Head-to-head · Network Protocol Analyzers
Wireshark vs Arkime
Wireshark leads on 1 check, Arkime on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreWireshark · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresWireshark · 5 of 5
Wireshark scores higher on our rubric for network protocol analyzers: 9.4 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
On deployment, Arkime gives you Server where Wireshark offers Desktop. Wireshark offers traffic decryption; Arkime doesn't.
Wireshark is the better fit for broad, free desktop packet analysis. Arkime is the better fit for searchable, server-based packet investigations.
- Wireshark fits best
Broad, free desktop packet analysis
- Arkime fits best
Searchable, server-based packet investigations
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Wireshark 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Arkime 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #1 in Network Protocol Analyzers | #6 in Network Protocol Analyzers |
| Best for | Broad, free desktop packet analysis | Searchable, server-based packet investigations |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Web, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Wireshark 5/5 · Arkime 4/5 | ||
| PCAP support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traffic decryption | ✓ (best) | — |
| CLI tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote capture | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flow analysis | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment | Desktop | Server |
| Capture sources | Both | Both |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Wireshark is an open-source network protocol analyzer for capturing, browsing, filtering, and inspecting network traffic. It is designed for network professionals, security experts, developers, and educators who need to examine live… Read the review → |
Arkime is a self-hosted, open-source network analysis and session search system for security teams and network operators. It runs on Linux with web, API, and server deployment options. The system can capture traffic from live network… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Wireshark — where it wins
- Live capture and offline analysis support
- Deep inspection, filtering, decryption, and PCAP support
- Includes TShark and remote capture over SSH
Where it doesn't
- Desktop deployment may not fit hosted or browser-based workflows
- Remote capture is provided through SSH
- Its extensive feature set is focused on technical packet analysis
Arkime — where it wins
- Combines live capture with offline PCAP import and processing
- Searches session metadata and protocol fields through a web interface
- Supports PCAP retention, export, flow views, and remote capture
Where it doesn't
- Requires server deployment and self-hosted operation
- Encrypted TLS traffic is indexed as ciphertext without decryption support
- OpenSearch or Elasticsearch is required for indexed session data
- Wireshark9.4/10 · Free plan
A broad, free desktop analyzer for live captures, PCAP files, filtering, and protocol inspection.
Visit WiresharkFull verdict → - Arkime8.7/10 · Free plan
A server-based Arkime system for searchable packet investigations and session analysis.
Visit ArkimeFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Wireshark vs TShark
- Wireshark vs Scapy
- Wireshark vs Kismet
- Wireshark vs tcpdump
- Wireshark vs Ettercap
- Wireshark vs NetworkMiner
- TShark vs Arkime
- Scapy vs Arkime
All network protocol analyzers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update