Angry IP Scanner vs Advanced IP Scanner: Full Comparison
Angry IP Scanner and Advanced IP Scanner are the two names people meet first when they look for a free network scanner. Both find devices on a local network quickly, yet they are built on very different ideas: one is an open-source, cross-platform project, while the other is a Windows program with remote control built in.
Choosing between them depends on your operating system, the actions you want after a scan and how you plan to use the results. This comparison walks through each area so you can pick the scanner that fits your network, or decide to keep both.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Angry IP Scanner | Advanced IP Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Open-source project started by Anton Keks | Famatech |
| Licence | GPL version 2 | Free to use |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 |
| Written in | Java | Not published |
| Export formats | CSV, TXT, XML, IP-Port list | CSV |
| Remote actions | Customisable openers | RDP, Radmin, Wake-on-LAN, shutdown |
| Extensibility | Plugins and custom fetchers | Not extensible |
| Portable use | Can run without installation | Run mode without installation |
Platforms and Installation
Angry IP Scanner is the clear choice if you work on more than one operating system. Packages exist for Windows, macOS and Linux, and Linux users can install DEB or RPM packages that add a menu entry. Because the program is written in Java, some builds depend on a Java runtime, so check the download page for the package that suits your system.
Advanced IP Scanner is Windows only. In exchange, setup is a single file with a simple choice between Install and Run, and no extra runtime to manage. For a Windows-only office, that simplicity is a real advantage.
Scanning Approach and Data Collected
Angry IP Scanner pings each address, then optionally resolves hostnames, determines MAC addresses and scans ports. Its feeders accept IP ranges, random addresses or lists from a file, and you can choose which details, called fetchers, appear as columns.
Advanced IP Scanner shows a fixed but practical set of columns: status, name, IP, manufacturer and MAC address. Expanding a computer reveals shared folders and services such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, RDP and Radmin, so you see useful details without configuring anything.
Port scanning differences
Angry IP Scanner lets you specify ports to check and adjust timeouts in its preferences, which suits quick exposure checks. Advanced IP Scanner concentrates on device discovery and common services; Famatech offers Advanced Port Scanner as a separate tool for deeper port checks.
Actions After the Scan
This is where the two diverge most. Advanced IP Scanner turns results into a support console: right-click a computer to open shared folders, start an RDP or Radmin session, wake it with Wake-on-LAN or shut it down. Those actions save time for anyone managing Windows machines.
Angry IP Scanner offers customisable openers instead. You can define commands that open a selected address in a browser, SSH client or other program. It is flexible, but you build the shortcuts yourself rather than getting ready-made remote control.
Export and Reporting
| Need | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Simple spreadsheet list | Either scanner |
| XML or plain text output | Angry IP Scanner |
| IP and port list for other tools | Angry IP Scanner |
| Quick inventory for a Windows office | Advanced IP Scanner |
Angry IP Scanner saves results to CSV, TXT, XML or IP-Port list files, which makes it handy for feeding other tools. Advanced IP Scanner exports CSV only, which covers most inventory and record-keeping needs.
Extensibility and Transparency
Angry IP Scanner's source code is on GitHub under GPL version 2, and anyone who writes Java can create plugins that gather extra information about each host. Administrators who must audit their tools appreciate being able to read every line.
Advanced IP Scanner does not publish its source and has no plugin system. Its value lies in a polished, ready-to-use experience and tight integration with Famatech's Radmin software.
Which Scanner Should You Choose?
- Choose Angry IP Scanner for macOS or Linux, open-source requirements, plugins or varied export formats
- Choose Advanced IP Scanner for Windows networks where remote control and power actions matter
- Keep both if you manage mixed systems and want a quick Windows console plus a flexible cross-platform tool
Ease of Use for Beginners
Advanced IP Scanner feels friendlier on first launch. The range is filled in, the columns make sense without configuration and right-click actions are labelled in plain words. Beginners can scan, open a printer page and export a list without touching any settings.
Angry IP Scanner rewards a little exploration. Choosing fetchers, ports and openers takes a few minutes, but once configured it becomes a precise, repeatable tool, especially for users comfortable with technical settings.
A Typical Mixed Setup
Many small offices run both tools side by side. Windows support staff rely on Advanced IP Scanner for quick remote sessions and Wake-on-LAN, while a technician on a Mac or Linux laptop uses Angry IP Scanner to check ports and export XML for documentation.
Safety Habits for Both Tools
Download Angry IP Scanner from angryip.org or its official GitHub releases, and Advanced IP Scanner from Famatech's own domain. Avoid repackaged installers on download portals, and scan only networks you are allowed to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Angry IP Scanner wins on platforms, transparency, plugins and export formats, making it ideal for mixed operating systems and technical users. Advanced IP Scanner wins on convenience for Windows networks, with remote control, Wake-on-LAN and shutdown available straight from the results.
Neither is better for everyone. Match the tool to your systems and tasks, download only from official sources, and use our homepage link if you want the free Windows scanner with built-in remote actions.
