Skip to main content
TrustRadius
Wireshark

Wireshark

Overview

What is Wireshark?

Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.

Read more
Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

Wireshark, a widely utilized network traffic analysis tool, has proven to be invaluable for various user experiences and use cases. Cyber …
Continue reading

Indispensable tool

9 out of 10
October 31, 2022
Incentivized
Its port scans help you find the problem quickly. Recently I had to analyze a company because there was so much traffic on the network.
Continue reading

To Wireshark or not

9 out of 10
October 31, 2022
We use Wireshark in a multitude of ways. First, we troubleshoot connectivity issues with it, second, we use it for Firewall ruleset tests …
Continue reading
Read all reviews

Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Return to navigation

Pricing

View all pricing

Wireshark

Free

On Premise

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Return to navigation

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
Return to navigation

Product Details

What is Wireshark?

Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.

Wireshark Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise
Operating SystemsWindows, Linux, Mac
Mobile ApplicationNo

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).
Return to navigation

Comparisons

View all alternatives
Return to navigation

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!

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

(1-1 of 1)
Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
November 04, 2016

Wireshark

Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Wireshark is being used across our organization to trouble shoot all network related issues. We are also using it to trouble shoot application speed issues between locations.
  • Wireshark provides an immense amount of data. If the data is being sent you will be able to track it.
  • Will flag some notable information if you don't know what you are looking for.
  • Can analyze VoIP data as well.
  • It can be difficult to parse and filter data without working with Wireshark for a while. The amount of data can be overwhelming for first time users.
  • We have had difficulties getting it to run properly with MacOS
Wireshark can be used to find speed issues for an internal application slowing down between geographical locations. Wireshark works well for tracking down unmanaged switches and hubs that are causing issues in our network. If you have no idea what your are looking for, Wireshark may not be the way to go. Also when tracking issues with a web application, as there are easier tools to use for that.
  • We were able to track a speed issue in our ERP system to an issue with one of our switches, saved us from having to pay for the outside vendor to come in an analyse the situation. Saved $7500 easily.
  • Wireshark is used often in our day to day.
  • tcpdump
Wireshark is much easier to use, Wireshark can parse/filter and display more lines of data and has a more modern GUI.
45
Information Technology
Wireshark does not need to be supported as it is a trouble shooting tool
  • Correcting network speed issues
  • Tracking communication issues within internal applications
  • We were able to use wireshark to track down a communication issue with our ERP software and the database server it used to speed up the system considerably. Before that fix we were considering replacing the whole system.
  • Troubleshooting network issues as they arise.
Yes
We replaced Tcpdump with Wireshark. Tcpdump was a legacy system that couldn't analyze the amount of data that Wireshark could and was difficult to train new employees on.
  • Price
  • Product Features
We wouldn't, Wireshark has worked out well for our organization.
  • Implemented in-house
No
Wireshark does not require extensive implementation. It is a relatively minor setup.
  • None, was simple and easy.
Simple and easy setup.
  • Not many, there is a bit of a learning curve that exists with all competing software as well.
  • Filtering data can be difficult.
  • Integrating with homegrown software is difficult.
While Wireshark is difficult to use, it is still the best of the packet sniffers.
Return to navigation