Best Wifi Analyzer App For Mac

After getting done with the list of Wifi Analyzer for mobile phones, it is the time to look for Wifi analyzer windows. In this very section, I am going to talk about the best wifi scanning and analyzing tools available for windows as well as Macs too.

NetSpot is a free and easy-to-use software for analyzing and troubleshooting your Wi-Fi. The best Wi-Fi Analyser is free and does not collect any private information. This application analysing Wi-Fi system speed, Wi-Fi Signal Strength, show material about your Wi-Fi system: SSID, IP address, MAC address. The Wi-Fi analyser helps you find out the most suitable channel for creating a new Wi-Fi hotspot.

10 Best Wifi Analyzer Windows or MAC

For the platforms like Mac and Windows, users should use reliable and trusted Wifi Analyzer that can provide better and improved analyzing results. Keeping that in mind, I am mentioning the best Wifi analyzer for Windows which I am sure you would feel useful content. Do not forget to check your system compatibility before deciding to install.

1. Wifi Commander

Website:https://wificommander.com

Wifi

One of the most advanced and highly reliable option under this list of Wifi analyzer windows is Wifi Commander. This is the best wifi analyzer which scans the entire space around you for all the Wifi networks available within your reach.

Wifi Commander displays the channel distribution in the form of 3D analysis which gives an opportunity to go for detailed study of the networks. The real-time analysis helps you to find the best network results in just no time.

However, a little heartbreak for the users is that you cannot download it for free from the Windows Store as it costs $3.99 as a one-time fee but I think it is quite affordable. Apart from the scanning and analyzing process, Wifi Commander also filters and sort the networks on the basis of multiple aspects.

Another interesting thing about this app is that it is extremely light weight like 4-5 MB and hence it does not affect the rest of the performance of your system. And the best features are no-ads, less used channels display, multiple wifi adapter support and many more in the row.

Compatible with:

2. Wifi Analyzer and Scanner

Website:https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/store/p/wifi-analyzer-and-scanner/

This is the same android wifi analyzing app which people uses a lot to increase their smartphone’s network connectivity and analysis. Now, it is the time to use the same app for your Windows platform too. Being an excellent Wifi Analyzer Windows, you get so many advantages with this app.

Interestingly, and much to your amazement, Wifi Analyzer and Scanner is a free to use app which means you get to use amazing features for absolutely nothing.

Trusted by over 1 million users around the world, this app has great features to offer the users. Some of them are determination of best Wifi sources in your area, history graph for various channels, complete information about each wifi channel, signal strength analysis etc.

There is a pro version of this app too but it is for the Android platform only. Talking about the compatibility of wifi analyzer Windows 10 then the beta version works effectively with it and you can use the usual one for Windows 8. This app offers less features than most of others but still I think it is quite an appropriate pick under this category.

Compatible with:

3. InSSIDer Office

Website:https://www.metageek.com/products/inssider/

InSSIDer Office is a type of premium service available for the list of wifi analyzer windows. From sorting out the wifi issues to stabilizing your network to enjoy the best speed possible, InSSIDer can do it all for you. However, there is only one catch that it is not free to use.

There are various plans for this program which are available with different features and available on a range of $149, $249 and $649.

You should know that InSSIDer is suitable for commercial and office use only so if you want to use it for more professional purpose then it is perfect for you. Talking about the features of this program then there are plenty of them.

Its features are faulty network configuration, reduces wifi interference from neighboring connections, determines wifi coverage area, Wi-Spy technology to view wireless interference, best channel determination according to your need, auto-optimization and many more.

As you upgrade with the plan, you get better and more advanced features served to you. This is a perfect tool which must be purchased for office uses.

Compatible with:

4. NetSpot

Website:https://www.netspotapp.com/

NetSpot is quite like InSSIDer in terms of working and nature because it is also used for more professional use than naïve. Although it is less official than the former one and hence available for much lower prices than the one I listed above.

However, thankfully apart from being a perfect Wifi analyzer for windows it is also a great Mac wifi analyzer too which is available for free.

If you want then you can upgrade anytime you want with plans like Home for $49, Pro for $149 and Enterprise for $499 as a one-time fee. Now, it is the time to focus on the features and services provided by this analyzer app. These are real-time wifi networks detection and configuration, coverage graphs with heatmap technology, customizable reports etc.

Now, coming on to the technical features provided by this Wifi analyzer windows then these are performance, capacity and Aps configuration, determination of least occupied network, historical data, in-depth network surveys and scanning and many more others. You are going to get even better features when you upgrade to paid plans.

Compatible with:

5. Vistumbler

Website:https://www.vistumbler.net/

Vistumbler is an open source wifi analyzer windows in this list. Released in 2015, it supports Windows Vista, 7 and 8. Unfortunately, Windows 10 users would have to get disappointed here. Now, the most basic work of this wifi analyzer is to gather information about all the access points around you through Windows Native Wifi API.

You must have not known about it but Vistumbler uses great technology and uses Google Earth Tracking in real time to determine the complete information about a network and all the nearby connections.

In fact, it also uses voice mode too where it speaks about the signal strength of each network so you can which one to choose amongst all. By utilizing the GPS connectivity, it is just a matter of some seconds for Vistumbler to determine all the networks and access points around a person.

However, to make most of this program, you should disconnect from every network to make the interface clean for it. Apart from it, other general features of this software are multiple language support, graphical representation, determine networks and list them in an increasing strength manner etc.

Compatible with:

6. Wifi Scanner

Website:http://wifiscanner.com/wifiscanner.html

Apart from supporting Windows platform, Wifi Scanner works as an excellent wifi analyzer Mac too. This is a product by developer AccessAgility which works with a simple interface platform to let users use it in the best and simplest way possible.

Apart from the free version you can buy it for $14.99 too which has upgraded features and better wifi analyzing services for professional use. I think it is quite an affordable pricing considering its comparison to other wifi analyzers.

The simple process used by Wifi Scanner is to scan all the access points around you and view their signal strength and other aspects. Now, after a detailed comparative analysis, they suggest the best network to you keeping in mind your location too.

Apart from Wifi scanner is a great aid in troubleshooting problems determination and resolving too. Other features of this Wifi analyzer windows are filtering options, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz graphs, signal interference, speed test and signal performance, save and import the scanning sessions for historical data and many more.

Compatible with:

7. Wifi Analyzer

Best Wifi Analyzer App For Mac

Website:https://www.acrylicwifi.com/

Developed by Matt Hafner, Wifi Analyzer is a free to use service for determining the best networks in your area and the issues arising in between. Use it on PC or Windows based phone, it works efficiently on both the platform.

Apart from the free version, Wifi Analyzer also offers in-app purchase too charging $2 only for providing some high-end features.

People usually uses this wifi analyzer windows for determining the issues related to connectivity and authenticity of a network. Other uses are to find the best wifi channel amongst all, converts your PC into a wifi analyzer to give full-fledged access.

Pro features of this app are real-time report, filtering, lock screen rotation, change signal strength borders, signal strength notification etc. Other simple features involve best network recommendations, detailed information of a network including IP address, speed testing, theme customization etc.

Compatible with:

8. Wifi Monitor

Website:https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/store/

Unfortunately, Wifi Monitor is not a free to use windows app and you would have to buy it for mere $2 before downloading it. From wifi hotspots to LAN to other types of wifi channels, this wifi analyzer for Windows determines them all for its users and brings them down in the form of a detailed report.

Apart from working on the other networks and their information, Wifi Monitor keeps a check on your settings too so that you can get the best of your device.

One thing which you will absolutely love about Wifi Monitor is that it is absolutely ads free which means no annoying flashes every now and then. You can speed test your network and others too, a complete wifi info provides you the authenticity confirmation too.

This wifi Analyzer windows is something which is the desired product for every user wanting a perfect analyzing program for their network connections. Other features of Wifi Monitor are network information and channel usage for best possible wifi channel for you, graphical representation, direct connection to a wifi within the app and many more.

Compatible with:

9. Wi-Fi Tool

Website:http://wifi-tool.com/

Wifi Tool comes under the highly rated wifi analyzing tool for the Windows platform. It is compatible to Windows 10 only and makes one of the best option considering the current trend and technology. It has two versions free and the other one that costs $2.49 only as a one-time fee.

When compared to the other options of wifi analyzer windows in this list, you are going to realize that Wifi Tool is a much powerful program than the former one.

Some of the highlights about this analyzing software/program are modern interface and attractive UX design, 2D as well as 3D visuals, signal monitor with real-time updates, complete signal history of all the past scans, traffic statistics and many more.

I really loved that Wi-Fi Tool is quite impressive in terms of its approach towards modern day wifi analyzing process and how they have amazingly organized everything together.

Compatible with:

10. Wireshark

Website:https://www.wireshark.org/

The last Windows wifi analyzer in this list is Wireshark. Despite being a highly upgraded app than most options, it is a completely free to use platform. You can download it for both 64 bit and 32 bit Windows platform too.

This is a highly used protocol/network analyzer for windows as well as Mac. Many times we are not able to figure out the issues regarding connectivity but Wireshark can determine in a nick of time.

Running successfully since 1998, Wireshark has come a long way with updates carried out timely. Other defining features of this wifi analyzer windows are real-time information display and offline analysis, amazing display filters, VoIP analysis, multiple data capture formats support etc.

If you are still feeling skeptical about the use of Wireshark then you can watch the tutorial videos on its official website to know more about its features and services.

Compatible with: , Solaris, BSD

Other posts that you may like:

Conclusion

Over the time, a lot of options has evolved to maintain secured and reliable connections to your network. Be it router setting or determining the best network connections around you, these Wifi analyzer windows do it all for their users.

I made sure to mention free wifi analyzer too so that users have the option to save some bucks here. If you want then you can upgrade to the paid plans later on. Apart from it, please go through the entire description of the features and services so that you can make sure that it is the desired product for you.

As the number of Wi-Fi networks rapidly explodes, detecting, managing, and maintaining your Wi-Fi can become problematic. When everyone around you is blasting their own Wi-Fi signals—particularly if in large apartment buildings or business complexes with lots of other large companies—you’re more likely to experience problems with Wi-Fi signals dropping out, poor connectivity, and slow performance.

Even within your own Wi-Fi network, several optimizations could help ensure your network is functioning appropriately, including router placement, appropriate channel, and security measures. And of course, analyzing and understanding your wireless network is key.

One of my favorite tools for discovering and solving these problems is SolarWinds® Network Performance Monitor (NPM). It includes high-performance network monitoring and insights and troubleshooting features to ensure your network starts working again as soon as possible after a problem arises. In particular, the SolarWinds heat map feature allows you to see where Wi-Fi signal is strong, and “dead zones” with low connectivity.

What Does a Wi-Fi Analyzer Do?

Most Wi-Fi network analyzers work in a similar way, in which you can choose a wireless spectrum to examine, such as 2.4GHz or 5GHz. The analyzer then examines that spectrum to view networks, their channels, and signal strength.

In simple terms, a Wi-Fi analyzer gathers information about access points and channels on your network and displays it in an easy-to-understand, visually accessible way. A wireless network analyzer can help you maintain connection quality, which can be vital for numerous business needs and performance metrics. Wi-Fi signals are constantly changing, and small changes in the network can have massive effects on the overall connection uptime.

Using a Wi-Fi network analyzer can collect data and help you identify problems, or it can indicate potential solutions such as switching to another channel to reduce congestion. You can also use this type of tool to discover areas in your facility with a weak Wi-Fi signal.

Best Wi-Fi Network Analyzer Software in 2020

In my opinion, using Wi-Fi analyzer software can be an excellent tool for optimizing business and even at-home Wi-Fi performance. This kind of software is usually easy-to-use and can provide great benefits in terms of connection reliability, signal strength, and download speeds.

Network Performance Monitor

Of the different tools available on the market, the SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, with its Wi-Fi analyzer, is the most comprehensive. Despite its extensive list of features, it remains simple for both beginner and advanced users.

The relevant feature here is the heatmapping capability allowing you to create multiple color-coded maps of your facilities using real device data to display signal strength. You can automatically update these maps for a real-time understanding of your wireless network. Having at-a-glance insights into your Wi-Fi can really help with troubleshooting (especially when end users come knocking with complaints about connectivity).

Beyond heatmapping, NPM offers a range of useful network management features. For instance, its proprietary NetPath tool lets you detect and display network pathways with a visual traceroute. This allows you to simply determine where slowdowns and issues exist, as you can see the performance and information between individual nodes. Furthermore, with the PerfStack feature, you can compare the performance of different metrics side-by-side, so you can correlate multiple types of data across a common timeline.

Overall, SolarWinds NPM has an impressive suite of tools, and each has clean and beautiful visualizations and displays. Furthermore, NPM scales well and includes the ability to hook in with the SolarWinds High Availability platform, to ensure even fewer network drops, with strong failover protection.

NetSpot

NetSpot has a beautiful, easy-to-use interface, and is suitable for both beginners and experienced network administrators. It uses two different modes: discovery mode and survey mode. The first mode looks at a snapshot of the Wi-Fi networks near you, while survey mode can provide more detailed heat maps of Wi-Fi strength.

NetSpot is easy to install and includes several other visual representations of the wireless spectrum and the data it can collect. There are four different versions: free, home, commercial, and enterprise. The difference between them is the number of zones you can look at, how many access points you can scan, and the number of data points you can collect with a scan.

InSSIDer

Another product to consider is InSSIDer. This established Wi-Fi analyzer tool for Windows is very reliable. The InSSIDer tool is generally intended for enterprise and business use, rather than for home users. Despite being geared toward admins, it’s still relatively easy to use.

It gathers the data you would expect: channel, signal strength, MAC addresses, and encryption type for each access point on the network. InSSIDer then provides you with a “link score” for each connection. The higher the score, the better. The software is easy to install, with comprehensive guides and links to free webinars if you need more assistance.

NetCut

Consider NetCut if you’re looking for a solution for professional or enterprise use. It was originally created to be a back-end solution, but it can be used by anyone for network investigating and debugging.

NetCut allows you to monitor LAN activity and can display all the IP and MAC addresses and data of devices that are connected or have ever connected to your network.

With NetCut, you can kick someone off your network or restore their access at will. The main issue with NetCut for beginner users is that it has a lot of machine-translated documentation that may be hard to understand for someone who is not a network administrator, and a slightly more complex interface.

NetCut includes an extra layer of protection called NetCut Defender, which protects your computer from ARP and MAC address spoofing.

WiFi Analyzer

Unlike NetSpot and NetCut, WiFi Analyzer is intended primarily for home or temporary use. It is an app for Windows 10, available on the Microsoft Store. It comes in basic and pro versions, and the basic version includes everything you need to analyze your Wi-Fi network. The app takes your network and turns the data into easy-to-understand visualizations, suggesting which channel you should use to reduce congestion.

For someone new to Wi-Fi analyzer tools, this would be a potential choice. For enterprise needs or larger networks, it’s probably much too limited.

Vistumbler

Like most other Wi-Fi analyzers, Vistumbler scans nearby networks for access points and can map your Wi-Fi network and connectivity strength while showing you detailed information about each network. It provides network status, MAC address, SSID, signal strength, channel number, and network type.

Vistumbler is set apart by its GPS support, which can integrate with Google Earth to display Wi-Fi networks. This feature is for people who may be driving, walking, or cycling around to try to find Wi-Fi networks to use. When Vistumbler discovers a Wi-Fi network with this feature, the app can show you where the network is on a map and other network information.

The main downside is that Vistumbler is not easy to use, and the user interface can be difficult to navigate. Again, it’s not a full enterprise solution for Wi-Fi analysis.

WiFi Commander

Wifi Channel Analyzer Mac

With good-looking graphics and sophisticated UI, WiFi Commander is one of the more attractive Wi-Fi analyzer tools. You can scan and filter nearby Wi-Fi networks and create 3-D graphs of the results. If your laptop has touchscreen capabilities, you can use touch to move and interact with the 3-D visualization.

The WiFi Commander app shows Wi-Fi signal strength and displays it in real-time so you can use the most recent data to join the strongest or most stable Wi-Fi network.

Wireshark

If you need a free or open-source Wi-Fi analyzer tool, check out Wireshark. Its purpose is to analyze and troubleshoot different communications protocols, and it includes the ability to look at Wi-Fi. Wireshark is very complicated to use, and you’ll need some training to use it. As such, it’s normally only used by networking and Wi-Fi professionals. In addition, there are obvious disadvantages for relying on open-source tools for business use, so you may want something with a bit more built-up functionality.

If you’re looking for something a little more basic when it comes to Wireshark, SolarWinds has a free tool called Response Time Viewer for Wireshark designed to help you analyze packet capture files as well as visualize response time in Wireshark.

Wi-Fi Analysis Solutions

In general, there’s no shortage of tools and software to help you monitor and organize your Wi-Fi networks, whether you’re a casual user or an enterprise professional. With the inclusion of high-reward tools such as heatmaps, visualizations, and performance metric graphs, the best Wi-Fi analysis tools and network management tools can revolutionize how you get the most out of your connection.

I recommend SolarWinds NPM due to its more robust suite of offerings and simple learning curve for new users. It’s much more robust than some of the limited-scope tools I mentioned above. Even so, I find the SolarWinds platform both intuitive and efficient.

Related Reading

Best Wifi Analyzer Mac

How to Tame—and Redefine—Your Network Now – If you’re interested in considering how networks are changing and evolving, as well as the ways in which you may need to adapt your network management, read this article on how to prepare for tomorrow’s network topography.