Nmap
Free security scanner for network discovery and auditing
Ranked #10 in Best penetration testing tools.
Nmap is a free and open source utility for network discovery and security auditing. It uses raw IP packets to determine available hosts, services, operating systems, and firewall types.
At a glance
| Best for | network administrators and security auditors |
From Nmap's own website.
Company facts
| Social profiles | X, Facebook, GitHub |
| Brand colour | #2a0d45 |
Facilities and features
Its website also mentions:
- API
What stands out
Nmap supports dozens of advanced techniques for mapping networks with firewalls.
“Flexible : Supports dozens of advanced techniques for mapping out networks filled with IP filters, firewalls, routers, and other obstacles.”Nmap, own website
The product offers both command line and graphical versions with binary packages.
“Both traditional command line and graphical (GUI) versions are available to suit your preference. Binaries are available for those who do not wish to compile Nmap from source.”Nmap, own website
How it ranks
Nmap is ranked 10th of 10 in Best penetration testing tools (Lister Score 78.0).
#10 in Best penetration testing tools · Lister Score 78.0
Supports dozens of advanced techniques for mapping networks with firewalls.
How the score is made up: fit to this ranking's criteria 40; evidence on its own site 20; how complete its published information is 10; buying information on its own site 8.
“Nmap ("Network Mapper") is a free and open source utility for network discovery and security auditing. Many systems and network administrators also find it useful for tasks such as network inventory,”Nmap, own website
| Rank | Best penetration testing tools | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pentest-Tools.com | 98.0 |
| 2 | Picus Security | 86.0 |
| 3 | HackerOne | 84.0 |
| 4 | Kali Linux | 82.0 |
| 5 | Lockwell | 82.0 |
| 6 | Sqlmap | 82.0 |
| 7 | Metasploit | 80.0 |
| 8 | PortSwigger | 80.0 |
| 9 | Horizon3.ai | 78.0 |
| 10 | Nmap | 78.0 |
Frequently asked questions
How does Nmap rank on Lister?
Nmap is ranked 10th of 10 in Best penetration testing tools (Lister Score 78.0).