatability in automation workflows breeds consistency, predictability, and reliability in production. Your network automation platform should allow you to store, manage, and deploy configurations based on templates your team can trust.

5. Safe rollout controls and automated rollback to reduce deployment risk

A Cisco ASR that can have a backup created in Auvik

Configuration deployment is a core network automation capability. But, as any network professional knows, every rollout plan needs a good rollback plan. Your network automation tool should have version control, reliable deployment options, and an automated mechanism for rolling back to known good “golden configs” and backups in a pinch.

6. Strong governance: RBAC, approvals, audit logs

The Auvik audit log.

The principle of least privilege (PolP) is essential when using automation tools that can modify production configurations. Additionally, security and compliance requirements are likely to demand robust logging and auditability as part of your network change management process. Your network automation tool should support role-based access control (RBAC), log network changes to an audit log, and align with change management workflows.

7. Version control, drift detection, and state reconciliation

Network device configuration with a version history in Auvik.

The phrase “there’s nothing more permanent than a temporary fix” very much applies to the world of networking. Configuration drift is a common cause of hard-to-troubleshoot network problems and performance issues. Engineers apply one-off band-aid solutions to solve a problem today, and, with the whirlwind of problems and projects that arise throughout their day-to-day functions, never go back to apply a more robust solution.

Your technicians will deal with the fires in front of them, and if it isn’t broken, you shouldn’t expect them to fix it on their own. The solution? A network automation tool with strong version control, configuration drift detection, and the ability to reconcile the current and desired states of a configuration.

8. Network documentation and network maps that automatically update

A network map in Auvik.

Most network professionals have spent hours creating excellent network documentation at the start of a project. Unfortunately, just like with configuration drift, it becomes difficult to complete the documentation maintenance needed to keep network docs and maps current. This is exactly the type of problem network automation and network mapping tools should solve for you. Instead of one-off network diagrams in a shared drive, your network automation platform should act as a source of truth that dynamically updates as your networks evolve.

Key considerations to keep in mind when comparing network automation tools

There’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution in tech. As you evaluate different network automation solutions, it’s essential to narrow down your choices based on the reality of your environment. The following nine questions can help you refine your search, allowing you to focus on the scope that matters most to your team.

1. How large is your network, and will the tool scale accordingly?

A small network with a few dozen devices can typically get by with limited tooling and process. As your network scales, those same processes and tools can become bottlenecks. For this reason, it is important to validate that the network automation tool you select can perform at the scale you require. Specifications, documentation, and user reviews are a great first pass at confirming the solution can meet your requirements.

2. What deployment model works best for your business?

Cloud vs. on-prem is a choice many IT pros are used to when it comes to tool selection in 2026. Fundamentally, there is a tradeoff between lower maintenance and lower control (cloud) and higher maintenance and higher control (on-prem), and what makes the most sense depends on your staffing, in-house expertise, business model, and compliance requirements.

If you find yourself in a case where compliance is driving a choice for on-prem but you’d otherwise prefer a cloud deployment, search for cloud-based tools that may already support the standards and regulations you must adhere to.

3. What network devices and protocols do you need to support?

This point is simple: it doesn’t matter how many features and capabilities an automation tool has if it cannot support your network devices and their management protocols. Whether it’s SNMP, RESTful APIs, SSH, WMI, flow protocols, or other network protocols, ensure the tool you choose can speak the same language as your existing networks to avoid compatibility issues.

4. Do you need to support networks across multiple clients, organizations, or geographical locations?

MSPs are regularly required to isolate devices and networks between different clients while still maintaining global oversight across all managed devices for themselves. IT teams have similar requirements when supporting geographically dispersed business units or complex networks.

Some network automation tools are purpose-built with these multi-site requirements in mind. Others aren’t and can be challenging to implement if you have to support multiple sites that must be logically isolated. If you have multi-site requirements, make sure your network automation tool supports role-based access control (RBAC), which allows you to configure access at the site/organization level while maintaining global admin privileges for your team.

5. What specific workflows do we need to automate in the next 6–12 months?

A project to map and document your networks will have a significantly different set of requirements than one to automate configuration updates or implement a change control program. Anchor your network automation platform selection with the real-world problems you need to solve to ensure you’re selecting the right tool for the specific jobs you need it to do.

6. Can it integrate cleanly with our existing tool stack?

Even the most robust network automation tools can’t function in isolation. You’ll likely need to integrate with network observability and logging tools, a configuration management database (CMDB), or ticketing systems to automate workflows end-to-end and ensure proper visibility. Look for existing integrations where possible and consider using a management API where a prebuilt integration doesn’t exist.

7. What’s the learning curve for our team (skills required, UI vs code, training, documentation)?

A steep learning curve can stifle an otherwise promising project for IT and MSP teams that are already drowning in tools. Consider tool complexity, skills required, deployment time, and maintenance overhead as you choose between tools.

For example, if the tool requires significant amounts of coding, does your team have the skills in-house? Will you be able to deploy the solution on your own, or are professional services required?

This point is often a “gotcha” for teams that want to deploy open-source solutions on their own. However, with the right skills and capacity, a deployment that may be “too complex” for another team could be just right for you.

8. What kind of vendor support and community resources are available?

The flip side of the “learning curve” consideration is vendor and community support. For commercial tools, verify that the service level agreements (SLAs), support availability, and documentation all provide enough support and clarity for your team to deploy and operate the tool, as well as get help if something goes off the rails.

For open-source network automation tools without commercial support packages, look for active communities (e.g., on GitHub, mailing lists, and forums) and quality documentation.

9. What is the pricing model, and is it predictable as we grow?

Ultimately, choosing a network automation tool in 2026 is a business decision. If the tool meets all of your operational requirements but isn’t financially feasible, it’s not the right solution for you. Look for tools with transparent, predictable pricing so you can make an informed decision and search online reviews and comments to see if anyone else has been tripped up by hidden fees, unexpected overages, or other operational costs (e.g., support, maintenance, set-up fees, etc.). Network tools can use a variety of different pricing models, such as per device, per sensor or collector, and per seat, so do your homework and make sure that the tool is both affordable today and as you grow.

Determine if Auvik is the best network automation solution for your business

Manual workflows don’t have to slow down your network. With Auvik, you can maintain always-accurate, automatically updating network maps, automate network configuration backup, and benefit from intelligent alerting to help your team focus on what matters. Auvik provides IT and MSP teams with the easiest way to automate toil, untangle complexity, spot issues faster, and spend more time optimizing instead of troubleshooting.

Auvik’s cloud-based platform has a short learning curve (most teams can have an initial deployment done in under an hour!), supports integrations with a wide-range of tools, and provides IT teams and MSPs with complete network visibility across every site and subnet. Whether you manage one network or a hundred, Auvik provides full network visibility and helps you automate common network workflows.

If you’d like to see how switching to Auvik Network Mapping helps you uncover hidden devices, troubleshoot faster, and keep your network documentation effortlessly up to date, sign up for a free (no credit card required) 14-day trial today.