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iperf3

iperf3 is a free tool for measuring achievable bandwidth on IP networks.

Place
#16 of 37
Score
6.1
iperf3's website

What iperf3 is

iperf3 is a free tool for measuring achievable bandwidth on IP networks. It provides client and server functions for testing TCP, UDP, or SCTP throughput, and reports results including throughput and loss. Users can adjust settings for timing, protocol, and buffer behavior. Results from either client or server can be emitted as JSON, including line-delimited JSON for real-time parsing, and the included library can be used by other programs. iperf3 is released under a three-clause BSD license. The project lists Ubuntu Linux, FreeBSD, and macOS as its officially supported platforms; Windows is not officially supported, and its FAQ recommends iperf2 for Windows users encountering problems. ESnet supplies source distributions but does not distribute binary packages, and recommends checking SHA256 checksums for source archives. The project began as the bandwidth tester for the perfSONAR measurement suite, which it identifies as its primary user base. iperf3 is not backwards compatible with the original iperf. The project news page lists iperf-3.22 as released on 2026-09-29 with security and minor bug fixes.

Good

  • Measures TCP, UDP, and SCTP throughput
  • Includes client and server functions
  • Supports JSON and line-delimited JSON output
  • Includes a library for other programs
  • Free under a three-clause BSD license

Watch out

  • Windows is not officially supported
  • ESnet does not distribute binary packages
  • Not backwards compatible with original iperf

Who it suits

iperf3 suits network operators and developers who need command-line bandwidth measurements on officially supported systems. It can also suit perfSONAR users seeking its primary bandwidth-testing tool.

Verdict

iperf3 offers configurable bandwidth measurements and machine-readable output for supported platforms. Windows users and those needing binary packages should note the distribution and compatibility limits.

Plans and prices

From iperf3's own pricing page, checked 2 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
iperf3FreeThree-clause BSD license · source distributions; ESnet does not distribute binary packages

The facts

Each one read from iperf3's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Compatibility limit
iperf3 is not backwards compatible with the original iperf.checked 2 Oct 2026
Distribution
ESnet does not distribute binary packages; the project lists third-party packages and provides source distributions.checked 2 Oct 2026
Integrations
iperf3 was developed initially as the bandwidth tester for the perfSONAR measurement suite, which the project identifies as its primary user base.checked 2 Oct 2026
Integrity
The project recommends verifying SHA256 checksums for source distributions before use.checked 2 Oct 2026
Latest release
The project news page lists iperf-3.22 as released on 2026-09-29, with security and minor bug fixes.checked 2 Oct 2026
Library
iperf3 includes a library version of its functionality that can be used in other programs.checked 2 Oct 2026
License
iperf3 is released under a three-clause BSD license.checked 2 Oct 2026
Output
Client or server output can be emitted as JSON, including line-delimited JSON for real-time parsing.checked 2 Oct 2026
Protocols
It measures TCP, UDP, or SCTP throughput and includes both client and server functionality.checked 2 Oct 2026
Purpose
iperf3 measures achievable bandwidth on IP networks and reports throughput, loss, and other test results.checked 2 Oct 2026
Security
The project directs reports of potential security issues to [email protected].checked 2 Oct 2026
Support
The project provides a developer mailing list and GitHub issue tracker for questions and bug reports.checked 2 Oct 2026
Test options
Users can tune test parameters related to timing, protocols, and buffers.checked 2 Oct 2026

The company

Founded
2010checked 28 Sep 2026

Where it runs

Supported platforms
Ubuntu Linux, FreeBSD, and macOS are the only officially supported platforms listed by the project.checked 2 Oct 2026
Windows support
iperf3 is not officially supported on Windows, and the FAQ recommends iperf2 for Windows users having trouble.checked 2 Oct 2026

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