Angry IP Scanner vs PortScannerLabs

Angry IP Scanner is a free, open-source desktop tool for scanning IP addresses and ports. It accepts address ranges, random addresses, or files in any format as scan input. The scanner checks whether hosts respond to pings and can optionally resolve hostnames, identify MAC addresses, and scan ports. It also supports NetBIOS information, favorite IP ranges, web server detection, and customizable openers. Java plugins can extend scanning and data gathering with fetchers, pingers, exporters, and feeders. Results can be saved as CSV, TXT, XML, or IP-Port list files, and a command-line interface is available. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows under GPLv2. The maker says installation is unnecessary and that the software can be copied and used anywhere. It is described as particularly useful to network administrators monitoring and managing networks. The FAQ notes that some antivirus vendors have flagged the older ipscan.exe, while saying version 3.x is not detected.

PortScannerLabs is a free cloud web tool for checking an IP address or domain for common open, closed, or filtered network ports. It flags risky exposures and separates port state from risk level, with links to guidance about the service and ways to close it. The scanner uses nmap with service and version detection for open ports. A default scan checks 12 common TCP ports, including SSH, Telnet, MySQL, RDP, HTTP, and HTTPS. Leaving the target blank scans the user’s public IP as seen from outside the network. Scans with version detection can take up to 15 seconds. No account, signup, or installation is required. The site describes the tool for home and small-business users, IT administrators, developers, gamers, and self-hosters. Users must confirm authorization before scanning another target. PortScannerLabs rate-limits scans and restricts full-range scanning of arbitrary targets for anonymous users. It says it retains only minimal technical logs needed to operate the service and prevent abuse, and does not sell personal data. The Free port scanner costs nothing.