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Head-to-head · Network Troubleshooting Software

Wireshark vs Omnipeek

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Wireshark #1 in Network Troubleshooting Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Wireshark
Omnipeek #7 in Network Troubleshooting Software 7.9/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Omnipeek

Wireshark leads on 1 check, Omnipeek on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreWireshark · 9.4/10
  • Free planonly Wireshark
  • Free trialonly Omnipeek

Wireshark scores higher on our rubric for network troubleshooting software: 9.4 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Wireshark offers free plan; Omnipeek doesn't.

Wireshark is the better fit for deep packet inspection across major platforms. Omnipeek is the better fit for professional packet and wireless troubleshooting.

  • Wireshark fits best

    Deep packet inspection across major platforms

  • Omnipeek fits best

    Professional packet and wireless troubleshooting

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 ↗ Omnipeek 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 7.9
Ranking #1 in Network Troubleshooting Software #7 in Network Troubleshooting Software
Best for Deep packet inspection across major platforms Professional packet and wireless troubleshooting
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan Pricing on request · 30-day trial
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Desktop Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows
Support Community, Docs Tickets, Community
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Wireshark 0/2 · Omnipeek 0/2
Packet capture Not checked yet Not checked yet
Path analysis Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Device limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Captures live traffic and analyzes saved PCAP and PCAPNG files.
  • Inspects hundreds of protocols with filtering and decryption support.
  • Adds TShark CLI analysis and remote capture over SSH.
  • Analyzes local and remote packet captures across network segments
  • Combines flow, wireless, voice, and video troubleshooting tools
  • Can decrypt SSL traffic using server private keys
Cons
  • Desktop deployment only; it is not described as a hosted service.
  • Its range of inspection features may exceed basic troubleshooting needs.
  • Support channels are community and documentation.
  • Runs on Windows rather than across desktop platforms
  • Pricing requires contacting sales
  • No free plan; the free trial lasts 30 days
Our verdict

Wireshark is a free, open-source network protocol analyzer for professionals and learners who need to capture and inspect network traffic. It runs as desktop software on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports both live packet capture and…

Read the review →

Network and security teams investigating application performance, wireless, voice, video, or broader network issues may find Omnipeek’s packet-level approach a good fit. The Windows-based protocol analyzer captures, decodes, visualizes,…

Read the review →
  1. WiresharkNetwork Troubleshooting Software 9.4Free plan
  2. OmnipeekNetwork Troubleshooting Software 7.9Pricing on request · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Wireshark — where it wins

    • Captures live traffic and analyzes saved PCAP and PCAPNG files.
    • Inspects hundreds of protocols with filtering and decryption support.
    • Adds TShark CLI analysis and remote capture over SSH.

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop deployment only; it is not described as a hosted service.
    • Its range of inspection features may exceed basic troubleshooting needs.
    • Support channels are community and documentation.

  • Omnipeek — where it wins

    • Analyzes local and remote packet captures across network segments
    • Combines flow, wireless, voice, and video troubleshooting tools
    • Can decrypt SSL traffic using server private keys

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs on Windows rather than across desktop platforms
    • Pricing requires contacting sales
    • No free plan; the free trial lasts 30 days
  • Wireshark9.4/10 · Free plan

    A broad desktop analyzer for live and offline packet inspection, with command-line tools.

    Visit WiresharkFull verdict →
  • Omnipeek7.9/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

    Omnipeek combines packet, flow, wireless, and voice/video analysis with remote capture.

    Visit OmnipeekFull verdict →

More comparisons

All network troubleshooting software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update