Prtg Freeware Limitations _top_ -

This is where the user experience can feel slightly deceptive to newcomers.

Beyond the strict sensor count, Paessler imposes operational rules on its free tier. No Multi-Server Scaling

A common misconception is that 100 sensors equals 100 devices. In reality, a standard server deployment utilizes sensors rapidly. Device Type Monitored Metrics Average Sensors Needed Ping, CPU, Memory, Disk C:, Disk D:, Network Traffic 24-Port Switch Ping, Uptime, Traffic per active port (e.g., 15 ports) 17 sensors Core Router Ping, WAN Traffic, CPU, Memory, IPFIX/NetFlow Firewall Ping, VPN Tunnels, CPU, Session Count, Interface Traffic prtg freeware limitations

The trial ends. If you haven't purchased a license, the software reverts to the Freeware edition. It forces you to delete sensors until you are under the 100-sensor limit.

Would you like a comparison with another free monitoring tool? This is where the user experience can feel

Even within the 100-sensor limit, the free version imposes these practical constraints:

| Aspect | Limitation | | :--- | :--- | | | 100 (hard limit) | | Max Devices | No fixed limit, but effectively ~10-20 devices depending on sensor density | | Clustering | Not allowed | | Remote Probes | Only 1 (the free version allows the main probe + 1 remote) | | User Accounts | No LDAP/Active Directory integration | | Scheduled Reports | Maximum 3 | | Dashboards (Maps) | Maximum 5 | | Cost | $0 (perpetual) | In reality, a standard server deployment utilizes sensors

PRTG by Paessler is not "freeware" in the open-source sense, but it offers a limited primarily by the number of sensors (monitoring elements). Once you exceed these limits, you must purchase a paid license.

NetFlow, sFlow, and J-Flow require individual sensors per interface, consuming your quota instantly.