Bandwidth Monitor

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Ranked in Bandwidth Monitoring Software

About

Bandwidth Monitor is a free, open-source, self-hosted network dashboard for Linux routers and hosts. It shows per-interface rates and history, top talkers, host details, protocol and IP-version breakdowns, conntrack and NAT state, client topology, latency checks and a live traffic map. Built-in diagnostics include server-side speed tests, traceroute, DNS and resolver checks, path MTU discovery, public-address checks and TCP tests. Optional integrations cover AdGuard Home, NextDNS and Pi-hole for DNS, plus UniFi and Omada for WiFi. The Linux daemon is distributed as a single Go binary with an embedded web interface and packages for several Linux distributions. Its HTTP API provides JSON endpoints under /api and a Server-Sent Events stream. Companion clients include macOS menu-bar tools, a Windows tray widget, GNOME/AppIndicator panels and an independently developed iOS app; a separate terminal viewer supports Linux and macOS. The daemon itself is Linux-only. Interface and conntrack/NAT statistics require CAP_NET_ADMIN or root; some capture and diagnostic functions require CAP_NET_RAW or root.

Who it is for

It suits teams seeking a self-hosted dashboard for Linux network hosts and routers, with API access and optional integrations. Users planning to use traffic capture or certain diagnostics need the listed elevated permissions.

What is good

  • Shows interface rates, top talkers and host details
  • Includes network diagnostics and a live traffic map
  • Provides JSON API endpoints and live event streaming
  • Optional DNS and WiFi integrations
  • No telemetry, analytics, crash reporting or update checks

What to know first

  • Dashboard daemon is Linux-only
  • Some statistics and diagnostics require CAP_NET_ADMIN, CAP_NET_RAW or root
  • Modified network-available software requires source availability under AGPL v3.0

Verdict

Bandwidth Monitor offers broad network visibility and diagnostics in a self-hosted Linux daemon, with companion clients for other platforms. Check its Linux-only daemon scope, permission needs and AGPL v3.0 terms against your deployment plans.

Facts

Purpose
Bandwidth Monitor is a self-hosted, real-time network dashboard for Linux routers and hosts.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Traffic monitoring
The dashboard shows per-interface rates and history, top talkers, host details, and protocol and IP-version breakdowns.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Network visibility
Features include conntrack and NAT state, client topology, latency checks, and a live traffic map.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Diagnostics
Built-in diagnostics include server-side speed tests, traceroute, DNS and resolver checks, path MTU discovery, public-address checks, and TCP tests.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Integrations
Optional DNS integrations include AdGuard Home, NextDNS, and Pi-hole; WiFi integrations include UniFi and Omada.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Deployment
The Linux daemon is distributed as one Go binary with an embedded web UI, and packages are listed for Debian, Ubuntu, Raspbian, Fedora, RHEL, Arch Linux, OpenWrt, and Nix.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Companion clients
The project documents SwiftBar and xbar clients for macOS, a Windows system tray widget, and GNOME/AppIndicator panels; clients consume the daemon's HTTP API.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
iOS client
An independently developed iOS client shows live interface rates and supports Lock Screen widgets and Live Activities; it requires a reachable running Bandwidth Monitor instance.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Terminal viewer
The separately packaged bandwidth-top terminal traffic viewer supports Linux and macOS, while the dashboard daemon is Linux-only.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
API
The daemon provides JSON endpoints under /api and a Server-Sent Events stream for live dashboard data.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Security and privacy
The project says it has no telemetry, analytics, crash reporting, or update checks; configured integrations and built-in features can make outbound network requests.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Permissions
Interface statistics and conntrack/NAT need CAP_NET_ADMIN or root, while top-talkers capture and ICMP latency/traceroute need CAP_NET_RAW or root.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
License
Bandwidth Monitor is licensed under GNU AGPL v3.0, which the repository says requires source-code availability when modified software is made available over a network.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Maker
The GitHub profile identifies awlx as Annika Wickert and lists Munich.github.com · 4 Oct 2026

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