Best Network Packet Capture Software in 2026

Whether you are collecting traffic as it happens or examining a saved trace, packet capture tools differ in the ways they capture and inspect network data. Compare live capture and offline trace analysis with capture file formats to check how each entry fits your workflow. Display filters and protocol decryption shape the listed inspection capabilities; command-line capture and supported platforms help distinguish working environments. Free plan and Paid from details provide additional comparison points. Termshark, Malcolm, and NetworkMiner lead the ranked entries, followed by Sniffnet and tcpdump. Consider which capture modes, analysis features, and platform support matter for the traffic you need to examine.