Head-to-head comparison

PRTG vs Datadog

Comparing PRTG and Datadog to help you pick the right Network Monitoring Software for your needs.

Feature PRTG Datadog
Pricing Freemium Paid
Platforms Web, Windows Web
Editorial rating ★ 4.1 / 5 ★ 4 / 5
Starting price $0 $15/host/month (starting)
Community votes 14 356

PRTG Pros & Cons

  • Comprehensive sensor library covering network, servers, cloud, and applications
  • Auto-discovery maps your network automatically without manual configuration
  • Visual network maps and dashboard for infrastructure overview
  • Free tier for up to 100 sensors suitable for small environments
  • Windows-only server software
  • Sensor-based pricing can become expensive for large infrastructures
  • Interface can feel dated compared to modern cloud monitoring tools

Datadog Pros & Cons

  • Single platform covers infrastructure, APM, logs, and security monitoring without separate tools
  • Extensive integration library covers nearly every major cloud provider and technology
  • Powerful dashboarding and correlation across different monitoring data types in one place
  • Strong for large organizations wanting platform consolidation across their full observability stack
  • Mature, enterprise-proven product with a long track record at significant scale
  • Pricing complexity (per-host, per-GB, and various add-on costs) makes cost forecasting genuinely difficult
  • Can become very expensive at scale, a common complaint among larger customers
  • Smaller, more focused teams may find the platform breadth excessive relative to their actual needs
  • Steeper learning curve given the sheer number of products and features within the platform
  • Vendor lock-in risk given how deeply integrated a full observability stack becomes once adopted

Verdict: PRTG vs Datadog

PRTG and Datadog both serve the Network Monitoring Software category well, but suit different priorities. PRTG is the more budget-friendly option, PRTG carries the stronger editorial rating (4.1 / 5), PRTG supports more platforms (2 vs 1). Based on community engagement, Datadog is currently the more widely adopted choice (356 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PRTG or Datadog?
PRTG is the more affordable option overall — it's offered as freemium, while Datadog is paid. Check each tool's current pricing plans for exact figures, since promotional rates and annual discounts can shift the comparison.
Is PRTG or Datadog rated higher?
PRTG has the higher editorial rating at 4.1 out of 5, compared to Datadog's 4 out of 5. This is Kreemhunt's own staff rating, not a public user aggregate — review the pros and cons below for specifics that matter to your use case.
Which platforms do PRTG and Datadog support?
PRTG is available on Web, Windows. Datadog is available on Web. PRTG covers more platforms overall, which matters if your team works across a wider range of devices and operating systems.
Can I switch from PRTG to Datadog (or vice versa)?
Most network monitoring software tools, including PRTG and Datadog, support data export in standard formats, making migration possible though rarely fully automatic. Expect to manually verify that custom configurations, integrations, and historical data transfer correctly, and budget time for the team to adjust to workflow differences between the two products.
Should I choose PRTG or Datadog?
PRTG and Datadog both serve the Network Monitoring Software category well, but suit different priorities. PRTG is the more budget-friendly option, PRTG carries the stronger editorial rating (4.1 / 5), PRTG supports more platforms (2 vs 1). Based on community engagement, Datadog is currently the more widely adopted choice (356 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.