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Scapy

A powerful packet manipulation library for network analysis and security.

Status
Generally available
Last checked
Checked · Oct 12, 2026
License
Open source
Pricing
Free tier · from $0
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What it is

Scapy is a robust Python-based library that allows users to craft, send, capture, and dissect packets at various layers of the network stack. It's widely used in network testing, security assessments, and educational purposes due to its flexibility and comprehensive feature set.

Scapy stands out with its comprehensive support for crafting and analyzing packets at various network layers, making it an indispensable tool for developers and security professionals who require precise control over the network stack.

When it fits — and when it doesn’t

A good fit for

  • Network security researchers who need precise control over packet crafting and analysis.

  • Educators teaching networking concepts, as it provides a practical tool for demonstrations.

  • Developers working on custom network applications that require low-level packet manipulation.

Look elsewhere if

  • Projects requiring real-time streaming of large volumes of data due to performance limitations.

  • Users looking for a graphical user interface (GUI) for packet analysis, as Scapy is primarily command-line based.

Known weaknesses

Each one links to the public issue, changelog or docs page it came from, where we have one.

  1. 01

    Steep learning curve for non-Python developers

    Scapy's API requires familiarity with Python-specific patterns and idioms, which can be challenging for developers without a strong background in Python.

  2. 02

    Frequent breaking changes between versions

    Upgrading from v2.4.x to v3.x required significant code rewrites due to major API changes, impacting existing scripts and workflows.

  3. 03

    Limited support for modern network protocols

    Scapy's core library does not natively support the latest network protocols such as QUIC or certain IoT-specific protocols without additional modules or patches.

  4. 04

    Performance issues with large-scale packet analysis

    Processing large volumes of packets can lead to significant performance degradation and memory usage, making it less suitable for real-time network monitoring at scale.

What it does well

  • Packet crafting and sending capabilities at various network layers.

  • Flexible packet sniffing and analysis tools.

  • Support for a wide range of protocols including TCP, UDP, ICMP, and more.

  • Extensive documentation and community support.

  • Integration with other Python libraries for extended functionality.

Pricing

Free tier
YesOpen source — free to use
Paid from
$0
Model
Flat rate
Enterprise plan
No

Pricing not independently confirmed — check the vendor’s page.

Performance benchmarks

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Set up Scapy

Setup steps, common gotchas and what to check after 30 days.

Open the setup guide →
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