MySQL is an open-source Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). It is almost universally included in web hosting packages. It has just over 15 percent of the global database market – only Microsoft SQL Server has more implementations with 18 percent of the market.
A MySQL database has three features that can be the cause of delivery issues. The first is the physical services that support the database. The next is the organization of the database implementation – tables that are incorrectly normalized and poorly indexed will never deliver query results quickly. The third MySQL influence on performance is the efficiency of the queries that it runs.
MySQL is particularly important for web applications and so is critical to the profitable implementation of eCommerce websites. If MySQL hits performance issues, your entire business will tank. It is better to catch issues before they evolve into noticeable problems. This constant vigilance can only be implemented with automated monitoring systems.
Here is our list of the eleven best MySQL monitoring tools:
- Datadog MySQL Monitoring EDITOR’S CHOICE Part of a cloud platform of system monitoring and management tools, this database performance tracking service can be integrated into monitoring and security services for applications, servers, networks, and cloud resources. Access the 14-day free trial.
- Idera SQL Diagnostic Manager for MySQL (FREE TRIAL) This database analyzer can help you to tune the performance of MySQL and MariaDB. Runs on Windows, Windows Server & Linux. Start with the 14-day free trial.
- SolarWinds Database Performance Monitor (FREE TRIAL) A monitoring system that has specific screens for MySQL monitoring plus host metrics monitoring and performance tuning functions. This is a cloud-based service. Start a 14-day free trial.
- ManageEngine Applications Manager (FREE TRIAL) MySQL monitoring as part of a server and services monitoring package. It runs on Windows Server and Linux.
- Site24x7 (FREE TRIAL) A cloud-based infrastructure monitoring platform that includes servers, applications, and database monitoring with specialized routines for MySQL monitoring.
- Paessler PRTG MySQL Monitoring (FREE TRIAL) A MySQL monitor that is part of a comprehensive bundle of network, server, and application monitors. It runs on Windows Server.
- Dynatrace A specialist website monitoring system that includes performance monitoring and tuning for MySQL implementations.
- LogicMonitor MySQL Monitoring A cloud-based infrastructure monitor that includes specialized screens for MySQL monitoring.
- dbWatch A specialized database monitoring and management system that includes procedures for MySQL monitoring. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- MySQL Enterprise Monitor A comprehensive database monitoring and management service from the makers of MySQL. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD.
The best MySQL monitoring tools
There are many SQL analyzers and database scanners available but you really need a full MySQL monitoring system to ensure constant database availability at optimum performance. Don’t rely on methods that just focus on query responses – those checks are useful but not comprehensive. The best MySQL monitoring tools need to focus on the constant availability of services.
Our methodology for selecting MySQL monitoring tools
We reviewed the market for MySQL monitoring software and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:
- Examination of database instance resource efficiency
- Response times reporting for MySQL instances
- Aggregated statistics for all MySQL database instances plus drill-down views to individual instances
- SQL query optimization recommendations
- Live coverage of DBMS instance usage of server resources
- A free trial period for a no-cost assessment exercise
- A good deal on the number of tools that the package contains
1. Datadog MySQL Monitoring (FREE TRIAL)
Datadog is a cloud-based system monitoring and management service that is available in several modules. MySQL monitoring is implemented in the Datadog MySQL Monitoring service. This is a general application monitor that can be adapted by vendor-specific plugins, which are called “integrations.” There is a MySQL integration available that tailors the database monitoring functions of the MySQL Monitor.
Key Features:
- SaaS platform
- Activity graphs
- Alerts for performance issues
Why do we recommend it?
The Datadog MySQL Monitoring service is a great choice because it forms part of a platform of system monitoring and management tools, so you can integrate database monitoring or your MySQL instances into a full stack service, identifying the root cause of all performance issues.
The monitor makes constant checks on a large number of database statuses, including tablespace utilization, buffer space, and disk activity. The MySQL Monitoring tool also makes queries within the database to keep track of object quantities and table sizes. These tests are performed by a Datadog agent, which will install on Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, the processing of collected data is all performed on the Datadog servers.
The console for the MySQL monitoring tool is also hosted in the cloud, so it can be accessed from anywhere through any standard browser. The dashboard shows live statuses as attractive graphs and will also highlight conditions that have entered into a worrying performance zone.
Who is it recommended for?
This tool is particularly useful for DBAs who need to investigate the reasons for slow query response times. The service includes live activity tracking within the database that shows each transaction as it executes, while also showing server activity, so you can see whether locking or bad indexing is the cause of issues.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use customizable dashboards
- Cloud-based SaaS product allows monitoring with no server deployments or onboarding costs
- Offers specific agents and dashboards for MySQL monitoring
- Allows businesses to scale their monitoring efforts reliably through flexible pricing options
Cons:
- Would like to see a longer trial period for testing
Datadog MySQL Monitoring is charged for by subscription per host per month or by the year. You can get a 14-day free trial of Datadog APM.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Datadog MySQL Monitoring is our #1 choice for a MySQL monitoring tool because this cloud platform is able to integrate database monitoring into the full map of resources and applications. Thus, the Datadog service shows you what is happening within, above, and beneath your database instances. While tracking activity and resource availability, this monitoring service preserves the privacy of the data held in your MySQL databases. This is a secure and reliable tool that provides comprehensive analytical services to improve the availability of your databases and provide acceptable response times. Combine the MySQL Monitoring service with other tools in the Datadog platform to implement support for development teams or support technicians.
Download: Access 14-day FREE Trial
Official Site: datadoghq.com/blog/mysql-monitoring-with-datadog/
OS: Cloud-based
2. Idera SQL Diagnostic Manager for MySQL (FREE TRIAL)
Idera SQL Diagnostic Manager for MySQL offers real-time monitoring of MySQL databases as a basis for its analysis tools. These offer an opportunity to step through each transaction and look at how it hits database objects and system resources.
Key Features:
- Live performance tracking
- Index analysis
- Performance alerts
- Monitors replication
Why do we recommend it?
Idera SQL Diagnostic Manager is a pure DBA tool and it doesn’t have linked server and network monitoring systems. However, this is a benefit for DBAs that just want to focus on the performance of databases. The tool shows all activity within the database as each query executes. It will also recommend changes to queries and objects to improve performance.
The analysis system includes resource activity graphs that show visually how hard the query hits the DBMS as it runs. You can look at the tables that the query accesses, listing the available indexes and foreign keys. With this information, you can see how small adjustments to the query can speed up processing and possibly how new indexes on tables can improve performance.
System management services in this tool include the supervision of administrative processes, such as replication. The monitor has an alerting mechanism that identifies resources that are running short before that shortage impacts performance.
As well as monitoring MySQL, this tool can also work with MariaDB, Aurora, Azure Database for MySQL, Amazon RDS, Google Cloud SQL for MySQL, and Oracle Cloud MySQL Cloud Service.
Who is it recommended for?
This is a database tuning tool and would only be used by database managers to improve live systems. Developers can use the tool for testing and fine tuning before finalizing an application for release. Idera produces similar tools for SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, and Sybase.
Pros:
- Simple, but powerful interface – great for new users
- Auto formatting and syntax color makes helps DBAs stay organized when at scale
- Offers numerous presets and recommendations to improve performance out of the box
- Supports collaboration with real-time feedback and team features
Cons:
- The trial could be longer
The SQL Diagnostic Manager for MySQL installs on Windows and Linux Servers and Idera offers it on a 14-day free trial fully functional download.
3. SolarWinds Database Performance Monitor (FREE TRIAL)
SolarWinds Database Performance Monitor is a SaaS system that can monitor a range of different DBMSs. The service is adapted by adding on integration to monitor a specific DBMS and there is one of these adaptations available to monitor MySQL databases.
Key Features:
- SaaS platform
- SQL performance tuning
- Query optimizer
- Watches server resources
- Performance alerts
Why do we recommend it?
SolarWinds Database Performance Monitor is a similar package to the Idera system. This is an analysis system for databases and queries. By watching both the structures and the queries together, this system will identify whether queries are inefficient or the database structures and badly planned. It will let you optimize your database object to properly serve your queries.
The MySQL version of the Database Performance Monitor offers constant monitoring and also performance tuning and query development support. The monitor measures performance per query. The metrics that are tracked include latency, throughput, errors, warnings, index usage, and execution plans. The tool also examines the services that support the MySQL database, monitoring host statuses and database configuration issues, such as table sizes, memory usage, CPU utilization and availability, and I/O actions.
By covering both execution and configuration issues, the monitor is able to fully optimize the performance of any MySQL database anywhere. In total, the Database Performance Monitor tracks more than 10,000 metrics about each MySQL database implementation.
SolarWinds Database Performance Monitor includes the supervision of physical supporting services, the database environment, query execution, and query development. This set of monitoring processes provides a complete MySQL monitoring service that will enable DBAs to keep MySQL databases available and functioning at optimal speed. As a cloud-based system, the console can be accessed from anywhere over the internet and any database anywhere in the world can be included in the service for monitoring.
Who is it recommended for?
Unlike most SolarWinds products, the Database Performance Monitor is a cloud-based SaaS package. That makes this tool a low-maintenance system and would be ideal for companies that want to remain lean on hardware. This also makes it a better choice than Idera for cloud-only enterprises that develop their own databases. This system isn’t limited to working with MySQL. It will also analyze MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, and a list of cloud-based database systems.
Pros:
- Supports specific monitors and dashboards designed for MySQL monitoring
- Easy to configure alerts and reporting
- Excellent visualizations for comparing code between different changes and time periods
- Can passively record and store performance data for review later
- Tons of pre-configured templates, reports, and dashboard views
Cons:
- Would like to see a longer 30-day trial
The SolarWinds Database Performance Monitor is a cloud-based service that is charged for by subscription. It is available for a 14-day free trial.
4. ManageEngine Applications Manager (FREE TRIAL)
ManageEngine Applications Manager monitors servers and applications. The long list of applications that the tool supports include database management systems. This list includes MySQL databases as well as those from Oracle, SQL Server, Informix, DB2, PostgreSQL, and Sybase.
Key Features:
- Database activity statistics
- Application dependency mapping
- Resource monitoring
Why do we recommend it?
ManageEngine Applications Manager, as explained above, is produced by the same team that delivers Site24x7. This system pre-dates the Site24x7 platform and it includes a range of application monitoring services, such as database monitoring. Like the Site24x7 package, this MySQL monitoring service is intended for use alongside server and network monitoring. By combining these areas of competence, this tool is able to precisely identify the system component that is the cause of a performance issue.
The Applications Manager monitors all of the infrastructures that support MySQL databases, including factors such as CPU, memory, and disk capacity and utilization. The operations of the DBMS are also fully covered by the monitoring tool. Execution statistics such as memory utilization within the DBMS, disk interactions, processing transactions, and response times are also examined regularly. Each metric is shown live in the console and can be set to trigger alerts should performance thresholds be breached. This alerting system means that the DBA does not need to sit and watch all of the performance statistics all of the time.
Execution issues, such as coding errors and inefficient joins are highlighted by the Applications Manager. The tool can assess the table structure of a database against the SQL queries that run on them and recommend structural changes to objects and better query formats to improve performance. So, this tool is also a developer support system. Analysis of usage also provides recommendations on growth in tablespace size, enabling DBAs to plan capacity.
Who is it recommended for?
This ManageEngine tool should be used primarily by a system administrator to automatically track the standard performance of databases. Unlike Site24x7, this unit is priced individually, so companies need to buy the OpManager package to get network and server monitoring as well. An advantage that Applications Manager has over Site24x7 is that includes a section of database analysis for use by DBAs for database tuning.
Pros:
- Offers on-premise and cloud deployment options, giving companies more choices for install
- Can highlight interdependencies between applications to map out how performance issues can impact businesses operations
- Offers log monitoring to track metrics like memory usage, disk IO, and cache status, providing a holistic view into your database health
- Can automatically detect databases, server hardware, and devices in real-time
Cons:
- Can take time to fully explore all features and options available
ManageEngine provides Applications Manager as software that installs on Windows Server and Linux. The package is available for a 30-day free trial.
5. Site24x7 MySQL Monitoring (FREE TRIAL)
Site24x7 is a cloud-based infrastructure monitoring system that covers networks, servers, and applications. It also has specialized services for website performance monitoring. DBMSs are among the applications that Site24x7 can monitor and there is a special adaptation available for MySQL. The services of Site24x7 can be adapted by plugins to monitor specific products and this is how the MySQL monitoring tool gets loaded into the service.
Key Features:
- Database instance discovery
- Resource tracking
- Activity graphs
Why do we recommend it?
Site24x7 MySQL Monitoring is a very close competitor to Datadog – it is cloud based and runs as part of a platform of system monitoring tools. A major reason to recommend Site24x7’s system monitoring packages is that they are produced by the same company that created the ManageEngine tools. The big difference between Datadog and Site24x7 lies with its pricing structure. While Datadog prices each unit individually, Site24x7 provides packages of tools, so you also get network, server, and application monitoring along with your MySQL monitoring service.
The MySQL monitoring tool in Site24x7 will discover all databases on each host that you include in the monitoring service. It then documents each instance and starts live monitoring. These status checks extend to the host and services that support the databases. The MySQL monitoring agent can only be installed on Linux servers. However, it is able to monitor instances running on Windows over a network connection.
Site24x7 is charged for by subscription. The basic package is charged per host quantities with four plans including the monitoring of 10, 40, 100, or more servers. There is a long menu of add-ons that extend each plan.
Who is it recommended for?
Site24x7 provides MySQL monitoring rather than analysis and diagnostics. So, this is a system monitoring package that would appeal to system administrators rather than DBAs. A typical usage scenario would be that the Site24x7 system notices a performance issue with a database and alerts the system administrator, who will look into the full stack performance metrics to see where the problem arose. If the same query constantly raises problems, the system administrator would pass the issue onto a DBA for analysis with a different tool.
Pros:
- Provides monitoring options and dashboards tailored to MySQL environments
- Uses real-time data to discover devices and build charts, network maps, and inventory reports
- Supports a freeware version for testing
- Offers a wide range of supporting services for infrastructure, network, and real user monitoring
Cons:
- Is a very detailed platform that will require time to fully learn all of its features and options
You can use a free version to monitor up to five servers. Site24x7 is available for a 30-day free trial. Those who decide not to subscribe at the end of the trial period automatically get switched over to the free version.
6. Paessler PRTG MySQL Monitoring (FREE TRIAL)
Paessler PRTG is a collection of infrastructure monitors covering networks, servers, and applications. Each monitor is called a “sensor” and keeps tabs on one aspect of a system. By combining sensors, PRTG gives a full view of all of the performance issues that could impact a MySQL database.
Key Features:
- Response time reports
- Server monitoring
- Alerts for performance issues
Why do we recommend it?
Paessler PRTG MySQL Monitoring is one of many monitoring tools that are packaged together in the PRTG bundle. This is a general performance monitor rather than a database analyzer or performance tuner. You would use this service in conjunction with many of the other sensors in the PRTG package to spot the root cause of performance issues.
One of the methods that PRTG uses as part of its MySQL database monitoring procedures is to launch queries within the database to test response times. The execution of those queries not only measures the health of the database and its structures but also tests all of the factors that go into the running of the database, such as server and network issues.
By combining MySQL monitoring sensors with server and network monitors, the DBA is able to spot the real cause of performance problems which might not actually be the fault of the database itself.
Who is it recommended for?
PRTG is a system-wide monitoring package and isn’t intended for use by DBAs. This service doesn’t include query analyzers, so you wouldn’t use it to design or fine tune your MySQL database or the queries that run on it.
Pros:
- The MySQL agent is part of a larger suite of application-specific monitors – great platform for monitoring multiple services and servers
- Autodiscovery reflects the latest inventory changes almost instantaneously
- Supports a freeware version
Cons:
- Is a very comprehensive platform with many features and moving parts that require time to learn
PRTG is charged for by the number of sensors that the buyer wants to activate, with prices set in bands of sensor quantities. You can get a 30-day free trial of the system with unlimited sensors included.
7. Dynatrace
Dynatrace is best known as a web application management service. MySQL databases are widely used as part of website services and Dynatrace can be used to monitor any MySQL implementation – not just those that are part of websites.
Key Features:
- Connects web applications to MySQL
- Dependency mapping
- Resource monitor
Why do we recommend it?
Dynatrace is a successful application monitoring system that is delivered from the cloud. This option provides a good mix of services that include both automated system performance monitoring and database tuning. This makes it a good competitor to the Datadog system. A useful feature of the Dynatrace system is its application discovery service. This will identify all of your MySQL instances and link them to the other systems that access them and the resources that support them.
A great feature of this MySQL monitoring tool is that it will seek out your database instances and map them before starting to monitor them. The monitoring service is constant, retrieving statistics to show live in the dashboard.
The metrics that the service measures include the standard checks on response times and resource usage. Additional performance analysis shows which applications use the database and how. Showing access to different objects and the types of transactions that occur. The tool can also analyze queries, producing recommendations for rewrites and remodeling of database objects.
The Dynatrace system is a cloud-based service, so it can be accessed from anywhere from any standard browser. The databases you look after can be on-site, in the cloud, or on the other side of the planet.
Who is it recommended for?
Dynatrace is very strong at monitoring applications and particularly good at tracking cloud-hosted Web applications. It is not so strong at monitoring networks. So, if you have your MySQL databases working on-premises and serving corporate applications, you would probably be better off with the Datadog, Site24x7, SolarWinds, and ManageEngine options on this list. However, if you are monitoring the execution of MySQL databases to support websites, this is a good choice.
Pros:
- Highly visual and customizable dashboards, excellent for enterprise NOCs
- Operates in the cloud, allowing it to be platform-independent
- Can monitor application uptime as well as the supporting infrastructure and user experience
Cons:
- Designed specifically for large networks – smaller organizations may find the product overwhelming
The service is charged on a subscription model and you can try it for free for 15 days.
8. LogicMonitor MySQL Monitoring
LogicMonitor is a cloud-based infrastructure monitoring tool. It covers networks, servers, and applications. Among the applications that this system can monitor are databases. The specific access and monitoring execution routines that it implements are tailored by integrations. These are vendor-specific plugins to the system and there is one for MySQL.
Key Features:
- SaaS package
- Connects web applications to MySQL performance
- Dependency mapping
Why do we recommend it?
LogicMonitor MySQL Monitoring is a very similar platform to the Dynatrace system. This is a cloud-based service that is very good at monitoring MySQL databases that are also cloud hosted and serve Web applications. This tool includes network traffic analysis services as well as application and server monitoring. So, it is a good alternative to Site24x7.
The capabilities of the service extend to cloud servers and services and web performance. So, it would be of particular interest to those who run MySQL databases to support a website.
Data gathering is performed by an agent that needs to be installed on the database’s host. However, all processing is performed on the LogicMonitor cloud servers, which is also the host for the system dashboard.
Who is it recommended for?
The LogicMonitor system is much stronger at application monitoring than server or network monitoring. It has a discovery service and will map application dependencies that run through your MySQL databases. This is a good choice for hybrid system monitoring.
Pros:
- Monitors application performance via the cloud
- Can monitor assets in hybrid cloud environments
- The dashboard can be customized and saved, great for different NOC teams or individual users
Cons:
- The trial is only 14 days, would like to see a longer testing period
The service is available in two plans, called Pro and Enterprise. Both plans include database monitoring as well as network and server monitoring. The plans both show live statuses and generate alerts when problems are detected. The system retains status readings for analysis – for one year with the Pro plan and for two years with the Enterprise plan. You can get a 14-day free trial of the LogicMonitor system.
9. dbWatch
If you don’t want to switch from your current infrastructure monitoring system, then a specialized database monitor, such as dbWatch would be a good solution.
Key Features:
- Monitors on-premises and cloud-based MySQL
- Predictive alerts
- Tracks multiple instances
Why do we recommend it?
dbWatch is a standalone database monitoring and tuning package. This is a similar product to Idera with moth monitoring and analysis services. However, Idera is stronger on analysis and dbWatch is stronger on monitoring. As it doesn’t have related server and networking tools, the dbWatch team has a marketing disadvantage when competing with the big hitters on this list.
The dbWatch monitoring service is able to monitor many databases simultaneously and they don’t all have to be from the same vendor. MySQL is among the list of DBMSs that dbWatch can monitor. Others include SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, MariaDB, and Postgres.
The monitor is a cloud-based service and it can monitor on-premises, remote, or cloud-based databases. The system covers live statuses, showing graphs and statistics in the web-based console. It is also able to analyze performance over time to recommend changes in structures and plans for resource expansion.
Who is it recommended for?
If you have a system monitoring package that isn’t very good at monitoring databases, then you would choose to use dbWatch. The database monitoring and management service works with MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Sybase.
Pros:
- Supports multiple database types including cloud-based databases
- A good option for businesses that have a large number of SQL servers in operation
- Can proactively alert based on set thresholds
- Available cross-platform on Windows, Linux, and Mac
Cons:
- Specializes only in SQL server monitoring
- Minimum license requirement of 10, not for small businesses
There are three plan levels to dbWatch. The lowest of these, Essentials, doesn’t include database performance monitoring. The Professional, and Enterprise do include monitoring for MySQL plus other DBMSs. You can try out dbWatch Essentials risk-free on a 30-day free trial.
10. MySQL Enterprise Monitor
The paid version of MySQL is called MySQL Enterprise edition and it includes MySQL Monitor.
Key Features:
- Native MySQL monitor
- Maps database clusters
- Replication monitoring
Why do we recommend it?
MySQL Enterprise Monitor really couldn’t be left off this list of recommended MySQL monitor tools because it is THE monitoring tool produced by MySQL (which is owned by Oracle). The paid version of this tool has a long list of features that include a visual query analyzer and suggestions for database improvements. However, if you use the free MySQL, you can’t get the MySQL Enterprise Monitor because it is only available with the paid MySQL Enterprise Edition.
This MySQL monitoring tool is able to detect and map cluster configurations and will monitor the statuses of supporting services and servers as well as the database instances themselves. It also traces replication topology and manages backups and restore functions. It watches the connections that applications use to access the MySQL database and reports on response times and resource usage.
Who is it recommended for?
MySQL Enterprise Monitor and the MySQL Enterprise Edition are very expensive and would only be considered by large corporations. Just about everyone else gets the free MySQL version and so they can’t use the MySQL Enterprise Monitor. Those MySQL users would be better off with any of the other tools on this list.
Pros:
- Designed by the markers of MySQL
- Available across multiple systems including Windows, Linux, BSD, and most nix distributions
- Simple interface – displays insights and data well out of the box
Cons:
- Specializes only in SQL server monitoring
- Doesn’t offer annual pricing discounts
MySQL Enterprise Monitor runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD Unix.
Choosing a MySQL monitoring tool
A good MySQL monitoring tool is able to make frequent tests on database response times, check on performance metrics, such as memory size and resource locks, watch the availability and speed of server resources, and analyze queries for improvement opportunities.
The main user of a MySQL monitoring tool is the Database Administrator (DBA). However, developers and service managers will also get important insights from a monitoring system. Many different roles in an organization will need to receive information about database performance for a range of reasons including SLA compliance proof and product developers wanting to know what capacity is available.
MySQL monitoring is not an optional task. It is essential to keep the business profitable.
MySQL monitoring FAQ
How do you check free space in a MySQL database?
Look in the information schema for a free space calculation:
SELECT table_schema “Data Base Name”,
sum( data_free )/ 1024 / 1024 “Free Space in MB”
FROM information_schema.TABLES
WHERE table_schema = DATABASE();
https://www.percona.com/software/database-tools/percona-monitoring-and-management — OpenSource based on VictoriaMetrics, Prometheus. For MySQL and other db.
Hi, Anna,
I like Percona, too. I didn’t know about it when I wrote this article but I have discovered it since. The system is particularly good for backup and managing replication or distributed databases. I mention Percona in 6 Best MongoDB Backup Tools and 5 Best PostgreSQL Backup Tools