Side by side
Colasoft Capsa vs tcpdump
Both stand on network troubleshooting software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Windows
Capsa combines packet inspection, network diagnosis, security analysis, and reporting in a Windows desktop tool. Check the edition limits and listed prices against the scale and type of monitoring you need.
Visit Colasoft Capsa Free plan LinuxMacWindows
tcpdump offers free packet capture across a broad set of listed systems, with source builds available. Check capture permissions and handle access carefully because captured traffic may include passwords.
Visit tcpdumpThe facts
| Colasoft Capsa | tcpdump | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Capsa Standard: $295, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | colasoft.com | tcpdump.org |
| On network troubleshooting software | #3 of 18 | #7 of 18 |
Colasoft Capsa: what it does well
- Analyzes more than 1,800 protocols and sub-protocols.
- Diagnoses network problems and suggests solutions.
- Detects several listed attacks and suspicious conversations.
- Schedules capture once, daily, or weekly.
- Includes email or sound alarm notifications.
What to know first
- Windows platform only.
- Free edition does not monitor WiFi connections.
- Free sessions time out after four hours.
- Professional costs $695, paid once.
tcpdump: what it does well
- Free software with source available through a public Git repository.
- Uses libpcap for packet capture.
- Project lists multiple operating systems, including Windows.
- PCAP support and command-line tools are listed.
What to know first
- Capture permission depends on operating system and configuration.
- Windows builds require additional tools and libraries.
- Native packages may lag behind newer snapshots.
- Permitted capture can include network traffic such as passwords.
Alternatives to Colasoft Capsa Alternatives to tcpdump The whole list