inSSIDer vs Nmap
inSSIDer
oscium.comNmap
nmap.orgSide by side
| Figure | inSSIDer | Nmap |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $16.67/mo | $9,980/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 7 |
| Spec score · Network Diagnostic Software | 9.0 (#2) | 8.1 (#12) |
| Founded | 2010 | 1997 |
| Integrations | MetaGeek Plus adds packet capture, RF spectrum analysis, network snapshots, client traffic analytics, cloud sync through My.MetaGeek.com, and team collaboration. | For OEM integration, the project recommends running Nmap and parsing its XML-formatted output, and also permits other approaches such as parsing normal output or processing its data files. |
| Purpose | inSSIDer visualizes Wi-Fi networks, shows how neighboring networks affect yours, and offers suggestions for faster, more secure Wi-Fi. | Nmap is a free and open-source utility for network discovery and security auditing. |
| Support | Oscium provides an inSSIDer support knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and lessons on network troubleshooting and optimization. | The free version has no warranty and is supported by a community, while active OEM maintenance subscriptions include commercial technical support. |
Plans
Nmap
- Nmap free end-user licenseFree
- Nmap OEM Small/Startup Company Redistribution License (quarterly term)$9,980 a month
- Nmap OEM Mid-Sized Company Redistribution License (quarterly term)$13,980 a month
- Nmap OEM Enterprise Redistribution License (quarterly term)$17,980 a month
- Nmap OEM Small/Startup Company Redistribution License (perpetual)$59,980, paid once
- Nmap OEM Mid-Sized Company Redistribution License (perpetual)$89,980, paid once
- Nmap OEM Enterprise Redistribution License (perpetual)$119,980, paid once
In their own words
inSSIDer
inSSIDer is Wi-Fi analysis software that visualizes nearby networks and helps show how they affect a local connection. For access points, it displays channel, channel width, signal strength, Wi-Fi generation, maximum data rate, and security. Its Channels Table shows channel occupancy to help users identify a relatively quiet option. The software can scan a local network for connected devices and identify the type and name of many of them. It also checks Wi-Fi configuration and describes what is working well, what could improve, and what needs fixing. The free download provides Wi-Fi scanning and visualization and requires a free Oscium account. MetaGeek Plus adds packet capture, RF spectrum analysis, network snapshots, client traffic analytics, cloud sync, and team collaboration; Plus features are currently Windows-only. The free scanner uses the Wi-Fi adapter in a Windows laptop, while inSSIDer is listed for Windows and macOS. A Wi-Fi scanner cannot directly see interference from non-Wi-Fi devices such as Bluetooth, microwaves, or cordless phones. MetaGeek Plus costs $200/yr.
Nmap
Nmap is a free, open-source utility for discovering networks and auditing security. It uses raw IP packets to identify available hosts, services and versions, operating systems, and packet filters or firewalls. Scanning options include TCP and UDP ports, OS and version detection, and ping sweeps. Network administrators can use it to inventory systems, plan service upgrades, and monitor host or service uptime. The Nmap Scripting Engine runs bundled or user-written scripts in parallel for networking tasks such as discovery and vulnerability checks. The suite also includes Zenmap, a graphical interface and results viewer; Ncat for data transfer and debugging; Ndiff for comparing scan results; and Nping for packet generation and response analysis. Most port-scan types require privileged access to send and receive raw packets, although unprivileged users can run connect and FTP bounce scans. Nmap is not a comprehensive vulnerability scanner. End-user use is free, but redistribution in commercial products requires an OEM license. Quarterly OEM licenses start at $9,980.00 per 3 months for eligible small or startup companies.