Kestrel LITE vs Katnet
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Kestrel LITE
Analyze network packet capture files directly on your iPhone or iPad. Inspect packet details, reassemble TCP streams, and view host inventories and DNS queries. This app operates entirely offline and on-device, ensuring your data privacy.
- Packet list with hex+ASCII inspector
- TCP stream reassembly
- Flow records with bidirectional counts
- Host inventory with DNS resolution
- Protocol classification
- Timeline view of capture activity
- Chain-of-custody log
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Kestrel Lite is a network packet analyzer for iPhone and iPad — open a PCAP or PCAPNG file, see what's inside, and triage it from your phone or tablet. CORE FEATURES Dashboard with tappable widgets — jump from any metric to the relevant tab Packets list with hex+ASCII inspector and filter syntax (port, host, protocol, length) TCP stream reassembly with full payload view (captures under 1 GB) Flow records with bidirectional byte/packet counts Host inventory with hostname resolution from DNS observed in the capture DNS queries with full A/AAAA/CNAME/MX/TXT response data Protocol classification: TCP, UDP, ICMP, HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SSH, FTP, SMTP, TLS, ARP, SMB, mDNS, DHCP, NTP, SNMP, SSDP, QUIC Timeline view of capture activity Chain-of-custody log with SHA-256 file integrity hash PRIVACY GUARANTEE 100% offline — no network access 100% on-device — your captures never leave your device No account required, no sign-in Free with no ads IDEAL FOR Network engineers triaging captures on the go Security analysts doing first-pass review Students learning packet analysis and networking Anyone curious about what's actually in their PCAP files LIMITATIONS PCAP files are processed up to 50,000 packets per capture Raw payload search is not included TCP reassembly disables automatically above 1 GB to protect device memory Upgrade to Kestrel Sight to get: Unlimited packet capacity — no 50,000-packet cap Analyst Bookmarks — flag any packet, flow, host, DNS query, or stream with a note. Bookmarks are included in the PDF export Enhanced IPv6 support — addresses displayed in canonical RFC 5952 form, search matches any textual representation of the same address Refined PDF reports — human-readable durations, complete Top Talkers, paginated bookmarks Refined CSV exports SUPPORT Questions, issues, or feature requests? Email support@tracivex.com — we read every message and use your feedback to guide development.
Katnet
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katnet is a network discovery and connectivity toolkit for IT Professionals. See which hosts are online, which ports respond, and what each device advertises-then jump straight into SSH or VNC when you need a terminal or remote desktop. Discover devices Run a TCP sweep across your subnet (with a sensible default port set, or your own list). Results merge with Bonjour browsing and SSDP/UPnP-style hints so cameras, printers, NAS boxes, and servers show up with clearer context. Enrichment includes lightweight probes where appropriate (for example HTTP, TLS certificate summaries, SSH banners, and SNMP where reachable) to build a richer fingerprint-without sending your scan results to us. Built-in clients Use SSH for shell access and VNC for remote screen sharing to machines you are authorized to manage. A URL test tab helps verify HTTP/HTTPS reachability and status. A Status view summarizes local addressing and network context. Privacy katnet is built for on-network, on-device use. Discovery talks to your routers, printers, and servers over local Wi-Fi or Ethernet. You control when scanning runs. Grant Local Network access when iOS asks so multicast, Bonjour, and LAN probes can work. Important Only scan networks and systems you own or have explicit permission to test. Unauthorized scanning or access may violate law or policy.
Screenshots
Verdict
Kestrel LITE and Katnet are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Kestrel LITE | Katnet |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Tracivex LLC | IT Guy IO |
In-app purchases
Kestrel LITE
No in-app purchases
Katnet
No in-app purchases








