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tcpflow vs ngrep: catalog facts
tcpflow	ngrep
Free Free and open source.	Free Free open-source software.
Linux, Command line	Windows, Linux, Command line
Reconstructs full TCP streams into files Works on live capture or saved pcap files	Grep-style matching on packet payloads Accepts tcpdump-style BPF filters
Command-line only Usually built from source	Text output only, with no protocol decoding like Wireshark Capturing traffic usually needs root or administrator rights
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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