Best Network Scanning Tool Comparison | Nmap vs Zenmap vs Angry IP Scanner vs Hping3 with Commands, Use Cases, and Real-Time Output

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Use Scanning Tools?
• Popular Scanning Tools Compared
• Real-Time Examples and Usage
• Pros and Cons of Each Tool
• Best Tool for Each Use Case
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

In the world of ethical hacking and network security assessments, port scanning and host discovery are critical first steps. Tools like Nmap, Zenmap, Angry IP Scanner, and Hping3 help security professionals identify live hosts, open ports, running services, and vulnerabilities on a network. However, each tool comes with its own strengths and weaknesses. This blog compares the most commonly used scanning tools with real-time commands, features, use cases, and a comparison table to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

Why Use Scanning Tools?

Scanning tools are essential for:

• Network reconnaissance

  
  

• Vulnerability assessments

• Firewall and IDS testing

• Mapping attack surfaces

Whether you're a penetration tester, network administrator, or a cybersecurity student, knowing when and how to use the right tool is critical for effective results.

Popular Scanning Tools Compared

Real-Time Examples and Usage

Nmap - Stealth TCP SYN Scan

nmap -sS 192.168.1.1

Output:

Starting Nmap 7.93 ( https://nmap.org ) at 2025-04-10
Nmap scan report for 192.168.1.1
PORT     STATE SERVICE
22/tcp   open  ssh
80/tcp   open  http
443/tcp  closed https

Hping3 - Send SYN Packet

hping3 -S 192.168.1.1 -p 80 -c 1

Output:

HPING 192.168.1.1 (eth0 192.168.1.1): S set, 40 headers + 0 data bytes
len=46 ip=192.168.1.1 ttl=64 DF id=0 sport=80 flags=SA seq=0 win=29200 rtt=0.5 ms

Masscan - High-Speed Port Scan

masscan 192.168.1.0/24 -p0-1024

Output:

Discovered open port 22/tcp on 192.168.1.1
Discovered open port 80/tcp on 192.168.1.10

Netcat - Check Open Port Banner

nc -v 192.168.1.1 80

Output:

Connection to 192.168.1.1 80 port [tcp/http] succeeded!

Pros and Cons of Each Tool

Best Tool for Each Use Case

Conclusion

Choosing the best scanning tool depends on your goals, skill level, and the network environment you're testing. Nmap remains the industry standard for detailed scanning, while tools like Hping3 and Masscan serve specific advanced needs. Beginners can benefit from using Zenmap or Angry IP Scanner for basic network visibility. For penetration testers, combining tools (e.g., Nmap + Hping3 + Netcat) often yields the best results.

Make sure to use these tools ethically and legally, only on networks you have permission to scan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a network scanner in ethical hacking?

A network scanner is a tool used to discover active devices, open ports, and vulnerabilities in a network.

Which is better: Nmap or Angry IP Scanner?

Nmap is more powerful and versatile, while Angry IP Scanner is faster and easier for basic host discovery.

Is Zenmap just a GUI for Nmap?

Yes, Zenmap is the graphical interface for Nmap, designed for users who prefer a visual approach.

Can I use these scanning tools on any network?

No, always get permission before scanning. Unauthorized scanning can be illegal and unethical.

What is the main difference between Masscan and Nmap?

Masscan is significantly faster but lacks the in-depth service detection Nmap provides.

How does Hping3 differ from Nmap?

Hping3 is used for crafting custom packets and testing firewalls, whereas Nmap is for comprehensive port and service scanning.

What does Nmap’s -sS flag do?

It performs a TCP SYN stealth scan, useful for detecting open ports without completing the handshake.

Is Angry IP Scanner open source?

Yes, it is free and open-source software available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What platforms do these tools support?

Most tools like Nmap, Hping3, and Angry IP Scanner work on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Which tool is best for beginners?

Zenmap and Angry IP Scanner are ideal for beginners due to their graphical interfaces.

Can I scan multiple IP addresses at once?

Yes, tools like Nmap and Masscan support scanning entire subnets or multiple IPs.

What is OS detection in Nmap?

Nmap can identify the operating system of a host using TCP/IP fingerprinting.

What’s a real-time use case for Hping3?

Firewall testing and packet crafting for network resilience testing.

Is Zenmap still supported?

While it’s still available, development has slowed, and it's mainly used for learning or quick scans.

What is Unicornscan?

Unicornscan is a fast asynchronous scanner used for information gathering and reconnaissance.

Why is Masscan so fast?

It uses asynchronous scanning and custom TCP stack to achieve high-speed scans.

What are common Nmap commands for beginners?

nmap -sS, nmap -sV, nmap -O, and nmap -A are frequently used options.

How accurate is Nmap for port scanning?

Nmap is highly accurate for detecting open, closed, and filtered ports.

Can Hping3 be used for DDoS simulation?

Yes, but only in controlled environments with permission. It should not be used maliciously.

What are the limitations of Angry IP Scanner?

It lacks advanced scanning capabilities like version detection and script execution.

Which tool is best for service version detection?

Nmap with the -sV flag is ideal for identifying service versions.

Can I use Masscan with Nmap?

Yes, you can use Masscan for speed and then Nmap to analyze discovered hosts in detail.

Do these tools detect vulnerabilities?

Nmap supports NSE (Nmap Scripting Engine) which can detect certain vulnerabilities.

What is banner grabbing in Netcat?

It's connecting to a service and reading its welcome message to identify it.

Is Netcat a scanning tool?

It’s more of a utility for manual probing and banner grabbing, not a dedicated scanner.

Are there risks in using these tools on corporate networks?

Yes, scanning can trigger alarms, affect performance, or violate policy if not authorized.

Can Nmap bypass firewalls?

Using fragmentation and stealth techniques like -f or -sS, it can evade basic firewalls.

What is the best scanner for large enterprise networks?

Masscan and Unicornscan are great for fast, large-scale scans; Nmap is best for detailed auditing.

Are these tools legal to use?

They are legal when used on systems you own or have explicit permission to scan.

What are some advanced uses of Nmap?

Script-based scanning, OS fingerprinting, traceroute, and firewall evasion are all advanced Nmap features.