18 Best Wireshark Alternatives Reviewed in 2026
Best Wireshark Alternatives Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best Wireshark alternatives:
Navigating network traffic can be a headache, especially if you’re relying on Wireshark and find that it doesn’t quite meet your needs. Maybe you’re looking for a tool that’s more user-friendly, or perhaps you need advanced features that Wireshark lacks.
In my experience, finding the right packet analyzer can save your team time and reduce frustration. I’ve reviewed a range of Wireshark alternatives to help you find the best fit for your business challenges.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks and give you an unbiased look at what each software offers. Whether you’re after better scalability, specific features, or just want something different, there’s likely a solution that fits your needs.
What Is Wireshark?
Wireshark is a network packet analyzer software that lets you capture and inspect data traveling across a network in real-time. IT professionals, network administrators, and cybersecurity experts generally use Wireshark to troubleshoot network issues and ensure security.
Deep packet inspection, protocol analysis, and real-time data capturing help with diagnosing problems, understanding network behavior, and boosting security measures. Overall, Wireshark offers valuable insights into network traffic, making it an essential tool for maintaining network health and security.
Best Wireshark Alternatives Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Wireshark alternative selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for command-line users | Not available | Free forever | Website | |
| 2 | Best for wireless monitoring | Not available | Free forever | Website | |
| 3 | Best for user experience | Not available | Free forever | Website | |
| 4 | Best for cybersecurity integration | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for simplicity of use | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for Wi-Fi troubleshooting | 3-day free trial available | From $19.99/year | Website | |
| 7 | Best for real-time analysis | 15-day free trial + free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for Windows compatibility | Not available | Free forever | Website | |
| 9 | Best for enterprise scalability | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for macOS debugging | Free download + free trial + free demo available | From $89/device (lifetime license) | Website | |
| 11 | Best for data extraction | Free plan available | From $1,300/license | Website |
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
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Best Wireshark Alternatives Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Wireshark alternatives that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros and cons, integrations, and ideal use cases for each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Tcpdump is an open-source command-line network packet analyzer used mainly by network administrators and IT professionals to capture and display packets for analysis. It performs key functions such as network troubleshooting and security monitoring.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: Tcpdump is a powerful network analyzer and packet-sniffing tool, ideal for those who prefer command-line interfaces over graphical ones. It works across systems, including Linux and Android (via terminal environments), and supports capturing traffic across multiple network interfaces. Tcpdump allows you to filter traffic by IP address, protocol, or endpoints, giving precise control over what data is monitored. It generates capture files (PCAP format) that can be shared, reviewed in other tools such as TShark, or used for deeper decoding and forensic analysis.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include support for multiple protocols, packet filtering capabilities, and the ability to save packet data to files for later analysis.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Open-source community support
- Supports automation with scripts
- Works on servers where GUI tools aren’t practical
Cons:
- Limited real-time analysis
- No graphical interface
Kismet is an open-source wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system used by network administrators and security professionals. It helps in monitoring and analyzing wireless networks for unauthorized access and vulnerabilities.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: Kismet offers specialized wireless monitoring capabilities that Wireshark doesn’t focus on. It can detect hidden networks and identify devices connected to them, which is vital for securing wireless environments. The tool provides real-time data on network traffic, helping you quickly identify potential threats. Its support for multiple wireless protocols broadens its applicability in diverse network setups.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include support for a wide range of wireless cards, the ability to log data in multiple formats, and GPS mapping for tracking network locations. It also offers customizable alerts for network events.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Passive monitoring
- Detects hidden networks
- Works with many wireless adapters and platforms
Cons:
- MAC randomization reduces effectiveness
- No packet injection or active attacks
Sniffnet is an open-source network monitoring tool designed for users who need to track and analyze their internet traffic. It’s primarily used by individuals and small teams looking to gather statistics and inspect network activity.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: Sniffnet focuses on providing an intuitive user experience, making it simpler for everyone to use. It offers real-time traffic analysis, allowing you to see who you’re exchanging data with and inspect your network in depth. The tool is available in 24 languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Being open-source, it emphasizes data privacy and security, aligning well with user-centric needs.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include real-time charts for traffic intensity, the ability to import and export capture reports as PCAP files, and customizable notifications for network events. You can also identify over 6000 services and protocols in your traffic.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cross-platform support
- Secure Rust-based design
- PCAP export capability
Cons:
- Limited protocol visibility
- No packet inspection or deep analysis
NetWitness is a cybersecurity-focused network traffic analysis tool used by security teams to detect and respond to threats. It provides deep visibility into network traffic and helps in identifying advanced threats.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: NetWitness offers advanced cybersecurity integration, which is vital for threat detection. It provides automated threat detection features that optimize your team’s ability to respond quickly. Its analytics capabilities help in identifying patterns and anomalies in network traffic. The tool’s ability to correlate data from multiple sources boosts its effectiveness in threat hunting.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include incident response management, threat intelligence integration, and customizable dashboards. You can also leverage its machine learning capabilities to improve threat detection accuracy.
Integrations include RSA, Splunk, Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, Microsoft, Tenable, ServiceNow, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalability for large environments
- Packet inspection and session replay
- Real-time threat detection
Cons:
- Expensive to maintain long-term
- Requires technical expertise
Allegro Network Multimeters are network analysis tools used by IT professionals to monitor and troubleshoot network performance. They provide real-time visibility and analysis of network traffic across various protocols.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: Allegro Network Multimeters offer intuitive interfaces and real-time analysis capabilities. They provide high-speed data processing, making them suitable for large networks. The tools support detailed protocol analysis, which helps in diagnosing complex network issues. Their plug-and-play setup simplifies deployment and reduces the time needed to get started.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include high-speed data capture, extensive protocol support, and detailed traffic analysis. They also offer customizable dashboards for monitoring network performance.
Integrations include Keysight Hawkeye and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Portable hardware for field troubleshooting
- Zero-impact monitoring
Cons:
- High initial hardware cost
- No active testing capabilities
Intuitibits provides tools for Wi-Fi analysis and troubleshooting, catering mainly to network administrators and IT professionals. It helps in diagnosing Wi-Fi issues and optimizing network performance.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: Intuitibits is focused on Wi-Fi troubleshooting, offering specialized features for wireless networks. It provides detailed insights into Wi-Fi performance, helping you pinpoint issues quickly. Its real-time monitoring tools offer immediate feedback on network changes. With intuitive visualizations, you can interpret Wi-Fi data and make informed decisions.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include real-time performance monitoring, detailed Wi-Fi diagnostics, and customizable alerts for network changes. You can also use its historical data analysis to track performance trends over time.
Integrations include Oscium WiPry, MetaGeek Wi-Spy, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed performance insights
- Professional-grade wireless diagnostics
- Native macOS Wi-Fi analysis tools
Cons:
- Some advanced features require additional hardware
- Limited to Wi-Fi troubleshooting
LiveAction Omnipeek is a network analysis and troubleshooting tool used by network engineers and IT professionals. It provides real-time network monitoring and packet analysis to help diagnose and resolve network issues.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: LiveAction Omnipeek offers real-time analysis, which helps you quickly identify and address network problems. It provides visual diagnostics, allowing you to see network performance at a glance. The tool supports multi-segment analysis to troubleshoot complex networks. Its ability to handle high-speed data makes it suitable for large-scale network environments.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include advanced packet analysis, voice and video monitoring, and customizable dashboards. You can also leverage its network forensics capabilities to investigate incidents in depth.
Integrations include compatibility with ServiceNow, Cisco DNA Center/ISE, Splunk, and vManage, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports high-speed data
- Visual diagnostic tools
- Real-time network monitoring
Cons:
- Not cloud-native
- Windows only
SmartSniff is a network packet sniffer tool designed for Windows users, allowing them to capture and view network traffic. It’s mainly used by IT professionals and network administrators to monitor and analyze network data.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: SmartSniff offers strong Windows compatibility, making it ideal for users in Windows environments. It provides a simple interface to capture TCP/IP packets, letting you view the data in several formats. The tool supports raw data display, giving you detailed insights into network activity. Its lightweight design ensures it runs smoothly without burdening system resources.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include multiple capture modes, the ability to save captured data, and customizable display settings. It also allows you to view data in ASCII mode.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports raw data display
- Low resource usage
- TCP/UDP analysis
Cons:
- No advanced analysis tools
- Limited filtering power
CloudShark Enterprise is a web-based packet capture management tool used by IT teams and network administrators. It allows users to upload, analyze, and share packet captures securely in the cloud.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: CloudShark Enterprise offers enterprise scalability, making it suitable for larger organizations. It provides a cloud-based solution that lets you manage packet captures without needing local storage. You can share captures directly through the platform. This web-based approach means you can access your data from anywhere, improving flexibility and collaboration.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include the ability to annotate packet captures, tag files for retrieval, and generate reports directly from the platform. You can also use its secure sharing capabilities to ensure that only authorized users access sensitive data.
Integrations include Suricata, Zeek, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in analysis tools
- Secure data sharing
- Cloud-based accessibility
Cons:
- Requires subscription for full features
- No built-in IDS or detection engine
Proxyman is a macOS-focused HTTP debugging proxy tool used by developers to capture, inspect, and manipulate HTTP/HTTPS traffic. It helps in debugging and testing applications by providing insights into network traffic.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: Proxyman supports SSL proxying, which allows you to decrypt secure traffic. The tool provides detailed insights into request and response headers to debug network issues. Its focus on macOS ensures it integrates with Apple’s ecosystem, providing a smooth experience for developers.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly interface for HTTP debugging, advanced filtering options, and the ability to edit and resend HTTP requests. You can also customize your workflow with features such as breakpoints and scripting.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports SSL proxying
- Detailed traffic insights
- User-friendly for macOS
Cons:
- Not for security operations
- Limited to macOS
NetworkMiner is a network forensics analysis tool used by security professionals to capture packets and analyze data for cybersecurity purposes. It helps in extracting files and metadata from network traffic.
Why it’s a good Wireshark alternative: NetworkMiner excels in data extraction, which is essential for forensic analysis. It provides detailed information about files and metadata within network traffic to assist in investigating security incidents. Unlike Wireshark, it focuses on passive network monitoring, causing minimal impact on network performance. The tool also has resources and community-supported components available on GitHub, which support extensibility and research use.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include passive network sniffing, OS fingerprinting, and the ability to parse PCAP files. You can also use it to analyze offline packet captures, adding flexibility to your workflow.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Passive sniffing capabilities
- Detailed file reconstruction
- Data extraction capabilities
Cons:
- Requires manual configuration
- Limited protocol decoding
Other Wireshark Alternatives
Here are some additional Wireshark alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Coralogix
For real-time log analytics
- PRTG Network Monitor
For all-in-one monitoring
- ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer
For bandwidth monitoring
- ManageEngine Site24x7
For cloud monitoring
- Progress WhatsUp Gold
For hybrid IT environments
- NetScanTools
For network diagnostics
- Arkime
For large-scale data capture
Wireshark Alternatives Selection Criteria
When selecting the best Wireshark alternatives to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points related to network packet analyzer software products, such as scalability and simplicity of use. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Capture network traffic
- Analyze packet data
- Monitor network performance
- Detect network anomalies
- Export analysis reports
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Real-time data visualization
- Automated threat detection
- Multi-protocol support
- Customizable dashboards
- Cloud-based access
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface
- Simple navigation
- Customizable settings
- Accessibility features
- Minimal learning curve
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to webinars
- Extensive documentation
- Onboarding support team
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple contact channels
- Response time
- Quality of support resources
- Access to online forums
Value for Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Pricing transparency
- Feature-to-price ratio
- Availability of free trials
- Flexible pricing plans
- Discounts for long-term use
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly mentioned pros and cons
- Frequency of updates
- User feedback on reliability
- Comparison to other tools
Why Look for a Wireshark Alternative?
While Wireshark is a good choice of network packet analyzer software, there are a number of reasons why some users seek out alternative solutions. You might be looking for a Wireshark alternative because:
- You need a more user-friendly interface
- Your team requires advanced automation features
- You want cloud-based access for remote work
- You need better scalability for large networks
- Your team prefers a tool with multi-platform support
- You require faster data processing speeds
If any of these sound like you, you’ve come to the right place. My list contains several network packet analyzer software options that are better suited for teams facing these challenges with Wireshark and looking for alternative solutions.
Wireshark Key Features
Here are some of the key features of Wireshark, to help you contrast and compare what alternative solutions offer:
- Deep inspection: Offers detailed analysis of hundreds of network protocols, which helps you understand complex network issues.
- Live capture: Allows you to capture network traffic in real-time, providing immediate insights into network activity.
- Offline analysis: Enables you to analyze previously captured data so that you can review network issues at any time.
- Multi-platform compatibility: Works on Windows, Linux, and macOS, ensuring your team can use it on various systems.
- Three-pane packet browser: Provides an intuitive interface to view packet details, allowing you to analyze data.
- VoIP analysis: Offers tools to analyze voice over IP traffic, which is useful for monitoring call quality and performance.
- Protocol decryption: Supports decryption for several protocols, helping you see encrypted data for in-depth analysis.
- Display filters: Allow you to apply powerful filters to focus on specific types of traffic, simplifying your analysis.
- Coloring rules: Let you apply color codes to packets to readily identify patterns and anomalies.
- Export options: Provide various formats for data export, so you can share findings with your team or for reports.
What’s Next:
If you’re in the process of researching network packet analyzer software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you’ll get a shortlist of software to review. They’ll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.