Best iperf3 Alternatives in 2026
The top iperf3 alternatives are Globalping, RIPE Atlas and PingPlotter: 15 network diagnostic software our editors would look at instead of iperf3, in our ranking order.
iperf3: A focused, scriptable throughput tester for Linux and macOS network work. Where it falls short: official platform support is limited to ubuntu linux, FreeBSD, and macOS.
Switching from iperf3? For most network diagnostic software buyers the best iperf3 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 iperf3 Alternative
- Official platform support is limited to Ubuntu Linux, FreeBSD, and macOS
- No built-in path visualization or DNS diagnostics
- ESnet does not distribute binary packages
- No path visualization — 9 of the alternatives below have it
- No dNS diagnostics — 10 of the alternatives below have it
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 - Best for path visualizationRIPE Atlas9.2
Path visualization (iperf3: no)
Visit RIPE Atlas
All 15 iperf3 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.
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Best forGlobal, automated network diagnostics
- Better than iperf3:
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 9.4 vs 7.5
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 iperf3:
- Path visualization
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 9.2 vs 7.5
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 iperf3:
- Path visualization
- Editor score 9.0 vs 7.5
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 iperf3:
- Path visualization
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 8.9 vs 7.5
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 iperf3:
- Path visualization
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 8.7 vs 7.5
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 iperf3:
- Path visualization
- Editor score 8.6 vs 7.5
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 iperf3:
- Path visualization
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 8.4 vs 7.5
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 iperf3:
- Path visualization
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 8.3 vs 7.5
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 iperf3:
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 8.2 vs 7.5
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 forCross-platform throughput testing
- Better than iperf3:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 7.5
A free, open-source CLI for detailed cross-platform network performance testing.
- Packet-loss analysis
- Command-line interface
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit iperf2 -
Best forVisual DNSSEC and delegation analysis
- Better than iperf3:
- Path visualization
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 8.0 vs 7.5
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
- Better than iperf3:
- Path visualization
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.5
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
- Better than iperf3:
- DNS diagnostics
- Editor score 7.7 vs 7.5
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
- Better than iperf3:
- Editor score 7.6 vs 7.5
A focused open-source toolkit for active network performance testing.
- Packet-loss analysis
- Command-line interface
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Ethr -
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
iperf3 Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to iperf3?
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 iperf3?
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 iperf3 alternatives?
Official platform support is limited to Ubuntu Linux, FreeBSD, and macOS; No built-in path visualization or DNS diagnostics; ESnet does not distribute binary packages.
Which iperf3 alternative has the most target limit?
GRC DNS Benchmark, with 500 targets.
How do I switch from iperf3?
Export your data from iperf3 (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 iperf3.
How to Switch from iperf3
- Export your data from iperf3 (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 iperf3.
iperf3 vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Deployment | Path visualization | DNS diagnostics | Packet-loss analysis | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | iperf3 | Yes | None | Desktop | No | No | Yes | 7.5 |
| 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 |
| 10 | iperf2 | Yes | None | Desktop | — | — | Yes | 8.1 |
| 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 |
| 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
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