Network and IP scanning tools are software allowing network administrators or users to find loopholes in the environment. That, in turn, is the first step in safeguarding from unexpected and unwanted behavior within the system that can become problematic or even threatening. Securing a computer network is hard, and scanning tools are a convenient help.
This article shares the best IP scanners handpicked for everyday professional use. The list includes both free and commercial software, so you can use them as you prefer.
Quick overview of the best 27 network scanners today
If you are familiar with network and IP scanning and want to know the best tools, here is a list of the 27 picks described in this guide. But if you’re curious to know more details on every option, you can skip this section.
- ManageEngine OpUtils. A powerful and versatile scanner that can give you your network’s full picture in real-time.
- Security Event Manager. Improves security with emphasis on logs and data collection.
- Intruder. The most thorough threat scanner on the list. It emphasizes security and shows you how your network looks for third parties.
- Auvik. It’s network scanning made simple and automatic. In addition, it can encrypt the network traffic with the military-grade AES-256 algorithm.
- Paessler. A tool for advanced infrastructure management with data available as graphs and stats.
- Open Port Scanner. Scans available IP addresses as well as its TCPs and UDPs.
- SolarWinds Network Device Scanner. It scans a network to locate and monitor the devices available.
- IP Control Bundle. This tool focuses on reporting and monitoring the network’s accessible and used IP addresses.
- Network Bandwidth Analyzer. A monitoring tool for network performance. It lets you determine nodes that use too much bandwidth.
- Skyboxsecurity. This network scanner easily decodes the most intricate and complicated networks.
- ThousandEyes. A network monitoring tool specialized in diagnosing and triaging network problems for quick remediation.
- BeyondTrust. An excellent overall free network scanner that monitors the network’s essential stats and detects problems.
- Qualys. A streamlined security solution that can also work across cloud systems.
- Spiceworks. An easy-to-use scanner with real-time alerts for your vital devices.
- Site24x7. An integrated tool to keep vigilance over servers, apps, websites, and clouds simultaneously.
- Nagios. It is an open-source continuous monitoring tool.
- Nessus. A very versatile network scanner intended to make your experience easy and intuitive.
- GFI LanGuard. A scanner focused on mobile devices and patch management for several operating systems.
- Advanced IP Scanner. A free scanner packs a lot of punch with features usually not found in scanners.
- Domotz. A scanner for analyzing the most advanced network data and for remote control.
- Essential NetTools. It’s a scanning suite of tools offering many useful features for network administration.
- LogicMonitor. It works on Linux and Windows, providing a range of options for alerts, performance graphs, and user management.
- Nikto2. One of the best preventive scanners, ready to detect more than 7000 risky applications.
- SoftPerfect Network Scanner. It supports IPv6 addresses and detects those elusive hardware MAC addresses. It runs from a USB stick without installation.
- Nexpose Rapid7. A real-time scanner aimed to find new threats so you can neutralize them on time.
- Snort. An intrusion detection and prevention suite of network tools.
- Wireshark. Another open-source scanner exhibiting multi-platform capabilities.