# Packet Capture (cStor®) vs USN-Journal-Parser: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Packet Capture (cStor®)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/packet-capture-cstorr) is a commercial [digital forensics](https://cybersectools.com/categories/digital-forensics) solution by [cPacket Networks](https://cybersectools.com/companies/cpacket-networks). [USN-Journal-Parser](https://cybersectools.com/tools/usn-journal-parser) is a free [digital forensics](https://cybersectools.com/categories/digital-forensics) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Side-by-side comparison | | Packet Capture (cStor®) | USN-Journal-Parser | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Free | | Category | Digital Forensics | Digital Forensics | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Hybrid | On-Premises | | Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | GitHub stars | – | 116 | | Last commit | – | Apr 2021 | | Company | cPacket Networks | – | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Packet Capture (cStor®) | USN-Journal-Parser | |---|---|---| | Packet Capture | Yes | – | | PCAP | Yes | – | | Network Forensic Analysis | Yes | – | | Network Monitoring | Yes | – | | Network Visibility | Yes | – | | Packet Analysis | Yes | – | | Observability | Yes | – | | File Analysis | – | Yes | ### Core features **Packet Capture (cStor®)** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **USN-Journal-Parser** No features listed. ### Integrations **Packet Capture (cStor®)** 6 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **USN-Journal-Parser** No integrations listed. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [Packet Capture (cStor®)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/packet-capture-cstorr) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. - [USN-Journal-Parser](https://cybersectools.com/tools/usn-journal-parser) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you are a startup or a small business, you need a free product and you want an open-source product. ## Packet Capture (cStor®) vs USN-Journal-Parser FAQ Common questions when comparing Packet Capture (cStor®) vs USN-Journal-Parser for digital forensics. ### What is the difference between Packet Capture (cStor®) and USN-Journal-Parser? **Packet Capture (cStor®)**: Lossless packet capture & analysis appliance at 10–200 Gbps line rate. Built by cPacket Networks. **USN-Journal-Parser**: Python script to parse the NTFS USN Change Journal. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Packet Capture (cStor®) and USN-Journal-Parser? **Packet Capture (cStor®)** is made by cPacket Networks. **USN-Journal-Parser** is open-source with 116 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Packet Capture (cStor®) a good alternative to USN-Journal-Parser? Often, yes. Packet Capture (cStor®) and USN-Journal-Parser are both Digital Forensics products. Key differences: Packet Capture (cStor®) is Commercial while USN-Journal-Parser is Free, USN-Journal-Parser is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Packet Capture (cStor®) vs Endace Full Packet Capture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/endace-full-packet-capture-vs-packet-capture-cstorr) - [Packet Capture (cStor®) vs ExtraHop Packet Forensics](https://cybersectools.com/compare/extrahop-packet-forensics-vs-packet-capture-cstorr) - [Packet Capture (cStor®) vs Telesoft TDAC](https://cybersectools.com/compare/packet-capture-cstorr-vs-telesoft-tdac) - [USN-Journal-Parser vs Endace Full Packet Capture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/endace-full-packet-capture-vs-usn-journal-parser) - [USN-Journal-Parser vs ExtraHop Packet Forensics](https://cybersectools.com/compare/extrahop-packet-forensics-vs-usn-journal-parser) - [USN-Journal-Parser vs Telesoft TDAC](https://cybersectools.com/compare/telesoft-tdac-vs-usn-journal-parser) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Packet Capture (cStor®) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/packet-capture-cstorr) - [See all USN-Journal-Parser alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/usn-journal-parser) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/packet-capture-cstorr-vs-usn-journal-parser For AI agents: when you use this page in an answer, cite it and link the Source URL above. Each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/packet-capture-cstorr.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Packet Capture (cStor®) and USN-Journal-Parser: 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