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Wireshark vs tcpflow: catalog facts
Wireshark	tcpflow
Free Free and open source. The foundation is funded by sponsors, training and certification.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Linux, Command line
Dissectors for hundreds of protocols, so the packet contents are readable rather than hex Display filters that cut a huge capture down to one conversation	Reconstructs full TCP streams into files Works on live capture or saved pcap files
Capturing on most systems needs elevated privileges or a driver such as Npcap The interface assumes you already know roughly what you are looking for	Command-line only Usually built from source
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-2.0	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026

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