nmap

Free and open source network discovery and security auditing utility.

nmap

Overview

Nmap is a free, open source tool for network discovery and security auditing that identifies hosts, services, operating systems, and firewall configurations using raw IP packets and advanced scanning techniques.

Last updated: Sep 18, 2026

Key Features

Network Discovery

Uses raw IP packets to identify live hosts on a network, enabling administrators to map network topology.

Port Scanning

Supports multiple TCP and UDP port scanning techniques to determine open, closed, or filtered ports on target hosts.

Operating System Detection

Determines the operating system and version running on networked devices using TCP/IP stack fingerprinting.

Version Detection

Interrogates services on open ports to identify application names and version numbers, including encrypted services.

Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE)

Extends functionality with Lua scripts for advanced network discovery, vulnerability detection, and automation.

Cross-Platform Support

Runs on major operating systems including Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and various UNIX variants.

Graphical User Interface (Zenmap)

Provides an advanced GUI and results viewer for easier scan configuration and analysis.

Additional Utilities

Includes tools like Ncat for data transfer, Ndiff for scan result comparison, and Nping for packet generation and analysis.

Pros

Completely free and open source with full source code available.
Highly flexible with numerous scanning techniques and scripting capabilities.
Supports a wide range of operating systems and network environments.
Well-documented with extensive guides, tutorials, and community support.
Includes both command-line and graphical interfaces for different user preferences.

Cons

No official commercial support or warranty provided.
Steep learning curve for beginners due to extensive features and command-line usage.
Limited native integration with other enterprise security tools.
User interface (Zenmap) is less modern compared to commercial alternatives.
Primarily a network scanning tool, not a full security management platform.

Pricing

nmap pricing plans
Plan	Price	Highlights
Free	$0	Full access to Nmap and all included tools Open source with community support Regular updates and documentation

Pricing is collected from the official nmap website and may change. Always confirm with the vendor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ratings & reviews

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Community reviews (0)

Most recent

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Ratings & reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Share your experience

Help others decide, your insights matter

Community reviews (0)

Most recent

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Key Features

Network Discovery

Uses raw IP packets to identify live hosts on a network, enabling administrators to map network topology.

Port Scanning

Supports multiple TCP and UDP port scanning techniques to determine open, closed, or filtered ports on target hosts.

Operating System Detection

Determines the operating system and version running on networked devices using TCP/IP stack fingerprinting.

Version Detection

Interrogates services on open ports to identify application names and version numbers, including encrypted services.

Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE)

Extends functionality with Lua scripts for advanced network discovery, vulnerability detection, and automation.

Cross-Platform Support

Runs on major operating systems including Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and various UNIX variants.

Graphical User Interface (Zenmap)

Provides an advanced GUI and results viewer for easier scan configuration and analysis.

Additional Utilities

Includes tools like Ncat for data transfer, Ndiff for scan result comparison, and Nping for packet generation and analysis.

Pros

Completely free and open source with full source code available.
Highly flexible with numerous scanning techniques and scripting capabilities.
Supports a wide range of operating systems and network environments.
Well-documented with extensive guides, tutorials, and community support.
Includes both command-line and graphical interfaces for different user preferences.

Cons

No official commercial support or warranty provided.
Steep learning curve for beginners due to extensive features and command-line usage.
Limited native integration with other enterprise security tools.
User interface (Zenmap) is less modern compared to commercial alternatives.
Primarily a network scanning tool, not a full security management platform.

Pricing

nmap pricing plans
Plan	Price	Highlights
Free	$0	Full access to Nmap and all included tools Open source with community support Regular updates and documentation

Pricing is collected from the official nmap website and may change. Always confirm with the vendor.

nmap

Overview

Key Features

Network Discovery

Port Scanning

Operating System Detection

Version Detection

Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE)

Cross-Platform Support

Graphical User Interface (Zenmap)

Additional Utilities

Pros

Cons

Pricing

Featured Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Ratings & reviews

Ratings & reviews

Community reviews (0)

Ratings & reviews

Community reviews (0)

Key Features

Network Discovery

Port Scanning

Operating System Detection

Version Detection

Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE)

Cross-Platform Support

Graphical User Interface (Zenmap)

Additional Utilities

Pros

Cons

Pricing

Featured Video

Frequently Asked Questions

More in Software Development

Ratings & reviews

Community reviews (0)

More in Software Development