Comparison

Ping vs knock(1)

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Ping

This network utility tests host reachability on IP networks. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6, with configurable settings for TTL, timeout, interval, and packet size. The app includes a library of favorite hosts and operates in the background.

Highlights
  • IPv4 and IPv6 support
  • Configurable TTL, timeout, interval, packet size
  • Favorite hosts library
  • Background mode
  • Free to use
Features
Read full description

Ping is a network utility used to test the reachability of a host on an IP network. Features: - Supports both IPv4 and IPv6 - Configurable TTL, timeout, send interval, and packet size - Built-in library of favorite hosts - Background mode (up to 30 seconds) - Completely free, no ads

About

knock(1)

This utility app allows you to remotely open firewall ports on your server using a saved sequence of connection attempts from your iPhone. It supports TCP or UDP for each port and provides live feedback on the connection status.

Highlights
  • Save and reuse multiple host configurations
  • Per-port TCP or UDP selection
  • Configurable inter-packet delay
  • Live per-port result display
  • Native SwiftUI interface
  • No tracking or analytics
Features
Read full description

Knock is a minimal, native port-knocking client for iOS. Open ports in your firewall - SSH, VPN, admin panels - by sending a saved sequence from your iPhone. Save named configurations with a host, a list of ports, a delay, and a timeout. Each port can be independently TCP or UDP. Run the sequence with a single tap and watch each knock's result stream in live. FEATURES • Save and reuse multiple host configurations • Per-port TCP or UDP selection • Configurable inter-packet delay and socket timeout • Live per-port result display • Clean SwiftUI interface, native look and feel • No tracking, no analytics, no accounts HOW IT WORKS Port knocking is a technique for opening firewall ports on demand: your server watches for a specific sequence of connection attempts (for example, TCP/7000, UDP/8000, TCP/9000), and only opens a protected service like SSH after seeing the right pattern. knock(1) lets you send those sequences from your phone, allowing you to connect to your servers on the go. COMPATIBLE knock(1)'s behavior matches the reference jvinet/knock client - if your server runs knockd, knock(1) works out of the box. PRIVACY knock(1) connects only to the hosts you configure. It does not send telemetry, does not use analytics SDKs, and does not require an account. Your saved configurations stay on your device.

Screenshots

Ping4 screens
knock(1)4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: knock(1) at 5.0 against Ping's 4.3. knock(1) also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). Ping's advantage is ratings volume (376 vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Ping sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. knock(1) asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

knock(1) holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ping has 376 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ping ships an update every 3 months, knock(1) every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Ping versus knock(1): the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPingknock(1)
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (376 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews84.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings376 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIurii MozharovskyiJeffrey Cousens

Bugs and requests

Ping

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Sliders are difficult to use for precise settings
  • Ping results not always accurate
  • App becomes unresponsive or crashes at times

Requested features

6 requests
  • Add audible ping notification
  • Implement dark mode
  • Allow setting custom port for pinging
  • Provide timestamp for ping history
  • Extend ping interval options (up to 1 minute)
Show 1 more
  • Display resolved IP address even on timeouts

knock(1)

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Ping

One-time1
  • Golden Star$0.99
None

knock(1)

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Ping free?
Ping is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is knock(1) free?
knock(1) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Ping or knock(1)?
knock(1) is rated higher. Ping averages 4.3 out of 5 from 376 ratings, while knock(1) averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Ping or knock(1) have ads?
Neither Ping nor knock(1) shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ping or knock(1)?
Ping ships an update every 3 months, and knock(1) every 2 months. Most recently, Ping was updated on September 29, 2026 and knock(1) on September 26, 2026.

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