Nmap ("Network Mapper") is a free and open source (license) utility for network discovery and security auditing. Many systems and network administrators also find it useful for tasks such as network inventory, managing service upgrade schedules, and monitoring host or service uptime. Nmap uses raw IP packets in novel ways to determine what hosts are available on the network, what services (application name and version) those hosts are offering, what operating systems (and OS versions) they are running, what type of packet filters/firewalls are in use, and dozens of other characteristics. It was designed to rapidly scan large networks, but works fine against single hosts. Nmap runs on all major computer operating systems, and official binary packages are available for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. In addition to the classic command-line Nmap executable, the Nmap suite includes an advanced GUI and results viewer (Zenmap), a flexible data transfer, redirection, and debugging tool (Ncat), a utility for comparing scan results (Ndiff), and a packet generation and response analysis tool (Nping).
Product | Market Share (%) |
---|---|
Nmap | 0.6% |
Zabbix | 12.4% |
LibreNMS | 4.9% |
Other | 82.1% |
Type | Title | Date | |
---|---|---|---|
Category | Network Monitoring Software | Aug 29, 2025 | Download |
Product | Reviews, tips, and advice from real users | Aug 29, 2025 | Download |
Comparison | Nmap vs Zabbix | Aug 29, 2025 | Download |
Comparison | Nmap vs Auvik Network Management (ANM) | Aug 29, 2025 | Download |
Comparison | Nmap vs SolarWinds NPM | Aug 29, 2025 | Download |
Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Zabbix | 4.2 | 12.4% | 95% | 107 interviewsAdd to research |
SolarWinds NPM | 4.1 | 4.4% | 92% | 159 interviewsAdd to research |
The pricing, setup cost, and licensing for Nmap vary depending on the version. There is a free version available, which is suitable for users who do not require advanced troubleshooting tools. However, for those who need additional support or more features, there are specific services that can be purchased, including a license for a professional version.
Company Size | Count |
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Small Business | 9 |
Midsize Enterprise | 1 |
Large Enterprise | 11 |
Company Size | Count |
---|---|
Small Business | 48 |
Midsize Enterprise | 24 |
Large Enterprise | 88 |
Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
---|---|---|
CEO at a tech services company with 11-50 employees | 4.0 | I used Nmap to verify communication protocols on a restricted government network, proving no illegal activity. Its valuable real-time reporting tracks traffic effectively, though investment could enhance its capabilities. Nmap's open-source nature suits budget-restricted projects despite competition from commercial tools. |
Cyber Security Consultant - APAC at Logon Software | 4.5 | I use Nmap for vulnerability scanning to identify issues in our network, especially for compliance checks. Its valuable features include port and OS detection. However, the license limits scan frequency, which could be improved for better utility. |
Junior Executive - Information Security at sunshine holdings | 4.5 | I use Nmap for network inventory management, scanning ports and IP addresses to identify vulnerabilities. Its most valuable feature is the ability to scan numerous ports for security audits. While it's open-source, I notice stability issues needing improvement. |
Network Administrator at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees | 4.5 | I use Nmap primarily for vulnerability assessments by scanning networks for detailed device information. Its robust arguments enhance scanning efficiency, but its GUI could improve. Though Nmap surpasses IPScanner in accuracy, integrating more vulnerability assessment features would add value. |
Cyber Security and IT Head at a outsourcing company with 51-200 employees | 3.5 | I manage a large network using Nmap to identify vulnerabilities by scanning devices and checking ports. While it's effective in monitoring, it lacks a GUI and can be slow. Compared to tools like Wireshark and Metasploit, it’s unmatched. |
vCISO / GRC / Cybersecurity consultant at a tech services company with 1-10 employees | 4.5 | I use Nmap for port scanning to assess organizational exposure and validate applications. Its flexibility allows integration with other tools, enhancing cybersecurity efforts. However, it lacks a GUI, and improvements could focus on API development for better functionality. |
Senior Manager Network Design at MEEZA, Managed IT Services Provider | 4.5 | I find Nmap to be a stable vulnerability assessment tool that effectively scans systems for vulnerabilities, providing clear reports with recommendations. However, it would be beneficial if the free license offered a broader range of features. |
Team Lead - Cyber Security & Compliance at Al Tuwairqi Group | 3.5 | We use Nmap for network monitoring to identify network status and configurations. While user-friendly, it lacks advanced features compared to Wireshark. Nmap hasn't evolved in functionality and doesn't offer updates for expanded information or enhance network communication insights. |