Side by side
Invariant vs iperf3
Both stand on network testing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Invariant if you need to evaluate network policies against configurations or proposed changes, with automation and scheduled monitoring available. The free Basic account has effectively no usage limits. Consider a higher tier if you need SSO or support for the largest device counts, and contact the company about fully on-premise data retention.
Visit InvariantChoose iperf3 if you need configurable IP bandwidth measurements, structured output, or a library for integration into other programs. Look elsewhere if you need official Windows support or compatibility with the original iperf.
Visit iperf3The facts
| Invariant | iperf3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | invariant.tech | software.es.net |
| On network testing software | #12 of 33 | #8 of 33 |
Invariant: what it does well
- Builds a network model from configuration files without device access.
- Evaluates YAML connectivity and security rules against network snapshots.
- Checks proposed changes before deployment.
- Scheduled scans can produce alerts with virtual traceroutes and route-table differences.
- Free Basic account has effectively no usage limits.
What to know first
- SSO is available only on higher tiers.
- Support for the highest device counts is reserved for higher tiers.
- Fully on-premise data retention requires contacting Invariant.
iperf3: what it does well
- Measures TCP, UDP, and SCTP throughput.
- Includes client and server functionality.
- Emits JSON, including line-delimited JSON output.
- Offers a library for use in other programs.
- Released under a three-clause BSD license.
What to know first
- Windows is not officially supported.
- ESnet does not distribute binary packages.
- It is not backwards compatible with the original iperf.
Alternatives to Invariant Alternatives to iperf3 The whole list