Compare
How WPSniffer compares with the other command-line malware scanners people use on WordPress and PHP servers. Each page states the facts side by side, says when the other tool is the better choice, and shows how to run both.
WPSniffer vs Wordfence CLI
Wordfence CLI stopped issuing licenses and its Free version reached end-of-life on October 14, 2026. WPSniffer: same command shape, open YARA rules, no key. Migration notes.
WPSniffer vs Linux Malware Detect (maldet)
maldet is a root-installed scanner with quarantine and inotify monitoring; WPSniffer is a user-installable YARA scanner with readable rules. Which fits, and how to run both.
WPSniffer vs PHP Malware Finder
PHP Malware Finder was archived in February 2024. WPSniffer keeps the YARA approach with a maintained engine, daily-refreshed YARA Forge rules and CSV reports. How to migrate.
WPSniffer vs ISPProtect
ISPProtect is a commercial scanner licensed per server or per scan and needs PHP and ClamAV. WPSniffer is free, GPLv3 and needs only Python. Cost, detection and reporting compared.
Summary
| Tool | License | Cost | Detection | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WPSniffer | GPLv3 | Free | YARA Forge rules plus your own YARA | Maintained |
| Wordfence CLI | GPLv3 code, licensed signatures | No new Free or Premium licenses; Free end-of-life October 14, 2026 | Proprietary feed | Winding down |
| Linux Malware Detect | GPLv2 | Free | Own hash, HEX and YARA signatures, optional ClamAV | Maintained |
| PHP Malware Finder | LGPL-3.0 | Free | Own YARA rules | Archived February 2024 |
| ISPProtect | Commercial | 82.68 € per server per year, or scan packs | ClamAV plus proprietary signatures and heuristics | Maintained |
Not covered here: WordPress security plugins such as the Wordfence plugin, Sucuri or MalCare. They run inside WordPress and solve a different problem; see the FAQ for how a file scanner differs.