Xplico
Xplico: A focused, free option for extracting application data from PCAPs and live traffic. Ranked #18 of 31 in Network Packet Analyzer Software by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for web-managed application-data extraction.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWeb-managed application-data extraction
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Operating systemsLinux and Unix-like operating systems
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Extracts HTTP, email, FTP, VoIP and other application data
- Supports PCAP decoding, live Ethernet capture and TCP reassembly
- Provides web case management with SQLite, MySQL or file output
Where it doesn't
- No decryption support
- Verified operating-system coverage centers on Linux and Unix-like systems
- Installation documentation targets older Linux distributions and dependencies
Our verdict on Xplico
Xplico is an open-source Network Forensic Analysis Tool for extracting application data from captured Internet traffic. It is suited to digital forensics and network investigation workflows that involve PCAP files, capture directories or real-time traffic from an Ethernet interface. A web interface supports case and session management, while command-line console mode provides another way to operate the system. Its platform focus is Linux and Unix-like operating systems.
Its main strength is the breadth of its decoding and extraction workflow. Xplico combines protocol dissectors, dependency graphs, Port Independent Protocol Identification and TCP reassembly with ACK verification. It can extract data from HTTP, email, FTP, VoIP and other application protocols, then write results to SQLite, MySQL or files. This makes it a practical fit for investigators who want application-level results rather than only packet inspection, with web-managed organization for cases and sessions.
Xplico is free and open source, with no paid tier distinction in its published model. The main trade-offs are its narrow platform coverage, lack of decryption support and the setup context reflected in its documentation, which targets older Linux distributions and dependencies. Choose Xplico when web-based case management and application-data extraction are central requirements and Linux or a Unix-like system fits the environment. Choose another network analyzer when encrypted-traffic analysis, broader operating-system coverage or more current installation guidance is essential.
Your product? Our editors can test Xplico in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Xplico pricing
Xplico fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Live capture | Yes |
| Command-line tool | Yes |
| Traffic decryption | No |
| Operating systems | Linux and Unix-like operating systems |
| Capture file formats | PCAP |
| Protocol dissectors | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | xplico.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Xplico
- WiresharkA complete free analyzer for live capture, offline analysis, protocol inspection, and packet decryption.9.4
- TSharkA free, open-source choice for structured, scriptable packet analysis.9.2
- tcpdumpA free, open-source choice for precise capture, filtering, and PCAP inspection.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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