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Wireshark, a widely utilized network traffic analysis tool, has proven to be invaluable for various user experiences and use cases. Cyber …
Starting at $0
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What is Wireshark?
Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.
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Pricing
Wireshark
Free
On Premise
Entry-level set up fee?
- No setup fee
Offerings
- Free Trial
- Free/Freemium Version
- Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Product Demos
Local and Remote Sniffing with Wireshark
YouTube
Wireshark demo (simple http)
YouTube
Saving Files From Wireshark
YouTube
Brim Demo
YouTube
How to Use Wireshark's Follow TCP Stream Feature
YouTube
Wireshark SIP Capture
YouTube
Product Details
- About
- Tech Details
- FAQs
What is Wireshark?
Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.
Wireshark Technical Details
| Deployment Types | On-premise |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Linux, Mac |
| Mobile Application | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.
Wireshark starts at $0.
Reviewers rate Support Rating highest, with a score of 10.
The most common users of Wireshark are from Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 employees).
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Reviews and Ratings
(135)
Community Insights
TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!
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Wireshark, a widely utilized network traffic analysis tool, has proven to be invaluable for various user experiences and use cases. Cyber security professionals rely on Wireshark for research and investigation, allowing them to check network traffic from applications and ensure there are no abnormalities. The software's versatility is demonstrated by its utilization in setting up Capture the Flag challenges, making it an engaging tool for recruiting purposes. Additionally, Wireshark is essential for monitoring network traffic and troubleshooting network-related issues, saving time and effort in problem-solving. It enables system administrators and network administrators to dissect network packets in detail, extract relevant network information, and quickly identify and resolve network problems. The software's free and open-source nature provides cost savings without compromising functionality, making it a preferred choice for users. Its graphical interface makes network packet analysis less cumbersome compared to command-line alternatives. Moreover, Wireshark aids in in-depth analysis of TCAP messages, debugging of network data exchange issues, investigating network issues and locating lost IPs on the network, troubleshooting site-to-site VPN tunnels, identifying unusual activity in network traffic, tracking specific users' data for detection of client/server connectivity issues, aiding in networking and security education with real-time lab environments, capturing and analyzing network traffic for automation purposes, verifying protocol usage, troubleshooting firewall ruleset tests, monitoring traffic patterns, locating desired information within the network using powerful filters, identifying handshake issue algorithm compatibility problems with database servers and clients, diagnosing issues with VOIP phone systems causing dropped calls due to packet loss, capturing network traffic for system information management purposes, addressing ping scan DOS attacks on external locations and severe broadcast storms caused by corrupted NIC drivers on the main network. The versatility of Wireshark extends to various organizations where it is used for network design, testing, operation as well as helping technicians analyze network traffic effectively during troubleshooting at client sites.
Affordable Price: Many users appreciate the low cost of Wireshark, as it provides powerful network analysis capabilities without the need for expensive software. Several reviewers have stated that Wireshark offers a good value for its price.
Packet Analysis Capabilities: The ability to capture, log, and analyze packet data is highly valued by users. Many reviewers have mentioned that this feature allows for detailed troubleshooting and monitoring of network traffic in their feedback on Wireshark.
Real-time Network Visibility: Users find the real-time network data visibility provided by Wireshark to be invaluable. Several customers have mentioned that this feature enables them to monitor network activity promptly and identify any issues or anomalies with ease.
Confusing User Interface: Some users have found the user interface of Wireshark to be confusing, suggesting that it can be improved to make it more user-friendly and intuitive.
Steep Learning Curve: The software has a steep learning curve, with new users finding it overwhelming to see all the columns and colors. This can make it challenging for them to navigate and understand the software.
Lack of User-Friendliness: While acknowledging that Wireshark is not primarily designed for those who are not comfortable with this type of software, some users still mention the lack of a more user-friendly interface. They suggest enhancing the UI/UX to make it more intuitive and easier to use.
Users of Wireshark have made several recommendations based on their experience with the software. The most common recommendations include utilizing the free version, seeking help and documentation online, and exploring all features and capabilities.
Many users recommend using the free version of Wireshark as it is considered a great tool for networking systems and packet analysis. Users appreciate its stability and open-source nature.
To effectively use Wireshark, users advise seeking help and documentation online. They suggest following tutorials and reading the new user guide to understand how to navigate the software's features.
Users also recommend spending time exploring all the features and capabilities of Wireshark, although it may seem overwhelming at first. By doing so, users can fully utilize this powerful network sniffing tool, particularly on Linux systems.
Overall, users consider Wireshark an excellent network packet analyzer that caters to the needs of both network engineers and beginners in network engineering. However, some users caution obtaining security approval before using the software. While they acknowledge that Wireshark may provide more information than expected, they still regard it as a valuable tool for their networking needs.
Attribute Ratings
Reviews
(1-25 of 25)Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
November 02, 2022
Must have tool to work in or with Networks!
Firstly, Wireshark is a free tool!
Easy to implement and its opensource. We had many reviews & recommendations from users in the industry. All our requirements were available in the tool.
Easy to implement and its opensource. We had many reviews & recommendations from users in the industry. All our requirements were available in the tool.
October 31, 2022
Great open-source tool with a powerful toolset
The feature set is really great, and GUI helps at times when setting up the DNS feature, as well as a general quick overview into the system. It is really good that the tool supports protocols that are generally used on the network and get into the depth, and retrieves measured-up information.
October 31, 2022
To Wireshark or not
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Both are very good products, it just came down to the price for our decision.
October 29, 2022
WireShark
Wireshark has a more friendly user interface and easy to use. It can be installed on many operating systems and can be used in combination with Kali Linux. What I like about Wireshark is the live data view that is so helpful when trying to troubleshoot that pin points to the problem.
October 29, 2022
Wireshark is the industry standard tool - search no alternative.
Honestly, I do not know a better tool than Wireshark with GUI. Every single occasion I had to analyze packets in any company it was done in Wireshark - it's like industry standard.
October 29, 2022
Quick to deploy and powerfull for deep dive on network
- Riverbed Security Solution (Flowtraq)
Easier to use along with much lower costs and time required to configure / get running.Quick small install file with no hardware or virtual appliace to deploy. Good support availible online in the way of tutorials to help locate exactly what you require. Good support community. Well documented help file
October 29, 2022
The best packet analyzer to monitor the application traffic.
- Microsoft Network Monitor (Discontinued)
Limited to windows products. Wireshark help in the cross severs.
October 28, 2022
Wireshark...a must-have for an IT toolbox
Most firewall devices have some degree of troubleshooting built in but they don't give you actual deep packet inspection in realtime as data flows. Because of the ease of implementation and the cost, Wireshark is a solid solid solution that anyone can use and will help solve network problems quickly.
July 27, 2021
Simple Easy Open Source Packet Analyzer
Wireshark is widely used and is the most popular packet analyzer available. It is a great debugging tool and easy to implement and use. It is Open Source and has a variety of options to analyze your network traffic.
July 27, 2021
Wireshark Is A Must Have for Network Admins
Wireshark overall is just better put together and seems to operate better. Maybe it has jus been more mainstream for a longer period of time, but we like and trust it better than other alternatives at this time.
We tried Savvius Omnipeek, it has a better interface than Wireshark and a much less intense learning curve due to the improved UI it offers. It has better analyzing capability than Wireshark and the triggers are a nice feature it offers. However, it is not free and open-source software. Therefore updates are subject to the company and potential issues may arise.
Netcat is frequently used by us due to its wide adoption, command-line based, and very ease of use. However, it has an even more steep learning curve compared to Wireshark and UI is non-existent.
Netcat is frequently used by us due to its wide adoption, command-line based, and very ease of use. However, it has an even more steep learning curve compared to Wireshark and UI is non-existent.
July 27, 2021
Must have in any security professional's toolbox
[Wireshark] is just the go-to application. It's the tool that is taught with in school and at trade conferences. We have not had a need to even look at other tools. It's free, it had a ton of functionality, and it just works without complaint.
July 27, 2021
Wireshark, a network engineer's secret weapon
Wireshark is a free tool that came highly recommended by one of our former network security consultants. Using the tool he was able to resolve all of our higher tier network tickets, so we observed first hand why we needed to add Wireshark into our toolset. We received in-depth instruction and training scenarios that demonstrated the effectiveness and power of the product, so we didn't spend any time reviewing competing products.
July 21, 2021
I haven't needed to look further than Wireshark
- Digital.ai Agility (formerly VersionOne)
I've not really needed to look beyond Wireshark for my requirements.
Fiddler has recently become my preferred network packet capturing tool, as it allows you to manipulate data for testing. Because I'm building automation software, this feature is invaluable to me. Otherwise, Wireshark is the better choice because it can capture ANY type of network traffic, which is crucial for network admins (along with people in other professions).
September 13, 2019
Powerful, Easy to use, Exactly what you need!
It is free compared to solarwinds deep packet software. It is easier to use than tcpdump or ettercap, and it has a much better presentation of the data. It's not as in depth as PRTG Network Monitor, but for an on the spot analysis, it is better for resource management and much quicker to set up and configure.
September 05, 2019
A staple in the network troubleshooting toolbelt
- SolarWinds Netflow Traffic Analyzer
Wireshark is MUCH more in-depth and easy to use. Even though the files can get large and be a bit overwhelming, there are plenty of how-to articles and forums that can help you find the desired syntax for what you are looking for. Netflow Traffic Analyzer seems like a bit of an afterthought and doesn't hold a candle to the value Wireshark delivers.
July 18, 2019
Wireshark the best friend for network engineers
I haven't found another product can perform the same functionality as Wireshark. There are some similar products such as Microsoft Message Analyzer and others, but Wireshark is the only choice and mandatory for any network engineer.
July 02, 2019
Dissect your Network Packets with Wireshark!
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
There are quite some softwares that provide this functionality, but by far Wireshark is the most renowned and reputable software for network packet analysis. Wireshark also has a big open source community available on the Internet which helps people with any sort of problems that they are facing. So I would definitely recommend using this software for any form of network learning/ troubleshooting.
February 11, 2019
Wireshark is Solid :-)
Wireshark integrates into just about everything and is more of a go along than one or the other in my opinion. Its ease of use, and clear understanding, make it a go-to in analyst work.
September 25, 2018
Wireshark is free for those who like to snoop without limitations
I've looked at several over the years but Wireshark's no cost and advanced capabilities make it an easy choice for me. Wireshark's biggest advantage is its cost, which I've mentioned several times. It's significant in budget terms. I can't justify paying $1,000 for software that I can get for free. If I need something more advanced, I'd just pay a consultant, but they're likely to use Wireshark, so I'm not sure what I'd be paying for in the long run except a second opinion or another pair of eyes on the data.
March 03, 2018
Wireshark - Perfect Tool for Network Admins
I'm not sure there are other products out there that can do all that Wireshark does for the price (free). Yes, there are commercial products that can do "more", but I haven't found the need to do anything "more" that I need to spend money on. It can generate reports; export data so you can generate your own graphs and reports; and allows you to perform baseline analysis on your network segments.
November 29, 2017
A "dump" a day is a wonderful thing! A day is not complete without having used Wireshark.
- tcptrace and Microsoft Network Monitor
TCPtrace is great if needing to capture communication on the same machine.
Network Monitor was boring compared to Wireshark.
Network Monitor was boring compared to Wireshark.
March 31, 2017
Great Tool to Network Toubleshoot
- tcpdump, python and NetBrain
Wireshark can be efficient if the users understand how to filter and know what to look for. You need to have some basic network knowledge.
November 04, 2016
Wireshark
- tcpdump
Wireshark is much easier to use, Wireshark can parse/filter and display more lines of data and has a more modern GUI.