NetsCLI is a free, open-source network scanner for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It discovers devices on a local network, scans TCP and UDP ports, queries DNS, and inspects hosts. You can use it through a desktop app, terminal interface, command-line interface, or an MCP server, all built on one Rust core. The desktop app supports multiple investigation tabs, sortable and filterable results, exports, and scan history. Discovery may add reverse DNS, ARP cache information, MAC addresses, and device makers when the operating system has those details. Command-line network operations can return JSON or YAML; list commands also support CSV and Markdown. Its stdio MCP server makes structured local-network tools available to compatible AI clients, including Claude Code and Cursor. NetsCLI is MIT-licensed and free for personal, open-source, and commercial use. The maker says binaries and installers are checksummed and signed with Sigstore cosign. Packet capture requires separate downloads and platform-specific dependencies.
Who it is for
NetsCLI suits people who need local network discovery, diagnostics, or repeatable command-line automation. Its MCP tools may also suit AI-agent users who need local network operations.
What is good
- Free for personal, open-source, and commercial use
- Available on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Desktop app includes scan history and exports
- CLI supports JSON, YAML, CSV, and Markdown
- MCP server provides structured local network tools
What to know first
- Packet capture requires separate downloads and dependencies
- No remote administration
- Lacks advanced service detection, NSE scripts, and OS fingerprinting
Verdict
NetsCLI brings desktop, terminal, CLI, and MCP access to local network scanning in a free MIT-licensed package. Its stated feature limits matter if you need remote administration or the advanced detection capabilities noted by the maker.
NetsCLI plans and pricing
All plansCompared on port scanner software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Deployment
- cli
- Scan scope
- network
- Service detection
- Yes
- OS detection
- No
- Export formats
- JSON, YAML, Markdown
