iperf3 vs Netpicker

iperf3 is a free command-line network measurement tool that reports achievable IP-network bandwidth, throughput, loss, and related results. It includes client and server functions for TCP, UDP, and SCTP tests, with adjustable timing, protocol, and buffer settings. Client or server output can be emitted as JSON, including line-delimited JSON for real-time parsing, and a library version can be embedded in other programs. The project uses a three-clause BSD license and lists Ubuntu Linux, FreeBSD, and macOS as its officially supported platforms. Windows is not officially supported; its FAQ points users with Windows problems toward iperf2. ESnet supplies source distributions rather than binary packages and recommends checking SHA256 checksums. iperf3 began as a perfSONAR bandwidth tester, its primary user base. It is not backwards compatible with the original iperf. Version 3.22 was released September 29, 2026.

Netpicker validates network state, device configurations, compliance, security and behavior, and can automate remediation. It runs automated Python tests in pytest format against device configurations, show-command output and API data. The free version includes unlimited configuration backups, Git history, diffs, search and drift detection. Netpicker supports devices from more than 180 vendors and can be deployed as a Docker container or OVA virtual appliance, on-premises or in air-gapped environments. API-based connections link it to source-of-truth systems, Git, ITSM tools and other existing tools. Its REST API manages devices, backups and tests, runs show commands and tests, and restores backups; documentation is provided through Swagger/OpenAPI. Security validation covers CVEs, security configurations, compliance and pen-test findings without sending network data outside the customer's environment. Potential CVEs are matched by OS version, while verified CVEs also check whether vulnerable features are enabled and mitigations are present. AI can draft tests, remediation jobs and troubleshooting queries from plain English, subject to engineer review and approval. The free Foundation plan is available; Professional starts at $7,500 a year.