Overview
What is Wireshark?
Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.
Read moreLearn from top reviewers
Nothing is better than Wireshark
Rating: 10 out of 10
June 11, 2024
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
I work as a VoIP specialist in contact centers. It regularly happens that I have to study SIP calls to identify faults on gateways during Trunk installation. Wireshark is requ...
Verified user
Consultant
15 years of experience
Boosting Network Performance and Reliability with Wireshark!
Rating: 8 out of 10
June 11, 2024
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
The scope of our use case spans across our entire organization, from troubleshooting specific issues to ensuring secure and efficient network communication. When issues arise,...
Verified user
Employee
5 years of experience
Must have tool to work in or with Networks!
Rating: 10 out of 10
November 2, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
Receiving the TCAP messages has been never easy. This opensource tool easily capture TCAP during the calls for me on different INAP services. We also easily evaluate messages ...
Manager - Research & Development
Manager - Special Projects
Central Finance Co PLC
2 years of experience
The king of software for capturing and analyzing network traffic
Rating: 10 out of 10
October 31, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
Wireshark software is used every day by me and my IT team as a specific tool for capturing and analyzing traffic on our networks. It is super intuitive and complete to identif...
Verified user
Analyst
3 years of experience
Great open-source tool with a powerful toolset
Rating: 10 out of 10
October 31, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
I have used Wireshark to investigate network issues and mostly find lost IPs on the network. The GUI is amazing as well as the command line's speed works wonders. I also used ...
Administrator - Information Technology
Technology Lead
V ARCHITECTURE PTY LTD
1 year of experience
Indispensable tool
Rating: 9 out of 10
October 31, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
Its port scans help you find the problem quickly. Recently I had to analyze a company because there was so much traffic on the network.
Verified user
Director
5 years of experience
To Wireshark or not
Rating: 9 out of 10
October 31, 2022
Vetted ReviewVerified User
We use Wireshark in a multitude of ways. First, we troubleshoot connectivity issues with it, second, we use it for Firewall ruleset tests and third we use it to monitor odd tr...
C-Level Executive - Information Technology
CIO (Chief Information Officer)
Superior Credit Union
14 years of experience
Wireshark is a great and super affordable network troubleshooting tool
Rating: 9 out of 10
October 31, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
We use Wireshark in our organization to troubleshoot network-related issues, such as when setting up a new site-to-site VPN tunnel and for some reason the connection is not be...
Professional - Information Technology
Sr. Systems Engineer
Irwin Naturals
8 years of experience
WireShark
Rating: 9 out of 10
October 29, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
We have been using Wireshark for a few years, it allows us to take a deep view of out network and analyze what is being sent and received. We use it a lot when trying to troub...
Employee - Information Technology
IT
Lea County Electric
1 year of experience
Exactly what we need for our business
Rating: 10 out of 10
October 29, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
We have a lot of clients and there are times when they run into certain network issues when trying to connect to certain apps. With Wireshark we're able to run a packet captur...
Consultant - Information Technology
Senior Information Technology Audit Manager
SS
3 years of experience
Wireshark is the industry standard tool - search no alternative.
Rating: 10 out of 10
October 29, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
Wireshark is the best tool for packet analysis in the market with GUI (in my experience). We use it daily to analyze network traffic, captures packets, monitor interfaces and ...
Verified user
Employee
2 years of experience
Quick to deploy and powerfull for deep dive on network
Rating: 8 out of 10
October 29, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
Used to hunt down hard to find issues occuring within the network, great for getting to the bottom of dhcp / dns issues along with any VOIP problem that occurs. Intergrates we...
Verified user
Technician
5 years of experience
The best packet analyzer to monitor the application traffic.
Rating: 10 out of 10
October 29, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
Have done troubleshooting of network traffic using this software. It’s helped to dissect the problem up to the granular level of network packets. It was great help identify th...
Verified user
Team Lead
4 years of experience
Wireshark...a must-have for an IT toolbox
Rating: 10 out of 10
October 28, 2022
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
Wireshark is an incredible problem solving tool. It allows us to see inside of the network to the actual data being transmitted and received from various devices. There is not...
Verified user
Director
15 years of experience
Simple Easy Open Source Packet Analyzer
Rating: 9 out of 10
July 27, 2021
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
Wireshark is a tool used by our Network Systems and Security Teams to analyze incoming and outgoing traffic to troubleshoot Network Issues. The tool gives end-users the option...
Consultant - Information Technology
ITSM and Project Management Consultant
Kyra Solutions, Inc.
10 years of experience
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Awards
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Reviewer Pros & Cons
- Network mapping
- A server/client mode to remotely control parsers on servers
- Comprehensive Protocol Support
- Allow users to create custom dashboards and generate detailed reports would enhance flexibility.
Pricing
View all pricingWireshark
Free
On Premise
Entry-level set up fee?
- No setup fee
Offerings
- Free Trial
- Free/Freemium Version
- Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Product Demos
Local and Remote Sniffing with Wireshark
YouTube
Wireshark demo (simple http)
YouTube
Saving Files From Wireshark
YouTube
Brim Demo
YouTube
How to Use Wireshark's Follow TCP Stream Feature
YouTube
Wireshark SIP Capture
YouTube
Product Details
- About
- Tech Details
- FAQs
What is Wireshark?
Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.
Wireshark Technical Details
| Deployment Types | On-premise |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Linux, Mac |
| Mobile Application | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.
Wireshark starts at $0.
Reviewers rate Support Rating highest, with a score of 10.
The most common users of Wireshark are from Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 employees).
Comparisons
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Reviews and Ratings
(135)
Community Insights
TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content?
- Business Problems Solved
- Pros
- Cons
- Recommendations
Wireshark, a widely utilized network traffic analysis tool, has proven to be invaluable for various user experiences and use cases. Cyber security professionals rely on Wireshark for research and investigation, allowing them to check network traffic from applications and ensure there are no abnormalities. The software's versatility is demonstrated by its utilization in setting up Capture the Flag challenges, making it an engaging tool for recruiting purposes. Additionally, Wireshark is essential for monitoring network traffic and troubleshooting network-related issues, saving time and effort in problem-solving. It enables system administrators and network administrators to dissect network packets in detail, extract relevant network information, and quickly identify and resolve network problems. The software's free and open-source nature provides cost savings without compromising functionality, making it a preferred choice for users. Its graphical interface makes network packet analysis less cumbersome compared to command-line alternatives. Moreover, Wireshark aids in in-depth analysis of TCAP messages, debugging of network data exchange issues, investigating network issues and locating lost IPs on the network, troubleshooting site-to-site VPN tunnels, identifying unusual activity in network traffic, tracking specific users' data for detection of client/server connectivity issues, aiding in networking and security education with real-time lab environments, capturing and analyzing network traffic for automation purposes, verifying protocol usage, troubleshooting firewall ruleset tests, monitoring traffic patterns, locating desired information within the network using powerful filters, identifying handshake issue algorithm compatibility problems with database servers and clients, diagnosing issues with VOIP phone systems causing dropped calls due to packet loss, capturing network traffic for system information management purposes, addressing ping scan DOS attacks on external locations and severe broadcast storms caused by corrupted NIC drivers on the main network. The versatility of Wireshark extends to various organizations where it is used for network design, testing, operation as well as helping technicians analyze network traffic effectively during troubleshooting at client sites.
Affordable Price: Many users appreciate the low cost of Wireshark, as it provides powerful network analysis capabilities without the need for expensive software. Several reviewers have stated that Wireshark offers a good value for its price.
Packet Analysis Capabilities: The ability to capture, log, and analyze packet data is highly valued by users. Many reviewers have mentioned that this feature allows for detailed troubleshooting and monitoring of network traffic in their feedback on Wireshark.
Real-time Network Visibility: Users find the real-time network data visibility provided by Wireshark to be invaluable. Several customers have mentioned that this feature enables them to monitor network activity promptly and identify any issues or anomalies with ease.
Confusing User Interface: Some users have found the user interface of Wireshark to be confusing, suggesting that it can be improved to make it more user-friendly and intuitive.
Steep Learning Curve: The software has a steep learning curve, with new users finding it overwhelming to see all the columns and colors. This can make it challenging for them to navigate and understand the software.
Lack of User-Friendliness: While acknowledging that Wireshark is not primarily designed for those who are not comfortable with this type of software, some users still mention the lack of a more user-friendly interface. They suggest enhancing the UI/UX to make it more intuitive and easier to use.
Users of Wireshark have made several recommendations based on their experience with the software. The most common recommendations include utilizing the free version, seeking help and documentation online, and exploring all features and capabilities.
Many users recommend using the free version of Wireshark as it is considered a great tool for networking systems and packet analysis. Users appreciate its stability and open-source nature.
To effectively use Wireshark, users advise seeking help and documentation online. They suggest following tutorials and reading the new user guide to understand how to navigate the software's features.
Users also recommend spending time exploring all the features and capabilities of Wireshark, although it may seem overwhelming at first. By doing so, users can fully utilize this powerful network sniffing tool, particularly on Linux systems.
Overall, users consider Wireshark an excellent network packet analyzer that caters to the needs of both network engineers and beginners in network engineering. However, some users caution obtaining security approval before using the software. While they acknowledge that Wireshark may provide more information than expected, they still regard it as a valuable tool for their networking needs.
Reviews
(1-25 of 31)
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Nothing is better than Wireshark
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
June 11, 2024
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
15
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
SIP flows
Network mapping
Packet losses
Boosting Network Performance and Reliability with Wireshark!
Rating: 8 out of 10
Incentivized
June 11, 2024
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
5
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Packet Capture and Analysis
Visualizations and Graphs
Comprehensive Protocol Support
Must have tool to work in or with Networks!
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
November 02, 2022
KE
Manager - Special Projects
Central Finance Co PLC (Financial Services, 1001-5000 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
2
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Possibility to analyze packets from various interfaces (LAN,Wifi,BT,USB).
Ability to integrate with GNS3 easily.
Its a free tool and available on all platforms.
Provide comprehension analysis on communication protocols.
The king of software for capturing and analyzing network traffic
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
October 31, 2022
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
3
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Ease of capturing and analyzing incoming and outgoing network traffic.
It allows offline analysis of inspected and captured packages.
Excellent and friendly interface.
Large community with great support and advanced feature tips.
Windows compatible.
Great open-source tool with a powerful toolset
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
October 31, 2022
SM
Technology Lead
V ARCHITECTURE PTY LTD (Architecture & Planning, 11-50 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
1
year
of experience
Pros and Cons
Great UI & Command Line Tools
Packet capture feature is very good
It is open source which is the best thing in a tool like Wireshark
Indispensable tool
Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized
October 31, 2022
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
Pros and Cons
Dropped packets
Latency issues
To Wireshark or not
Rating: 9 out of 10
October 31, 2022
BG
CIO (Chief Information Officer)
Superior Credit Union (Banking, 201-500 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
14
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Packet sniffing
Traffic pattern recreation
Traffic monitoring
Wireshark is a great and super affordable network troubleshooting tool
Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized
October 31, 2022
VA
Sr. Systems Engineer
Irwin Naturals (Information Technology & Services, 51-200 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
8
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Captures network traffic
Categorizes network traffic based on many different categories
Offers numerous filtering options to reduce unnecessary clutter
WireShark
Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized
October 29, 2022
JO
IT
Lea County Electric (Information Technology & Services, 51-200 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
1
year
of experience
Pros and Cons
Inspection of protocols
Analysis of packets
Live data
Exactly what we need for our business
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
October 29, 2022
MH
Senior Information Technology Audit Manager
SS (Information Technology & Services, 1-10 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
3
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Packet Capture
Logging
Wireshark is the industry standard tool - search no alternative.
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
October 29, 2022
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
2
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Easy to use GUI
Packet capturing is on point
Rock solid stable
A lot of functionality
Great support and maintenance
Quick to deploy and powerfull for deep dive on network
Rating: 8 out of 10
Incentivized
October 29, 2022
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
5
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Analyse VOIP protocol
See everything occuring on interface
See bothi inboud and outbound reqeuest
The best packet analyzer to monitor the application traffic.
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
October 29, 2022
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
4
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Network packets
Detailed information
Troubleshooting
Wireshark...a must-have for an IT toolbox
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
October 28, 2022
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
15
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Realtime network data visibility
TCP/IP Packet inspection
Wired/Wireless network troubleshooting
Simple Easy Open Source Packet Analyzer
Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized
July 27, 2021
AM
ITSM and Project Management Consultant
Kyra Solutions, Inc. (Transportation/Trucking/Railroad, 201-500 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
10
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Analyzing Network Traffic
Verify is Specific Ports/Traffic is being blocked by N/W device Firewall
Provided Life Capture and also save a Packet Capture for further analysis
Wireshark Is A Must Have for Network Admins
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
July 27, 2021
MB
Head of Information Technology
Mondetta Clothing (Apparel & Fashion, 51-200 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
5
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Capture Network Traffic - This really is the essential functionality of Wireshark as without consistent data capture there is nothing to analyze
Filtering - We need to often filter for specific data that we are looking for.
Live Capture as well as offline analysis - This gives us the flexibility to do what we need to do when we need to do it.
Great Open Source Software to Resolve Network Issues via Packet Sniffing
Rating: 7 out of 10
Incentivized
July 27, 2021
AC
Web Developer
Baynami (Consumer Goods, 1-10 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
5
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Inspect Network Packets
Troubleshoot Software Issues
Solve Router and Switch Problems
Must have in any security professional's toolbox
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
July 27, 2021
CP
Senior Security Analyst
Lucid (Computer Software, 501-1000 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
5
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Network traffic inspection
Packet inspection
API testing/troubleshooting
Wireshark, a network engineer's secret weapon
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
July 27, 2021
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
5
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Network Troubleshooting
Packet Analysis
Traffic Filtering
I haven't needed to look further than Wireshark
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
July 21, 2021
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
5
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
network traffic capture
header information
supports many protocols
Wireshark is a robust open source network packet capturing tool
Rating: 8 out of 10
Incentivized
March 20, 2020
DH
Programmer
Kingmaker Software (Computer Software, 1-10 employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
4
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Captures all kinds of packet data in network traffic
Save & restore captured packed data
Show errors and issues in levels below the HTTP protocol
Powerful, Easy to use, Exactly what you need!
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
September 13, 2019
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
5
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Packet capturing
Packet analysis
Traffic monitoring and reporting
A staple in the network troubleshooting toolbelt
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
September 05, 2019
Verified User
Vetted Review
Verified User
3
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
EXTENSIVE detail
Easy to run, even for non-networking individuals. Makes it so they can run a packet capture on their machine and send to the network team for analysis.
Lowcost
Wireshark the best friend for network engineers
Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized
July 18, 2019
PF
Technical Specialist
Telstra (Telecommunications, 10,001+ employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
10
years
of experience
Pros and Cons
Wireshark is easy to use, the user can customize the display layout of the packet based on the user's own interests to only highlight the network layers and parameters being cared about.
There are plenty of integrated/embedded tools inside Wireshark can be used to perform deep analysis of the different type of network issues.
Filter and search functionality are so powerful which can be helpful for network issue troubleshooting.
Dissect your Network Packets with Wireshark!
Rating: 9 out of 10
July 02, 2019
JS
Cyber Security Analyst
Deloitte (Management Consulting, 10,001+ employees)
Vetted Review
Verified User
1
year
of experience
Pros and Cons
Light-weight software - Does not require high end specifications; also runs smoothly on Legacy systems
Filter function - Lets you filter you packets from thousands to tens so as to find your target much easily
Simultaneous capturing on all the network adapters - You can capture packets from all the Network Interface Cards (NIC's) at once.
