Port Scanners are an important tool when you want to investigate any remote or local network for security considerations.
Used by programmers and network administrators, these port scanners are used to mainly know what ports are being used by what applications, so you can identify malicious programs right away.
These port scanners can also be used to assess the strength of your security policies.
Due to their usefulness, there are many port scanner applications available today. But all are not created the same.
To help you navigate through this world of port scanners, we present to you some of the best ones that come with a host of features.
Here’s our list of the Top Port Scanners for Scanning Open Ports/Services
They come with a ton of features designed to reduce the time and effort needed in scanning every port within your network.
- SolarWinds Open Port Scanner with Engineer’s Toolset – FREE TRIAL This scanner will run through a given IP address range, identify addresses in use, and then scan all of the ports within a second given range to identify their statuses. Installs on Windows and Windows Server. Start a 14-day free trial.
- ManageEngine OpUtils – FREE TRIAL A package of tools that cover all issues related to communication addressing and that includes ports. This software includes a port scanner and will run on Windows Server and Linux. Get a 30-day free trial.
- ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus – FREE TRIAL A software solution offered by ManageEngine that helps companies identify and remedy vulnerabilities in their devices and networks. Start a 30-day free trial.
- Advanced IP Scanner This free IP address discovery tool will also check for the availability of a limited number of resources on a computer, hence whether those ports are open. Installs on Windows.
- Angry IP Scanner This free IP address discovery system will scan each discovered device and count the number of open ports. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Nmap A well-respected free command line tool to discover IP addresses and then lets you issue a port scan on a specific target. Available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Unix.
- NetCat A network tool that can be used for hacking or penetration testing that includes a port scanning function. Runs on Windows, Linux, Unix, and macOS. The tool is pre-installed on macOS and Kali Linux.
- LanSweeper IP Scanner This network detection system will scan a limited number of ports for its own administration and can work with port scans imported from Nmap. Runs on Windows and Windows Server.
- MyLanViewer Network/IP Scanner A free network discovery tool that includes a number of network functions but doesn’t have a port scanner. Runs on Windows and Windows Server.
- Slitheris Network Discovery This tool documents network attributes of devices including IP addresses but doesn’t have a port scanner. Available for Windows or in a portable format.
Methodology for selecting the Best Port Scanners
With the increase in cybercrime, it has become essential for organizations to invest in tools that protect their data and devices from unknown threats. Open ports are a security risk to any computer network, as they can be used by malicious hackers to gain access to the system. When open ports are left unprotected, they can be exploited by attackers who may use them to gain access to sensitive data or even take control of the system. Therefore, it is important for IT teams to identify and close any open ports that could be vulnerable and ensure that all other ports have adequate security measures in place.
Port scanners are the best tools that provide a comprehensive overview of the system’s open ports, allowing administrators to identify any potential weaknesses or unauthorized access points. Port scanners also enable administrators to quickly detect any malicious activity or suspicious traffic on the network, helping them take action before it is too late. By using port scanners, administrators can ensure that their Windows/Linux systems remain secure and protected from any malicious attacks.
Selecting the best port scanners is an important task for any network administrator. It is essential to choose the right port scanner that can effectively detect open ports, identify vulnerable services, and provide detailed information about them. To ensure that you are selecting the best port scanner, it is important to understand the different types of scanners available and their features. Here, we will provide a comprehensive methodology for selecting the best port scanner:
- Check if the tool provides the option to scan multiple devices.
- Can you export a detailed report highlighting the ports that are open, closed, or filtered?
- Does it support integration with network scanning responsible for performing device discovery?
- Does the selected tool offer free sessions or assessment opportunities without any cost?
- Can you scan ports within the provided range?
- Can you export scanned results in different file formats like XML, XLSX, and CSV?
The best Port Scanners for Scanning for Open Ports/Service
What should you look for in port scanning tools?
We reviewed the market for port scanners that will work on Windows and Linux and analyzed tools based on the following criteria:
- The option to scan one device or many
- A report on which ports are open
- A system that focuses on the most important ports
- Integration with network scanning that performs device discovery
- A tabulated results list that can be exported
- A free trial for a no-obligation assessment period or a free tool
- A paid tool that is worth the money or a free tool that is worth using
With these selection criteria in mind, we looked for a variety of port scanners that will give you a quick assessment of the vulnerability of your devices and we made sure to include some free options.
Let’s take a detailed look into the features, pricing and download options for each of these tools and where to download them!
1. SolarWinds Open Port Scanner – FREE TRIAL
SolarWinds Open Port Scanner with Engineer’s Toolset is part of a comprehensive package of more than 60 system monitoring and management tools.
This utility saves you time by combining both an IP address scanner with its port checker. You enter a range of IP addresses to scan and the results will show you which addresses in that range are in use. It will then look through the ports within a second given range and identify those that are open.
Key Features: The features of SolarWinds Open Port Scanner are:
- Identifies IP addresses in use
- Scans ports within a given range
- Lets you control the range of addresses to scan and the range of ports to scan
- Option to examine the ports on just one device
- Reports on port statuses: open, closed, and filtered
- On-demands scans
- Exports the scanned results to various formats such as XML, XLSX, and CSV.
- Resolves to device hostnames from the DNS server
- Runs on Windows Server
Pros:
- Combines IP address scanning with port checking
- Easy-to-read results
- Identifies open, closed, and filtered ports
- On-demand scans
- Exportable results in XML, XLSX, and CSV formats
Cons:
- The free trial is only 14 days
Pricing: Start with a 14-day free trial.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
SolarWinds Open Port Scanner is a powerful tool that can help users quickly identify open ports on their networks. It is an essential tool for keeping networks secure and identifying potential security threats. With this tool, users can easily scan their networks, understand network configurations, and detect any open ports that could be vulnerable to attack. The scanner also provides detailed information about the ports, such as the type of service running on them, which can be used to help secure the network. SolarWinds Open Port Scanner makes it easy for users to keep their networks safe and secure by quickly identifying open ports and taking action to close them.
It provides a quick insight into how routers are performing and devices are configured. Users can also reduce the scan run times by making use of threading and adaptive timing. Get better visibility into port statuses and export the scanned reports in minutes.
Download: Start 14-day FREE trial
Official Site: https://www.solarwinds.com/engineers-toolset/use-cases/open-port-scanner
OS: Windows server
Download: You can download SolarWinds Port Scanner and the entire Engineer’s Toolset from https://www.solarwinds.com/engineers-toolset/registration
2. ManageEngine OpUtils – FREE TRIAL
ManageEngine OpUtils contains a range of utilities that work on network addressing. Those functions include an IP Address Manager, a Switch Port Mapper and a Port Scanner.
Key Features:
Here is a look at the features of ManageEngine OpUtils.
- A separate screen for port scanning.
- Scan an individual device, a range of IP: addresses, or all devices on the network.
- Indication of the status of each port
- Additionally, a full IP Address Manager that can communicate with your DHCP and DNS servers.
- A Switch Port Mapper to see which slots on each switch are occupied.
Pros:
- Manages IP addresses and detects rogue devices
- Scans all TCP and UDP ports on each device
- Lists the protocols associated with open ports
- Remote monitoring possible
Cons:
- Not a SaaS platform
Pricing: The Professional Edition of OpUtils is a paid tool and you need to contact the Sales Department to get a quote.
The Free Edition doesn’t include the Port Scanner. You can download a 30-day free trial.
Download: Download either version of OpUtils from https://www.manageengine.com/products/oputils/download.html
3. ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus – FREE TRIAL
ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus uses vulnerability scanning to detect potential vulnerabilities such as insecure configurations or outdated patches and subsequently generates comprehensive reports of its findings. It also provides asset management, compliance reporting, and patch management capabilities to aid businesses in securing their IT infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Vulnerability classification and prioritization
- Team-based collaboration tools
- Compliance reporting and auditing
By proactively identifying and addressing security gaps, Vulnerability Manager Plus can streamline and automate much of the vulnerability discovery and remediation process. It offers a free version that is ideal for small businesses, and it can run on Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Pros:
- Features robust reporting capabilities, allowing for easy demonstration of progress after remediation
- Can operate on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, and Mac
- The threat intelligence database is frequently updated with the latest threats and vulnerabilities
- Offers a free version, making it accessible for small businesses
- Ideal for ongoing scanning and patching of devices throughout their lifespan
Cons:
- The ManageEngine ecosystem can be overwhelming for small businesses, as it is better suited for large-scale organizations
Pricing: Start with a 30-day free trial.
Download: You can download ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus from https://www.manageengine.com/vulnerability-management/download.html
4. Advanced IP Scanner
Advanced IP Scanner is a reliable network scanning tool best used for analyzing LAN. It is easy to use and even runs as a portable edition.
Key Features: Here is a look at the features of Advanced IP Scanner.
- Gives easy access to shared folders through the network.
- Allows you to remotely control the tool via RDP and Radmin.
- Automatically detects MAC addresses.
- Enables you to switch computers on or off remotely.
- Exports scan results to CSV files
- Requires no installation at all.
Pros:
- Free tool
- Long service history proves reliability
- Easy to install and run
Cons:
- No remote monitoring function
Pricing: Free to use
Download: Download Advanced IP Scanner from https://www.advanced-ip-scanner.com/
5. Angry IP Scanner
Angry IP Scanner is an open-source and cross-platform network scanner that is fast and simple to use.
Key Features: The features of Angry IP Scanner includes the following.
- Exports the scan results into many formats such as CSV, TXT, XML and IP-Port list files.
- Requires no installation at all
- Scans local network, IP address ranges, ports and even files of any format.
- Allows you to extend the functionality of this application with many fetchers.
- Comes with a command line interface.
- Starts by pinging each IP address, and then determines the MAC address and scans ports.
- Works on Mac, Windows and Linux
- Uses a multithreaded approach, in which a scanning thread is created for each scanned IP address.
Pros:
- Easy-to-read color-coded statuses
- Exportable results
- Free to use
Cons:
- The display is a little crowded
Pricing: Free.
Download: Download Angry IP Scanner from https://angryip.org/download/
6. Nmap
Nmap is a free and open-source scanner that discovers devices on a network and builds a comprehensive “map” of the same. To do this, it sends special packets to targets and analyzes the response.
Key Features: The features of Nmap are:
- Identifies hosts on a network.
- Lists the open ports on target hosts.
- Checks network services on remote devices to determine the version number in applications.
- Determines the operating system and hardware characteristics of network devices.
- Interacts with the target by way of script using Nmap Scripting Engine and Lua programming language.
- Supports many techniques for mapping devices.
- Scans both UDP and TCP ports.
- Has the ability to scan huge networks comprising of tens of thousands of machines.
- Supports most well-known operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Mac, Free BSD, OpenBSD, Solaris, HP-UX, Sun OS, Amiga and more.
Pros:
- Highly respected tool
- Quickly maps a network and probes ports
- Free to use
Cons:
- Clunky command line printout
Pricing: 100% Free
Download: It can be downloaded at
https://nmap.org/download.html
7. NetCat
Netcat is a networking utility that reads and writes data across different connections using the TCP/IP protocol.
Key Features: The features of NetCat are as follows.
- Provides access to outbound and inbound connections and TCP and UDP ports.
- Comes with a tunneling mode to allow special tunneling such as UDP to TCP.
- Supports built-in port scanning capabilities
- Has advanced usage options such as buffered send mode and hexdump.
- Gives optional RFC854 telnet codes for parsing and responding.
- Provides full DNS forwarding and reverse checking with appropriate warnings.
- Has the ability to use any local source port or locally configured network source address.
- Reads command line arguments from standard input
Pros:
- Data transfer utility
- Port scanning is part of its functionality
- Source code available
Cons:
- Port scanning is an incidental feature and not the main purpose of the tool
Pricing: Free to use.
Download: Please download NetCat from
http://netcat.sourceforge.net/download.php
8. LanSweeper IP Scanner
LanSweeper IP Scanner is a free IP scanner that uses the available ports to gather and present detailed information about different applications.
Key Features: The features of LanSweeper IP Scanner are:
- Comes with a user-friendly interface.
- Gathers relevant network information through WMI, SNMP, SSH, FTP, HTTP and other protocols.
- Discovers scanned devices by IP address
- Executes custom actions such as remote shutdown, Wakeup On LAN and more.
- Scans IP ranges automatically or on demand
- Re-discovers an entire subnet with just one click.
- Imports your entire network setup through a CSV files
- Excludes devices from scanning based on their IP address.
Pros:
- Can run automatically on a schedule
- Easy-to-read tabulated results
- Free and paid options
Cons:
- Doesn’t perform remote scanning
Pricing: Free for up to 100 devices and $495 per year for up to 500 devices. For more than 500 devices, contact the support team for a quote.
Download: You can download this tool from
https://www.lansweeper.com/download
9. MyLanViewer Network/IP Scanner
MyLanViewer Network/IP Scanner is a powerful NetBIOS and LAN/Network IP scanner for Windows, and also performs a ton of other functionalities required to have a complete control over your network.
Key Features: The features of MyLanViewer Network/IP Scanner are as follows.
- Performs remote actions such as remote shutdown, reboot, sleep, hibernate and Wake On LAN (WOL).
- Helps you find all IP addresses, MAC addresses and shared folders on any wired or wireless network.
- Monitors IP addresses and shows the state of computers when they change.
- Does a variety of tasks such as terminates user sessions, disables shared folders, detects rogue DHCP servers, shows netstat information and more.
- Monitors all devices, including hidden ones, on your subnet.
- Comes with a user-friendly interface.
- Works well on Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7 and 8.
Pros:
- Runs on Windows
- Wake-on-LAN feature
- Also scans wireless networks
Cons:
- The interface is a little dated
Pricing: Free to use.
Download: You can download MyLanViewer IP Scanner from
http://www.mylanviewer.com/MyLanViewer-setup.exe
10. Slitheris Network Discovery
Slitheris Network Discovery is a premium agentless network scanner that helps to identify and scan different devices on a network.
Key Features: Features of Slitheris Network Discovery include,
- Collects information from devices without a need for credentials or agents.
- Offers a ton of information about each device/application
- Identifies the type of device by gathering dozens of attributes about every device and compares them to a device type definition database.
- Uses advanced algorithms to determine the year in which a device was manufactured.
- Determines if SMBv1 or SMBv2 is enabled, and if so, gives the choice to disable SMBv1 for security reasons.
- Uses ARP cache to identify hidden devices that are unresponsive to pings.
- Allows you to see the devices that have a GUI and gives you instant access to the same on your browser.
- A portable version is available.
Pros:
- Device discovery
- Spots hidden or rogue devices
- Identifies device characteristics
Cons:
- A device discovery tool rather than a port scanner
Pricing: Free for up to 50 devices, $195 for up to 256 devices, $295 for up to 1000 devices and $395 for unlimited devices.
Download: You can download Slitheris from
http://www.komodolabs.com/downloads/slitheris_installer.exe
Conclusion
In short, port scanners are a vital tool for network administrators as they help to gather information about devices, so as to understand the working of these devices, their security and so much more.
They assist in identifying open ports and possibly vulnerable systems that could potentially allow intrusions in your perimeter and cause potential leaks into your infrastructure.
We highly suggest you grab one of the downloads from above and give them a spin in your network. Some programs have nice Interfaces that allow for easy scanning and others have more complicated and advanced command line tools that accept advanced operators and more!
We hope the above information helps you to zero-in on the right port scanner for your network.
