NetsCLI vs Nmap
NetsCLI
netscli.comNmap
nmap.orgSide by side
| Figure | NetsCLI | Nmap |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $9,980/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Spec score · Port Scanner Software | 8.3 (#5) | 8.3 (#6) |
| Spec score · Command Line Tools | 8.0 (#12) | 8.0 (#13) |
| Integrations | The MCP server runs over stdio and exposes structured tools for network discovery, scanning, ping, DNS, ARP, host inspection, sweeps, interfaces, and mDNS discovery. | 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. |
| Platforms | The CLI and terminal UI are published for Windows, macOS, and Linux; the desktop app is available for those systems as well. | Official binary packages are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and the project also provides source code for other operating systems. |
| Purpose | NetsCLI is an open-source Rust network scanner for discovering LAN hosts, scanning TCP and UDP ports, querying DNS, and inspecting hosts. | Nmap is a free and open-source utility for network discovery and security auditing. |
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
NetsCLI
NetsCLI is an open-source network scanner for discovering LAN devices, scanning TCP and UDP ports, querying DNS, and inspecting hosts. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a desktop app, terminal UI, command-line interface, and MCP server built on one Rust core. The desktop app supports multiple investigation tabs, sortable and filterable results, exports, and scan history. Discovery can add reverse DNS, ARP cache details, MAC addresses, and device makers when the operating system has that information. Network operations in the CLI support JSON and YAML output; list commands also support CSV and Markdown. The MCP server runs over stdio and exposes structured network tools to compatible AI clients, including Claude Code and Cursor. NetsCLI is MIT-licensed and free for personal, open-source, and commercial use. Its binaries and installers are said to be checksummed and signed with Sigstore cosign. Packet capture requires separate downloads and libpcap on Linux or macOS, or Npcap on Windows. It does not provide remote administration and lacks advanced service detection, NSE scripts, and OS fingerprinting.
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.