To protect your network from attackers, port checker tools help you identify the weak links in your networking chain, and we’ll be discussing the best online resources for the job.
What Are Ports? Why Do They Need Checking?
In networking, ports are where information exchanged between more than one computer is sent from or received. They are identified by numbers in a 16-bit system, with ports numbered between 1 and 65535 assigned to the system (1-1023), registered (1024-49151), or private ports (49152-65535).
Among system ports, there are a select few “common” numbers associated with common network services like DNS servers (53), hypertext transfer protocol, a.k.a. HTTP (80), and email (587). If a port associated with these numbers is open, it can receive any type of information or message.
Open ports are in danger of being hacked, so port scanning tools are needed to make sure that any ports associated with networking, gaming, or P2P communication are closed.
The Best Port Scanning Tools
There are a number of tools and apps available to determine whether the various ports associated with your network are open or closed. While most of them provide satisfactory results, this list details online resources, with emphasis on certain criteria such as
- The ability to scan any port type, regardless of range
- Accurate port details
- Easy and free use
- Secure usage: no registration is needed
1. Nmap Online
Best for Versatile (albeit premium) port checking
Nmap offers a wide range of networking services software that can be downloaded for free. However, its online port scanner is among the most well-known checking open or closed ports in your network.
Though it provides speedy and comprehensive results, you need a free account for up to five daily scans, plus an “expert” ($99/year) or “business” account ($1299/year) for access to other services, including the ability to delete results that detail sensitive port data.
Despite this, this is still perhaps the best online resource if you can afford it (as big an “if” that might be.)
Features
- User-friendly interface
- Countless scanning functions
- Easy to use
- Limited free applications
- Registration must for
- 5 scans/day
- IP/domain scanning
- API calls
2. https://dnschecker.org/port-scanner.php
Best for Simple yet specialized and convenient service
This website hosts a range of IP, DNS, cybersecurity, network, productivity, and several other tools. Although its port checker doesn’t offer Nmap’s versatility, it still offers a more than useful service for most users, and it does so for free, with quick results, and no cyber safety issues with having to register an account.
Features
- Option to pick from custom, gaming, P2P, software, or app ports
- A handy guide for system ports for specific results
- Results not saved
- Completely free
- Quick and easy results
- No registration needed
3. IPVoid Open Port Checker
Best for Secure and non-invasive port checking
Like DNSChecker, this tool is one of many tools at your disposal when visiting the IPVoid homepage. It provides suitable results, though it allows one entry at a time. However, and this is important, this tool cannot be used without agreeing to its terms of service which entail authorized use of this tool.
Plus you can only use it to scan your own address for vulnerabilities. You cannot use it to scan anyone else’s network, ergo, they cannot scan yours, which is a massive cybersecurity benefit. However, this tool only allows 5 entries per day, with no payable increase.
Features
- Quick and easy to use
- Accurate results
- Limited use (5/day)
- No paid plan or registration; completely free
- Prevents third party port scanning
- Does not work with VPNs or proxies
4. WhatIsMyIP Port Scanner
Best for General free use for security checks
This tool is one of many available on this website. It gives quick, secure, and free results about your open ports. While it’s a useful tool that offers the ability to filter results based on port type, the buttons’ layout that allows changing between “individual” or “package-based” results can be confusing for users.
Features
- Option to select basic, gaming, web-based, or malicious results
- A handy guide for system ports for specific results
- Usually quick results
- Completely free
- No login or registration is needed whatsoever
Verdict – The Best Port Checking Tool
Though there is no shortage of competent port scanning resources available on the internet, this list briefly but conclusively lists the best options in terms of basic port checking facilities.
That being said, DNSChecker has quite a few advantages thanks to its completely free and user-friendly service, unlimited use, quick results, and relatively safe function, putting it well ahead as the best port checking tool on this list, and perhaps even generally.
Conclusion
Port scanning is a quick and easy way to determine the weak spots in your network that can be exploited by external hackers. And with the immense number of helpful Port Checker tools, it’s quite easy as well.
