Updated June 15, 2023
Introduction to Nmap
Nmap (“Network Mapper”) is a free as well as open-source (license) network exploration or security auditing provider. It is also considered useful by many services and network admins for tasks like maintaining software update schedules, network inventory, and controlling host or server uptime. Nmap uses raw IP packets in innovative ways to decide which hosts are available on the network, which services (application name and version) those hosts provide, which operating systems (and OS versions) they operate, what sort of packet filters/firewalls are in use and thousands of other features. It has been developed to inspect large networks quickly, but it works well against single hosts. In this topic, we are going to learn about Nmap Alternative.
Many people love to work with the Nmap terminal; however, others want GUI and web-based tools that offer easy and quick solutions that suit their requirements.
List of Nmap Alternatives
Given below is the list of Nmap Alternatives:
1. Zenmap
Zenmap is the free cross-platform Front End (GUI) interface of Nmap. It runs on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, etc. Zenmap focuses on making Nmap easy for beginners to scan remote hosts easily and friendly while offering advanced features for professional users of Nmap. Users can store Frequently used scans as profiles to make repeated execution fast. A command creator enables the development of interactive command lines for the Nmap. Results of Scans can be saved and displayed later. The effects of saved scans can be compared to each other to see if they vary. The latest scan results are stored in a searchable database.
Features of Zenmap:
- Users can Save scan results in a database.
- It allows to search results in the database.
- It provides a comparison of current scan results and previous scans.
2. Shodan
Shodan (Sentient Hyper-Optimised Data Access Network) is a search engine for gathering and mapping information on internet-connected devices like computer systems, mobile phones, servers, webcams, traffic lights, smart TVs, and others. Shodan is a search engine for the Internet of Things (IoT). It provides vulnerability analysis, market research, and penetration testing.
It can 24/7 map and scan any devices connected to the internet. Cybersecurity experts, government agencies, and academic researchers mainly use it. It allows 50 results for free and paid subscriptions for more advanced results.
Features of Shodan:
- It supports Boolean operators and provides filters for the efficiency of searching.
- It allows us to scan and search open ports on specific hosts or networks.
- Shodan shows potential hosts that respond to network requests.
- It scans and shows the scan results with the operating system and the version and network details of the host it runs.
- It also detects the Application version of apps and the version number running on the network.
3. Angry IP Scan
An angry IP scanner is the best alternative for Nmap for the port scan tool. It is mainly used for the fast scanning speed of port and IP address scanners, as it has a multi-thread process that separates each scan. Moreover, it is free and supports operating systems Linux, Windows, Mac, etc.
Features of Angry IP Scanner:
- No installation is needed for this tool. Users can download and run Angry IP Scan.
- It allows the Scanning of open ports on any remote network.
- It also detects NetBIOS as well as Webserver information.
- It allows the Exporting of scan results into TXT, CSV, and XML files.
- It provides plugin integration with Java language.
4. Advanced Port Scanner
Advanced Port Scanner is a fast and free port scanner that quickly detects open ports (TCP and UDP) on network computers. It also helps to identify versions of programs running on the specific network. In addition, it allows users to access network resources like HTTP, HTTPS, RDP, FTP, Radmin, and shared folders. It also allows remote shutdown and starting of computers and the option to run quick commands such as tracert, ping, SSH, and telnet on a specific PC.
Features of Advanced Port Scanner:
- It provides Asynchronous stateless TCP scanning as well as Asynchronous UDP scanning.
- It scans the IP port and detects service running on the hosts
- It allows operating system detection remotely.
- Users can Enable multiple command-line modules
5. Fing
Fing is a free and open-source network scanner widely used by network admins’ cybersecurity experts. It detects and maps devices connected to any Wi-Fi network assesses security risks, and troubleshoot problems of networks.
Along with Port scanning, it also provides Wi-Fi scanning, Subnet scanning, ping, service monitoring, DNS lookup, and reverse DNS lookup; hence, it is also one of the best alternatives to Nmap. It has been developed to inspect large networks quickly but also works best with single hosts.
Features of Fing:
- It scans all devices connected to any network.
- Scan results provide detailed information, which includes IP address, Device Name, MAC address, Device Manufacturer, Device vendor, etc.
- It also detects intruders.
- It provides Advanced analysis of UPNP, NetBIOS, Bonjour names, and properties.
- Fing allows checking Internet connectivity as well as Inventory of devices and networks.
- It also allows for ISP analysis and location.
- It can Connect to ports like FTP, Browser, SSH, etc.
Conclusion – Nmap Alternative
In this article, we have seen different alternatives to Nmap along with their features. You can choose any of them for monitoring networks and performing other functions based on your needs. We hope you will find this article helpful.
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