The Best Server Room Environmental Monitoring Systems & Tools for 2023

Making sure that servers are performing well is just the tip of the iceberg. Monitoring environmental factors like temperature, power, airflow, and humidity are important for keeping servers available.

Here is our list of the best server room environmental monitoring systems:

1. SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor (FREE TRIAL) This large package of monitoring services provides hardware monitoring as well as processor tracking, server resource availability monitoring, and software activity tracking. Runs on Windows Server. Access the 30-day free trial.
2. netmon An environment monitoring appliance that raises alerts.
3. tempCube This wireless temperature and humidity monitor sends reports to your mobile devices, which is a great feature for technicians who are always on the move.
4. Paessler PRTG A monitor for physical status reports generated by the server. Runs on Windows Server.
5. Monnit A wireless device that monitors the server room environment. Needs a wireless AP on site.
6. ITWatchDogs A server room environment monitoring appliance.
7. ControlbyWeb A range of server room environment monitoring devices that use a browser-based front-end.
8. AVTECH An environment monitoring appliance that logs all statuses and raises alerts when thresholds are breached.
9. Kentix A software solution to environmental monitoring that relies on the physical statuses of the server to indicate environmental changes.
10. Sensaphone A range of appliances that report to a remote managing console that opens in a browser.
11. EDS An environment monitoring appliance that looks like a smoke alarm. Reporting functions channel through your network monitoring software.
12. CAS DataLoggers A range of environmental monitoring appliances that are easy to set up.

The best server room environmental monitoring systems

With these selection criteria in mind, we identified some of the best server room environmental monitoring systems and we have included both software packages and physical devices.

1. SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor (FREE TRIAL)

SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor implements monitoring of hardware and software components for servers. The system relies on the presence of environmental sensors within the server, so the exact measurements that you will get from the system depend on the facilities embedded within the hardware of your server.

Key Features:

• CPU, memory, fan, and power
• Correlates activity to hardware statuses
• Alerts for anomalies

Why do we recommend it?

SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor isn’t a dedicated server room environment tool but its advantage lies in having both physical status monitoring and server activity monitoring in one package. The tool can link demand on the server with factors such as temperature and fan status. The tool monitors servers running Windows or Linux.

The package measures CPU, memory, and disk utilization and also fan speed and power supply levels. While looking at the statuses of hardware components, the package provides live tracking of demand from software and it also creates a software inventory. The system will identify application dependencies and project demand for the near term from software running simultaneously on the same server.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a networked service, so you can use it to monitor multiple servers simultaneously. This makes the package ideal for data centers and mid-sized businesses that run a lot of servers. Small businesses could probably make do with a free, onboard hardware monitor.

The SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor installs on Windows Server and it will monitor other servers running Windows Server or Linux across a network. The software is also available in a bundle called the SolarWinds Server Performance & Configuration Bundle, which adds on configuration security. You can get the Server & Application Monitor on a 30-day free trial.

2. netmon

Netmon is an environmental monitoring system for data centers and server rooms that support temperature monitoring, airflow monitoring, water leak detection, power monitoring, security monitoring, smoke detection, and more.

You can monitor your server room through a centralized dashboard. Netmon uses an AKCP sensorProbe line of environmental sensors designed specifically for monitoring server racks to alert on changing conditions.

Key Features:

• Physical device
• Suitable for large server rooms
• Threshold alerting
• Notification forwarding by email, SMS, voice call, or SNMP message
• Central performance dashboard

Why do we recommend it?

Netmon is a hardware sensor for server racks and covers every environmental condition that you need to track. The system will raise an alert if an environmental condition moves outside safe levels. Those alerts mean that you won’t miss evolving problems in your server room when you are out on a task deskside.

The alerts system sends you notification once an environmental issue is detected. For example, if there is a power outage or a water leak is detected the program will generate an alert. Alerts can be sent via email, SMS, telephone calls, audio alerts, SNMP traps, and more. Employees can then take action to remedy an issue before it has an effect on business operations.

Netmon is a self-contained physical device that is robust and won’t be influenced by the conditions of its host. This tool provides its own sensors, so you aren’t reliant on the operations of server equipment, which might have problems and give false readings. While this tool isn’t the best option for measuring internal factors within server racks or CPUs, it is great for checking the situation in the server room.

Who is it recommended for?

Any business that has a server room will need this device. In fact, you will need several – one for each rack. The cost of installing physical devices is a lot higher than virtual options but it’s worth the money because they are more accurate. Each device reports to a console on your desktop.

Netmon has the core features to monitor your servers and ensure they stay protected. The dashboard and alerts system provides you with enough visibility for you to address issues promptly. If you want to view a quote then you will have to contact the company directly. You can also sign up for the demo.

3. tempCube

The tempCube system provides a low-cost solution to getting the readings from the server room sensor into your monitoring system. The tool uses wireless connections to a monitoring unit, which can be a physical device or a software package on a computer. This reporting system can also be loaded onto mobile devices.

Key Features:

• Portable sensor unit
• Wireless transmissions
• Forwarder unit
• Monitoring software
• Alerts

Why do we recommend it?

The tempCube system is very easy to deploy. You don’t even have to plug it in because the sensor unit is rechargeable. That means your sensor locations are limited to places close to a power socket. However, you will probably want to place it close to or inside your server cabinets.

The sensor unit is rechargeable, lightweight, and portable. You can click it into a special wall mounting or just put it on top of a cabinet. The rechargeable feature is probably a more useful feature for domestic applications because tempCube can be used in homes to monitor the conditions inside fridges and other appliances. However, you are less likely to want to move the sensors in a server room.

tempCube is appealing to businesses of all sizes. The sensor unit is very easy to deploy. You can charge it up and place it far from a power socket or leave it in one place plugged in. Move the unit to monitor a device temporarily or mount it in a wall bracket to scan the environments in server rooms and inside server cabinets. This system is also used in homes to monitor overheating electronic devices or domestic appliances

Who is it recommended for?

This system is suitable for businesses of all sizes. Although its use as a server room monitor will only appeal to larger businesses that have server rooms, there are many applications for this system. For example, place it close to a PC that has a habit of overheating and track activity over time.

The tempCube system is a hardware device that comes with free monitoring software. Buy multiple units and channel their reports into the same console. This is a device that your purchase and there are no subscription fees once you own the hardware.

4. Server room monitoring with Paessler PRTG

PRTG Network Monitor is a network monitoring solution that can monitor a data center or server room. PRTG Network Monitor can monitor temperature fluctuations, humidity, and power outages. One of the strengths of this tool is that you can monitor the availability of your servers and environmental factors. Performance data can be seen through a centralized dashboard.

Key Features:

• Software solution
• Free option
• Threshold alerting
• Notification forwarding by email, SMS, or push notification

Why do we recommend it?

Paessler PRTG is a full-stack monitoring package and it includes screens that gather environmental input and converts them into alerts for gathering problems. The PRTG package doesn’t include the actual physical sensor – you will need to buy those separately and set them up to channel data into PRTG.

There is an automated alert system, which notifies you when environmental factors cross a threshold value. Alerts are sent via SMS, email, or push notifications straight to your device. Wherever you are you can stay on top of any hardware failures or performance issues that need to be addressed.

Who is it recommended for?

The advantage of the PRTG system is that it integrates your server room environment monitoring into your full system monitoring console. The package is charged for according to the number of sensors that you want to activate with the minimum number being 500. If you only activate 100, you don’t have to pay.

Overall PRTG Network Monitor is ideal if you want to monitor availability and your server room environment at the same time. PRTG Network Monitor is free for less than 100 sensors. If you require more then you can purchase a paid version. Paid versions start at $1600 (£1,301) for 500 sensors and one server installation. You can download a 30-day free trial.

Server room monitoring with Paessler PRTG Download 30-day FREE Trial

5. Monnit

Monnit is a remote server monitoring solution designed to monitor hardware. Monnit has over 70 sensors that can monitor environmental issues like temperature, humidity, water, AC current, and more.

Key Features:

• Wireless devices
• Monitors 70 factors
• Apps for mobile devices

Why do we recommend it?

Monnit offers a full list of environmental measuring devices, which include physical sensors and software packages. With the Monnit system, you can mix and match devices and software. The sensors are wireless and so will transmit results to your monitor without cabling. Gateway devices collect and forward data in remote locations.

The system has wireless sensors that monitor conditions in the server room and then send that information onwards to a wireless gateway. The wireless gateway sends that information to the monitoring platform where you can view dashboards and oversee performance.

While the system sounds complex it can be configured in less than 15 minutes, making it easy to deploy. Once the solution is up and running it’s easy to manage from a distance. There are Android and iOS apps that you can use to monitor server environments when you’re out of the office.

There are also alerts to keep you posted whenever something changes that needs your attention. Alerts are customizable so you can choose whether to receive a text, email or call when a problem is detected. Advanced analytics can also detect anomalous conditions and notify you.

Monnit is ideal if you want a comprehensive environmental monitoring system with fast-track installation and built-in scalability.

Who is it recommended for?

Monnit doesn’t only provide environmental sensors, it also supplies movement trackers that can be used for security monitoring, so you get a mix of sensors for your site, which is particularly useful for monitoring remote sites. You get a choice of software packages to gather and manage the data from your physical sensors.

6. ITWatchDogs

ITWatchDogs is an environmental monitoring solution that allows you to monitor server rooms or data center. It can monitor factors such as temperature, humidity, airflow, water, voltage, power, smoke, doors, power consumption, and switching.

Key Features:

• Physical appliance
• Central dashboard
• Alert forwarding by email, SMS, SNMP, or voice message

Why do we recommend it?

ITWatchDogs from Vertiv Geist are provided by a major server room supplies company – Vertiv Group. This business provides environmental control equipment and server rack units, so hardware for environmental sensors fits well in their product list. Sensors track smoke, movement, temperature, humidity, water leakage, airflow, and power conditions.

To monitor these factors you can purchase a temperature sensor. You can then monitor this information through a graphical user interface (GUI). Once you have set up your sensors you can configure alerts.

Alerts can be sent via email, SMS, SNMP, or voice alarms to let you know if there is a problem in your environment. You can then use the GUI to switch off individual outlets and get to the root of the problem.

ITWatchDogs is a cost-effective alternative for monitoring server rooms of all sizes.

Who is it recommended for?

Businesses that already buy equipment from Vertiv would certainly prefer to get these sensor devices because that gives them one point of contact for guarantees and support. Other companies that get their server room systems from a supplier that doesn’t offer environmental monitors could add in these devices.

7. ControlbyWeb

ControlbyWeb produces a range of devices that provide complete server tool monitoring in real-time. Through a web browser, you can monitor elements such as temperature, lights, moisture, alarms, door status, and more. ControlbyWeb products have in-built web servers which means you don’t need any software agents or cloud services to gather performance data.

Key Features:

• A range of devices
• Feeds into HVAC controls
• One-time purchase price

Why do we recommend it?

ControlbyWeb produces specialized sensors for different environmental conditions. These include devices to capture data on humidity and temperature, door movements, power supply, and water leaks. These tools each feed through to a local alarm or email and SMS alerts. You can also feed live data into your monitoring software, such as the PRTG package.

There is an alert system that works based on thresholds. The user configures thresholds and is sent an email or text if they are breached. Unlike many other environmental monitoring solutions, ControlbyWeb also enables you to control the conditions of the server room. For example, you can use the X-410 controller to change the temperature in the room. This is great for following up after alerts.

One of the advantages of ControlbyWeb is that there are no monthly fees. Once you’ve deployed the devices you’re ready to start monitoring your servers (you can even access

One of the advantages of ControlbyWeb is that there are no monthly fees. Once you’ve deployed the network devices you’re ready to start monitoring your servers (you can even access them through the CBW-Mobile app if you choose).

Who is it recommended for?

This is a good solution for anyone who wants to centralize all monitoring in one console, which they have already chosen. This system doesn’t provide its own monitoring software, so you need to buy that separately. However, you won’t need to keep switching from your server and network monitoring system to check on the environmental sensors.

8. AVTECH

AVTECH provides data center environmental monitoring to monitor temperature, humidity, power, active power, flood, water, smoke, fire, room entry, motion, airflow, and more. Room Alert 32E is AVTECH’s main solution which can be used to deploy sensors throughout your server room to track conditions.

Key Features:

• Physical device product line
• Smoke and fire sensors are available
• Environment logging

Why do we recommend it?

AVTECH produces many different types of sensors for server room and rack environment monitoring. The sensor range is called RoomAlert and it feeds through a central relay to its own monitoring software. You need to cable these devices together and plug the relay into the network to get live data transmitted.

As the name suggests, Room Alert has temperature alerts so that you receive a notification if the temperature reaches problematic levels. For additional monitoring, the tool logs and records environmental issues so that you can look into performance issues in further detail.

AVTECH is a comprehensive environmental monitoring solution that is ideal for anyone looking to monitor their local environment through alerts. In order to view a quote, you will have to contact the sales team directly.

Who is it recommended for?

The RoomAlert software has an alerting system that can send you notifications of problems by SMS or email. However, if you already have an SNMP-based monitoring package, you can pick up RoomAlert data with that. So, AVTECH gives you the choice of using its proprietary monitoring software or one of many other third-party monitoring systems.

9. Kentix

Kentix is a server room monitoring solution that can detect hazards and failures in your server room. The software can monitor up to 37 physical hazards including overheating and burglary. There are also integrated systems available for climate monitoring, power monitoring, server live checks, a burglar alarm system, and early fire detection.

Key Features:

• Sold as bundles of devices
• Tracks 320 environmental factors
• Alert forwarding by email, SMS, or SNMP

Why do we recommend it?

KentixONE is a security platform that also monitors environmental factors. The system provides IoT devices that report to the KentixONE monitoring console. The sensors are available in wired and wireless versions and you buy bundles of them. The tool detects doorway movements and human movements as well as environmental factors.

The Kentix sensor operates universally with two models, which are a cabled unit and a wireless device. There is a third Kentix device, which is the Alarm Manager – a gateway that groups and manages the signals from devices in one location and forwards them to a central location.

The Kentix system requires the IoT sensors, the Alarm Manager, and the monitoring console software. The software is called KentixONE and it is available as a cloud platform, called KentixONE-GO, which can be accessed by mobile apps. Kentix sells its devices in packages of up to 100 units. This is called the StarterSet SmartMonitoring bundle.

Who is it recommended for?

The Kentix system provides adaptable IoT devices in bundles together with management software. All of them have the capability of tracking multiple factors. Any monitoring system that picks up SNMP can read in the Kentix data, so you don’t have to use the proprietary monitoring software.

10. Sensaphone

Sensaphone is a remote server monitoring solution that has real-time web-based monitoring. You can monitor up to 12 different environmental conditions through your browser or the mobile app, meaning that you can monitor servers no matter where you are located.

Key Features:

• Physical device
• Tracks 12 conditions
• Alert notification forwarding by email, SMS, or voice call

Why do we recommend it?

Sensaphone produces a range of US-made sensors. These are available for security monitoring as well as for environmental monitoring. Of the various device types, the Sensaphone Stratus EMS Monitoring System is the best for monitoring server rooms because it fits into a server rack. There are also wireless units available.

There are many different network devices you can use to monitor your server room. One of the main products is the Sensaphone Stratus EMS Monitoring System, which takes sensor readings and stores them in the cloud so you can access them easily.

There is also an alert system so that the user can easily keep track of local environmental changes. Notifications are sent by email, text message, and voice call when a problem is detected.

The range of devices offered by Sensaphone is a strong selling point. You can build your own monitoring environment from scratch according to your unique requirements. However, you will have to contact the company directly for a quote.

Who is it recommended for?

The great thing about Sensaphone is that it provides unlimited tech support and extensive installation and usage guides. This makes it a good choice for businesses of any size because even small business managers without engineering experience will be able to install the sensor device and get its reports fed into system management software.

11. EDS

EDS has a server room monitoring that provides you with live data of the environment in your server room. The data can be fed into a network monitoring platform called InterMapper. There are two monitoring systems available from EDS; MeshNet Wireless Sensor System and OW-Server 1-Wire Sensor System.

Key Features:

• Compact sensor
• Associated network monitor
• Wireless devices

Why do we recommend it?

EDS stands for Embedded Data Systems. This company provides sensors for temperature, humidity, light, and barometric pressure. The EDS unit is universal, detecting all of those conditions in one device. There are two versions available – one that can be linked into a network and the other that is a wireless system.

MeshNet Wireless Sensor System supports up to seven wireless sensors and can monitor temperature, humidity, light, barometric pressure, and secret inputs. OW-Server 1-Wire Sensor System supports seven 1-Wire sensors per server and can monitor temperature, humidity, light, and barometric pressure.

You can connect EDS hardware to the network monitoring tool InterMapper for additional analysis. Intermapper can send you alerts if any of the factors above reaches an unacceptable level. Visit their website to find out more about EDS devices.

Who is it recommended for?

The EDS system is intended for integration into your current monitoring environment. The tool sends data as SNMP responses, so your typical network performance monitor will be able to collect environmental data. How you interpret this data in your monitoring software is up to you. This provides you with implementation flexibility.

12. CAS DataLoggers

CAS DataLoggers is a server room temperature monitoring solution. CAS DataLoggers can record ambient temperature and humidity in server rooms. The recorded data is uploaded straight to the cloud so that you can access it whether you’re working on a desktop or mobile device. There is even a mobile app that allows you to make monitor data and make configuration changes on-the-go.

Key Features:

• Physical device
• Cloud-based console
• A range of sensors

Why do we recommend it?

CAS Data Loggers supplies wired and wireless sensors in a range of devices that each implements a specific environmental factor. The device range includes a unit for temperature and humidity monitoring. The temperature sensor can be accessed and controlled from a mobile device through a CAS app.

Deploying CAS DataLoggers is very simple and takes a matter of minutes. The solution is also scalable with a large logging capacity that supports up to 8,000 sets of data measurements in two channels. This means that you can record all the information you need without constantly reaching capacity.

TandD and Novus are the two main monitoring systems. Each system comes in a range of devices. TanD has waterproof temperature loggers that can measure temperature, humidity, voltage, and more. Novus devices can monitor temperature, pressure, humidity, flow pulses, and more. Find out more and get pricing on their website.

Who is it recommended for?

A CAS temperature monitor can be integrated into your network by Ethernet cable, USB, or wireless transceiver. The system also includes cloud storage for readings, so data can be transferred automatically to the platform and stored in log files, where they can be analyzed immediately or kept for historical analysis.

Choosing an Environmental Monitoring System for Your Server Room

Server rooms and data centers are at the heart of many enterprises. Maintaining servers so that they stay operational is a necessary cost of doing business in the digital age. Without the right tools, it is impossible for a company to keep servers operational long-term. The financial impact of failed servers can be substantial, not just in terms of new hardware but in terms of downtime and lost opportunities.

All of the tools on this list can be used to monitor server rooms against excessive heat or performance issues that could damage them over time. Products like netmon, Paessler PRTG Network Monitor, and Monnit provide a centralized perspective of your data center so you don’t miss out on any conditions that could affect performance.

If you’re unsure which tool to purchase we recommend a product that has automated alerts. Alerts will flag when there is a problem with your system so that you don’t have to manually catch every performance problem that occurs.

Server Room Environmental Monitoring Systems FAQs