Quick Overview
- 1#1: Wireshark - Open-source network protocol analyzer that captures and dissects packets to trace VoIP calls, SIP signaling, and RTP streams.
- 2#2: VoIPmonitor - Passive VoIP monitoring tool that records, traces, and analyzes calls with QoS metrics, CDR generation, and real-time dashboards.
- 3#3: Homer - High-performance SIP capture system for tracing, visualizing, and querying call flows in large-scale VoIP deployments.
- 4#4: sngrep - Terminal-based real-time SIP message sniffer and flow viewer for quick call tracing and debugging.
- 5#5: CloudShark - Cloud-hosted packet analysis platform for collaborative VoIP call tracing, protocol dissection, and sharing captures.
- 6#6: PacketScan - Real-time protocol analyzer specialized in tracing SS7, SIP, and media streams for telecom call path analysis.
- 7#7: Keysight Network Analyzer - Professional network protocol analyzer with deep packet inspection for tracing complex VoIP call sessions.
- 8#8: Colasoft Capsa - Network monitoring and analyzer with VoIP-specific modules for call tracing and performance diagnostics.
- 9#9: SolarWinds VoIP & Network Quality Manager - Enterprise tool that monitors VoIP environments, traces call quality issues, and generates MOS scores.
- 10#10: ManageEngine OpManager - Network management software with VoIP monitoring add-ons for call tracing, alerting, and fault analysis.
We ranked tools based on technical robustness (protocol coverage, scalability), user-friendliness (real-time visualization, ease of use), and value, ensuring a balanced mix of open-source flexibility and enterprise functionality to suit diverse organizational requirements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table evaluates key features, usability, and performance of popular call tracing software tools like Wireshark, VoIPmonitor, Homer, sngrep, CloudShark, and more. Readers will learn how each tool aligns with different use cases—from network troubleshooting to VoIP analysis—equipping them to select the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wireshark Open-source network protocol analyzer that captures and dissects packets to trace VoIP calls, SIP signaling, and RTP streams. | other | 9.5/10 | 10/10 | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | VoIPmonitor Passive VoIP monitoring tool that records, traces, and analyzes calls with QoS metrics, CDR generation, and real-time dashboards. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Homer High-performance SIP capture system for tracing, visualizing, and querying call flows in large-scale VoIP deployments. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 4 | sngrep Terminal-based real-time SIP message sniffer and flow viewer for quick call tracing and debugging. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 5 | CloudShark Cloud-hosted packet analysis platform for collaborative VoIP call tracing, protocol dissection, and sharing captures. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | PacketScan Real-time protocol analyzer specialized in tracing SS7, SIP, and media streams for telecom call path analysis. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Keysight Network Analyzer Professional network protocol analyzer with deep packet inspection for tracing complex VoIP call sessions. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 8 | Colasoft Capsa Network monitoring and analyzer with VoIP-specific modules for call tracing and performance diagnostics. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | SolarWinds VoIP & Network Quality Manager Enterprise tool that monitors VoIP environments, traces call quality issues, and generates MOS scores. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | ManageEngine OpManager Network management software with VoIP monitoring add-ons for call tracing, alerting, and fault analysis. | enterprise | 6.4/10 | 5.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 6.7/10 |
Open-source network protocol analyzer that captures and dissects packets to trace VoIP calls, SIP signaling, and RTP streams.
Passive VoIP monitoring tool that records, traces, and analyzes calls with QoS metrics, CDR generation, and real-time dashboards.
High-performance SIP capture system for tracing, visualizing, and querying call flows in large-scale VoIP deployments.
Terminal-based real-time SIP message sniffer and flow viewer for quick call tracing and debugging.
Cloud-hosted packet analysis platform for collaborative VoIP call tracing, protocol dissection, and sharing captures.
Real-time protocol analyzer specialized in tracing SS7, SIP, and media streams for telecom call path analysis.
Professional network protocol analyzer with deep packet inspection for tracing complex VoIP call sessions.
Network monitoring and analyzer with VoIP-specific modules for call tracing and performance diagnostics.
Enterprise tool that monitors VoIP environments, traces call quality issues, and generates MOS scores.
Network management software with VoIP monitoring add-ons for call tracing, alerting, and fault analysis.
Wireshark
otherOpen-source network protocol analyzer that captures and dissects packets to trace VoIP calls, SIP signaling, and RTP streams.
VoIP Calls tool that automatically detects, lists, and diagrams complete SIP/H.323 call flows with endpoint details and timelines
Wireshark is a premier open-source network protocol analyzer that serves as an exceptional Call Tracing Software solution by capturing and dissecting VoIP and telephony traffic in real-time or from capture files. It excels at tracing call signaling protocols like SIP, H.323, and MGCP, while analyzing media streams via RTP/RTCP, enabling detailed call flow reconstruction, quality assessment, and troubleshooting. With its vast library of dissectors and specialized telephony tools, Wireshark provides unparalleled visibility into call setups, durations, endpoints, and issues such as packet loss or jitter.
Pros
- Free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Extensive support for VoIP protocols including SIP, RTP, RTCP, and H.323
- Powerful filtering, statistics, and graphing for call flows and media analysis
- Cross-platform compatibility and active community support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- Resource-intensive for capturing or analyzing large volumes of traffic
- Requires elevated privileges for live captures
- GUI can feel dated compared to modern commercial tools
Best For
Network engineers, VoIP administrators, and telecom analysts requiring deep-dive protocol analysis for troubleshooting call issues.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source; no paid tiers or subscriptions.
VoIPmonitor
specializedPassive VoIP monitoring tool that records, traces, and analyzes calls with QoS metrics, CDR generation, and real-time dashboards.
Database-accelerated full-packet search and replay for instant access to any call's complete signaling and media traces
VoIPmonitor is an open-source VoIP monitoring and recording tool that passively captures SIP signaling and RTP streams from network mirror ports or integrated firewalls. It excels in call tracing by providing detailed protocol analysis, call flow diagrams, quality metrics like MOS and jitter, and searchable call archives with audio playback. Designed for troubleshooting complex VoIP issues in enterprise environments, it supports integration with systems like Asterisk and Kamailio.
Pros
- Powerful passive packet capture for accurate call tracing without network disruption
- Rich analytics including RTCP-XR, graphs, and forensic search capabilities
- Open-source core with high scalability on commodity hardware
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and configuration
- Web GUI feels dated and less polished
- High traffic volumes require optimized storage and hardware tuning
Best For
Network engineers and VoIP admins in large-scale deployments seeking deep-dive call diagnostics and quality assurance.
Pricing
Free open-source edition; Enterprise with support and advanced features from €499/year per server.
Homer
specializedHigh-performance SIP capture system for tracing, visualizing, and querying call flows in large-scale VoIP deployments.
Interactive SIP dialog graphs and call flow visualizations for rapid issue diagnosis
Homer, from sipcapture.org, is an open-source SIP capture and monitoring platform tailored for VoIP environments, enabling real-time packet capture of SIP and RTP traffic. It offers a web-based GUI for searching, filtering, and analyzing calls with features like dialog graphs, transaction trees, and RTP statistics. Primarily used for troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and compliance in telecom networks, it integrates seamlessly with proxies like Kamailio via HEP/HEP3 protocols.
Pros
- Powerful web UI with advanced search, graphs, and RTP analysis
- Highly scalable for high-volume traffic with clustering support
- Free and open-source with strong community backing
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring Linux and networking expertise
- Resource-intensive for large-scale deployments
- Primarily focused on SIP; less versatile for non-VoIP protocols
Best For
VoIP engineers and telecom operators seeking cost-effective, detailed SIP call tracing and monitoring in production environments.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source; optional paid enterprise support and hosting available.
sngrep
otherTerminal-based real-time SIP message sniffer and flow viewer for quick call tracing and debugging.
Curses-based ladder diagram for real-time SIP call flow visualization
sngrep is an open-source, command-line tool for real-time capture, inspection, and analysis of SIP and RTPE packets from network interfaces. It features a ncurses-based graphical interface that displays SIP dialogs as intuitive ladder diagrams, enabling quick visualization of call flows and signaling traces. Primarily used for VoIP troubleshooting, it supports filtering, searching, and exporting captures, making it a lightweight alternative to heavier tools like Wireshark.
Pros
- Excellent real-time SIP ladder diagram visualization in terminal
- Powerful filtering, search, and payload inspection capabilities
- Lightweight and efficient, runs on resource-constrained servers
Cons
- Command-line only with a learning curve for beginners
- Limited platform support outside Unix-like systems
- Lacks advanced decoding for non-SIP protocols or media streams
Best For
VoIP engineers and Linux sysadmins needing a terminal-based tool for SIP call tracing in production environments.
Pricing
Free (open-source, GPL license)
CloudShark
enterpriseCloud-hosted packet analysis platform for collaborative VoIP call tracing, protocol dissection, and sharing captures.
Interactive VoIP Call Flows with RTP stream graphs and real-time quality scoring
CloudShark is a cloud-based packet analysis platform that allows users to upload, capture, and dissect network traffic captures (pcaps) with deep protocol support, including VoIP protocols like SIP, RTP, and RTCP. It excels in visualizing call flows, RTP streams, and quality metrics (e.g., MOS scores) for tracing telephony issues. Ideal for remote troubleshooting without local Wireshark installations, it supports collaborative analysis and sharing.
Pros
- Superior VoIP call flow diagrams and RTP analysis for precise call tracing
- Cloud accessibility with no installation and easy collaboration/sharing
- Live capture support and automated protocol dissection
Cons
- Relies on packet captures rather than integrated end-to-end call logs
- Steep learning curve for users new to packet analysis
- Pricing scales up quickly for high-volume or team use
Best For
VoIP engineers and network teams tracing SIP/RTP call issues via packet captures in a collaborative, web-based environment.
Pricing
Freemium model with free limited tier; paid Pro/Team plans start at $12/user/month (billed annually).
PacketScan
specializedReal-time protocol analyzer specialized in tracing SS7, SIP, and media streams for telecom call path analysis.
Automated correlation of signaling and media streams into unified graphical call flow diagrams
PacketScan by GL Communications is a real-time packet capture and analysis tool specialized for VoIP and telecom networks, enabling detailed call tracing through decoding of signaling protocols like SIP, H.323, MEGACO, and media streams such as RTP. It provides graphical call flow diagrams, voice quality assessments using PESQ/POLQA, and correlation between control and media planes for comprehensive troubleshooting. Primarily targeted at telecom testing, it supports both real-time monitoring and offline analysis across IP and TDM environments.
Pros
- Extensive support for telecom protocols including SIP, H.323, and RTP for precise call tracing
- Real-time graphical call flows and advanced voice quality metrics like PESQ/POLQA
- Robust integration with other GL tools for end-to-end network analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to technical depth and complex interface
- Primarily Windows-based with limited cross-platform options
- Enterprise pricing may not suit small-scale or individual users
Best For
Telecom engineers and VoIP service providers needing deep packet-level call tracing and protocol analysis.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses with modular pricing starting around $2,500; annual maintenance required; contact GL for custom quotes.
Keysight Network Analyzer
enterpriseProfessional network protocol analyzer with deep packet inspection for tracing complex VoIP call sessions.
Seamless integration of lab-grade RF hardware with protocol decoding for end-to-end 5G call flow analysis
Keysight Network Analyzer is a high-end hardware-software platform from Keysight Technologies designed for RF, microwave, and protocol analysis in telecom networks. While primarily known for vector network analysis (S-parameters), its protocol decoding extensions enable detailed call tracing for signaling protocols like SIP, Diameter, SS7, and 5G NR call flows. It captures, decodes, and visualizes network sessions in lab and field environments, aiding troubleshooting of voice and data call issues.
Pros
- Exceptional protocol depth for 5G, LTE, and legacy telecom standards
- Integrated hardware for precise, real-time capture and analysis
- Advanced visualization tools for complex call flows and correlations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring expertise
- Prohibitively expensive for small teams or non-enterprise use
- Primarily hardware-dependent, limiting software-only deployments
Best For
Telecom R&D engineers and network operators in large-scale wireless labs needing deep protocol-level call tracing.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $50,000+ for base hardware/software bundles; enterprise licensing adds significant cost.
Colasoft Capsa
otherNetwork monitoring and analyzer with VoIP-specific modules for call tracing and performance diagnostics.
VoIP-specific analyzer with automatic call sequencing and MOS score calculations for voice quality assessment
Colasoft Capsa is a professional network protocol analyzer that captures and analyzes packet-level traffic across various protocols, including VoIP for call tracing. It decodes SIP, RTP, H.323, and other telephony protocols to visualize call flows, detect anomalies, and generate call detail records. Ideal for troubleshooting voice quality issues and tracing call paths in IP-based networks, it provides real-time monitoring and customizable reports.
Pros
- Robust VoIP decoding for SIP, RTP, H.323, and call flow visualization
- Real-time matrix views and detailed call quality metrics
- Comprehensive reporting and filtering for efficient tracing
Cons
- Windows-only, limiting cross-platform use
- Interface feels dated and has a learning curve for novices
- Lacks advanced automation compared to specialized VoIP tools
Best For
IT teams in SMBs or enterprises requiring integrated network and VoIP call tracing without dedicated telephony hardware.
Pricing
Personal Edition ~$499 one-time; Enterprise Edition custom pricing (free 30-day trial available).
SolarWinds VoIP & Network Quality Manager
enterpriseEnterprise tool that monitors VoIP environments, traces call quality issues, and generates MOS scores.
End-to-end VoIP call path tracing with interactive topology maps and deep packet inspection
SolarWinds VoIP & Network Quality Manager (VNQM) is a robust monitoring tool designed for VoIP and unified communications environments, offering detailed call tracing to diagnose issues across SIP, SCCP, and other protocols. It visualizes call paths, measures key metrics like MOS, jitter, latency, and packet loss, and provides historical analysis for troubleshooting. Integrated with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, it enables end-to-end visibility in complex networks.
Pros
- Comprehensive call tracing with path visualization and protocol decode
- Real-time and historical QoS metrics with alerting
- Seamless integration with broader SolarWinds Orion platform
Cons
- Complex initial setup and steep learning curve
- High cost, especially for smaller deployments
- Primarily on-premises focused, with limited cloud-native options
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with complex VoIP infrastructures needing integrated network-wide monitoring.
Pricing
Subscription licensing starts at around $2,000/year for basic deployments, scaling with monitored elements and additional modules.
ManageEngine OpManager
enterpriseNetwork management software with VoIP monitoring add-ons for call tracing, alerting, and fault analysis.
Unified VoIP quality reports correlating call metrics with underlying network performance
ManageEngine OpManager is a robust network monitoring platform with VoIP monitoring add-ons in its Plus edition, allowing users to track call quality metrics such as MOS scores, jitter, latency, and packet loss across SIP endpoints and gateways. It provides real-time dashboards and reports for identifying network issues impacting voice traffic but does not offer deep packet inspection or individual call flow tracing like dedicated telephony tools. Primarily designed for general IT infrastructure oversight, its call tracing capabilities are supplementary and focused on aggregate performance rather than granular call path analysis.
Pros
- Comprehensive network-wide VoIP quality monitoring
- Intuitive dashboards and customizable alerts
- Scalable for large environments with multi-vendor support
Cons
- Limited to high-level metrics, no deep SIP call tracing or packet capture
- VoIP features require the premium Plus edition
- Steep setup for advanced configurations
Best For
IT teams managing hybrid networks who need basic VoIP oversight alongside full infrastructure monitoring.
Pricing
Free edition for 10 devices; Standard starts at $395/year for 10 nodes, Plus (with VoIP) at $595/year for 10 nodes; scales with device count.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools showcase diverse strengths, with Wireshark leading as the top choice for its robust packet analysis and open-source flexibility. VoIPmonitor follows, excelling in real-time QoS monitoring and CDR generation, while Homer stands out for its high-performance call flow visualization in large-scale deployments—each offering unique value. Together, they address varied tracing needs, from basic debugging to enterprise-level needs.
Begin with Wireshark to explore its powerful capabilities for seamless call tracing and protocol dissection, a top choice for users seeking comprehensive solutions.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.