Top 14 Network Tools and Software in 2025 (Free & Paid) for Network Security and Monitoring

Discover the 14 best network tools and software used in 2025, including free and paid options. Learn how they help in network monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and cybersecurity management.

  Network Security   Jul 4, 2025   19  Add to Reading List

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In today’s digital world, monitoring and managing networks is critical for security and performance. Whether you're a cybersecurity student, IT admin, or ethical hacker, using the right network tools can help you troubleshoot, secure, and optimize systems.

This blog covers the top 14 network tools and software used in 2025, including both free and paid options, their features, real-world use cases, and why they are important in modern IT environments.

What Are Network Tools?

Network tools are software utilities or programs that help users monitor, analyze, troubleshoot, and secure computer networks. They are used by IT teams, cybersecurity professionals, and ethical hackers to:

  • Detect traffic issues

  • Find security vulnerabilities

  • Manage bandwidth

  • Monitor device performance

  • Identify unauthorized access

Why Network Tools Matter in 2025

As cloud adoption, remote work, and cyber threats increase, managing and securing networks has become more complex. The right network tool can help in:

  • Quick issue detection (latency, outages, etc.)

  • Enhanced cybersecurity monitoring

  • Compliance with industry regulations

  • Efficient troubleshooting and forensics

Top 14 Network Tools and Software in 2025 (Free and Paid)

Here’s a list of the most used and trusted network tools for various purposes.

Tool Name Type Key Features Free / Paid Best For
Wireshark Packet Analyzer Deep packet inspection, real-time monitoring Free Ethical hackers, network debugging
Nmap Port Scanner Port discovery, OS detection, network mapping Free Security audits, network scanning
SolarWinds NPM Network Monitor Traffic analysis, device monitoring Paid (Trial available) Enterprise network management
Nagios Monitoring Tool Server, switch, application monitoring Free & Paid IT infrastructure monitoring
Zabbix Open-source NMS SNMP support, auto-discovery, dashboards Free Full network monitoring
PRTG Network Monitor Monitoring Tool Real-time alerts, sensors, bandwidth monitoring Free (up to 100 sensors), Paid IT monitoring with easy UI
Angry IP Scanner IP Scanner Lightweight, fast IP and port scanner Free Network scanning in small setups
OpenVAS Vulnerability Scanner Detects misconfigurations and flaws Free Penetration testing & auditing
Kismet Wireless Tool Wireless packet capture, intrusion detection Free Wi-Fi analysis and sniffing
Netcat (nc) Networking Utility Port listening, banner grabbing, reverse shell Free Troubleshooting and hacking tasks
Cisco Packet Tracer Network Simulator Simulated labs, routing/switching practice Free (for students) Networking training, CCNA practice
Tcpdump CLI Packet Sniffer Lightweight CLI tool for packet analysis Free Quick traffic checks on servers
Nessus Vulnerability Scanner In-depth scan reports, compliance auditing Paid (Trial available) Enterprise vulnerability scans
LanScan Network Scanner Local network IP scanning (Mac only) Free & Paid Small business network scans

Real-Life Use Cases of These Tools

  • Wireshark is used by network engineers to debug why VoIP calls are dropping.

  • Nmap is commonly used by ethical hackers to find open ports during penetration tests.

  • SolarWinds NPM helps IT admins monitor enterprise routers and switches.

  • Nagios alerts when a database server exceeds CPU usage.

  • Kismet detects rogue access points in a corporate Wi-Fi environment.

  • Netcat is used by red teams to create reverse shells during exploit sessions.

How to Choose the Right Network Tool?

When selecting a network tool, consider the following:

  • Network size – Is it for personal use or an enterprise network?

  • Security focus – Do you need deep vulnerability scanning or just traffic analysis?

  • Budget – Free tools are powerful, but paid tools offer advanced features.

  • Ease of use – Some tools are CLI-based (Nmap, Tcpdump), while others have a GUI (PRTG, Zabbix).

Conclusion

Network tools are essential for securing, maintaining, and analyzing computer networks. Whether you're a beginner learning packet sniffing or a pro managing complex infrastructure, there's a tool for every need.

Make sure to pick tools that suit your goals—whether it's Wireshark for analysis, Nmap for scanning, or PRTG for full monitoring.

FAQs 

What is a network tool?

A network tool is software used to monitor, analyze, manage, or secure computer networks.

Why are network tools important?

They help identify issues, improve performance, secure systems, and detect vulnerabilities.

Which is the best free network monitoring tool?

Zabbix and Wireshark are among the best free tools for monitoring and packet analysis.

What is Wireshark used for?

Wireshark is a packet analyzer used for real-time traffic capture and protocol analysis.

Is Nmap safe to use?

Yes, Nmap is safe when used legally and ethically for security testing and auditing.

What is the difference between PRTG and SolarWinds?

PRTG is better for SMBs with a free tier, while SolarWinds is an enterprise-level solution with advanced analytics.

Can beginners use network tools?

Yes, tools like Angry IP Scanner, Cisco Packet Tracer, and Netcat are beginner-friendly.

What is OpenVAS?

OpenVAS is a free and open-source vulnerability scanner used in penetration testing.

How is Nessus different from OpenVAS?

Nessus is a paid vulnerability scanner with detailed compliance features, while OpenVAS is open-source.

What is Nagios used for?

Nagios is used for monitoring servers, network devices, and services with alerting capabilities.

Are there any network tools for Mac?

Yes, tools like LanScan and Wireshark are compatible with macOS.

What is Cisco Packet Tracer used for?

It’s a network simulator used by students and IT professionals to practice configurations.

Which tool is best for wireless network monitoring?

Kismet is highly effective for wireless sniffing and rogue access point detection.

What does Tcpdump do?

Tcpdump captures and analyzes network packets from the command line.

Is SolarWinds paid or free?

SolarWinds is primarily a paid tool, but free trials are available.

Can Netcat be used for reverse shells?

Yes, Netcat is often used in penetration testing for creating reverse and bind shells.

How does Zabbix compare to Nagios?

Zabbix has a modern UI and better scalability, while Nagios is known for its strong plugin ecosystem.

Which network scanner is lightweight?

Angry IP Scanner is a lightweight and fast scanner used to find live hosts.

Do I need to know programming to use these tools?

Not necessarily, but scripting skills (like Bash or Python) can enhance functionality.

What is meant by network simulation?

Network simulation means creating virtual network environments for training or testing.

What is the role of a vulnerability scanner?

It detects software vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and security gaps in networks or systems.

Is Nessus available for Linux?

Yes, Nessus supports Linux, Windows, and macOS platforms.

Can these tools detect malware?

Some tools like OpenVAS and Nessus can detect known malware signatures and exploit attempts.

What is a port scanner?

A port scanner like Nmap checks open or closed ports on devices in a network.

How can I analyze network traffic?

Tools like Wireshark and Tcpdump can capture and analyze network traffic.

What are SNMP-based tools?

Tools like Zabbix and Nagios use SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) to monitor devices.

What is a packet sniffer?

A packet sniffer captures and analyzes network packets for debugging or threat detection.

Is GitHub a good place to find open-source network tools?

Yes, many popular tools like Nmap and Kismet are maintained on GitHub.

Can I automate scans using these tools?

Yes, tools like Nmap, OpenVAS, and Nessus support scripting and automation.

What tool helps with bandwidth usage?

PRTG and SolarWinds NPM are great for bandwidth monitoring and traffic analytics.

Should students learn these tools?

Absolutely. These tools are widely used in real-world cybersecurity and IT jobs.

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