iperf2
iperf2: A free, open-source CLI for detailed cross-platform network performance testing. Ranked #10 of 37 in Network Diagnostic Software by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for cross-platform throughput testing.
At a glance
- Editor score8.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCross-platform throughput testing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Measures TCP/UDP throughput, latency, jitter, and packet loss
- Supports bidirectional, full-duplex, multicast, IPv4, and IPv6 tests
- Runs across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and embedded systems
Where it doesn't
- Command-line operation may require technical networking knowledge
- Focused on performance testing rather than broad network diagnostics
- Vendor-provided builds and packages vary by supported platform
Our verdict on iperf2
iperf2 is a free, open-source command-line network performance measurement tool from the iperf2 project. It generates and receives TCP or UDP traffic between a client and server, making it suitable for network engineers, developers, and technical teams that need repeatable throughput and transport-level measurements across different environments. Vendor-provided builds and packages support Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, embedded systems, and set-top boxes.
Its main strength is measurement depth within network performance testing. iperf2 covers throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss, ECN, one-way delay, and round-trip measurements. Tests can use parallel streams, bidirectional traffic, reverse traffic, full-duplex operation, and multicast. Support for both IPv4 and IPv6 broadens its usefulness across mixed network environments, while CSV report output can help incorporate results into analysis workflows. TCP congestion-control and socket-pacing tests add further detail for teams investigating transport behavior rather than only checking headline bandwidth.
The trade-off is its narrow focus and command-line workflow. iperf2 is designed for generating traffic and measuring network performance, not for presenting a broader desktop diagnostic suite. Its free, open-source model keeps the tool accessible for technical users who want to read, build, and adapt the source, with no paid tier structure described by the project. Choose iperf2 when cross-platform throughput and packet-level performance measurements are the priority. Teams seeking a more guided interface or wider diagnostic coverage should consider a different type of network diagnostic software.
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iperf2 pricing
iperf2 fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Path visualization | Not verified |
| DNS diagnostics | Not verified |
| Packet-loss analysis | Yes |
| Command-line interface | Yes |
| Target limit | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, embedded systems, set-top boxes |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | sourceforge.net |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to iperf2
- 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
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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