As of November 2026 · Published by Vesana, one of the compared vendors · All comparisons

A PRTG alternative for MSPs

PRTG runs on a Windows server and is licensed by sensors; a remote probe connects to the core on TCP 23560. Vesana is self-hosted on Linux, counts hosts only, and reaches every customer network through agents and collectors that connect outbound over HTTPS 443.

Where Vesana differs

Licensed by host, not by sensor: adding checks to a device does not change the price. Free up to 25 hosts, paid plans from €990 per year for 150 hosts.
Linux server, installed with one command. No Windows server needed.
Tenants built in: each customer gets its own hosts, checks, alert rules and collectors, and users see only the tenants they are given. Unlimited tenants in paid plans.
Customer networks are reached over outbound HTTPS 443 only. No VPN and no inbound port at the customer.
A Vesana license is perpetual: without a renewal, Vesana keeps monitoring and only newer versions need one. A cancelled PRTG subscription loses access to the installation when its period ends.
MCP server for Claude and other AI clients, with a separate AI account per person whose changes are recorded in the audit log.

When PRTG may be the better fit

If your team runs Windows servers and knows PRTG's sensors well, PRTG is a mature product with a free edition for up to 100 sensors and a hosted option run by Paessler. Vesana has no hosted version; it is self-hosted only.

No lock-in

Switching tools once is enough. A Vesana license is perpetual: if you stop renewing, the version you have installed stays fully licensed and nothing is locked. Your data lives in your own PostgreSQL database on your server, and price increases for existing customers are capped. Our fairness commitment

Side by side

	Vesana	PRTG
Getting it running
Server setup	One command on Debian or Ubuntu	Windows setup program Source
Remote networks	Outbound only over HTTPS 443; no inbound ports, no VPN	Remote probe connects to the core on TCP 23560 Source
Free to try	Yes: Up to 25 hosts, 1 tenant, no time limit	Yes: Freeware: 100 sensors Source
Cost
Public price	€990/year for 150 hosts, incl. 12 months of updates	PRTG 500: $200/month, billed annually Source
Billed by	Hosts; checks and tenants not counted	Sensors Source
Customers and access
Multi-tenancy	Yes: Built in; unlimited tenants in paid plans	Partly: MSP Edition listed; details not stated Source
MCP / AI	Yes: MCP server, AI account per person, audit log	Not stated by the vendor Source
Platform
Hosting	Self-hosted	Self-hosted or PRTG Hosted Monitor Source
Runs on	Linux (Debian, Ubuntu)	Windows Source
Open source	No: Commercial, perpetual license	No: Commercial license Source
Leaving
After cancelling	Perpetual license: monitoring keeps running with the installed version; newer versions need a renewal	Subscription: no access to the installation after the period ends Source

What PRTG is known for

Freeware edition, free for commercial use up to 100 sensors · source
Central overview of many installations (Enterprise Monitor) · source

Every statement about PRTG comes from the vendor's own pages, linked next to it. Prices and features change; if something here is out of date, write to us and we correct it.

Open the live demo Migration guide Compare with other tools