Side by side
netcat vs nPerf
Both stand on network diagnostic software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
Netcat provides a compact set of connection, diagnostic, and scripting functions at no cost. Its older project status and caution around the optional execution feature matter when selecting it for current environments.
Visit netcat Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5
Choose nPerf for connection checks across web, desktop, and mobile, with separate mobile browsing and streaming tests and a free service tier. Organizations seeking crowdsourced network analysis can consider nPerf Analytics. Ordinary users are subject to personal-use restrictions, while unlimited history requires the Premium subscription.
Visit nPerfThe facts
| netcat | nPerf | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | nc110.sourceforge.io | nperf.com |
| On network diagnostic software | #20 of 37 | #16 of 37 |
netcat: what it does well
- Free software with no usage restrictions
- TCP and UDP connection support
- Port scanning and DNS checks
- Hex-dump capture
- Scriptable command-line back end
What to know first
- Original project page lists a 2018 update
- The -e option requires a special compile setting
- The project advises care with program execution
- Linux and Unix focus
nPerf: what it does well
- Measures download speed, upload speed, and latency.
- Mobile apps separate speed, browsing, and streaming tests.
- Free services include speed and mobile coverage maps.
- Premium includes unlimited test history.
- Analytics includes more than 250 KPIs and live analysis.
What to know first
- Free mobile and computer app history is limited to the last 10 tests.
- Premium costs $2 a year.
- Terms restrict ordinary use to personal, private, non-collective purposes.