Side by side
PCAPdroid vs tcpdump
Both stand on network packet analyzer software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Android
PCAPdroid combines local Android traffic capture with connection details, export options, and selected-app TLS inspection. Check the capture-mode limitations and the unlisted prices for paid features before relying on its firewall or malware detection.
Visit PCAPdroid 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
| PCAPdroid | tcpdump | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | pcapdroid.org | tcpdump.org |
| On network packet analyzer software | #22 of 32 | #18 of 32 |
PCAPdroid: what it does well
- Captures traffic without requiring root.
- Processes captured traffic locally.
- Exports PCAP files and HAR.
- Supports live PCAP-over-IP analysis.
- Free plan includes TLS decryption.
What to know first
- Requires Android 6.0 or newer.
- Firewall is unavailable with root capture.
- Non-root capture alters packet headers and sizes.
- Malware detection is not comprehensive device security.
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 PCAPdroid Alternatives to tcpdump The whole list