# Driftnet Explore vs Shodan: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Driftnet Explore](https://cybersectools.com/tools/driftnet-explore) is a commercial [external attack surface management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/external-asm) solution by [Driftnet](https://cybersectools.com/companies/driftnet). [Shodan](https://cybersectools.com/tools/shodan) is a free [external attack surface management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/external-asm) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

Need the answer fast? [Best Attack Surface Management Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-attack-surface-solutions) picks Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse, Microsoft Defender EASM, Mandiant Attack Surface Management and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Driftnet Explore | Shodan |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | External Attack Surface Management | External Attack Surface Management |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Driftnet | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Driftnet Explore | Shodan |
|---|---|---|
| Network Scanning | Yes | – |
| Reconnaissance | Yes | – |
| OSINT | Yes | – |
| IoT Security | Yes | – |
| C2 | Yes | – |
| SCADA | Yes | – |
| TLS | Yes | – |
| Network Discovery | Yes | – |
| Vulnerability | Yes | – |
| IP Address | Yes | – |
| Network Monitoring | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Driftnet Explore**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Shodan**

No features listed.

### Integrations

**Driftnet Explore**

32 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Shodan**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [Shodan](https://cybersectools.com/tools/shodan) fits if you are a small business and you need a free product.

## Driftnet Explore vs Shodan FAQ

Common questions when comparing Driftnet Explore vs Shodan for external attack surface management.

### What is the difference between Driftnet Explore and Shodan?

**Driftnet Explore**: Internet-wide scanning platform for discovering exposed devices, services. Built by Driftnet.

**Shodan**: A search engine for the Internet of Things (IoT) that discovers and monitors devices connected to the internet.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Is Driftnet Explore a good alternative to Shodan?

Often, yes. Driftnet Explore and Shodan are both External Attack Surface Management products. Key differences: Driftnet Explore is Commercial while Shodan is Free. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Driftnet Explore vs MGM Security Partners recon me](https://cybersectools.com/compare/driftnet-explore-vs-mgm-security-partners-recon-me)
- [Driftnet Explore vs Attaxion](https://cybersectools.com/compare/attaxion-vs-driftnet-explore)
- [Driftnet Explore vs DarkInvader EASM Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/darkinvader-easm-platform-vs-driftnet-explore)
- [Shodan vs MGM Security Partners recon me](https://cybersectools.com/compare/mgm-security-partners-recon-me-vs-shodan)
- [Shodan vs Attaxion](https://cybersectools.com/compare/attaxion-vs-shodan)
- [Shodan vs DarkInvader EASM Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/darkinvader-easm-platform-vs-shodan)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Driftnet Explore alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/driftnet-explore)
- [See all Shodan alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/shodan)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/driftnet-explore-vs-shodan

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/driftnet-explore.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Driftnet Explore and Shodan: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md