# Wireshark

The reference network protocol analyzer for capturing and inspecting packets in detail.

HTML: https://softbests.com/software/wireshark
Markdown: https://softbests.com/software/wireshark.md
Website: https://www.wireshark.org/

- Category: [Developer utilities](https://softbests.com/category/developer-tools)
- Pricing: Open source
- Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux

## Best for

Developers and admins who need to see exactly what is on the wire, not just a connection list.

## Why it deserves attention

Wireshark captures live traffic or opens existing captures, then decodes hundreds of protocols down to field level with filters, flow graphs, and statistics. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, is free under GPL-2.0, and is maintained by a long-standing community project. It is a deep tool: expect a learning curve and only use it with permission on networks you own. For simple bandwidth and host views, Sniffnet or a proxy is quicker.

## Can replace

- tcpdump

## Related and alternatives

- [Sniffnet](https://softbests.com/software/sniffnet)
- [HTTP Toolkit](https://softbests.com/software/http-toolkit)