Best Npcap Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to Npcap? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Npcap alongside similar software solutions including Npcap, Wireshark, Nmap, SoftPerfect Network Scanner and NirSoft WirelessNetView.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Npcap, Wireshark, Nmap, SoftPerfect Network Scanner and NirSoft WirelessNetView stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

	License and cost	Primary Functionality	Platform Support	User Interface and Usability
Npcap	Free and open-source software under MIT License.	Packet sniffing library for network exploration and security auditing on Windows systems, supports raw 802.11 Wi-Fi capturing.	Windows operating systems including Windows Server; actively developed on Windows.	Primarily uses command line but integrates with other graphical network analysis tools like Nmap and Wireshark.
Wireshark	Free and open-source software.	Powerful network protocol analyzer that captures and analyzes network traffic in real-time on multiple platforms.	Cross-platform support including Windows, Linux, macOS.	Graphical user interface with extensive features offering filtered packet views, statistical tools; steep learning curve for beginners.
Nmap	Free and open-source software.	Network exploration and security auditing tool focused on host discovery, port scanning, and vulnerability detection with scripting capabilities.	Cross-platform support including Windows, Linux, macOS.	Command-line interface with optional graphical interface (Zenmap); complex tasks suitable for users with networking knowledge.
SoftPerfect Network Scanner	Free tool with license and paid version; free version has a 10-device limit.	Multi-threaded IPv4/IPv6 scanner for scanning network devices, ports, and shares with reporting functionalities.	Windows and Windows Server including XP; supports IPv4/IPv6 scanning.	Simple and user-friendly design with customizable reports; suitable for IT professionals and novice users alike.
NirSoft WirelessNetView	Freeware utility; free to use with no installation required.	Portable wireless network monitoring tool that detects nearby Wi-Fi networks and provides detailed information about them.	Windows OS including Windows 2000 through Vista, XP, Server 2003/2008; portable application requiring no installation.	Lightweight portable utility with basic GUI focused on monitoring wireless networks; limited features but easy to use without installation.

License and cost

Npcap	Free and open-source software under MIT License.
Wireshark	Free and open-source software.
Nmap	Free and open-source software.
SoftPerfect Network Scanner	Free tool with license and paid version; free version has a 10-device limit.
NirSoft WirelessNetView	Freeware utility; free to use with no installation required.

Primary Functionality

Npcap	Packet sniffing library for network exploration and security auditing on Windows systems, supports raw 802.11 Wi-Fi capturing.
Wireshark	Powerful network protocol analyzer that captures and analyzes network traffic in real-time on multiple platforms.
Nmap	Network exploration and security auditing tool focused on host discovery, port scanning, and vulnerability detection with scripting capabilities.
SoftPerfect Network Scanner	Multi-threaded IPv4/IPv6 scanner for scanning network devices, ports, and shares with reporting functionalities.
NirSoft WirelessNetView	Portable wireless network monitoring tool that detects nearby Wi-Fi networks and provides detailed information about them.

Platform Support

Npcap	Windows operating systems including Windows Server; actively developed on Windows.
Wireshark	Cross-platform support including Windows, Linux, macOS.
Nmap	Cross-platform support including Windows, Linux, macOS.
SoftPerfect Network Scanner	Windows and Windows Server including XP; supports IPv4/IPv6 scanning.
NirSoft WirelessNetView	Windows OS including Windows 2000 through Vista, XP, Server 2003/2008; portable application requiring no installation.

User Interface and Usability

Npcap	Primarily uses command line but integrates with other graphical network analysis tools like Nmap and Wireshark.
Wireshark	Graphical user interface with extensive features offering filtered packet views, statistical tools; steep learning curve for beginners.
Nmap	Command-line interface with optional graphical interface (Zenmap); complex tasks suitable for users with networking knowledge.
SoftPerfect Network Scanner	Simple and user-friendly design with customizable reports; suitable for IT professionals and novice users alike.
NirSoft WirelessNetView	Lightweight portable utility with basic GUI focused on monitoring wireless networks; limited features but easy to use without installation.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how Npcap stacks up against Npcap, Wireshark, Nmap, SoftPerfect Network Scanner and NirSoft WirelessNetView in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.

	Size	License
Npcap	0.8MB	Shareware
Wireshark	83.3MB	Open Source
Nmap	25.4MB	Open Source
SoftPerfect Network Scanner	7.7MB	Freeware
NirSoft WirelessNetView	141728MB	Shareware

Size

Npcap	0.8MB
Wireshark	83.3MB
Nmap	25.4MB
SoftPerfect Network Scanner	7.7MB
NirSoft WirelessNetView	141728MB

License

Npcap	Shareware
Wireshark	Open Source
Nmap	Open Source
SoftPerfect Network Scanner	Freeware
NirSoft WirelessNetView	Shareware

Rating

Npcap
Wireshark
Nmap
SoftPerfect Network Scanner
NirSoft WirelessNetView

Popularity

Npcap
Wireshark
Nmap
SoftPerfect Network Scanner
NirSoft WirelessNetView