The Best Wi-Fi Tools for Analysis, Security, and Monitoring of Wireless Networks

People used to connect to a Wi-Fi network only with a laptop. Now, they are bringing all their Wi-Fi-enabled gadgets into the wireless environment, including their smartphones, TVs, smartwatches, speakers, etc. In this article we will take a look at the best Wi-Fi tools for analysis, security, and monitoring of wireless networks.

To make matters more complicated, business policies such as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) allow users to connect freely to a network. All of these devices slow down a network, making browser speeds crawl and surfing the net or performing online tasks slow. Not only does it slow down the network, but allowing access to a wide range of devices can also put your Wi-Fi clients and AP's at risk.

Here is our list of the top Wi-Fi tools for analysis, security, and monitoring:

1. ManageEngine OpManager – FREE TRIAL Excels at Wi-Fi analysis with comprehensive monitoring, real-time insights, and automated management, making it a top choice for enterprise networks. Start a 30-day free trial.
2. Site24x7 – FREE TRIAL Provides businesses with a wide range of Wi-Fi tools allowing for real-time and historical performance metrics, customizable alerts, and automated remediation. Site24x7 is highly scalable making it ideal for both small and larger network environments. Start a 30-day free trial.
3. Paessler PRTG – FREE TRIAL WiFi bandwidth utilization monitoring, enabling detection of bandwidth caps and data overloads, and identifies top bandwidth-consuming users and devices. Download a 30-day free trial.
4. NetAlly AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO Detection and analysis tool for 802.11 systems automatically documents the presence of wireless signals and captures traffic for analysis. Available for Windows and macOS.
5. InSSIder by MetaGeek WiFi visualizer available in free and paid versions with the paid plan offering more analytical features. Runs on Windows and macOS.
6. SolarWinds WiFi Network Analyzer with NPM Equipped with proactive scanning, monitoring, and troubleshooting to help you monitor and manage large-scale wireless networks.
7. Acrylic WiFi WiFi identifier that creates a signal quality graph for the wireless broadcasters that it encounters, showing the signal strength of each service. Available in free and paid versions. Runs on Windows.
8. WiFiInfoView by Nirsoft Free WiFi analyzer that is available in a long list of languages. This is a reliable and useful identifier of wireless signals that decodes their characteristics. Runs on Windows.
9. Homedale Free wireless network stumbler has some great visualization features, including a signal strength graph and a footprint mapper. Available for Windows and macOS.
10. NetSpot Scans the air for nearby APs and then tracks their signals. It can overlay signal strength and footprint on your floorplan. Available in free and paid versions for Windows and macOS.
11. iStumbler Wireless network scanner shows a list of all the signals it spotted and the information for each is constantly updated. Runs on macOS.
12. Tamosoft TamoGraph Site Survey Discovers wireless signals and lists them, showing the AP’s make and model, signal strength, and throughput rate. You can also feed it a floorplan and get a heatmap. Available for Windows and macOS.
13. LizardSystems Wi-Fi Scanner Free for personal use, this tool spots wireless signals on 802.11 a, b, n, g, and ac. All signals within range are plotted together on one graph for comparison. Runs on Windows.

Hackers can install rogue AP's or crack your security encryption with the help of sophisticated hardware sniffers. And if you think your wireless stays within your building, think again, you might have lots of signal leakage which allows a hacker to war-drive your network. Knowing where your signals are, and the neighboring APs is key to keeping your network secure. With the right site survey or stumbler tool, you can solve these issues pretty easily.

Finding why your AP's are having a bad day can be as simple as changing a channel or moving an object that creates interference. A proper penetration tester can also help you identify where your weak security spots are, and improve them accordingly.

In this article we will be covering 25 tools which are a mix of top control and traffic analyzers, security auditors, and monitoring tools to help you narrow down issues and security flaws in your network.

Below are some of the most common characteristics/processes of the Wi-Fi tools:

• Wi-Fi Analyzer – Scanner, Site Survey, Stumbler, Spectrum Analyzers, and Wi-Fi Heatmapper.
• Auditing and Security – Scanner, Site Survey, Traffic Analysis, Packet Sniffer, and Pen Tester.
• Monitoring and Management – Scanner, Inventorying, Site Survey, Stumbler, Spectrum Analyzers, Heat-mappers, Traffic Analysis, Packet Sniffer, etc.

We love these tools because they provide the functionality for analyzing, securing, monitoring, and troubleshooting a Wi-Fi network. Some of these are free, open-source, others are inexpensive, and others might be more appropriate for the enterprise.

Now let's dig a little deeper into each tool to help you find the one that fits your needs.

Related Post: Network Traffic Generator for WAN and LAN Stress Testing

The Best Wi-Fi Tools

With these selection criteria in mind, we have found some great Wi-Fi analyzers for you to try and we found tools that will run on each of the major operating systems.

1. ManageEngine OpManager – FREE TRIAL

ManageEngine OpManager is a great choice for Wi-Fi tools due to its comprehensive monitoring capabilities that provide in-depth insights into critical Wi-Fi metrics such as signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and network traffic. Its real-time analysis and adaptive threshold-based alerts ensure that any emerging issues are promptly detected and addressed, maintaining optimal network performance and availability.

Key Features:

• Wi-Fi Performance Monitoring: Provides in-depth insights into critical Wi-Fi metrics such as signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and transmission rates.
• Network Utilization Monitors: Tracks the load on Wi-Fi components, including the number of connected clients and user counts on different frequency bands.
• Real-Time Traffic Analysis: Monitors Wi-Fi network traffic metrics like total bytes transmitted and received, ensuring uninterrupted availability.
• Resource Utilization Monitors: Analyzes CPU and memory utilization of Wi-Fi devices, ensuring optimal resource usage and system uptime.
• Automated Discovery and Classification: Simplifies the management of Wi-Fi components by automating the discovery, classification, and inventorying of access points and wireless LAN controllers (WLCs).
• Adaptive Threshold-Based Alerts: Detects and alerts on emerging network issues with automated, threshold-based monitoring, sending notifications via SMS or email.
• AI-Based Troubleshooting: Utilizes AI to identify and troubleshoot network issues quickly, aiding in seamless network operations.

The tool's automated discovery and classification of Wi-Fi components simplify the management of large-scale IT infrastructures, making it especially suitable for enterprise networks. Additionally, AI-based troubleshooting aids in quick resolution of network problems, ensuring seamless Wi-Fi operations.

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine OpManager is recommended for its robust Wi-Fi analysis capabilities, providing comprehensive insights and real-time monitoring of critical Wi-Fi metrics. Its ability to automate the discovery and classification of Wi-Fi components simplifies the management of complex networks, while adaptive threshold-based alerts ensure proactive issue detection and resolution.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is ideal for IT administrators and network managers who require detailed monitoring and management of enterprise Wi-Fi networks. Its scalability and extensive feature set make it suitable for large organizations with complex Wi-Fi infrastructures, ensuring constant uptime and optimal performance.

Start by downloading a 30-day free trial.

ManageEngine OpM Start a 30-day FREE Trial

2. Site24x7 – FREE TRIAL

Site24x7 offers a powerful solution in the arena of Wi-Fi analysis tools, catering to the growing demands of businesses for maintaining robust and efficient wireless networks. This tool is well-suited for organizations that require detailed insights into their Wi-Fi network performance, ensuring optimal connectivity and identifying potential issues before they impact users. Site24x7 excels in offering detailed Wi-Fi network analysis, which is crucial for maintaining high-performance wireless networks in complex environments.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Wi-Fi Network Performance Monitoring: Offers comprehensive monitoring of Wi-Fi network performance, including signal strength, bandwidth usage, and access point health, ensuring optimal connectivity.
• Detailed Insights into Connected Devices and Traffic Patterns: Provides detailed insights into connected devices, traffic patterns, and potential interference sources, facilitating effective network management and troubleshooting.
• Customizable Alerts: Allows customization of alerts for immediate notification of Wi-Fi network issues, enabling proactive network management and rapid response to potential issues.
• Historical Data Analysis: Enables historical data analysis for trend identification and capacity planning, aiding in long-term network optimization and performance enhancement.
• Integration with Broader Network Monitoring Tools: Integrates seamlessly with broader network monitoring tools, providing a complete view of network health and facilitating holistic network management.

Why do we recommend it?

Site24x7 earns our recommendation for its robust Wi-Fi network analysis capabilities, providing organizations with essential insights into network performance and connectivity. With comprehensive monitoring of signal strength, bandwidth usage, and access point health, Site24x7 ensures optimal wireless network operation. Its customizable alerts and historical data analysis further enhance proactive network management, making it an indispensable tool for maintaining high-performance Wi-Fi networks. Site24x7's seamless integration with broader network monitoring tools facilitates holistic network management, allowing organizations to achieve greater visibility and control over their entire network infrastructure. Overall, Site24x7 stands out as a reliable solution for businesses seeking to maintain efficient and reliable Wi-Fi networks to support their critical operations.

Who is it recommended for?

Site24x7 is ideal for network administrators and IT professionals operating in medium to large enterprises with complex Wi-Fi infrastructures. It caters to environments where consistent and high-quality wireless connectivity is critical for business operations. Additionally, Site24x7 is well-suited for organizations seeking detailed insights into Wi-Fi network performance and proactive identification of potential issues. Its customizable alerts and historical data analysis features make it particularly beneficial for IT teams responsible for maintaining network stability and optimizing performance over time. Furthermore, Site24x7's integration capabilities ensure compatibility with existing network management frameworks, making it a valuable addition to any organization's IT toolkit.

Site24x7 Start a 30-day FREE Trial

3. PRTG WiFi Usage Monitor – FREE TRIAL

WiFi Bandwidth and Data Monitoring

The Paessler PRTG WiFi Usage Monitor is a free Wi-Fi bandwidth utilization monitoring tool. It can help you detect imposed Wi-Fi bandwidth caps and data overloads. With this tool, you can find the top-talkers (users and devices) that are consuming the most WiFi bandwidth.

Key Features:

• Wi-Fi Bandwidth Utilization Monitoring: Provides robust monitoring of Wi-Fi bandwidth utilization, enabling detection of bandwidth caps and data overloads.
• Top-Talker Identification: Identifies top-talkers (users and devices) consuming the most Wi-Fi bandwidth, facilitating targeted optimization efforts.
• Comprehensive Traffic Analysis: Utilizes SNMP, flow, or packet sniffing technologies for comprehensive traffic analysis, allowing users to pinpoint bandwidth-intensive applications and devices.
• Visualization and Heat Mapping: Offers visualization features and heat mapping capabilities for mapping out complex wireless networks and identifying areas of congestion.
• Scalability and Enterprise Support: Built for professionals and enterprise use, ensuring scalability and compatibility with diverse IT environments.

Why do we recommend it?

The Paessler PRTG WiFi Usage Monitor comes highly recommended for its robust Wi-Fi bandwidth utilization monitoring capabilities, catering to the needs of professionals and enterprises alike. By detecting Wi-Fi bandwidth caps and data overloads, this tool empowers users to optimize network performance and ensure efficient resource allocation. With its ability to identify top-talkers and visualize bandwidth consumption, PRTG provides invaluable insights into network usage patterns, facilitating informed decision-making and proactive network management. Its support for SNMP, flow, and packet sniffing technologies enables comprehensive traffic analysis, allowing users to pinpoint bandwidth-intensive applications and devices with ease. Overall, PRTG stands out as a versatile and reliable solution for monitoring Wi-Fi usage and optimizing network performance in diverse environments.

PRTG uses SNMP, flow, or packet sniffing to analyze traffic and monitor Wi-Fi bandwidth. With this tool, you can see how much bandwidth a specific device is consuming, and you can even go one step ahead and see the applications that are consuming the most.

Who is it recommended for?

The Paessler PRTG WiFi Usage Monitor is recommended for professionals and enterprises seeking a comprehensive solution for monitoring Wi-Fi bandwidth utilization and optimizing network performance. It caters to network administrators, IT managers, and professionals responsible for managing complex wireless networks in medium to large enterprises. Additionally, PRTG is ideal for organizations facing challenges related to Wi-Fi bandwidth management, such as detecting bandwidth caps and addressing data overloads. Its visualization capabilities and support for heat mapping make it particularly beneficial for organizations with intricate wireless network infrastructures. Furthermore, PRTG's scalability and suitability for enterprise use ensure compatibility with diverse IT environments, making it a valuable asset for any organization striving to maintain optimal network performance.

PRTG is free for up to 100 sensors. You can extend the number of monitoring sensors by upgrading to the paid license. The price for PRTG500 (for 500 sensors) starts at $1,600. Get an unlimited 30-day free trial.

Paessler PRTG Download a 30-day FREE Trial

4. AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO

WiFi Traffic Analysis and Site Survey

AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer by NetAlly is a comprehensive wireless network analyzer. It can help you analyze 802.11a/b/g/n/ax wireless traffic in real-time. It also provides you with an overview of wireless network connectivity, coverage, performance, throughput, and network security issues. The software can also generate full reports to help you with regulatory compliance for PCI, SOX, and ISO.

Key Features:

• Wi-Fi Traffic Analyzer: Provides real-time analysis of 802.11a/b/g/n/ax wireless traffic, enabling comprehensive insights into network performance and security.
• Automatic Troubleshooting: Offers automatic troubleshooting capabilities, facilitating proactive identification and resolution of network issues.
• Wi-Fi Interference Detection & Analysis: Detects Wi-Fi interference and provides detailed analysis to explain reception problems and optimize network performance.
• WLAN Client Roaming Analysis: Analyzes WLAN client roaming behavior to optimize connectivity and enhance user experience.
• Regulatory Compliance Reporting: Generates full reports to assist with regulatory compliance for PCI-DSS, SOX, and ISO, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations.

Why do we recommend it?

NetAlly AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO earns our recommendation as a comprehensive wireless network analyzer designed to meet the needs of enterprise network administrators. With its ability to analyze 802.11a/b/g/n/ax wireless traffic in real-time and provide insights into network connectivity, coverage, performance, throughput, and security issues, AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO empowers users to optimize wireless network operations effectively. Its automatic troubleshooting capabilities and WLAN client roaming analysis further enhance network management efficiency, enabling proactive identification and resolution of potential issues. Additionally, the software's capacity planning tools and simulation features make it invaluable for enterprise network administrators seeking to optimize network performance and plan for future scalability.

Who is it recommended for?

NetAlly AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO is recommended for enterprise network administrators responsible for managing large-scale wireless networks. It caters to organizations requiring comprehensive insights into wireless network performance, connectivity, and security issues. Additionally, AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO is ideal for environments where regulatory compliance for PCI-DSS, SOX, and ISO is essential, as the software can generate full reports to aid in compliance efforts. Its capacity planning tools and simulation capabilities make it particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to optimize network performance and plan for future growth. Furthermore, AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO's intuitive dashboard and interference detection system make it suitable for network administrators seeking a user-friendly solution for Wi-Fi traffic analysis and troubleshooting.

NetAlly AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO works straight out of the box and has a great dashboard that squeezes in a lot of graphs about the performance and attributes of the nearby APs that it detected. Catch 802.11a/b/g/n/ax traffic with this useful tool for analysis and also compliance reporting for PCI-DSS, SOX, and ISO. The system has a great interference detection system that can explain any reception problems that your users are experiencing.

5. InSSIder by MetaGeek

Wi-Fi Scanner and Site Survey

InSSIder is a Wi-Fi scanner designed for small networks. It helps you optimize your Wi-Fi network for the best performance. The software can analyze your wireless network and alert you if there is a better channel. It can also help you troubleshoot bandwidth bottlenecks, pinpoint interference, and trouble spots.

InSSIder gives you an overview of the wireless networks within the coverage. It includes their SSID, channel, and more information. It is also capable of detecting rogue APs. The software is only supported by Windows.

Key Features:

• Wi-Fi Network Analysis: Analyzes wireless networks to identify optimal channels and troubleshoot bandwidth bottlenecks and interference.
• Alerts and Notifications: Alerts users to better channel options and highlights key issues such as coverage problems and rogue access points.
• Overview of Wireless Networks: Provides an overview of nearby wireless networks, including SSID, channel, and other relevant information.
• Rogue AP Detection: Capable of detecting rogue access points, enhancing network security and integrity.
• Native Graphical Monitoring: Supports native graphical monitoring, providing users with visual insights into Wi-Fi network performance and optimization.

Why do we recommend it?

InSSIder by MetaGeek is recommended for its user-friendly interface and effective Wi-Fi optimization capabilities, making it an ideal choice for small networks. With its ability to analyze wireless networks and identify optimal channels for performance optimization, InSSIder empowers users to enhance their Wi-Fi network's performance with ease. The software's ability to troubleshoot bandwidth bottlenecks, pinpoint interference, and detect rogue access points further enhances network management efficiency, ensuring smooth and reliable connectivity for users. Additionally, InSSIder's simple interface and native graphical monitoring support make it accessible to users of all skill levels, facilitating hassle-free Wi-Fi network optimization and troubleshooting.

Who is it recommended for?

InSSIder by MetaGeek is recommended for small network environments seeking a straightforward solution for Wi-Fi network optimization and troubleshooting. It caters to small businesses, home users, and individuals looking to enhance their Wi-Fi network's performance without the complexity of enterprise-grade solutions. Additionally, InSSIder is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and ease of use, as its intuitive interface and native graphical monitoring support make it accessible to users of all skill levels. While primarily designed for smaller networks, InSSIder can also be beneficial for larger environments seeking a cost-effective solution for basic Wi-Fi network optimization and troubleshooting.

Price: Start using the software on a subscription-based price for $8.25 a month.

Download: Create a free account and test InSSIder for a limited time.

6. SolarWinds WiFi Network Analyzer with NPM

Analyzer, manager, and monitoring

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is one of the most comprehensive network performance monitoring tools for any infrastructure. NPM comes with a Wi-Fi Network Analyzer for proactive scanning, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Wi-Fi networks.

Key Features:

• Wi-Fi Heatmaps Creation: Enables the creation of Wi-Fi heatmaps, allowing visualization of wireless coverage and signal strength distribution.
• Network Path Visualization: Provides visualization of network paths, facilitating identification of connectivity issues and performance bottlenecks.
• Performance Details of APs and Clients: Offers detailed performance metrics for access points (APs) and clients connected to the network, aiding in performance optimization and troubleshooting.
• Wi-Fi Analysis: Employs advanced Wi-Fi analysis tools to monitor and analyze network performance, ensuring optimal WiFi connectivity and reliability.
• Auto-Discovery: Automatically discovers devices and components within the network, streamlining the setup and configuration process.

Why do we recommend it?

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) with its integrated Wi-Fi Network Analyzer stands out as an indispensable tool for comprehensive network performance monitoring. Offering proactive scanning, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities for Wi-Fi networks, NPM provides network professionals with invaluable insights into network health and performance. We recommend SolarWinds NPM for its robust features, intuitive interface, and scalability, making it suitable for managing large-scale wireless networks effectively. Our recommendation is based on NPM's proven track record as a trusted solution for network professionals, backed by its extensive feature set and user-friendly design.

The tool can help you monitor and manage large-scale wireless networks. You can collect performance metrics information from APs, wireless controllers, and their clients. It can also be used to collect all information from neighboring APs, like SSID, MAC address, RSSI, etc. It also gives you details into the IP addressing information of all APs and their clients.

Who is it recommended for?

SolarWinds NPM with Wi-Fi Network Analyzer is recommended for network professionals and IT administrators tasked with managing and monitoring Wi-Fi networks of any scale. It caters to individuals and organizations seeking a comprehensive network performance monitoring solution with advanced Wi-Fi analysis capabilities. With its ability to collect performance metrics from access points (APs), wireless controllers, and clients, NPM is ideal for environments requiring proactive network management and troubleshooting. Whether for small businesses, large enterprises, or service providers, SolarWinds NPM offers a versatile and powerful toolset for ensuring optimal Wi-Fi network performance.

Price: NPM starts at USD $2750.00, for more details on the price, get a quote.

Download: Get a free fully-functional 30-day free trial of the Wi-Fi Network Analyzer with NPM.

7. Acrylic WiFi

Advanced WiFi Scanner and Site Survey

Acrylic WiFi is a free Wi-Fi scanner for Windows. The dashboard shows Wi-Fi information in real time and allows you to optimize performance and troubleshoot your wireless networks. With Acrylic WiFi, you can maximize AP coverage and find channel interference problems. The software scans your surroundings and shows you an overview of the nearby Wi-Fi APs. It obtains information on signal strength levels, SSID, channels, and WLAN security encryption.

Key Features:

• Advanced Wi-Fi Scanning: Scans 802.11/a/b/g/n/ac/ax networks to provide comprehensive insights into Wi-Fi signal strength, channels, and security encryption.
• Real-Time Visualization: Visualizes WiFi channels in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, allowing users to monitor network performance and identify interference problems in real time.
• Optimal Access Point Placement: Automatically identifies the best places for access point placement, simplifying network optimization and maximizing AP coverage.
• Easy Drawing and Specification: Allows users to easily draw walls, rooms, and specify building materials for accurate site surveying and network planning.

Why do we recommend it?

Acrylic WiFi is recommended for its user-friendly interface and advanced WiFi scanning capabilities, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking to optimize their wireless networks. With real-time WiFi information visualization and troubleshooting features, Acrylic WiFi empowers users to maximize AP coverage and identify channel interference problems with ease. The software's ability to automatically identify optimal access point placement locations further enhances network performance and simplifies network optimization for less experienced users. Additionally, Acrylic WiFi's intuitive interface and straightforward functionality make it accessible to users of all skill levels, facilitating hassle-free WiFi network management and optimization.

Who is it recommended for?

Acrylic WiFi is recommended for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a user-friendly solution for Wi-Fi network optimization and troubleshooting. It caters to businesses and organizations looking to maximize AP coverage, identify channel interference issues, and optimize wireless network performance without the complexity of enterprise-grade solutions. Additionally, Acrylic WiFi is ideal for less experienced users who prioritize simplicity and ease of use, as its intuitive interface and automated features streamline the network optimization process. While primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses, Acrylic WiFi can also be beneficial for home users and individuals seeking a free Wi-Fi scanning tool with advanced features and capabilities.

Price: There are two software editions:

• Acrylic Wi-Fi Home – Free
• Acrylic Wi-Fi Professional – $19.90/license

Download: Acrylic WiFi Home edition for free.

8. WiFiInfoView

WiFi Scanner and Site Survey

WiFiInfoView by NirSoft is a free wireless network scanner. It surveys the wireless are surrounding your computer and gathers a wide arrange of information. The software can display data of detected APs, such as SSID, Hardware Address (MAC), PHY Type, signal quality, RSSI, channel number, frequency speed, hardware information, and more. WiFiInfoView also comes with a summary mode, which groups all wireless information found, by channel number, PHY type, or speed.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Wireless Network Scanning: Surveys the wireless area surrounding the computer and gathers detailed information on detected access points, including SSID, MAC address, signal quality, and more.
• Summary Mode: Groups wireless information based on channel number, PHY type, or speed, facilitating quick analysis and troubleshooting.
• Lightweight Design: Utilizes minimal system resources, ensuring efficient Wi-Fi network scanning without compromising system performance.
• Data Grouping: Supports data grouping, making it ideal for testing multiple APs or conducting simple network analyses.

Why do we recommend it?

WiFiInfoView by NirSoft is recommended for its lightweight design and comprehensive wireless network scanning capabilities, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a simple yet effective Wi-Fi scanning tool. With its ability to survey the wireless area surrounding the computer and gather a wide range of information on detected access points (APs), including SSID, MAC address, signal quality, channel number, and more, WiFiInfoView empowers users to analyze Wi-Fi networks with ease. The software's summary mode further enhances usability by grouping wireless information based on channel number, PHY type, or speed, facilitating quick analysis and troubleshooting. Additionally, WiFiInfoView's lightweight nature ensures minimal system resource usage, making it an ideal solution for users seeking efficient Wi-Fi network scanning without compromising system performance.

Who is it recommended for?

WiFiInfoView is recommended for users seeking a lightweight and straightforward solution for Wi-Fi network scanning and site surveying. It caters to individuals, home users, and IT professionals looking to gather comprehensive information on nearby wireless networks without the complexity of larger-scale network management tools. Additionally, WiFiInfoView is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and efficiency, as its barebones interface and lightweight design make it accessible to users of all skill levels. While primarily designed for basic Wi-Fi scanning needs, WiFiInfoView can also be beneficial for users testing multiple APs or conducting simple network analyses.

Price: Free

Download: WiFiInfoView from its official site.

9. Homedale

Wireless Scanner and Site Survey

Homedale from the SZ development is a free Wi-Fi monitoring and scanner software. It can scan your Wi-Fi network and nearby APs and monitor the signal strength using Homedale’s graphs. The software supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless networks in the two popular frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

Some information that Homedale can detect:

• Nearby APs with their SSID
• Signal strength
• Security encryption mechanism
• Data rates
• Channel and frequency

You can use third-party services like Google Geolocation, Mozilla Location Service, and Open WLAN Map Service with Homedale to locate detected APs.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Wi-Fi Monitoring: Scans Wi-Fi networks and nearby access points (APs) to monitor signal strength, security encryption, data rates, and more.
• Visual Reporting: Provides visual reporting and feedback through intuitive graphs, enabling users to easily identify potential interference between networks and devices.
• Support for Third-Party Services: Integrates with third-party services such as Google Geolocation, Mozilla Location Service, and Open WLAN Map Service to accurately locate detected APs and enhance network management capabilities.
• Support for Multiple Frequency Bands: Supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless networks in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of WiFi setups.

Why do we recommend it?

Homedale from SZ Development is recommended for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive Wi-Fi monitoring capabilities, making it an excellent choice for home users and small businesses seeking to optimize their wireless networks. With its ability to scan Wi-Fi networks and nearby access points (APs) and monitor signal strength using intuitive graphs, Homedale empowers users to identify potential interference and optimize network performance with ease. The software's support for 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless networks in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands further enhances its versatility and usability, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Wi-Fi setups. Additionally, Homedale's integration with third-party services such as Google Geolocation, Mozilla Location Service, and Open WLAN Map Service enables users to accurately locate detected APs and enhance network management capabilities.

Who is it recommended for?

Homedale is recommended for home users and small businesses seeking a free and user-friendly solution for Wi-Fi monitoring and site surveying. It caters to individuals and organizations looking to optimize their wireless networks without the complexity of enterprise-grade solutions. Additionally, Homedale is ideal for users who prioritize visual reporting and feedback, as its intuitive graphs and visualizations make it easy to identify potential interference between networks and devices. While primarily designed for home users and small businesses, Homedale can also be beneficial for IT professionals and network administrators seeking a simple yet effective Wi-Fi monitoring tool for basic network optimization and troubleshooting.

Price: Free

Download: Homedale from its official site.

10. NetSpot

Wireless Scanner, Site Survey, and Analyzer

NetSpot is a free Wi-Fi survey and analysis software for Windows and macOS. It allows you to scan 802.11 Wi-Fi coverage area, perform advances site surveys, and visualize all results in a single dashboard. The software can also create Wi-Fi heatmaps, so you can identify where the signal leakages or dead zones are.

Key Features:

• Visualize Wi-Fi Coverage: Allows users to visualize Wi-Fi coverage areas and identify signal leakages or dead zones using heatmaps.
• Channel Load Analysis: Provides insights into channel usage and identifies potential interference sources, helping users optimize network performance.
• Identify Rogue APs: Detects rogue access points (APs) and provides recommendations on optimizing Wi-Fi signal strength and coverage.
• Wi-Fi Heatmaps: Generates Wi-Fi heatmaps to visualize signal strength and coverage, enabling users to identify areas for improvement.
• Recommendations on Signal Boosting: Provides recommendations on boosting Wi-Fi signal strength and optimizing network performance.

Why do we recommend it?

NetSpot is recommended for its versatility and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for both home users and enterprise-sized networks seeking comprehensive Wi-Fi survey and analysis capabilities. With its ability to scan 802.11 Wi-Fi coverage areas, perform advanced site surveys, and visualize results in a single dashboard, NetSpot empowers users to optimize Wi-Fi networks with ease. The software's support for creating Wi-Fi heatmaps and providing recommendations on boosting the Wi-Fi signal further enhances its usability and effectiveness in identifying signal leakages or dead zones. Additionally, NetSpot's scalability and compatibility with multiple operating systems, including Windows and macOS, ensure its suitability for a wide range of network environments.

Who is it recommended for?

NetSpot is recommended for home users, home offices, and enterprise-sized networks seeking a versatile and user-friendly solution for Wi-Fi survey and analysis. It caters to individuals and organizations looking to optimize Wi-Fi coverage, identify rogue access points (APs), and visualize network performance without the need for extensive training or technical expertise. Additionally, NetSpot is ideal for users who prioritize scalability and cross-platform compatibility, as its support for multiple operating systems ensures its suitability for various network environments. While primarily designed for Wi-Fi survey and analysis, NetSpot may lack some device management features found in competitor products but compensates with its intuitive interface and comprehensive visualization capabilities.

Price: The NetSpot software comes in four editions:

• Free Edition
• Home – $49.00
• Pro –  $149.00
• Enterprise – $499.00

Download: the NetSpot free edition.

11. iStumbler

Spectrum Analyzer, Stumbler and Site Survey

iStumbler is a wireless discovery software for macOS systems. The tool allows you to scan and find Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and Bonjour services. It can scan wireless in the 2.4GHz, and the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency ranges. iStumbler gives you detailed information such as SSID, security encryption mechanism, signal level, S/N (Signal to Noise), Distance, Channel, and Frequency. With iStumbler, you can view the location of all discovered Wi-Fi networks, track the movement of your computer. You can also export the location database and movement to Google Earth.

Key Features:

• Wireless Discovery: Allows users to scan and find Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and Bonjour services in real-time.
• 2.4GHz and 5GHz Frequency Ranges: Supports scanning in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency ranges, providing comprehensive coverage of nearby wireless networks.
• Detailed Information: Provides detailed information such as SSID, security encryption mechanism, signal level, signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), distance, channel, and frequency for discovered Wi-Fi networks.
• Location Tracking: Allows users to view the location of all discovered Wi-Fi networks and track the movement of their computer.
• Export to Google Earth: Enables users to export the location database and movement data to Google Earth for further analysis.

Why do we recommend it?

iStumbler is recommended for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for macOS users seeking a straightforward wireless discovery tool. With its ability to scan and find Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and Bonjour services, iStumbler provides users with detailed information on nearby wireless networks in real-time. The tool's beginner-friendly interface makes it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise, while its scalability ensures compatibility with larger networks.

Who is it recommended for?

iStumbler is recommended for macOS users looking for a user-friendly wireless discovery tool for scanning Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and Bonjour services. It caters to individuals and organizations seeking a simple yet effective solution for identifying nearby wireless networks and analyzing their characteristics. Additionally, iStumbler is ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and scalability, as its intuitive interface and ability to scale with larger networks make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Price: $14.99 for all six tools, features, and unlimited devices.

Download: Get a Free trial of iStumbler here.

12. Tamosoft TamoGraph Site Survey

Spectrum Analyzer and Site Survey

TamoGraph Site Survey is a professional Wi-Fi site survey and RF planning tool. You can use it, to measure and visualize 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi characteristics, such as signal strength, SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio), SIR (Signal to Interference Ratio), TCP/UDP throughput rates, and more. Once you scan for wireless, the tool will automatically detect the AP location.

Key Features:

• Passive, active, and predictive surveys
• Spectrum Analysis
• AP geographical location
• Heatmaps
• Reporting

You can import floor plan maps into the application and overlay your heat-maps over them. The TamoGraph site survey is available for Windows and macOS.

Price: TamoGraph Site Survey comes in two editions:

• Pro – 1 User License — $1,269.00
• Standard – 1 User License — $909.00

Download: Get a free trial of TamoGraph Site Survey here.

13. LizardSystems Wi-Fi Scanner

Wireless and Site Survey

LizardSystems WiFi Scanner is an advanced scanner for 802.11 a/b/n/g wireless networks and 802.11ac routers. The software supports 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands. The scanner finds and collects information from all APs within range. It displays all collected data into the dashboard, along with a real-time signal strength line graph.

As any wireless scanner does, LizardSystems can collect all sorts of AP information, from SSID, signal strength (RSSI) and quality, MAC address (BSSID), data throughput rate, operating channel, and security encryption for each AP.

LizardSystems WiFi Scanner runs only on Windows.

Price: You can purchase the software through two different licenses:

• Business License – $99.95
• Personal License – Free

Download: Get a fully-functional 10-day trial of Lizard WiFi Scanner.

14. Ekahau Heatmapper

Spectrum Analyzer, Site Survey, Mapper

Ekahau HeatMapper is a free Wi-Fi site survey and mapping tool. It can discover all nearby APs, (including rogue APs and hidden networks), and show their information like security settings, MAC, etc. Ekahau HeatMapper supports 802.11n and a/b/g standards.

The software detects and records the Wi-Fi signal while roaming around the coverage area in your home or office. Ekahau Heatmapper draws the signal strength data gathered in the survey into the floor plan. The graphical representation of a heatmap allows you to see from the strongest to the weakest signal point in your wireless networks.

Ekahau HeatMapper is only available for Windows OS.

Price: Free

Download: Ekahau HeatMapper for free.

15. ManageEngine Wifi Analyzer Plus

WiFi Analyzer and Site Survey

ManageEngine WiFi Monitor Plus is a free diagnostics Android application that helps you analyze and survey your Wi-Fi network. You can view and troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks and their connectivity at the convenience of your Android mobile device.

Key Features: 

• AP Scans
• Signal strength graphs
• Heat-maps
• Monitor channel interference

With Wi-Fi monitor Plus, you can improve Wi-Fi performance by keeping track of the Wi-Fi channels and their interference.The tool will identify APs signal strength and filter them from weakest to strongest. It will also allow you to survey sites using floor plans and create heatmaps.

Price: Free

Download: WiFi Analyzer Plus to your Android device.

16. WiSpy from MetaGeek

Advanced Spectrum Analyzer

WiSpy from MetaGeek is a powerful spectrum analysis tool, that can measure Wi-Fi activity in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It can collect radio frequency data and provide you with real-time visualization of your Wi-Fi networks.

Key Features: 

• Identify the source of interference
• Keep track of and manage saturated channels
• Find and remove Wi-Fi dead zones
• Build comprehensive reports

The visualizations are highly interactive. You can see interference from the graphs and locate the device that is causing it. The software can even help you identify non-Wi-Fi sources of interference.

Price: The software can be obtained through the product bundle Chanalyzer Essential for $999.

The price includes Wi‑Spy DBx, Chanalyzer with Report Builder, and a Dual-Band Directional Antenna.

Download: Free 7-day trial of WiSpy.

17. WiFi Analyzer by Farproc

WiFi Analyzer and Site Survey

WiFi Analyzer originally developed by Farproc is a free and simple Wi-Fi analyzer for Android devices. The app allows you to maximize the performance of your AP by keeping track of channels. The app supports both Wi-Fi bands, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Key Features:

• Take snapshots of the graphics
• Automatic scans
• Rate available channels

You can use the Wi-Fi Analyzer from your Android mobile device and get graphical views of the Wi-Fi APs around you. The tool will show information such as SSID, channels, signal strength, frequency band, and security mechanisms.

Price: Free

Download: Get the Wifi Analyzer Android App from the Google Play store.  

18. Vistumber

Stumbler, Site Survey, and Mapper

Vistumbler is a free and open-source Wi-Fi network scanner. It can map and visualize APs around you by collecting data from wireless and GPS. The tool displays a list with AP information such as channel, encryption mechanisms, SSID, and RSSI.

The software shows you live graphs of the APs, which are highly customizable. You can also integrate it with Google Earth for large Wi-Fi deployments and track all APs, and record their location. The tool supports GPS through COM-based NMEA receivers, and you can export these GPS locations to Google Earth.

Vistumbler is available only for Windows systems.

Price: Free and open source.

Download: Vistumbler for official site or from the Github repository.

19. Netstumbler

Scanner, Stumbler, and Site Survey

Netstumbler is a free Wireless LAN surveying and stumbler tool for 802.11b/a/g WLAN standards. It scans and lists all nearby APs and displays their information, from SSID, channel, throughput, MAC address, hardware vendor, and security encryption.

It can also help you find rogue access points. Netstumbler is pretty popular because it can display additional information that some stumbler tools cannot. It can show information on signal, noise, and SNR levels so that you can identify weak signals in the network and interference. The tool also comes with GPS support that helps record AP locations when surveying sites.

It only supports Windows OS and Windows CE/Mobile.

Price: Free

Download: Get the latest version of NetStumbler from its official site.

20. CommView for WiFi

Analyzer, auditing, and monitoring

CommView for WiFi is a Wi-Fi monitor and packet analyzer tool developed by TamoSoft. It can keep track of Wi-Fi standards 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax.

Key Features: 

• Scan Wi-Fi APs
• Capture WLAN traffic
• View IP connections
• Specify WEP or WPA keys to decrypt
• Monitor bandwidth utilization
• VoIP module

CommView captures Wi-Fi packets on the air and then makes them available for you to search and filter. The list displays useful information, like APs, signal strength, network connections, protocols, etc.

The tool comes with powerful alerting capabilities, that can let you know when a specific type of traffic is detected through the WiFi.

Price: CommView for WiFi comes in three editions:

• CommView for WiFi – $455.00
• CommView for WiFi 1-Year Subscription – $179.00
• CommView for WiFi VoIP – $909.00

Download: Get a free evaluation version of CommView for WiFi for 30 days.

21. Aircrack-ng

Sniffer, Pen Testing and Security Auditing

Aircrack-ng is a bundle of tools used for advanced pen testing, security, and auditing for 802.11 Wireless LANs. The package consists of three main tools that can help monitor and assess Wi-Fi security.

The software captures packets and can export all data to third-party apps. It can also perform algorithms on the captured packets to find security weaknesses. The tool is frequently used to perform pen-testing.

You can test network security with replay attacks, deauthentication, rogue APs, and more. It is one of the most popular tools of white hat and black hat hackers for WEP and WPA PSK (WPA 1 and 2) password cracking.

Price: Free

Download: Get Aircrack-ng from its official site.

22. Kismet

Sniffer, Pen Testing and Security Auditing

Kismet is an all-in-one Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n security auditing software. It can detect wireless networks and devices, sniff traffic, AP mapping (wardriving), and detect intrusions (WIDS). The software is available for Linux, OSX, Windows 10 (under WSL framework), and BSD platforms.

Key Features:

• Supports various wireless interfaces
• Wireless Intrusion Detection System
• Passive packet sniffer
• Find hidden networks (rogue AP's)

Kismet can work with a varied number of wireless cards, as long as they support raw monitoring mode (rfmon). It also works with additional hardware to capture packets from the air, from Wi-Fi interfaces, Bluetooth, SDR, and more.

Price: Free and open-source.

Download: Download Kismet from its official site.

23. Omnipeek Network Analyzer

Sniffer, Analyzer, and Security Auditing

Omnipeek Network Analyzer is a packet sniffer and network analyzer tool developed by Savvius. It provides real-time analysis for WiFi 802.11ac, wired, and VoIP traffic. Omnipeek Network Analyzer works with most of the popular network interface cards out there.

It also supports more than 40 plugins through its API, so that you can extend its functionality. To capture wireless traffic, Omnipeek offers a USB-connected Wi-Fi adaptor.

It is only supported by Windows OS.

Price: For more information on pricing, contact LiveAction sales.

Download: Get a free 30-day trial of the Omnipeek Network Protocol Analyzer.

24. Wireshark

Sniffer and Network Analyzer

Wireshark is one of the most popular free and open-source analyzers for wired and wireless networks. With Wireshark, you can troubleshoot, optimize, and improve the security of 802.11 wireless networks.

Key Features:

• View layer protocols
• Supports decryption
• Capture data from multiple interfaces
• Packet sniffer
• Export results to CSV, XML, or plain-text

You can capture TCP/IP packets between the computer (Server) and a WLAN client. You can also capture 802.11 control packets and the radio-layer information such as SSID, signal strength, etc.

Price: Free and open-source.

Download: Download Wireshark for free here.

25. KisMAC

Sniffer, Analyzer, and Security Auditing

KisMAC is a free and open-source wireless network scanner and security tool for macOS. It is designed for professional network security auditors and has similar functionalities as Kismet.

Key Features:

• WiFi Scanner
• WiFi Sniffer
• WiFi Security assessments and pen testing
• Support mapping and GPS

KisMAC can help you scan surrounding wireless and discover Wi-Fi networks. It can even find hidden networks, cloaked SSIDs, and unauthorized rogue AP's. With KisMAC, you can also see connected clients in your Wi-Fi network, including information such as IP, Mac addresses, signal strength, etc.

Price: Distributed under the GNU, KisMAC is free software.

Download: KisMAC source code from the GitHub repository.

 

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