Best Network Packet Capture Software in 2026
20 network packet capture software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
20ranked
12free plans on this page
3 Oct 2026last checked
#1 Wireshark Top pick · 8.8 Free plan · Free
#2 Malcolm Runner-up · 8.8 Free plan · Free
#3 TShark Also great · 8.6 Free plan · Free- Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan apiLinuxmacOSself-hostedWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- Yes
- Display filters
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan apiLinuxself-hostedWeb
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan AndroidLinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- Yes
- Display filters
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- Yes
- Display filters
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - WebWindowsLinuxRecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial
- Web
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- Yes
- Display filters
- Yes
- Protocol decryption
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - WindowsLinuxWeb
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- Yes
- Display filters
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan Android
- Free plan
- Yes
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- Yes
- Display filters
- Yes
- Protocol decryption
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Web
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- Yes
- Display filters
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Web
- Free plan
- No
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- Yes
- Display filters
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan Windows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free plan Linux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- Yes
- Display filters
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Free planOpen source WebWindowsmacOSLinux
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - WebWindows
- Free plan
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - Web
- Display filters
- Yes
- Protocol decryption
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial - macOS
- Free plan
- No
- Live capture
- Yes
- Offline trace analysis
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree trial
Is your platform on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which network packet capture software is ranked first on The Geeks Club?
Wireshark is ranked #1 of 20 with a score of 8.8. Malcolm is second and TShark third.
How many of these have a free plan?
12 of the 20 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
How is this list ranked?
Certifications are listed from the provider's own catalogue with level, role and exam. Platforms are ranked on what each publishes: a free tier or trial, price, certificates offered, the devices it runs on and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.
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