NmapAngry IP Scanner
VSNmap
Network scanner that discovers hosts, ports and services.
Official source: nmap.orgLast verified: awaiting review · How we check softwareDeveloper: Nmap Project
What is Nmap?
Nmap ("Network Mapper") discovers which hosts are online on a network, which ports they have open and which services and versions are listening on those ports. It can also estimate the operating system of a host and run scripts from its Nmap Scripting Engine to check for common misconfigurations. Administrators use it to build an inventory of devices and confirm that firewalls only expose what they should; security students use it to learn how reconnaissance works in a lab. Nmap is a command-line tool, with an official graphical front end called Zenmap. Only scan networks and systems you own or have written permission to test.
Key features
- Host discovery
- Port and service scanning
- Zenmap graphical interface
Who should use Nmap?
- IT professionalBuild a setup for this
- Network EngineerBuild a setup for this
- Security & privacyBuild a setup for this
- CybersecurityBuild a setup for this
Supported platforms
Pricing & licence
Open Source Free and open source
Open source: the source code is public, so anyone can inspect it, and it's free to use.
Prices change, so check nmap.org for current pricing.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Fast and scriptable
- Well documented
Cons
- Only scan networks you are authorised to
Installation
Windows
Windows · Winget
PS> winget install --id Insecure.Nmap --exact --source wingetLinux
Linux · APT (Ubuntu and Debian-based)
$ sudo apt install nmapPackage names were checked against each official package registry, and commands install the same software as the official download. Only run commands you understand.
Alternatives to Nmap
- Angry IP ScannerBest for a quick list of devices on a local network, without the command lineView Alternative
- Advanced IP ScannerBest for windows administrators who want to find and connect to devices quicklyView Alternative
Comparisons
NmapRelated guides
Best software for IT professionals
Diagnostic, networking and USB tools every IT technician should carry.
8 min read
How to set up a cybersecurity home lab
Build a safe, isolated practice lab with free tools: virtual machines, an analysis machine, a deliberately vulnerable target and packet capture.
8 min read
Related software
Wireshark
Networking
Network protocol analyser for capturing and inspecting traffic.
Open Source
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux
tcpdump
Networking
A command-line packet capture tool.
Open Source
Available for macOS, Linux
TCPView
Networking
Shows active network connections and the programs using them.
Free
Available for Windows
ping (iputils)
Networking
Checks whether a host is reachable and measures response time.
Open Source
Available for Linux
Nmap FAQ
Is Nmap legal to use?
Nmap is legal software. Scanning networks or systems you do not own or have permission to test may be illegal and is often treated as hostile. Use it on your own network, in a lab, or with written authorisation.
Does Nmap have a graphical interface?
Yes. Zenmap is the official graphical front end for Nmap. It lets you run and save scans and compare results without typing commands.
What is the difference between Nmap and Angry IP Scanner?
Angry IP Scanner is a simpler graphical tool for quickly finding which hosts are online and checking a few ports. Nmap goes much further, with service and version detection, operating system detection and a scripting engine.
Is Nmap free?
Free and open source. It's also open source.
Which platforms does Nmap support?
Nmap is available for Windows, macOS and Linux. It isn't available for Android and iPhone & iPad.
Can I install Nmap with Winget?
Yes. Run "winget install --id Insecure.Nmap --exact --source winget" in PowerShell or Windows Terminal. The package ID was checked against Microsoft's official Winget repository.
Can I install Nmap with Homebrew?
Yes. Run "brew install nmap" in Terminal.
What are the alternatives to Nmap?
Common alternatives include Angry IP Scanner and Advanced IP Scanner. See the full list of Nmap alternatives for how they differ.
How does Nmap compare with Angry IP Scanner?
We compare Nmap with Angry IP Scanner side by side, covering platforms, price, features and which kind of user each suits.
Where can I download Nmap safely?
From the official website, nmap.org. Aptorise links only to official sources and never hosts installers.