# PacketQ

PacketQ is a Digital Forensics product. It runs on-premises. Pricing is free.

A command-line tool that allows SQL queries to be executed directly on PCAP files for network traffic analysis with support for multiple output formats.

Checked October 2026.

## What is PacketQ?

PacketQ is a command-line tool that enables users to execute SQL queries directly on PCAP (packet capture) files for network traffic analysis.

The tool provides native decoding capabilities for PCAP files, allowing analysts to query network data using standard SQL syntax. Users can perform various database operations including grouping, sorting, counting, and filtering on captured network packets.

PacketQ supports multiple output formats including JSON, CSV, and XML, making it compatible with different analysis workflows and reporting requirements. The tool features extensible protocol decoding, enabling support for various network protocols beyond basic packet structures.

A built-in DNS resolver function assists with hostname resolution during analysis. The tool also includes a web server component that allows remote inspection of PCAP files through a browser interface.

PacketQ is designed for network security professionals, forensic analysts, and researchers who need to perform detailed analysis of network traffic captured in PCAP format using familiar SQL query syntax.

Tags: Packet Analysis, PCAP, SQL, Network Forensic Analysis

## Where it fits in your security program (NIST CSF 2.0)

- [Respond](https://cybersectools.com/guides/building-respond-program-small-team): helps you contain and handle incidents.

## Quick facts

- Category: [Security Operations](https://cybersectools.com/categories/security-operations) · [Digital Forensics](https://cybersectools.com/categories/digital-forensics)
- Deployment: On-Premises
- Company size fit: SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- Pricing model: Free
- GitHub stars: 396
- Website: github.com

## Where it ranks

No shortlist covers this product's category yet. The closest is [Best MDR Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-mdr-solutions).

## PacketQ FAQ

### What is PacketQ?

PacketQ is a product in the Digital Forensics category. It covers Packet Analysis, PCAP and SQL.

### What is the pricing for PacketQ?

PacketQ is free. Download and setup instructions are at https://github.com/DNS-OARC/PacketQ.

### What are alternatives to PacketQ?

Alternatives to PacketQ listed on CybersecTools:

1. [Packet Capture (cStor®)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/packet-capture-cstorr) - Lossless packet capture & analysis appliance at 10–200 Gbps line rate. (Commercial)
2. [ExtraHop Packet Forensics](https://cybersectools.com/tools/extrahop-packet-forensics) - Continuous full packet capture and forensics for network investigations (Commercial)
3. [Endace Full Packet Capture](https://cybersectools.com/tools/endace-full-packet-capture) - Full packet capture platform for network forensics and incident response. (Commercial)
4. [Cellebrite Digital Forensics Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cellebrite-digital-forensics-platform) - Digital forensics platform for mobile & endpoint evidence extraction and analysis. (Commercial)
5. [SISA Compromise Assessment](https://cybersectools.com/tools/sisa-compromise-assessment) - Service that detects hidden breaches and indicators of compromise across IT environments (Commercial)

Compare all PacketQ alternatives at [https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/packetq](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/packetq)

### What deployment and organization size does PacketQ fit?

PacketQ is available as on-premises software. It is listed for small businesses, mid-market companies and enterprises. It is free.

## Compare PacketQ with similar solutions

- [PacketQ vs Packet Capture (cStor®)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/packetq-vs-packet-capture-cstorr)
- [PacketQ vs ExtraHop Packet Forensics](https://cybersectools.com/compare/extrahop-packet-forensics-vs-packetq)
- [PacketQ vs Endace Full Packet Capture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/endace-full-packet-capture-vs-packetq)

All alternatives to PacketQ: [/alternatives/packetq](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/packetq)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/tools/packetq

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