What We Are Comparing
This comparison covers dedicated DDoS detection tools available in 2026. We are evaluating detection method, classification depth, mitigation capabilities, pricing model, and operational complexity. Every tool on this list has strengths and trade-offs.
The Comparison
Flowtriq
Detection method: Per-second kernel counters on each server plus sFlow/NetFlow/IPFIX ingestion. Hybrid approach combining host-level and network-level visibility.
Strengths: Sub-second detection, automatic attack classification, PCAP forensics, integrated mitigation (iptables, FlowSpec, RTBH, cloud scrubbing), modern web dashboard, white-label, API-first design.
Trade-offs: Requires agent installation on each server (or flow source configuration for agentless). Newer vendor with a smaller install base than enterprise incumbents.
Pricing: $9.99/node/month. No per-Gbps charges, no per-user dashboard fees. All features included.
Best for: Hosting providers, game server hosts, ISPs, MSPs, and any operator who wants detection plus mitigation in one platform.
Arbor Sightline (NETSCOUT)
Detection method: NetFlow/sFlow analysis with statistical anomaly detection.
Strengths: Mature platform with 20+ years of development. Strong ISP/carrier-grade features. Large install base. Deep integration with Arbor TMS for inline mitigation.
Trade-offs: Enterprise pricing (typically $100K+ annually). Requires dedicated hardware or VM. Complex deployment. Dashboard modernization has been slow.
Pricing: Custom quotes. Expect $50K-500K+ depending on deployment size.
Best for: Large ISPs and carriers with existing NETSCOUT relationships and dedicated security teams.
Andrisoft Wanguard
Detection method: sFlow/NetFlow/IPFIX analysis with configurable thresholds and anomaly detection.
Strengths: Self-hosted with full data ownership. Supports multiple flow protocols. BGP integration for mitigation. Lower cost than Arbor.
Trade-offs: Per-component licensing adds up for multi-site deployments. CLI-heavy management. Dashboard is functional but dated. Support response times vary.
Pricing: Per-component licensing starting around $2K-5K per sensor/filter. Annual maintenance additional.
Best for: Mid-size ISPs who want self-hosted flow analysis with BGP mitigation.
Kentik
Detection method: Cloud-hosted NetFlow/sFlow/IPFIX analysis with ML-based anomaly detection.
Strengths: Excellent network observability and traffic analytics. Modern UI. Strong API. Good for understanding traffic patterns across large networks.
Trade-offs: Primarily a network observability platform, not a dedicated DDoS tool. Detection-only with limited built-in mitigation. Enterprise pricing.
Pricing: Custom quotes based on flow volume. Typically $3K-10K+/month for ISP deployments.
Best for: Network teams that need broad traffic analytics with DDoS detection as one feature.
ntopng
Detection method: Packet-based and flow-based traffic analysis with threshold alerting.
Strengths: Open source (Community Edition). Real-time traffic visibility. Protocol analysis. Good for troubleshooting and monitoring.
Trade-offs: DDoS detection is not its primary focus. Limited attack classification. No built-in BGP mitigation. Enterprise features require paid license.
Pricing: Free (Community) to $2K+/year (Enterprise).
Best for: Network engineers who need traffic visibility and monitoring with basic anomaly alerting.
Suricata
Detection method: Signature-based deep packet inspection (IDS/IPS).
Strengths: Open source. Excellent for intrusion detection and protocol analysis. Large rule ecosystem (ET Open, Snort rules). Multi-threaded engine.
Trade-offs: Designed for IDS, not DDoS detection. Struggles with high-PPS volumetric floods. No dynamic baselines. No BGP mitigation integration.
Pricing: Free and open source.
Best for: Security teams focused on intrusion detection. Should be paired with a dedicated DDoS tool, not used as a replacement. See our Suricata vs Flowtriq comparison.
Feature Comparison
Feature Flowtriq Arbor Wanguard Kentik ntopng Suricata --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub-second detect Yes No No No No No Attack classify Yes Yes Partial Yes Basic Signature PCAP forensics Yes Limited No No Yes Yes BGP FlowSpec Yes Yes Yes No No No RTBH automation Yes Yes Yes No No No Cloud scrubbing Yes Via TMS Manual No No No Web dashboard Yes Yes Basic Yes Yes No API Yes Limited Limited Yes Yes No White-label Yes No No No No N/A Per-node pricing Yes No No No Free Free Agent-based Yes No No No Optional No Flow-based Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
How to Choose
Start with two questions: What is your budget, and what is your team size?
- Budget under $500/month, small team: Flowtriq or ntopng Community + Suricata
- Budget $500-5K/month, mid-size team: Flowtriq, Wanguard, or Kentik depending on whether you need detection+mitigation (Flowtriq/Wanguard) or observability+detection (Kentik)
- Budget $5K+/month, dedicated security team: Arbor, Kentik, or Flowtriq depending on whether you need carrier-grade features (Arbor), broad observability (Kentik), or per-server detection with integrated mitigation (Flowtriq)
Try Flowtriq free for 14 days. All features included. Install the agent on your servers and compare the detection quality and speed against whatever you are running today. Start your trial.