Angry IP Scanner

Angry IP Scanner is a desktop tool for scanning IP addresses and ports, with optional host and network details. It is best suited to network administrators who want a free scanner they can extend or run from the command line. Its broad input options and export formats make it useful for network inventory; readers seeking a more focused workflow should compare the alternatives.

Overview

The scanner accepts IP ranges, random addresses, or files in any format, and checks whether hosts respond to pings. Optional hostname resolution, MAC address lookup, and port scanning let administrators gather more context without making every scan depend on the same checks.

Angry IP Scanner is free and open source under GPLv2. It requires no installation, according to its maker, and can be copied and used anywhere. That combination suits administrators who want a portable desktop utility rather than a paid service or a setup-heavy deployment.

Key features

Alongside ping checks and optional hostname and MAC lookups, the scanner supports NetBIOS information, web server detection, favorite IP ranges, and customizable openers. This makes it more useful for recurring network checks than a tool limited to a basic list of responding addresses.

Java plugins can add fetchers, pingers, exporters, and feeders, extending both scanning and data gathering. Results can be saved as CSV, TXT, XML, or IP-Port list files, while a command-line interface supports users who prefer to run scans without relying solely on the desktop interface.

The maker describes the software as fast and simple to use, but the feature set is geared toward network administration. The choice to make hostname resolution, MAC lookup, and port scanning optional offers flexibility, though users need to decide which checks suit their task.

Pricing

Angry IP Scanner costs nothing. The free plan is the product: it is free and open-source under GPLv2, with no separate trial required. That makes it a straightforward fit for individuals and administrators who need a desktop scanner without a subscription.

There is no paid tier described. Users who need a different scanning workflow or platform should compare alternatives rather than expect a higher-priced Angry IP Scanner plan.

Platforms

Angry IP Scanner runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux as desktop software. Its command-line interface adds another way to use it, but the product is not presented as a web or hosted service. The no-installation claim may appeal to users who want to copy and run it where needed.

Who it's for

Network administrators monitoring and managing their networks are the clearest fit. They can scan chosen ranges or address inputs, gather optional host details, save results in common text and structured formats, and extend the workflow with Java plugins.

It is less suited to readers who want a web-based scanner or a packaged service with a defined hosted workflow. The configurable checks and plugin approach are strengths for users who value control, but may be unnecessary for someone who only needs a narrowly defined scan.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open source under GPLv2, with no installation requirement according to its maker; a practical choice for users who want a portable desktop scanner.
• Pros: Accepts ranges, random addresses, or files as input and exports results to CSV, TXT, XML, or IP-Port lists, giving administrators flexibility in how they scan and retain results.
• Pros: Optional host checks, plugin extension points, and a command-line interface support workflows beyond basic ping responses.
• Cons: It is desktop software for Windows, macOS, and Linux, not a web or hosted scanning service.
• Cons: The maker's FAQ says some antivirus vendors flagged the older ipscan.exe as potentially unwanted or a risky hacktool. It says version 3.x is not detected, but the warning may still prompt caution in managed environments.

Alternatives

For a broader port scanner software shortlist or a network diagnostic software shortlist, compare the available tools by platform and licensing needs.

• Naabu is a free, MIT-licensed port scanning tool for Linux, macOS, Windows, API, and self-hosted use; choose it if that platform mix or license fits better.
• NetsCLI is free and MIT-licensed, with its library and MCP server published on crates.io for Rust projects; it may suit Rust developers looking for those components.
• RustScan is a free open-source port scanner with Android, Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted platform support; consider it if Android support matters.
• Masscan is free software under the GNU Affero General Public License v3 and supports Linux, Windows, and self-hosted use; choose it if that licensing and platform combination suits your needs.
• Nmap offers free end-user use, but its listed license does not allow redistribution within commercial software or hardware products; consider it if that restriction works for your use.
• ScanSearch is a freemium internet scanner for API, Linux, and web. Its paid Internet Scanner plan is $0.30 a month, billed per kpps/month, with 100–10,000 kpps, unlimited results per scan, full CSV/JSON export, and a queue of up to 10 scans; consider it when a web or API option fits better.
• Unicornscan is free GPL software with downloadable packages and source, and supports Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and API platforms; compare it if those formats or platforms are a better match.
• Pentest-Tools Port Scanner has a free tier for open ports and services discovery and a NetSec plan starting at $95 a month. Consider it if a web or API scanner is preferable and its paid starting price fits.

Verdict

Choose Angry IP Scanner if you are a network administrator who wants a free, open-source desktop scanner with flexible address inputs, optional host checks, export choices, and plugin support. Its main limitation is that it remains a desktop tool rather than a hosted service, and the older-executable antivirus warning may matter in managed environments. If those constraints fit, it is a capable no-cost option for monitoring and managing networks.