Kismet vs Lansweeper
Kismet
kismetwireless.netLansweeper
lansweeper.comSide by side
| Figure | Kismet | Lansweeper |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 8 |
| Spec score · Wi-Fi security scanner apps | 8.1 (#8) | 9.2 (#3) |
| API | Kismet provides a REST-like API with JSON records, streaming pcap-ng, and websocket publish-subscribe endpoints. | The platform offers a GraphQL API and webhooks, with full API access included in Enterprise and limited API features in Starter and Pro. |
| Integrations | WIDS alerts can be integrated through live packet and alert REST APIs, syslog, and some SIEM tools. | The integrations directory lists products including Jira Service Management, HaloITSM, Datadog, and Acronis; Starter is limited to Service Desk ticket enrichment integrations. |
| Operating systems | Kismet runs on Linux and macOS, and can run on Windows through WSL. | The trial setup documentation lists Windows, Linux, and macOS as supported operating systems. |
| Security | The package installation guidance recommends running capture sources with elevated privileges while avoiding running the Kismet server itself as root. | The Trust Center displays SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR, and other security or compliance designations. |
| Support | The project directs users to its documentation and provides a community Discord server. | The Free plan includes community support, while Starter, Pro, and Enterprise list tier-specific support; Enterprise also includes a customer success manager. |
Plans
Lansweeper
- Free TrialPrice not published
- Free TrialPriced on request
- Starter$199 a month
- Pro$379 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- FreeFree
- ProPrice not published
- StarterPrice not published
In their own words
Kismet
Kismet is a free, open-source wireless sniffer, intrusion detection system, wardriving tool, and packet capture tool. Depending on hardware and driver support, it can capture Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, wireless sensor, airplane beacon, and power meter data. It runs headless as a standalone capture and wireless intrusion detection system, or with a web interface. Linux and macOS are supported directly; Windows use is through WSL. Remote capture forwards capture types over TCP sockets or websockets for centralized collection. Kismet’s kismetdb logfile combines packets, device records, location, and runtime data in an SQLite3-based file. A REST-like API offers JSON records, streaming pcap-ng, and websocket publish-subscribe endpoints. WIDS alerts can be connected through REST APIs, syslog, and some SIEM tools. The project says stationary use is most effective for WIDS; mobile or channel-hopping operation can reduce accuracy and coverage. Its macOS adapter support is limited, and WSL cannot access local hardware interfaces for packet capture, though remote capture is supported. The downloads page lists 2025-09-R1 as the latest stable release.
Lansweeper
Lansweeper is Cyber Asset Intelligence software for organizations seeking visibility into their technology environments. It discovers IT, operational technology, cloud, and virtual assets, including unmanaged and rogue assets. Discovery can be agentless, with an IT Agent available for situations such as work-from-home environments. Inventory tools include data federation, normalization, classification, cleanup rules, dashboards, and generated diagrams. Lansweeper also provides vulnerability insights and flags software or assets that are at or approaching end of life. The platform offers a GraphQL API, webhooks, marketplace integrations, and a Flow Builder for custom workflows. Starter limits integrations to Service Desk ticket enrichment and has limited API features; Pro and Enterprise include marketplace apps, while full API access is in Enterprise. Lansweeper offers cloud-first Lansweeper Sites and on-premise Lansweeper Classic. Its cloud service uses TLS in transit, AES-256 at rest, encrypted credential storage, and logical customer-data separation. The free plan covers up to 100 assets. A 14-day trial provides access to all features without a credit card. Starter costs $199 a month billed annually; Pro costs $379 a month billed annually.