Shodan Alternative for Network Intelligence
ipctl.io provides network intelligence that Shodan doesn't: BGP routing, RPKI validation, and prefix analysis - without port scanning.
BGP Routing
Full routing table - which ASN originates a prefix, multi-collector visibility
RPKI & IRR
Route origin validation and IRR cross-referencing for routing security
No Scanning
All data from passive sources. Privacy-respecting network intelligence
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Shodan | ipctl.io |
|---|---|---|
| Port Scanningipctl.io does not scan - privacy-respecting | ||
| Service/Banner Detection | ||
| Device Fingerprinting | ||
| IP Geolocation | ||
| ASN Lookup | ||
| BGP Routing DataFull routing table with global visibility | ||
| RPKI ValidationRoute origin validation for every prefix | ||
| Threat IntelligenceDifferent approach: Shodan scans, ipctl uses passive intelligence | ||
| Tor Exit Detection | ||
| Abuse Contact Lookup | ||
| IRR Cross-Reference | ||
| MOAS Detection | ||
| Prefix Analysis | ||
| REST API | ||
| Free TierShodan: limited, ipctl: 1k req/day |
When to Use Which
Choose Shodan if you need
- Open port and service discovery
- Banner grabbing and device fingerprinting
- IoT device search and monitoring
- SSL certificate scanning
Choose ipctl.io if you need
- BGP routing and prefix analysis
- RPKI validation and routing security
- IP reputation and threat intelligence
- ASN analysis with peer data
- A non-scanning, passive approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ipctl.io a replacement for Shodan?
Not directly. Shodan and ipctl.io serve different primary purposes. Shodan specializes in internet-wide port scanning, service detection, and device fingerprinting. ipctl.io focuses on network intelligence: BGP routing, RPKI validation, IP reputation, and ASN analysis. If you need open port data, use Shodan. If you need routing and network context, use ipctl.io. Many teams use both.
Does ipctl.io do port scanning?
No. ipctl.io does not perform any port scanning or active probing. All data comes from passive, authoritative sources. This makes ipctl.io a privacy-respecting option for network intelligence.
What does ipctl.io have that Shodan doesn't?
BGP routing data with global visibility, RPKI route origin validation, MOAS (Multiple Origin AS) detection, IRR cross-referencing, and abuse contact lookups from RIR databases. These are critical for network operations and routing security analysis.
Is ipctl.io free?
Yes. All lookups on the website are free with no account required. The REST API offers 1,000 free requests per day. Shodan's free tier is more limited - many features require a paid membership.
Can I use both Shodan and ipctl.io together?
Absolutely. A common setup is using Shodan for open port and service detection, and ipctl.io for BGP routing context, RPKI validation, and IP reputation. Together they give a complete picture of an IP's exposure and network posture.
No signup required. 1,000 free API requests per day.
Last verified: April 2026
This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. Feature availability, pricing, and capabilities may change without notice. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. ipctl.io is not affiliated with Shodan.