The Top IP Network Scanner Tools On The Market in 2021

• Running a network scanner is a critical way to keep your business’ network secure and protected from threats.
• If you’re a small company with few assets to scan, you may be able to get by with a free scanner tool from companies like Angry IP, Advanced IP, or Lansweeper.
• If you’re a large company with many employees and devices that are regularly connecting and disconnecting from the network, you need a hard-working scanner tool to keep things running smoothly.

Running a network isn’t easy. You’re responsible for allocating IP addresses, ensuring availability, and keeping the network secure from threats.

When you’re dealing with a large number of devices connecting and disconnecting, a network scanner becomes essential.

You maintain an up-to-date inventory of IP addresses and ensure that you allocate appropriate resources to keep the network running smoothly. Some IP network scanners also come with a bunch of other helpful security and management tools.

There’s a tool for every budget and network size. In this guide, we’ll reveal the best IP network scanner tools in 2021.

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1. Angry IP Scanner

Angry IP Scanner is a free, open-source tool that works on all platforms. If you can install Java on your operating system, you can use Angry IP Scanner. You can choose to scan your entire network or a smaller subnet or IP range.

It provides you with MAC addresses, hostnames, NetBIOS, and device data. You can also see what user is currently logged in on each device.

Angry IP Scanner has a graphical user interface (GUI), but a command-line version allows more advanced users to create custom scripts.

Pricing: Free

Screenshot: Angry IP

2. Solarwinds IP Control Bundle

Solarwinds IP Control Bundle is a more advanced network scanner. Like Angry IP Scanner, you can get information on IPs, devices, and users. But this tool also allows you to edit the MAC address, hostname, and other details. You can use the tool to reconfigure IP settings and solve network issues like IP conflicts.

There’s also a solid reporting system and alerts feature that can send alarms to administrators. For example, if a subnet is close to reaching capacity, you can opt to receive a notification at your workstation and on your smartphone.

Pricing: Contact vendor for a quote

Screenshot: Solarwinds

3. Intruder

Intruder is a network scanner with a focus on security. The cloud-based tool automatically searches your network for vulnerabilities.

You get an overview of your network and IP information. You’ll receive notifications for any exposed ports or other security flaws via Slack or Jira. There’s also an automated penetration testing tool to see how your network stands up to a cyber attack.

Intruder is a robust network security tool, but it might be over the top if you manage a smaller network.

Pricing: $97-$1,195/month if you pay annually

Screenshot: Intruder

4. Advanced IP Scanner

Advanced IP Scanner is one of the most popular free IP network scanner tools.

You can choose to scan your entire network or an IP range by manually entering the data or using a text file. You’ll get a report detailing the responses from each IP address and data on MAC address, hostname, and user information.

Advanced IP Scanner also has remote control functionality. You can operate devices on the network remotely, including powering them on and off.

Pricing: Free

Screenshot: Advanced IP Scanner

5. PRTG Network Monitor

PRTG Network Monitor is an award-winning tool that allows you to monitor your entire IT infrastructure in one place.

You can see IP information, bandwidth use, and resource consumption. In addition, data is recorded so you can quickly look back to see the root causes of network issues. It also has an alarm feature that automatically informs administrators about potential problems.

Pricing:

• Free up to 100 sensors
• One-time fee between $1,750 and $15,500, depending on how many aspects and devices you’re monitoring

Screenshot: Paessler

6. Syxsense Secure

Syxsense Secure is an IT management security platform with a powerful IP network scanner tool. It can monitor IoT devices as well as standard network devices.

You can set the scanner tool to run at designated times and record the data automatically. In addition, Syxsense Secure will map your network in real-time and create a log of all connected devices. This can be very useful if you are required to generate compliance reports.

Syxsense Secure also has a patch management tool to keep software up to date across the network and avoid security breaches.

There’s a free 14-day trial, after which you’ll have to pay a yearly fee.

Pricing: From $960 annually

Screenshot: Syxsense Secure

7. Spiceworks IP Scanner

Spiceworks IP Scanner automatically scans your network and makes data easily accessible through an intuitive dashboard. You can see IP and device information, but you also get performance data, including bandwidth and CPU usage.

The IP network scanner tool can also detect security vulnerabilities like open ports, conflicted IPs, and devices using outdated operating systems. You can even check memory and storage to investigate why a connected device isn’t performing as well as it should.

Pricing: Free

Screenshot: Spiceworks

8. OpUtils

OpUtils is a versatile tool that helps you manage IP addresses, switch ports, and network devices. It enables you to scan your entire network or IPv6 and IPv4 subnets. You’ll be able to see connected devices, IP addresses, MAC addresses, and more. You can also see performance data, including bandwidth usage and resource consumption.

It’s also equipped with an alarm system that notifies you of any issues that require administrative action.

OpUtils also comes with a switch port management feature. You can see available switches in your network and the location of devices using ports to identify rogue devices and improve security vulnerabilities.

Pricing: Contact vendor for a quote

Screenshot: ManageEngine OpUtils

9. WhatsUp Gold

WhatsUp Gold is an excellent tool for network management. You can quickly see all IP information for devices connected to your network and get detailed performance data, including bandwidth, resource consumption, and storage.

It works for both on-premises devices and those connected to your network via the cloud.

There’s also network mapping with dynamic visualizations that allow you to see your network in real-time. You can also look back at historical data to find the root causes of any issues.

WhatsUp Gold comes with a responsive alarm system that notifies designated administrators if a problem needs attention.

Pricing: Contact vendor for a quote

Screenshot: WhatsUp Gold

10. Lansweeper IP Scanner

Lansweeper is an impressive free network scanner. It uses Deepscan Technology to provide detailed information on all devices connected to your network, including computers, switches, printers, servers, and more.

You can scan your entire network or target a specific range of IPs. An automatic scanning option also allows you to set the times you want to scan the network. All scan results can easily be exported and compiled into a report for compliance reports.

Lansweeper can be installed on all platforms.

Pricing:

• Free for up to 100 assets
• $1 per asset, per year
• Additional HelpDesk Agents: $10/month when billed annually

Screenshot: Lan Sweeper

Choosing the Right IP Network Scanner Tool

If you manage a network for your business, an IP network scanner will save you time and help keep your network running smoothly.

Angry IP Scanner doesn’t come with the additional features you’ll find on any paid tools, but it has everything you need to monitor your network and track IP addresses.

Intruder and Syxsense Secure offer a range of features to help you identify vulnerabilities and keep your network secure if cybersecurity is a priority.

WhatsUp Gold and PRTG Network Monitor are the best options for more extensive networks that require more resource management. But they do have an enterprise-level price tag if you go beyond the free plans.