Comparison

NetBuddy ForensicChef vs 404 Network

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

Head to head
About

NetBuddy ForensicChef

Features
Read full description

ForensicChef — mobile forensics and data transformation toolkit Quickly import, inspect, transform and export forensic captures and text data on your iPhone or iPad. Build repeatable "recipes" of operations to automate parsing, decoding, filtering and formatting so you can reproduce results reliably and share findings with colleagues. Key features: Import from files or clipboard: accept raw capture files and text (PCAP, base64/hex dumps, CSV, JSON and plain text) via the Share sheet or clipboard. Reusable recipes: chain operations (parse, filter, decode, extract, format) into named recipes that you can save, run and modify. Lightweight operations: common forensic helpers such as hex/base64 decode, timestamp conversion, field extraction, regex search/replace, and CSV/JSON formatting. Secure local exports: export results to local files for secure sharing or archival; temporary-file export ensures reliable access for the system share sheet. Reproducibility: save, export and version recipes so analyses can be repeated and audited. Privacy-first: all processing occurs locally on-device; nothing is uploaded without your explicit action. Who it’s for? Mobile forensics practitioners who need a portable tool for quick parsing and triage. Security analysts and incident responders who want reproducible, shareable transformations of capture or text artifacts. Developers and researchers who need a compact playground for testing parsing and data-extraction logic. Getting started Paste or import a capture/text into the Input. Add operations from the picker and arrange them into a recipe. Run the recipe to produce transformed Output. Export or share results securely when needed. Download ForensicChef to speed up mobile forensic triage, keep analyses reproducible, and share results securely — all from your device.

About

404 Network

This app offers a comprehensive suite of network diagnostic tools for iOS and macOS. It provides professional-grade features for network engineers and security enthusiasts, with options for advanced AI assistance and remote diagnostics.

Highlights
  • Real ICMP Ping with live latency charts
  • Visual Traceroute with hop-by-hop analysis
  • DNS Lookup with multiple server comparison
  • Port Scanner with service detection
  • AI Assistant powered by Claude or Apple Intelligence
  • Remote Sensor dispatch
  • NFC Toolkit
Features
Read full description

404 Network brings network diagnostic tools to iOS and macOS. Whether you're a network engineer troubleshooting connectivity or a security enthusiast auditing your home network, 404 gives you professional-grade tools in a beautiful native app. CORE TOOLS (FREE) • Real ICMP Ping with live latency charts • Visual Traceroute with hop-by-hop analysis • DNS Lookup with multiple server comparison • Speed Test with ISP detection • WiFi Info with signal strength monitoring • Port Scanner with service detection • Network Discovery with live topology map • Wake-on-LAN for remote device power • HTTP Probe for web server testing • Whois domain lookup PRO FEATURES • 70+ network diagnostic tools • Unlimited saved devices with background monitoring • Full port scan results with banner grabbing • 30-day diagnostic history with CSV/JSON/PDF export • Structured PDF reports: measurements, observations, context and available-data limits • Color tags, device groups, and topology presets • Community speed map — compare ISP performance in your area • Security Audit with vulnerability detection • WiFi Channel Analyzer • Smart Home device diagnostics • LAN Speed Test and Micro Speed Logger PRO+ ADVANCED • AI Assistant powered by Claude or on-device Apple Intelligence • AI-guided Security Audit and Penetration Test flows • Remote Sensor dispatch — run tools from multiple network vantage points • BLE Scanner Pro with GATT exploration and characteristic writing • NFC Toolkit — read, write, and clone-detect NFC tags • SSH Tester, SNMP Walker, Credential Checker • Subdomain Finder, CORS Checker, CSP Analyzer • Packet Crafter, Payload Library, Directory Scanner PRIVACY FIRST • No ads. No tracking. No analytics. • Supported history and saved records can sync through your private iCloud database when iCloud is available • Optional public speed sharing rounds coordinates to a coarse grid; permitted Wi-Fi survey records can retain precise coordinates privately • On-device AI is available on supported devices. Optional cloud AI sends the context you authorize to the selected provider using your API key • Review export, deletion and sharing controls in the app and the privacy policy TERMS OF USE Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

NetBuddy ForensicChef4 screens
404 Network4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: 404 Network at Free against NetBuddy ForensicChef's $1.99. 404 Network also leads on device support (5 vs 2). NetBuddy ForensicChef's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On ads and iOS requirement 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

404 Network is free to download; NetBuddy ForensicChef costs $1.99 up front. 404 Network sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. NetBuddy ForensicChef asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
NetBuddy ForensicChef versus 404 Network: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNetBuddy ForensicChef404 Network
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating—3.5 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequency—Weekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS26.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB187 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRick BodnarChristine Martin

In-app purchases

None

NetBuddy ForensicChef

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

404 Network

Subscriptions2
  • Pro+ Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Pro+ Annual7 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • 404 Pro$9.99

Questions

Is NetBuddy ForensicChef free?
NetBuddy ForensicChef costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is 404 Network free?
404 Network is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do NetBuddy ForensicChef or 404 Network have ads?
Neither NetBuddy ForensicChef nor 404 Network shows ads.

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