NetScanTools Pro: what it is, what it does and how it compares with free tools

Key takeaways

• NetScanTools Pro is a commercial Windows toolkit for network diagnostics and investigation.
• Its jobs, such as ping, traceroute, DNS and port scanning, can be done with free tools.
• A suite helps with convenience and report keeping, not new capabilities.
• Scan only networks you own or have written permission to test.
• Check the vendor site for the current feature list and price.

What is NetScanTools Pro?

NetScanTools Pro is a commercial toolkit for Windows from Northwest Performance Software. It puts many network utilities into one graphical application. The vendor's site, netscantools.com, lists current features, editions and pricing. Check it for details, since this article does not repeat a feature list that may change.

What jobs do tools like this do?

A suite gathers these in one interface and lets you save results together.

How do you do the same with free tools?

$ ping -c 4 192.168.56.101
$ traceroute 192.168.56.101
$ dig example.org A
$ whois example.org
$ nmap -sV 192.168.56.101

Use your own lab address in the examples. See our post on finding live hosts with Nmap and the Nmap reference guide.

When might a GUI suite be worth it?

• You work mostly on Windows and prefer a graphical tool.
• You want results, notes and reports in one place.
• You are a network administrator who runs the same checks often.
• Your team includes people who do not use the command line.

When are free tools enough?

For learning, the command line is better, because you see exactly what each option does and what packets are sent. Most professional certifications expect you to use Nmap and the standard utilities.

What should you check before buying?

1. The current feature list and which edition has them.
2. The licence terms and how many machines it covers.
3. A trial, if the vendor offers one, so you can test against your own lab.
4. Whether it fits your reporting needs.

Legal note

Scanning networks you do not own or have permission to test can be illegal under India's IT Act. Use your own lab or an authorised scope.

Where can you build these skills?

Start with what network scanning is and essential Linux networking commands.

Next steps

To build the underlying skills, see our Computer Network course. If you are heading to security work, the VAPT course puts scanning in context.

Related reading

• What Are the Best Linux SysAdmin Tools in 2026? Top 20 Must-Have Utilities for Every Admin
• A Comprehensive Guide to Angry IP Scanner | Features, Uses, and Installation Steps
• What is SNMP and LDAP Enumeration in Ethical Hacking? Tools, Ports, Commands, and Protection Guide