Compare software

netcat vs Rustcat: catalog facts
netcatRustcat
Free

The open-source tool is available without a license fee.

Free

Free and open source under GPL-3.0.

macOS, Linux, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
  • A tiny, universal primitive for scripting any network interaction
  • Present or one package away on almost every Unix system
  • Listen and connect modes
  • Interactive command history and tab completion
  • The original 1.10 is legacy; distributions ship various incompatible rewrites
  • No encryption; anything sensitive needs a tunnel around it
  • Intended for authorized testing
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License not stated License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 22, 2026

Checked October 8, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.