AirCheck G3 vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager comparison

The compared NetAlly and SolarWinds solutions aren't in the same category. NetAlly is ranked #9 in NT , and holds a 6.4% mindshare in the category. SolarWinds is ranked #12 in CM , with an average rating of 8.0, and holds a 3.1% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of NetAlly users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of SolarWinds users who would recommend it.

AirCheck G3

Read 13 AirCheck G3 reviews

1,646 Views
1,465 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Read 28 SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager reviews

4,233 Views
1,820 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

AirCheck G3

SolarWinds Network Configur...

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between AirCheck G3 and SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Auvik, Wireshark, NetAlly and others in Network Troubleshooting.

To learn more, read our detailed Network Troubleshooting Report (Updated: June 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Network Troubleshooting

June 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

AirCheck G3

Average Rating

8.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Troubleshooting (9th)

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Configuration Management (12th), Network Automation (3rd)

Mindshare comparison

While both are Network Management solutions, they serve different purposes. AirCheck G3 is designed for Network Troubleshooting and holds a mindshare of 6.4%, down 8.2% compared to last year.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, on the other hand, focuses on Configuration Management, holds 3.1% mindshare, up 1.5% since last year.

Network Troubleshooting Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
AirCheck G3	6.4%
Wireshark	18.4%
AirMagnet Survey PRO	9.1%
Other	66.1%

Network Troubleshooting

Configuration Management Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager	3.1%
Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform	10.3%
Microsoft Configuration Manager	7.4%
Other	79.2%

Configuration Management

Featured Reviews

David-Prusynski

Senior Network Engineer at a healthcare company with 5,001-10,000 employees

A portable, rugged device that reduces resolution time and saves thousands of dollars

It would be nice if I could import an AP list with a MAC address. When it looks at access points, it should tell me the AP name instead of the MAC address. When you get a MAC address, you can eventually find out where you want to go. However, a lot of times, if I just have an AP name, I know that's in this area or that's over there. I would like that function because AirMagnet, which is the precursor of this, had that ability where you could basically import a list of APs and MAC addresses, and then it could display those instead of just a MAC address. That'd be a nice function. We should be able to put an AP to MAC address in Excel and export it as a CSV file and then import it. That'd be nice to have because I have that information for all my hospitals. The one I'm doing this weekend has got 550 access points. It is much easier for me to look at an AP name than to get a MAC address. Currently, I have to go to a different spreadsheet and try to find that MAC address. If I had the AP name, it would be like, "Okay. Yep. See it. Done." They are doing spectrum analysis in G3, which I would love to have in G2. That's a nice tool to have, and from what I heard, that's the same price. I'd like to have that. The other function I would love to see is the ability to test fiber. I know the $10,000 version has the ability to test fiber, but I would love this lower-cost device to be able to test fiber.

Read full review

reviewer1327239

Software Engineer at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Automated configuration management has improved monitoring, backups, and policy control

I do not think there is anything I would like to improve at this point in time because SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager compares almost perfectly to what it is supposed to do. I think it is one of the best products in its category. Regarding the automation capabilities of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, I think that is an area they will need to explore in making it more autonomous. Discovery happens through IP address scanning, but building out automation is something they need to focus on. I absolutely believe in providing automation for SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager. It is essential to address how to deploy, discover, and remediate wherever possible. I think that is something they should already be looking at because AAFS is currently something everybody is focused on, and storage also needs to consider it.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The information provided by the solution for resolving connectivity and performance problems is very thorough. The reporting functionality is extremely good as I can pass that information on with little input. The device will identify issues and problems, e.g., the diagnostic material. When you have Internet access, it sends the information to your email address, which is very useful."

"The solution saves us a factor of 10 in time. If a typical WiFI ticket would cost me two hours with AirCheck, then it would cost me 20 hours without it. At 20 hours, you start to refuse to do tickets because it is just too expensive."

"The one-button AutoTest feature is an amazing tool. It works well. It tells you whether or not you have shorts in your network, your PoE+ is running low on voltage, and shows you your link speed."

"Few products provide an all-in-one platform like AirCheck, and for all intents and purposes, there's no competition in the space because no other enterprise-quality handheld testers do Wi-Fi and wired testing so comprehensively."

"I bought one out of my own money, so I found enough value to spend my own money on it."

"It is an extreme game-changer, and a lifesaver every single time it's used."

"The airCheck is the real-time spectrum analyzer to see clients that could be connecting to our network, not just rogue networks out there, but rogue clients and other interference in that particular spectrum."

"We're a customer because it is a well-performing device that we can give our people in the field, they feel comfortable with it, and they don't dread using it."

More AirCheck G3 pros

"It is a stable solution."

"SolarWinds NCM provides updates on the status of your network infrastructure. If any issues arise, such as a link failure or a device going offline, you will receive notifications and alerts. Additionally, if someone unplugs a cable, SolarWinds NCM will detect it. It also features a Topology Mapper that displays the connectivity of your network devices, giving you a visual representation of the network's structure. With SolarWinds NCM, you have a clear understanding of what's happening within your network and can generate comprehensive reports."

"NCM also helps with vulnerability assessment and remediation."

"We can proactively monitor our infrastructure in a single pane of glass, unlike before when there were a lot of network management tools that would need to be looked at."

"Configuration refers to the specific settings and options that determine how a device or system behaves. It can include things, such as network settings, security settings, and other options that are specific to the device or system in question. One of the most valuable features of the solution was its ability to track and monitor changes to the configuration of devices on a network. This can be useful for troubleshooting and identifying potential issues. By keeping track of who made changes to the configuration and when it can be easier to determine the cause of any problems that may arise."

"It's perfect for network configuration management, and it's easy to use."

"The features we find most valuable is the configuration backup automation, the configuration compliance, the security vulnerability detection and upgrading devices."

"It is pretty straightforward to set up."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pros

Cons

"We use these out in the field, and because they're not allowed on our network, we usually have to have the person take them home and provide backhaul to them. In other words, they are not allowed through our firewalls to dump the data. So, we have to have them go to a separate wired network to dump the data. There could be an option to put an LTE and have a phone engine in it so that you can buy a SIM card for it and have it use cellular to download the data. That is something that would be nice to have. That's a little kink in this system right now. Other than using the Ethernet port to download data, it'd be nice if we could use either LTE or some other way to get the data that was collected by AirCheck G2 to our Link-Live portal."

"The battery life needs improvement. For example, when you are doing an Ethernet test, that seems to drain the battery pretty quickly."

"You spend money on and invested in multiple devices and can't even use half of the features."

"The solution doesn't have much functional information online."

"My biggest complaint about it is that I wish it was cheaper."

"NetAlly has been behind the curve on visualization, Wi-Fi design, and heat maps for a little while now."

"The display size could be larger."

"If this is going to be your exclusive, for example, survey tool, personally, this is not what I would use for that, but for a lot of packet captures, wire testing, rogue device detections, it does a really nice job."

More AirCheck G3 cons

"I would like to see more features in terms of wireless reporting and more historical information for client connectivity in SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager."

"I will email them and I won't see the response for another two or three hours. I have to give them a call and it's a pain, it's a nightmare."

"The Network Configuration Manager needs to improve the access control list compliance."

"The interface of solar winds could be improved."

"The AI features do not work well."

"Its look and feel can be improved. They can also put in more effort into building the THWACK community and use the information about various customer issues and requests to build the new releases."

"We do health checkups for the network devices. However, compared to NetBrain, the NCM health checkup is getting very bad."

"The integration with the network performance monitor wasn't complete as at the last time I used it."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Pricing is on par with the rest of the industry and the licensing is decent."

"The product has a pretty good price."

"The price is fairly expensive, if you are a single individual. For me, it's well worth the cost of the unit. Depending on the nature of the work that you're doing, the upfront costs can be expensive. Typically, what happens in an environment is a department might have one device as opposed to technicians having them individually."

"It is definitely well worth the price. It is approximately $2,500. It pays for itself since it eliminates troubleshooting costs and labor due to all the money you would spend kind of troubleshooting the device if you didn't have any of these tools with you."

"For a few thousand dollars, you save yourself a ton of time. It's a great deal."

"It costs $3,000. It would be nice if its cost was less. I could then buy more. Currently, when we buy one, we make sure that where we need it is big enough, or if it is too small, when a person has a job, they have to get a temporary one mailed to them to use, which becomes a little less convenient."

"The overall cost of the solution, compared to the time saved—the number of man-hours devoted to other means of troubleshooting—is incomparable."

"Because I work in a big company, it is a no-brainer. If I were a consultant, I would still buy it, but it would be a huge investment. Overall, it's a good tool to have."

More AirCheck G3 pricing and cost advice

"The pricing is good."

"Additional costs beyond the standard licensing fee are inevitable."

"With a minimal bundle, we pay about $3000 a year in licensing costs. If you have multiple devices in your network, you must buy the bundle, which is 100% identical for your infrastructure. If you have 15 devices, you need 15 licenses, for example. That's one bundle. You don't pay for anything over and above that."

"We have to pay additionally for its support and maintenance."

"You have a base license for 50 devices, and then you can add more licenses as you go."

"I have a yearly subscription."

"There is a license needed to use SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager."

"The price of the solution is high compared to other solutions."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Comms Service Provider

University

Government

Construction Company

Government

11%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Construction Company

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	1
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	11

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	15
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	9

Questions from the Community

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?

On pricing, I would rate SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager as one of the best in its segment among leading products and competitors. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is positioned as...

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What needs improvement with SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?

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What is your primary use case for SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is used for managing a large number of IPs, distributing them within my enterprise, and addressing issues related to them. People typically manage this thro...

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Comparisons

NetAlly EtherScope nXG vs AirCheck G3

Compared 22% of the time

AirMagnet Survey PRO vs AirCheck G3

Compared 17% of the time

OneTouch AT Network Assistant vs AirCheck G3

Compared 10% of the time

LinkRunner vs AirCheck G3

Compared 10% of the time

Observer GigaStor vs AirCheck G3

Compared 2% of the time

More AirCheck G3 Competitors

Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 10% of the time

Cisco DNA Center vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 8% of the time

HashiCorp Terraform vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 6% of the time

ManageEngine Network Configuration Management vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 4% of the time

AWS CloudFormation vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 4% of the time

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

AirCheck G3

June 2026

Download AirCheck G3 product report

Buyer's Guide

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

May 2026

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager report

Download SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager product report

Also Known As

AirCheck G2, AirCheck

SolarWinds NCM

Overview

AirCheck G3 provides rapid Wi-Fi environment assessments with AutoTest. It features cloud capabilities for remote data sharing and visualization tools like packet capture to address connectivity issues, making it ideal for IT teams.

AirCheck G3 is designed to offer actionable insights into Wi-Fi infrastructures. Its key features include AutoTest for swift diagnostics, cloud integration through Link-Live for efficient data management, and advanced functionalities such as packet capture and heat map creation. With AirMapper, site survey data is easily visualized and collected. Built for portability and durability, AirCheck G3 effectively identifies connectivity problems, rogue devices, and interference. Users note potential enhancements in device emulation and AI-driven analysis. Improvements in battery life, API support, and LTE connectivity are also desired.

What are the standout features of AirCheck G3?

AutoTest: Quickly troubleshoots Wi-Fi environments.
Cloud Functionality: Enables remote data access via Link-Live.
Packet Capture: Provides deep network analysis capabilities.
Heat Map Creation: Visualizes network performance spatially.
AirMapper: Simplifies site survey data collection.
Portability and Durability: Designed for field use, making it versatile for IT teams.

Which benefits should users consider in reviews?

Efficiency in Troubleshooting: Reduces time in identifying and solving network issues.
Data Shareability: Facilitates data distribution and collaboration through cloud integration.
Insightful Analytics: Delivers comprehensive analytic tools for network performance assessment.
Versatile Use: Portable design supports numerous environments and scenarios.

In healthcare, AirCheck G3 is crucial for ensuring reliable Wi-Fi connections, aiding staff in locating access points or issues. Technicians rely on it for data collection and cloud reporting, enhancing their understanding of network infrastructure. Businesses utilize it to improve troubleshooting efficiency, addressing network issues promptly and effectively.

NetAlly

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager provides essential tools for network performance monitoring, configuration compliance, and vulnerability management, ensuring streamlined operations for network administrators with real-time change detection and backup automation capabilities.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager offers extensive features that empower network management through integration with platforms like Microsoft Teams and ServiceNow. It manages network devices effectively, automating backups and streamlining configuration compliance. Users find it flexible and reliable for network configuration and security management, including support for IP SLA management, which enhances device health checks. The solution facilitates remote network configuration, mass changes across devices, and efficient backup and restore procedures for disaster recovery. While improvements in node-related limitations, AI features, and integrations are noted, the tool remains critical for aligning configurations with enterprise standards and ensuring network visibility.

What are the key features?

Network Performance Monitoring: Provides insights into network health and potential issues.
Configuration Compliance: Ensures all network configurations align with internal policies.
Real-Time Change Detection: Alerts users immediately about configuration changes.
Backup Automation: Simplifies backup processes for network configurations.
Vulnerability Management: Identifies and manages security vulnerabilities effectively.
IP SLA Management: Enhances device health checks through service level agreements.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, ServiceNow, and more.

What benefits should users consider?

Enhanced Security: Protects networks with robust vulnerability management.
Streamlined Operations: Automates routine tasks to save time and resources.
Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to configuration policies and standards.
Comprehensive Network Visibility: Offers a clear view of network performance and issues.
Disaster Recovery Support: Facilitates quick recovery from network failures with efficient backups.

In industries such as telecommunications, finance, and healthcare, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is implemented to manage complex network infrastructures, optimize performance, and maintain security compliance. These sectors rely on the tool's ability to conduct mass device configurations and ensure continuous network monitoring, which is crucial for operations that require consistent uptime and quick response to potential security threats.

SolarWinds

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

United Lincolnshire Hospitals, Air Rarotonga, NetSuite, Thai AirAsia, REA Group, 335th Signal Command, Agilisys, Marine Expeditionary Force

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Network Troubleshooting

June 2026

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