Ethr
Ethr: A focused open-source toolkit for active network performance testing. Ranked #14 of 37 in Network Diagnostic Software by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Open source; best for cross-platform active network performance tests.
At a glance
- Editor score7.6 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forCross-platform active network performance tests
- Paid fromNone
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Measures bandwidth, connections per second, packets per second, and latency
- Supports TCP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, and ICMP testing
- Runs in client or server modes across Windows, Linux, and macOS
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide verified integrations
- Does not include DNS or path visualization features
- Command-line operation may require technical network knowledge
Our verdict on Ethr
Ethr is an open-source, command-line network measurement tool from Microsoft for assessing active network performance. It is intended for technical teams that need direct measurements across Windows, Linux, and macOS rather than a visual monitoring workspace. Its published capabilities cover bandwidth, connections per second, packets per second, latency, packet loss, jitter, ping, and traceroute-related metrics. Client and server operating modes support controlled testing between endpoints, while selected tests can target external destinations.
Ethr’s main strength is protocol and test coverage. It supports TCP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, and ICMP, and parallel-session testing can help examine performance under multiple concurrent sessions. Packet loss analysis is part of its category capabilities, and official build instructions cover the supported desktop platforms as well as Docker-based builds. This makes Ethr a practical fit for cross-platform diagnostic work where a command-line workflow and measurable network results are more important than dashboards or packaged integrations.
The trade-off is a focused scope. Ethr does not provide verified integrations or DNS and path visualization features, so teams seeking an integrated observability environment or a visual network-mapping experience should consider another product. Its open-source model also differs from commercial network diagnostic software: the published project information describes official downloads, build instructions, and a v1.0.0 release rather than commercial pricing tiers. Choose Ethr for direct, protocol-aware performance tests across major desktop operating systems; choose an alternative when visual analysis, ecosystem connections, or broader monitoring workflows are central requirements.
Your product? Our editors can test Ethr in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →
Ethr pricing
Ethr fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Path visualization | Not verified |
| DNS diagnostics | Not verified |
| Packet-loss analysis | Yes |
| Command-line interface | Yes |
| Target limit | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Ethr
- GlobalpingA broad, open-source toolkit for diagnosing network behavior across global locations.9.4
- RIPE AtlasA free platform for distributed measurements, path analysis, and public Internet reachability data.9.2
- PingPlotterA focused tool for tracking latency, packet loss, jitter, and network paths.9.0
Used Ethr? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Ethr for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Ethr is listed in our Network Diagnostic Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/ethr/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/ethr.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Guides on network diagnostic software
- How to Use Traceroute Linux: Essential Network Diagnostic ToolAug 2026
- Best Network Diagnostic Tools: What to Use for Packet Loss, DNS, Ports, Wi-Fi, and MonitoringAug 2026
- 11 Best Paid and Free Network Diagnostics Tools for Small and Large OrganizationsAug 2026
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update