Managing IP addresses across complex enterprise networks can be an arduous task. Having visibility into all devices on your networks along with their IP and MAC addresses is critical for administrators to maintain security, prevent conflicts, and troubleshoot issues. This is where IP scanner tools become invaluable.
IP scanners automate the process of mapping network subnets, discovering connected devices, and collecting granular data on IP and MAC addresses, hostnames, operating systems, open ports, and more. Equipped with real-time scanning and monitoring capabilities, these tools provide network admins comprehensive visibility to efficiently manage their infrastructure.
In this guide, we will explore the 12 best IP scanner tools for effectively managing networks of all sizes.
Key Capabilities of IP Scanners
Before diving into the top tools, let‘s review some of the key capabilities IP network scanners offer:
- Network Mapping – Automatically scan subnets and discover all active hosts
- Device Identification – Detect device manufacturer, OS, hostname
- Address Management – Catalog device IP and MAC addresses
- Port Scanning – Identify open ports and associated services
- Alerting – Receive notifications when new devices join the network
- Reporting – Export detailed reports on network assets
- Access Control – Block/limit access for unknown devices
These functionalities simplify tasks like tracking down rogue devices, troubleshooting connectivity issues, maintaining an up-to-date inventory, and securing the network perimeter.
Next let‘s look at 12 leading tools to consider across different budgets and use cases.
1. OpUtils
OpUtils distinguishes itself as a full-featured IP address management (IPAM) platform with advanced network monitoring capabilities. Itautomates essential network administration tasks to help IT teams work smarter.
Key OpUtils features include:
- Discover devices and map topology of IPv4/IPv6 networks
- Scan switches and map device connections to ports
- Monitor bandwidth utilization across network
- Schedule backups and compare config changes for Cisco devices
- Visualize device SNMP data in graphical widgets
- Alert on network issues in real-time
With OpUtils‘ broad monitoring capabilities and workflows to backup Cisco router/switch configs, admins can stay on top of network changes and outages before they cause headaches.
2. PRTG Network Monitor
Paessler‘s PRTG Network Monitor is another robust unified monitoring solution. It features an automated network mapper and customizable dashboards to visualize detected devices, ports, traffic, and overall utilization.
Standout aspects include:
- Discover infrastructure and scan device systems/services
- In-depth traffic and bandwidth monitoring
- Alerting with SMS, email, push notifications
- Map network topology and components
If comprehensive monitoring with automated mapping/discovery of your infrastructure is a priority, PRTG excels as an all-in-one IP scanner and monitoring platform.
Start Monitoring your Network with PRTG
3. Fing
Fing takes a user-friendly approach by offering free mobile and desktop apps to scan home and office networks. It‘s designed for usability with features to:
- Identify devices connecting to your routers
- Create network access profiles for users
- Receive alerts when unknown devices are detected
- Block/limit device access
- Run network diagnostic tests
For personal networks, Fing delivers an easy way to manage network security by profiling devices and controlling access.
4. SolarWinds IP Address Manager
SolarWinds provides a dedicated IPAM tool that excels at automatically tracking devices and managing IP address space. It maintains historical usage data to inform network changes and troubleshooting investigations.
Key highlights:
- Monitor utilization of IPv4/IPv6 address pools
- Integrate with DHCP and DNS for coordinated management
- Identify IP conflicts and mismatched DNS entries
- Customizable reporting and alerting
- Role-based access control (RBAC) and delegation
For shops standardized on SolarWinds, its IPAM delivers device tracking and allocation workflows for efficient management of subnets.
Get Started with SolarWinds IPAM Free Trial
5. Angry IP Scanner
Angry IP scanner is a popular open-source option perfect for admins preferring free or open-source tools. Running on Windows, Mac, and Linux – it efficiently scans IP ranges to catalog devices and ports in use.
Capabilities include:
- Fast multi-threaded scanning engine
- Export results to TXT, CSV, XML
- Optional add-ons via plugin framework
- Lightweight and fast
For those with Linux/open-source affinity, Angry IP Scanner is a great choice focused specifically on asset discovery via IP scans.
6. Free IP Scanner
Free IP Scanner lives up to its name as a completely free Windows-based IP scanning tool. It leverages a fast multi-thread engine to identify live hosts and gather data like hostnames and open shares.
Benefits around:
- Free with no restrictions
- Multi-threaded for speed
- Export options for integration
- Very lightweight and portable
If you want a basic IP and port scanner with no strings attached, Free IP Scanner fits the bill.
7. Spiceworks IP Scanner
Spiceworks IP Scanner is another solid free tool that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. It excels at automatically mapping your LAN and listing discovered devices in an easy-to-read table.
Benefits include:
- Free and open-source
- Automatic device discovery
- Exportable results
- Multi-platform support
For no-cost ad-hoc scanning, Spiceworks IP Scanner is a handy tool to quickly visualize devices on your local network.
8. LizardSystems Network Scanner
This aptly named dedicated network scanner from LizardSystems detects assets connected to your network with information like OS, hardware details, open shares and web/FTP servers. It runs on Windows with a modern intuitive interface.
Core features:
- Detailed device profiling
- Fast multi-threaded engine
- Export options in HTML, XML, CSV
- Schedule and run scans in background
If consolidating hardware and software inventory across your network is the goal, LizardSystems Network Scanner excels at automatic asset discovery and reporting.
Download LizardSystems Scanner Free Trial
9. Advanced IP Scanner
Advanced IP Scanner is one of the most widely used IP scanners with over 30 million downloads. The Windows app provides an intuitive way to scan subnets and assess device connections.
It stands out for:
- Ease of use with intuitive UI
- Fast discovery of live hosts
- Export options for integrating data
- Portable app with no install
For a fast and easy IP and port scanner, Advanced IP Scanner is a solid choice.
10. IP Range Scanner
Provided by Lansweeper, IP Range Scanner offers a budget-friendly IPAM option with essential functionality like scheduled scans and CSV imports.
Notable aspects include:
- Schedules for automatic scanning
- Custom commands for post-scan actions
- CSV import for pre-defined IP ranges
- Smart subnet-aware scanning
For a basic IPAM tool on a budget, IP Range Scanner delivers great value.
11. Nmap
No list of scanners is complete without mentioning Nmap – the legendary open source network discovery and security auditing tool. With advanced features like OS detection, version scanning, scripting and more – Nmap is extremely versatile.
It enables administrators to:
- Discover live hosts on networks
- Detect OS, services, and open ports
- Use advanced scripts and plugins
- Integrate with monitoring systems
While Nmap has a steeper learning curve, it‘s an invaluable Swiss army knife for network reconnaissance.
12. Intruder
Rounding out our list is Intruder – a dedicated network vulnerability scanner that runs external penetration tests to identify risks.
It helps security-focused admins:
- Continuously scan infrastructure for 10,000+ risks
- Catalog externally facing assets
- Prioritize fixing critical issues quickly
- Integrate findings with IT workflows
If cyber exposure is your top concern, Intruder runs thorough scans to find weaknesses before attackers do.
Start Scanning your Network with Intruder
Comparing Tools for Your Needs
With an overview of the top options – let‘s briefly compare how they stack up across few key evaluation criteria:
Budget – If budget is a constraint, tools like Angry IP Scanner, Free IP Scanner and Spiceworks provide free capabilities. LizardSystems and Advanced IP offer free trials before needing to purchase.
Capability Breadth – OpUtils, PRTG and SolarWinds IPAM provide the deepest toolsets going beyond IP scanning into holistic network monitoring, asset tracking and IP address management.
Ease of Use – Fing, Advanced IP Scanner and LizardSystems offer the most intuitive interfaces for rapid scanning without a steep learning curve.
Customization – Nmap offers the most customization flexibility via its scripting engine and plugin ecosystem. PRTG also has solid extensibility options.
Carefully evaluate your use case, budget, technical capabilities and functionality requirements when selecting the right IP scanner for your needs.
Get Scanning!
IP address management is a pillar of efficient network administration. IP scanners provide indispensable visibility to answer vital questions like:
- What devices are connecting to my network?
- How are IP addresses being utilized?
- Are there any rogue devices or security risks?
- How has my infrastructure changed?
Leverage the 12 tools discussed to automatically track your infrastructure, maintain an accurate inventory, enhance security posture and streamline essential management workflows.
