Wireshark

Security & privacy

Open-source softwareEditorial overview
A CLOSER LOOK

What is Wireshark?

Wireshark is a protocol analyzer for examining captured network traffic and understanding conversations between systems. It includes protocol decoding, display filters, and stream reassembly. It is aimed at network administrators investigating packet captures from their systems.

Protocol decoding

Display filters

Stream reassembly

Is it a good fit?

Best suited to

Network administrators investigating packet captures from their systems

Before you choose

The reviewed Flatpak build analyzes files but does not capture live traffic. Packet interpretation requires context and can expose sensitive captured data.

Editorial assessment based on the provider’s published information. Our method

Know what you're signing up for.

The application is distributed under GPL-2.0. The listed desktop or mobile software can be used on an ongoing basis without a software subscription. The reviewed Flatpak build analyzes files but does not capture live traffic.

The $0 price applies to the listed open source application. The reviewed Flatpak build analyzes files but does not capture live traffic.

Check current official pricing

The useful parts. The trade-offs.

Why consider it

Brings protocol decoding and display filters into the same workflow.

Open a relevant capture, filter for the affected conversation, and inspect the reconstructed stream alongside timestamps when tracing a protocol or connectivity problem.

What to keep in mind

The reviewed Flatpak build analyzes files but does not capture live traffic.

Packet interpretation requires context and can expose sensitive captured data.

How to use it well

Wireshark fits network administrators investigating packet captures from their systems. Open a relevant capture, filter for the affected conversation, and inspect the reconstructed stream alongside timestamps when tracing a protocol or connectivity problem.

The reviewed Flatpak build analyzes files but does not capture live traffic. Packet interpretation requires context and can expose sensitive captured data. Match the configuration to your needs, and keep recoverable copies of important settings or keys.

A few things you might be wondering.

Is Wireshark free?

The application is distributed under GPL-2.0. The listed desktop or mobile software can be used on an ongoing basis without a software subscription. The reviewed Flatpak build analyzes files but does not capture live traffic.

Can I use Wireshark for protocol decoding?

Yes. Wireshark includes protocol decoding. Open a relevant capture, filter for the affected conversation, and inspect the reconstructed stream alongside timestamps when tracing a protocol or connectivity problem.

Can the reviewed Flatpak package capture live packets?

The reviewed Flatpak build analyzes files but does not capture live traffic.

Where can I check the latest prices?

Use the provider link on this page. Billing period, location, team size, promotions, taxes, and optional extras may affect the amount you pay.

How should I compare this tool with alternatives?

Choose tools for the same task, then compare their feature limits, platform support, and total cost for your team. The Compare button helps you keep a shortlist.

Are the user reviews moderated?

Yes. New reviews are submitted for moderation. We show published user reviews separately from the editorial overview and never assign a default user rating.

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