Best VoIP Monitoring Tools

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems have a reputation as some of the most high-maintenance systems in networking. VoIP phone systems have minimal tolerance for poor performance as just a little latency and packet loss can have a devastating impact on audio quality.

Using VoIP monitoring tools is the only way to make sure that your network can support VoIP systems. With VoIP monitoring tools you can measure connection quality within your network to make sure that your phone calls aren’t experiencing choppy audio.

Crucially, VoIP monitoring software will allow you to see how much latency and packet loss is present on your network.

Here is our list of the best VoIP monitoring tools:

  1. SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager EDITOR’S CHOICE Comprehensive package of VoIP monitoring software and analysis utilities. Runs on Windows Server.
  2. Site24x7 VoIP Monitoring (FREE TRIAL) Part of an application performance monitor, this cloud-based tool measures VoIP traffic delivery quality.
  3. ThousandEyes VoIP monitoring tools that includes connection testing and call simulation features
  4. ExtraHop A VoIP monitoring package that observes live call statuses and accumulates metrics on overall network call performance
  5. dotcom-monitor Server Monitoring Focused on server performance, this package also monitors applications, such as VoIP protocols
  6. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor An infrastructure monitoring system that’s great for VoIP management because it watches network, server, and application performance. Can spot any resource problem that would impair VoIP quality
  7. Riverbed UCExpert Network monitoring system that includes VoIP data gathering and status checking
  8. VoIP Spear Specialized VoIP monitor that includes call quality grading and status checks
  9. Colasoft Capsa Network monitor with a VoIP analysis module. This is available in free and paid versions
  10. VoIPmonitor Free, open-source specialized VoIP monitor that includes live monitoring and analysis modules

The best tools for VoIP monitoring

Our methodology for selecting a VoIP monitoring tool

We reviewed the market for VoIP monitoring software and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:

  • Connection stability monitoring with live visual feedback in the system dashboard
  • Measures to indicate QoS issues, such as jitter and packet loss
  • Capacity and performance thresholds that trigger alerts
  • An analysis function to assess historical performance statistics
  • Assistance to implement traffic shaping measures to improve VoIP performance
  • A free trial for assessment or a free tool
  • A comprehensive paid system that is worth the price or a free tool that is worth using

1. SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager (FREE TRIAL)

SolarWinds VoIP Monitoring Software

First up on this list we have SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager. SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager allows you to monitor VoIP call performance and WAN performance. VoIP metrics that you can track include jitter, latency, Mean Opinion Score (MOS), and packet loss. These metrics tell you if VoIP calls are being delivered with poor voice and telephony quality.

Key Features:

  • Visual call path tracing
  • IP SLA
  • QoS factors
  • SIP and CUBE trunk monitoring
  • WAN performance

Why do we recommend it?

SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager is a specialized tool that can be integrated into a general network monitoring system. SolarWinds builds its monitoring systems on a common platform, so they slot together, so adding this module to the Network Performance Monitor gives you extra focus on VoIP traffic metrics.

In the event that you need to run extensive troubleshooting, you can go through your call records to find information that can show you what is causing poor performance. You can search for calls by call origination, call destination, call manager, call time, call status, and call quality. This helps to move the troubleshooting process along quickly.

SolarWinds VoIP & Network Quality Manager - IP SLA Summary view

SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager is accessible to organizations because it offers a simple user interface and it can be deployed in less than an hour. Deployment is fast-tracked because the platform automatically discovers Cisco IP SLA-enabled devices. Autodiscovery means that the user doesn’t have to configure everything manually.

Who is it recommended for?

You would need to have a lot of voice traffic on your network to justify buying this specialized package. SolarWinds produces the NetFlow Traffic Analyzer which provides bandwidth monitoring for all types of network traffic including VoIP metrics, so focusing on voice traffic with this tool indicates the need for detailed monitoring.

Pros:

  • Enterprise-focused solution for VoIP management, highly detailed
  • Can easily monitor multiple sites and key quality metrics from a single customizable dashboard
  • Features a network map that helps teams visualize VoIP issues, great for troubleshooting complex deployments
  • Can automatically discover VoIP device, making on-boarding a simple process
  • Supports SLA monitoring measuring packet loss, jitter, MOS, and latency

Cons:

  • The tool is specifically designed for enterprise use, fully exploring all features and options will take time

SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager starts at a price of $1,602 (ÂŁ1,225). You can download a 30-day free trial.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Overall <strong>SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager</strong> is a choice that is suitable for organizations of all sizes looking for a VoIP monitoring tool and that is why it is our first choice on this list.

Start 30-day Free Trial: solarwinds.com/voip-network-quality-manager/

OS: Windows Server; on-premises server or cloud deployment. Requires Cisco IP SLA compatible routers or switches

2. Site24x7 VoIP Monitoring (FREE TRIAL)

Site24x7 VoIP Dashboard Monitors status

Site24x7 VoIP Monitoring is part of the APM module of this cloud-based system monitoring service. Site24x7 APM is able to measure the progress of VoIP traffic, recording a list of important traffic delivery indicators.

Key Features:

  • Line conditions monitoring
  • QoS metrics
  • Performance alerts

Why do we recommend it?

Site24x7 VoIP Monitoring is part of a cloud platform of system monitoring tools and this feature is included with the Network Monitoring module. The system provides both network device status monitoring and traffic analysis. You can gather QoS and IP SLA statistics with this system and also troubleshoot connections with line testing tools.

Among the attributes of VoIP traffic that Site24x7 APM measures are jitter (positive and negative), latency, packet loss, roundtrip time (Ping), Mean Opinion Score, and packet sequence errors. These factors are contributions to a Quality of Service (QoS) status check.

The tool checks the consistency and delivery times of both inbound and outbound VoIP traffic at an endpoint data collection node. The live monitoring dashboard is tabbed with each tab representing a different device that is activated for traffic monitoring. That means that the supervisor can switch between device views to get a full report on current VoIP performance. This is a better perspective than a single viewpoint because it enables systems administrators to identify the exact location of traffic problems.

The 24×7 VoIP monitoring service includes a system of performance thresholds that will alert a technician if performance metrics start to drop. This gives system managers time to investigate the location and causes of traffic problems and prevent service impairment from becoming noticeable by users.

Who is it recommended for?

The Site24x7 system is a presented as subscription packages that include network, server, and application monitors and the network element includes VoIP monitoring. The packages are sized to be suitable for small businesses and larger companies add on extra capacity. There is also an edition for managed service providers.

Pros:

  • Can support both small and enterprise-size VoIP deployments
  • Platform makes it easy to transition into other areas of monitoring such as network, application, or real user monitoring
  • Easy to customize dashboard and monitoring interface
  • Can monitor all key VoIP metrics including custom QoS thresholds

Cons:

  • The Site24x7 is highly detailed and may take time to fully explore all options and features

The Site24x7 APM service is charged for by subscription. Customers have the option of taking out a base package and then adding on extra services. That base plan is called Pro and it costs $28 per month for a service that monitors five network interfaces – that number can be expanded with add-on fees. You can get a 30-day free trial of the Site24x7 APM Pro plan.

Site24x7 VoIP Monitoring Start 30-day FREE Trial

Related: Cisco network monitoring tools

3. ThousandEyes

ThousandEyes screenshot

ThousandEyes is a network monitoring platform that doubles up as one of the best VoIP monitoring tools on the market. ThousandEyes correlates VoIP performance with the core performance metrics like latency, packet loss, and jitter. These are the basic indicators for seeing how well VoIP services are functioning.

Key Features:

  • Latency, packet loss, and jitter
  • SIP connectivity checks
  • VoIP traffic simulator

Why do we recommend it?

ThousandEyes is a division of Cisco System, which specializes in producing network devices. VoIP monitoring is part of the Network and App Synthetics unit on the ThousandEyes platform. This provides ongoing monitoring for line quality and also offers testing tools, such as Ping. this is a cloud-based system.

One of the things that makes ThousandEyes special is that you can simulate VoIP calls between agents and offices. This allows you to put your VoIP service provider to the test. There is also a voice test feature, which allows you to test for SIP connectivity before you initiate a TRP call.

The ThousandEyes platform has been designed with troubleshooting firmly in mind. For instance, you can track infrastructure faults down to link and interface with SIP and RTP network paths.

Who is it recommended for?

ThousandEyes is charged for on a throughput rate. However, you have to pay for a subscription upfront, so it is difficult to know in advance how much data processing your network statics will require. If you run out of credits during the year, you top up by buying extra credits.

Pros:

  • Clean and easy-to-use interface, makes great use of visualizations
  • Offers VoIP traffic simulation, excellent for replicating issues and capacity planning
  • Designed to streamline the troubleshooting process

Cons:

  • Lacks integrations into other popular platforms
  • More customization options in the dashboard and reporting section would be a welcomed change

ThousandEyes operates a pricing model based on annual subscription. The pricing structure is customizable based on a number of factors like test units, endpoints, and devices. You need to contact the sales team to receive a complete quote. If you’d like to contact the ThousandEyes sales team then you can do so here.

4. ExtraHop

ExtraHop Screenshot

If you’re looking for VoIP monitoring tools designed for troubleshooting, then ExtraHop is at the top of the industry. With ExtraHop you can view the performance of VoIP calls across your entire network through the ExtraHop VoIP-SIP calls dashboard. Through the dashboard, you can see how many calls are successful or failing.

Key Features:

  • Live call statuses
  • Monitors load balancing and routing
  • Device discovery

Why do we recommend it?

ExtraHop provides a network performance and security monitoring platform that is called Reveal(x). This system maps assets and then tracks traffic exchanges between them. This monitoring also extends out to cloud resources. VoIP monitoring is part of the network performance tracking module and it uses AI to predict problems.

There are a range of metrics that you can monitor with ExtraHop. By installing the SIP VoIP Call Dashboard you can monitor call session status, call volume, load balancing, routing call quality, and Non-VoIP protocols. With regards to metrics you can monitor, you can view active calls, call attempts, call failures, 5xx error codes, short calls, call length, and call failures.

ExtraHop is also one of the most convenient VoIP monitoring tools because it allows the user to automatically discover devices within the network. The advantage of this is that you can sidestep the inconvenience of configuring your entire network from scratch.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is a sophisticated solution that is delivered from the cloud. It is able to identify problems before they happen by calculating the resource requirements for all of the traffic that is expected to hit a switch or a router at the same time. This is ideal for mid-sized and large organizations.

Pros:

  • Great use of visualizations for tracking VoIP metrics
  • Simple interface – uses color accents well
  • Tracks high-level stats like active calls as well as 5XX errors and call length

Cons:

  • Could use more thorough documentation
  • Would benefit from integration support into traffic analysis tools like Wireshark
  • Retired devices still show up in the dashboard after being removed

Try out the free trial of ExtraHop.

5. dotcom-monitor Server Monitoring

dotcom monitor

Dotcom-monitor Server Monitoring offers premium VoIP Monitoring and SIP protocol monitoring. The core focus of this product is monitoring the availability of VoIP infrastructure. In the ServerView display, you can view outgoing call success, inbound call routing, internal extension connectivity, and voicemail availability.

Key Features:

  • Server checks
  • Call status log
  • Performance alerts

Why do we recommend it?

Dotcom-monitor Server Monitoring looks at the activity of the VoIP software that originates and receives calls. These calls can be across the network or with remote endpoints. The system looks at the arrival of traffic, identifying pace irregularities that cause quality issues with calls.

Similar to all the best VoIP monitoring tools, dotcom-monitor Server Monitoring has a complete alerts system. Alerts keep you notified when VoIP calls are not performing when they should. Users receive notifications when error messages are received from the server and the expected call result isn’t received.

Once you’ve established VoIP calls are performing poorly dotcom-monitor Server Monitoring helps you point to the root cause. SIP Monitoring error detection records properties of the error so that you can address the root cause. You can also generate SIP monitoring reports to evaluate performance from a distance.

Who is it recommended for?

The ServerView utility of dotcom-monitor is also able to check on the performance of video streaming, file transfers, and email activity as well as VoIP traffic. This tool is focused on the performance of internet connection more than on LANs, so it is suited to businesses that operate virtual offices and have a lot of Web assets.

Pros:

  • Monitorings VoIP traffic as well as its supporting infrastructure
  • Great alert templates, highly customizable
  • Can monitor SIP errors and alert to SLA breaches

Cons:

  • Reports can be time-consuming and difficult to set up and execute
  • Price is high compared to other tools in the market
  • Interface can feel cluttered, especially at scale

There are many different pricing options available for dotcom-monitor Server Monitoring depending on the number of targets set and the check frequency. Prices start from $79.00 (ÂŁ60) for 10 targets and 15-minute check frequency. You can download the 30-day free trial of dotcom-monitor Server Monitoring.

6. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

PRTG Network Monitor screenshot

PRTG Network Monitor is a network monitoring tool that offers a VoIP monitoring experience with free QoS and IP SLA monitoring. QoS monitoring with PRTG Network Monitor takes place with the PRTG Round Trip Sensor which measures latency, jitter, packet loss, duplicate IP packets, and Mean Opinion Score. Likewise, there is a Cisco IP SLA Sensor for monitoring Cisco device data.

Key Features:

  • QoS statistics
  • IP SLA tracking
  • Round trip monitor
  • Free option

Why do we recommend it?

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor tracks the performance of servers and applications as well as networks. VoIP is an example of a service that could be impacted by problems at any point of the service stack. So, getting all of the levels of PRTG activated provides the best way to get fully automated monitoring for VoIP traffic.

The wider monitoring experience is completely personalizable according to your requirements. The dashboard can be personalized to include widgets and metrics of your choosing. You have complete control over the data that you see on the dashboard. For VoIP monitoring, we recommend that you use the PRTG Round Trip Sensor to give you a snapshot of your VoIP call performance when you log in.

The performance of your VoIP calls doesn’t need to be tracked manually all the time either. Instead, you can use the notifications system to keep you updated when VoIP calls experience poor voice quality. PRTG Network Monitor sends notifications by email, SMS, and push notifications. These are great because they ensure that you know the moment VoIP calls decline in quality.

Paessler PRTG is an alert-based system that allows technicians to head off VoIP performance threats. PRTG covers the entire stack of services that contribute to successful VoIP delivery so there will be no overlooked resource when fine-tuning infrastructure optimization for successful service.

Who is it recommended for?

PRTG is suitable for businesses of all sizes. It can be tailored so you don’t pay for monitoring services that you don’t need. The package is priced by the number of sensors that you want to activate and if you only use 100, you don’t need to pay.

Pros:

  • Utilizes SNMP, NetFlow, and other a variety of other protocols to create the most accurate picture of network and VoIP traffic
  • Comes with pre-configured VoIP sensors
  • The dashboard is customizable through a series of widgets and feels intuitive out of the box
  • Supports a completely free version for up to 100 sensors, making this a good choice for both small and large networks
  • Pricing is based on sensor utilization, making this a flexible and scalable solution for larger networks as well as budget-conscious organizations

Cons:

  • PRTG is a feature-rich platform that requires time to fully learn all of the features and option available

PRTG Network Monitor is available as a free and a paid tool. You can use the PRTG Round Trip Sensor and the Cisco IP SLA Sensor completely free of charge. However, if you want to monitor a network with more sensors then you can purchase anywhere from 500 sensors for $1,384 (ÂŁ1,057) and $13,226 (ÂŁ10,104) for unlimited sensors.

7. Riverbed UCExpert

Riverbed SteelCentral

Riverbed UCExpert is a unified communications monitoring platform designed to monitor Cisco, Microsoft and Avaya environments but offers a solid VoIP monitoring experience. With this tool, you can search for calls and phones in a variety of ways. For example, you can search for previous calls that have failed or performed badly. This provides you with a reference point through which you can run further troubleshooting.

Key Features:

  • Searchable call log
  • Call status analysis
  • Connection path analysis

Why do we recommend it?

Riverbed UCExpert is a module on a network performance monitoring platform that ties together different technologies from different providers in order to properly track the performance of VoIP and other communications protocols. This system helps you construct traffic shaping measures to improve call quality and get the maximum value from your assets.

All of the activity on your network is monitored through the dashboard. The dashboard allows you to see an overview of your calls showing total call number, short call number, percentage of good quality streams, number of call failures, and all completion percentage. Seeing your call performance in this way allows you to tell immediately if there are any problems.

One of the strongest features of Riverbed UCExpert is the hop-by-hop media path. The hop-by-hop path shows you the path of media traffic so that you can visualize the network path of the voice traffic. This is useful for finding the cause of any problems with your network performance.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is intended for tracking QoS for communications protocols, which mostly means VoIP. However, it also includes video streaming and email. These types of traffic have different levels of urgency and you can slow down one (email) to benefit the others.

Pros:

  • Simple highly customizable dashboard
  • Has autodiscovery for Cisco, Microsoft, and Avaya
  • Can makes historical searches for calls that experienced poor quality
  • Reporting is highly customizable and detailed

Cons:

  • Can be complicated to use, especially during onboarding
  • Could benefit from more tools aid the troubleshooting process, such as automation support
  • Price is higher than similar tools on the market

To view the price of Riverbed UCExpert you’ll need to contact the sales team directly. There is also a free trial of this product which you can download from this link here.

8. VoIP Spear

VoIP Spear

VoIP Spear is a VoIP monitoring tool that is used to track the quality and performance of voice communications. VoIP Spear has testing servers located worldwide across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. This ensures that no matter where you are, you have the most accurate VoIP call quality profile.

Key Features:

  • Launches line test calls
  • Mean Opinion Score
  • No software download

Why do we recommend it?

VoIP Spear is a cloud-based line testing service that provides a Mean Opinion Score (MOS) of all VoIP calls going into a given endpoint. This service monitors each endpoint by installing an agent on it and it will test your service from different locations in the world. So, you get to test the performance of internet links rather than your network.

This VoIP monitoring solution tests your VoIP call quality and evaluates call performance using Mean Opinion Score (MOS). All of this can be monitored online so that you don’t have to install any software on your device. This makes it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is useful for ensuring that service providers, such as ISPs and SIP Trunking systems live up to their promises. You can get the tool for free forever to check on the service to one endpoint, which is a good way to try out the service. There are plans for different sizes of businesses.

Pros:

  • An intuitive interface is easy to navigate
  • Uses a web portal, can monitor from any browser
  • Pricing options for any size VoIP deployment make it more flexible than most tools

Cons:

  • Could use more one-click fix features
  • Reports can feel canned for those wanting more granular reporting options

VoIP Spear is one of the most competitively-priced VoIP monitoring tools on the market. There are six versions to purchase; Lite, Plus, Premium, Carrier, Carrier Plus, and Carrier Grande. The Lite version is the cheapest which costs $10 (ÂŁ7.64) per month for one endpoint. The most expensive version is the Carrier Grande package which costs $250 (ÂŁ190) per month for 100 endpoints. There is also a free personal plan; you can contact the company about pricing.

9. Colasoft Capsa

Colasoft Capsa

Colasoft Capsa is a network monitoring tool that has its own VoIP analysis module that can be used to track the quality of VoIP phone systems. With Colasoft Capsa you can analyze VoIP calls and view the results through the GUI in graph format. In the VoIP view, you can view metrics such as jitter, loss, mean opinion score (MOS), control flows and media flows.

Key Features:

  • Network monitoring
  • Mean Opinion Score
  • Call status log

Why do we recommend it?

Colasoft Capsa is a network monitoring system and it includes routines for checking on VoIP quality of service. Colasoft also provides a Free edition of Capsa, which will just check on the Ping conditions of your connections, which is ideal for VoIP, where latency and jitter are all important.

The majority of VoIP analysis is conducted through the VoIP Summary View. The VoIP Summary View is split into an upper and lower pane. In the upper pane, you can view the MOS_A distribution, MOS-V distribution, call codec type, call status distribution, and call event distribution. In the lower pane, you can view traffic statistics, SUP statistics, and call statistics.

Who is it recommended for?

Small businesses with no budget for monitoring tools should be happy with the Free edition of Colasoft Capsa because it will identify traffic delivery irregularities. The paid service, Capsa Enterprise, provides protocol analysis, showing VoIP traffic volume in the context of available bandwidth.

Pros:

  • Tracks all key VoIP metrics very well, including call codec type and event distribution
  • Can support unlimited IP addresses
  • Can monitor more VoIP metrics than similar tools

Cons:

  • Interface feels clunky and outdated
  • Free version includes banner ads for the Ultimate Edition
  • Visualizations aren’t as customizable as similar tools on the market

There are three different versions of Capsa; Capsa Free, Capsa Standard, and Capsa Enterprise. Capsa Free is available free of charge and can monitor up to 10 IP addresses. Capsa Standard can be purchased for $295 (ÂŁ225) and can monitor up to 50 IP addresses. Capsa Enterprise can be purchased for $995 (ÂŁ759) and covers unlimited IP addresses. You can download Colasoft Capsa here.

10. VoIPmonitor

VOIPmonitor screenshot

Finally, we have VoIPmonitor. VoIPmonitor is an open-source packet sniffer designed for VoIP call analysis. This tool is suitable for organizations of all sizes and has supported up to 20,000 calls on a single server. You can use VoIPmonitor as a Web-GUI and monitor metrics such as delay and packet loss.

Key Features:

  • Free to use
  • Online service
  • High volume

Why do we recommend it?

VoIPmonitor is a nice free tool that runs on Linux. The package is a packet sniffer that implements protocol analysis. However, as this is specifically a tool for VoIP monitoring, the system calculates relevant factors, such as the Mean Opinion Score (MOS), which boil down to latency and jitter.

VoIPmonitor also has an alerts system that allows you to keep track of metrics automatically. For example, if Mean Operating Score, Jitter or Packet loss indicate a problem then an alert will be generated to keep you up-to-date.

Who is it recommended for?

Being a free tool, this system is going to be of interest to small businesses. However, it is capable of monitoring a large number of calls simultaneously and it covers SIP trunking as well as local network conditions, so a large volume call center would also want to use this tool.

Pros:

  • Completely open-source and free
  • Has deployment options for both on-premise and in the cloud
  • Can support 20,000 calls, making it an option for high-call-volume networks

Cons:

  • Interface is cluttered and confusing
  • Uses very few visual features to display VoIP data
  • Lacks the support options found in paid solutions

As an open source VoIP monitoring tool, VoIPmonitor is available free of charge. You can host VoIPMonitor on a server or in the cloud depending on your needs. You can also download VoIPmonitor as source code. You can download the free trial of VoIPmonitor here.

Choosing a VoIP Monitoring Tool

There is plenty of competition in the VoIP monitoring software space, but based on usability alone SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager has to be the best on the market. The setup process is simple enough that you can be up and running in less than an hour by auto discovering devices. From then on the user interface is kept simple enough for you to find everything you need.

VoIP call performance metrics like latency and packet loss are readily accessible and can be tracked through the notifications system. Whether you’re working within an SME or a larger organization SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager has the core monitoring capabilities to assist you.

VoIP Monitoring FAQs

How can I monitor the security of my VoIP network?

Monitor network security for VoIP calls by integrating intrusion detection systems into your network monitoring suite along with a specialized VoIP monitoring tool.

How do I prioritize VoIP?

Network systems operate a traffic shaping service, called Quality of Service (QoS). This will enable you to prioritize VoIP traffic through switches and routers.

How much jitter is bad for VoIP?

Jitter is measured in milliseconds (ms). As a rule of thumb, a jitter of 40 to 50 ms will have a noticeable impact on call quality.