Linux - MTR vs Traceroute vs Tracepath

Feature MTR Traceroute Tracepath
Combines ping + path ✔ ✖ ✖
Real-time, continuous updates ✔ ✖ ✖
Shows per-hop latency ✔ ✔ ✔
Shows per-hop packet loss ✔ Limited Limited
Detects routing changes live ✔ ✖ ✖
Requires sudo Sometimes No No
Protocol used ICMP/UDP/TCP UDP/ICMP UDP
Best for troubleshooting ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
Pre-installed on Linux No Yes Yes

1. What is Traceroute?

traceroute shows the path (hops) that packets take to reach a destination.

Key points:

  • Uses TTL-expired responses to map hops.

  • Good for basic routing problems.

  • Not real-time.

  • Doesn’t show per-hop packet loss accurately.

Example:

 
traceroute google.com

Best use:

  • See the route between two devices.

  • Identify which hop introduces delay.

2. What is Tracepath?

tracepath is a simpler, lightweight alternative to traceroute.

Key points:

  • Uses UDP only.

  • Doesn’t require sudo.

  • Shows MTU (maximum transmission unit) per hop.

  • Lesser detailed than traceroute.

Example:

 
tracepath google.com

Best use:

  • Quick hop mapping without installing tools.

  • Checking path MTU.

3. What is MTR?

mtr = My Traceroute
A powerful tool that combines:

  • Ping

  • Traceroute

  • Real-time monitoring

Key points:

  • Continuously updates path, latency, packet loss.

  • Detects dynamic routing changes (live).

  • Best tool for diagnosing real-world network issues.

Example:

 
mtr google.com

Best use:

  • Troubleshoot packet loss.

  • Identify ISP issues.

  • Monitor link quality over time.

  • Provide detailed reports to tech support.

Detailed Comparison Table

Functionality MTR Traceroute Tracepath
Real-time analysis ✔ ✖ ✖
Packet loss detection ✔ (very accurate) ✖ ✖
Route discovery ✔ ✔ ✔
Detect route changes ✔ ✖ ✖
Install required Yes No No
MTU discovery Basic No ✔
Best for server debugging ✔ ✖ ✖
Best for ISP/Internet issues ✔ ✔ ✖
Output Live One-time One-time

Which tool should you use? (Simple Guide)

If internet is slow → Use MTR

→ Shows packet loss, latency, bad hops.

If you want to see the path → Use traceroute

→ Quick routing summary.

If you want MTU info → Use tracepath

If ICMP is blocked → Use traceroute -T or mtr -T

→ Uses TCP SYN packets.

Summary (Easy to Remember)

 

  • Traceroute → Shows the path once

  • Tracepath → Lightweight; shows MTU

  • MTR → Best of both: real-time, packet loss, live route