Best iperf2 Alternatives in 2026
The top iperf2 alternatives are Globalping, RIPE Atlas and PingPlotter: 15 network diagnostic software our editors would look at instead of iperf2, in our ranking order.
iperf2: A free, open-source CLI for detailed cross-platform network performance testing. Where it falls short: command-line operation may require technical networking knowledge.
Switching from iperf2? For most network diagnostic software buyers the best iperf2 alternative is Globalping, built for global, automated network diagnostics. On a budget, PingPlotter starts at $6.99/mo. GRC DNS Benchmark offers the most target limit (500 targets).
Why People Look for an iperf2 Alternative
- 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
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallGlobalping9.4
Global, automated network diagnostics
Visit Globalping - Lowest pricePingPlotter9.0
Paid plans from $6.99/mo
Visit PingPlotter - Best free optionGlobalping9.4
Has a free plan
Visit Globalping - Most target limitGRC DNS Benchmark7.7
500 targets
Visit GRC DNS Benchmark
All 15 iperf2 Alternatives, Ranked
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.
-
Best forGlobal, automated network diagnostics
- Better than iperf2:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 8.1
A broad, open-source toolkit for diagnosing network behavior across global locations.
- Packet-loss analysis
- DNS diagnostics
- Command-line interface
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Globalping -
Best forDistributed measurement and path analysis
- Better than iperf2:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 8.1
A free platform for distributed measurements, path analysis, and public Internet reachability data.
- Path visualization
- Packet-loss analysis
- DNS diagnostics
9.2/10★★★★★Visit RIPE Atlas -
Best forContinuous path and connection monitoring
- Better than iperf2:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.1
A focused tool for tracking latency, packet loss, jitter, and network paths.
- Path visualization
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit PingPlotter -
Best forFree network discovery and security diagnostics
- Better than iperf2:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 8.1
A mature, open-source toolkit for discovering hosts, services, paths, and network behavior.
- Path visualization
- Packet-loss analysis
- DNS diagnostics
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Nmap -
Best forFree Windows network troubleshooting
- Better than iperf2:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 8.1
A free Windows desktop toolkit covering scanning, monitoring, DNS, Wi-Fi, and discovery.
- Path visualization
- Packet-loss analysis
- DNS diagnostics
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit NETworkManager -
Best forCross-platform network inventory
- Better than iperf2:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 8.1
A broad network inventory toolkit for administrators who need scanning, monitoring and automation.
- Path visualization
- Packet-loss analysis
- Command-line interface
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit SoftPerfect -
Best forComprehensive professional Windows diagnostics
- Better than iperf2:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 8.1
A broad Windows diagnostic suite for professionals who need deep network visibility.
- Path visualization
- Packet-loss analysis
- DNS diagnostics
8.4/10★★★★☆Try NetScanTools Pro -
Best forVisual Windows route investigations
- Better than iperf2:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 8.1
A Windows-focused diagnostic suite for mapping, comparing, and investigating network paths.
- Path visualization
- Packet-loss analysis
- DNS diagnostics
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Visualware -
Best forFree Windows traceroute monitoring
- Better than iperf2:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 8.1
A free Windows command-line tracer for continuous path, latency, and packet-loss analysis.
- Packet-loss analysis
- DNS diagnostics
- Command-line interface
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit SolarWinds -
Best forVisual DNSSEC and delegation analysis
A focused open-source toolkit for tracing DNS behavior, errors, delegations, and DNSSEC chains.
- Path visualization
- DNS diagnostics
- Command-line interface
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit DNSViz -
Best forDNSSEC diagnostics and pre-deployment testing
Open-source DNS and DNSSEC diagnostics with CLI, graphs, JSON, Docker, and web access.
- Path visualization
- DNS diagnostics
- Command-line interface
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit DNSViz -
Best forDNS resolver performance benchmarking
A focused DNS benchmarking utility for comparing resolver performance from your network.
- Packet-loss analysis
- DNS diagnostics
- Command-line interface
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit GRC -
Best forCross-platform active network performance tests
A focused open-source toolkit for active network performance testing.
- Packet-loss analysis
- Command-line interface
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Ethr -
Best forEmbedded and Linux/macOS throughput testing
A focused, scriptable throughput tester for Linux and macOS network work.
- Packet-loss analysis
- Command-line interface
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit iperf3 -
Best forSimple free Windows route monitoring
A focused, portable route monitor for straightforward Windows connectivity troubleshooting.
- Packet-loss analysis
- Command-line interface
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit WinMTR
iperf2 Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to iperf2?
Globalping: #1 in our Network Diagnostic Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A broad, open-source toolkit for diagnosing network behavior across global locations.
Is there a free alternative to iperf2?
Yes. Globalping, RIPE Atlas, PingPlotter, Nmap and NETworkManager have a free plan or a free tier (12 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for iperf2 alternatives?
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.
Which iperf2 alternative has the most target limit?
GRC DNS Benchmark, with 500 targets.
How do I switch from iperf2?
Export your data from iperf2 (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel iperf2.
How to Switch from iperf2
- Export your data from iperf2 (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel iperf2.
iperf2 vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Deployment | Path visualization | DNS diagnostics | Packet-loss analysis | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | iperf2 | Yes | None | Desktop | — | — | Yes | 8.1 |
| 1 | Globalping | Yes | — | Hybrid | — | Yes | Yes | 9.4 |
| 2 | RIPE Atlas | — | None | Hybrid | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.2 |
| 3 | PingPlotter | Yes | $6.99/mo | Hybrid | Yes | — | — | 9.0 |
| 4 | Nmap | Yes | None | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.9 |
| 5 | NETworkManager | Yes | None | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 |
| 6 | SoftPerfect Network Scanner | No | — | Desktop | Yes | — | Yes | 8.6 |
| 7 | NetScanTools Pro | No | $299 one-time | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.4 |
| 8 | VisualRoute | No | — | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.3 |
| 9 | SolarWinds Traceroute NG | Yes | None | Desktop | — | Yes | Yes | 8.2 |
| 11 | DNSViz | — | None | Hybrid | Yes | Yes | — | 8.0 |
| 12 | DNSViz Toolkit | Yes | None | Hybrid | Yes | Yes | — | 7.9 |
| 13 | GRC DNS Benchmark | Yes | — | Desktop | — | Yes | Yes | 7.7 |
| 14 | Ethr | — | None | Desktop | — | — | Yes | 7.6 |
| 15 | iperf3 | Yes | None | Desktop | No | No | Yes | 7.5 |
| 16 | WinMTR | Yes | None | Desktop | No | No | Yes | 7.4 |
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
Last updated · How we research and update