The only thing worse than no internet is the slow Internet. But did you know more often than not, you could easily troubleshoot or fix that issue in your wireless network using just a simple WiFi analyzer tool? In our previous articles, we saw some of the best WiFi Analyzer for Windows, macOS, and Android. And as you guessed, it’s time to look for the best WiFi analyzer for iPhone and iPads.
WiFi Wireless Signal Strength Explorer (was WiFi Signal Strength Status) allows you to see wireless signal strength right on the menu bar. See the status of your wifi signal strength right from the menu bar. This utility adds network name, signal strength with “neat icon”, “percentage” on the menu bar. Sep 11, 2007 Customer service suggested that I upgrade to a five LNB dish which I did. I also replaced the cables and connectors from the dish to receiver. I still get the same results. I can't receive channels 220, 269, and others and the signal strength tests show a dropout for satellite 101 transponders 1-8. How shall I proceed. I suspect the receiver.
WiFi analyzers provide an in-depth report of your wireless network, its signal strengths, the devices connected to it and a lot more which makes it easy for you to identify the problem or simply improve your WiFi strength. Here are some of the best WiFi analyzer apps you can find for iOS.
Read: How To Kick Someone Off Your WiFi Network
Wi-Fi Analyzer Apps for iPhone and iPad
1. N Stats
Most Android smartphones have a little indicator on the status bar that shows you the Internet speed, either through native settings or using a third-party app. To get the same on your iPhone, you can use N Stats. This apps shows you real-time stats in the Widgets area with N Stats. In addition to this, it also shows, available RAM, storage space, and network speeds. You can adjust the color of every parameter but that’s about it.
Pros:
– Simple UI
-Customizable Colors
-Widget
Cons:
– Can’t move to notification area like Android due to iOS restrictions
Verdict: I’ve included this app on the list for just this purpose but if you want a more comprehensive app then there are better options below.
Install N Stats (free)
2. Dr. WiFi
Starting off the list is a very simple and free WiFi analyzer tool, Dr. WiFi which also brings a few extra functionalities with it.
It comes with a basic WiFi scanner feature that allows you to see a list of all the connected devices in your network so that you can weed out all those “piggybackers”. The speed tester gives you the ping, upload and download speeds for your WiFi and if you upgrade to the premium version, there is also a signal tester and security tester for your router and WiFi network.
Another bonus is the ad blocker which prevents all kinds of ads and tracking while you are browsing through your device.
Read: See What Others Are Browsing on Your WiFi
Pros:
– Network Scanner
– Real-time Speed and Signal Tester
– Security Test
– Ad Block
Cons:
– Lacks other network utilities like traceroute, DNS lookup, etc.
– No export option
Price: Freemium
Verdict:
For someone who doesn’t know much about networks or how they work, this is the perfect app to test your signal strengths, data transfer rates, connected devices and overall monitor your wireless network through your phone.
InstallDr. WiFi on the App Store
3. Fing
Fing is a completely free and one of the top network tools on the App Store, used by amateurs and professionals alike.
The first thing you’ll notice about Fing is that how much it manages to pack while still being free; the WiFi scanner gives you a list of connected devices along with every detail possible from their MAC addresses to their vendor names and you can even control the internet connection for a particular device. There is also a ping utility together with traceroute for network quality measurement. Find is also available for Android users with the same interface.
For pro users, it incorporates many advanced features like a port scanner to find open ports and available services, Wake On LAN (WOL) to wake up devices remotely and even DNS lookup.
Pros:
– Completely free but doesn’t slack in features
– Powerful Network Scanner
– Event log
– DNS Lookup
Cons:
– No way to export all the data
– No Speed tester
Price: Free
Verdict:
Fing is one of those apps which exceeds all your expectations of what a free app can offer and I highly recommend it to home users as well as professionals before investing your money on any other network analyzer app.
Link: Fing on the App Store
4. Network Analyzer
Network Analyzer is another popular network app that happens to come in two versions, a free Lite version and a paid Pro version. The Lite version offers some very basic functionalities, but for 4 dollars, the Pro version is where it’s at.
It comes with a quick WiFi scanner, including all the LAN devices’ names and addresses, along with the DLNA/Bonjour services they offer. Of course, it comes with all the standard network diagnostic tools like speed test, ping, traceroute, DNS lookup and a port scanner. I specifically like the traceroute here which visualizes the route of the packet on a map.
Another feature that many professionals will appreciate, is the exporting capabilities for most tools in a text as well as CSV.
Pros:
– WiFi Scanner as well as all other network diagnostic tools
– Options to export in text and CSV
Price: Free(Lite), $3.99(Pro)
Verdict:
While the Lite version is basically useless, you can’t go wrong with Network Analyzer Pro – great value and overall a very capable network analyzing tool you can add to your device.
Link: Network Analyzer Lite and Network Analyzer Pro on the App Store
5. Scany
At first glance, Scany might appear as a hacking tool or very complex app due to its black and green color scheme, but in reality, it feels one of the most complete and polished WiFi analyzer app you can get on iOS.
Scany has a powerful WiFi/LAN and internet scanner which has also been optimized to work with large networks by efficient search algorithms. The instant lookup feature allows for instant detection and IP lookup and is a few of the whole host of services that the app provides. Other tools include ping and traceroute, a port scanner, WOL, whois, DNS lookup, and detailed network information.
It also has extensive export options that allow all your history and information to be shared in text, CSV and.SCANY files via email and can be opened again in the Scany app.
Pros:
– Most complete WiFi analyzer tool
– Extensive export, import and history options
Cons:
– No light mode
Price: $5.99
Verdict:
Scany was built by a network administrator and completely feels so with the little nuances like DNS server detection and type shortcuts. If you want the best and most powerful network analyzer app, look no further than Scany. However, it might be overkill for most casual users.
Link: Scany on the App Store
Alternative:
The only con to Scany is its unchangeable dark color scheme which I personally enjoy, but not might be to the tune of everybody. If you want a light scheme but with all the same functionalities and reliability, IT Tools is a great option.
6. iNetTools Pro
Last but not least, iNetTools Pro is a network analyzer app that aims to make it easy for beginners to take full control over their own WiFi networks.
Once you open the app you are greeted with a very simple interface with options to select from all the standard network diagnostic tools. It includes a nifty feature called “Server List” which you can use to save addresses of servers that you visit frequently and this comes in super handy for people who have to manage one or more servers.
But what really sets this app apart is its unlimited tech support via email. Troubleshooting network issues can be a nightmare if you don’t know much about networks or even if you know a lot and this feature is really commendable, especially for beginners.
Pros:
– Server List
– Unlimited Tech Support
Cons:
– No Speed or Signal Tester
– No export options
Price: $5.99
Verdict:
iNetTools Pro provides most of the network tools one might require, together with tech support in a single package which makes it a great option for someone with little to no knowledge of network tools and looking forward to learning how to use them.
Link: iNetTools Pro on the App Store
Special Mention:
Apple has its own Airport Utility app on the App Store which works pretty well providing a graphical overview of your wireless network and the ability to access or modify all network information, but it only works with Apple’s Airport Base Stations which include Airport Time Capsule, Airport Express and AirPort Extreme.
Wi-Fi Analyzer Apps for iPhone and iPad
So this was a look at some of the best WiFi analyzer apps that iOS has to offer. The main takeaway should be that even the free apps have a lot to offer and you should check them out first before jumping on and buying an app. And of course, don’t forget to pick an app that suits your level and slowly work your way up from there. Finally, let us know in the comments below which app do you use or if you have suggestions for any other app which we forgot to include.
WiFi signals are tough to understand. I am walking around in my house and the signal is full. I take a few steps towards the front door and suddenly, there is no signal and I am like what? Within a few days, you learn to identify the areas in your home/office where WiFi signal is the strongest and where it is non-existent.
While all this is counter-productive, there are WiFi analyzer software available for Windows that will help you place your router in the right spot.
Read: How to Share WiFi Without Giving Away Your Password
Why You Need WiFi Analyzer
Every WiFi router claims to have a certain range which gives you a fair idea of what to expect. Unfortunately, this range is a hit or miss and you won’t get the same signal strength in different directions. Why is this?
The signal strength of your router depends on its range and performance, and certain outside factors like interference and obstacles like walls. Even before you install your router, you must find a suitable place to install it. This is why you need a WiFi analyzer so you know where signal strength is the strongest, use heat maps to identify weak areas, and find out which channels the signal is operating on.
WiFi Analyser for Windows
Whether you are using Windows 7, 8 or 10, this article will help you use the best analyzer to find the most optimum position to install the router.
1. WiFi Analyzer
WiFi Analyzer is available on the Microsoft store, a nifty little app that was built for Windows 10 platform. You can search for suitable channels and identify, using heat maps, the best possible point for installing your router. The screen kept turning off though.
Yours is not the only network in the vicinity. It will identify the remaining ones that are interfering with yours. Each channel is given a star rating so you can easily choose the best.
WiFi Analyzer turned my Windows laptop into an analyzer allowing me to scan my house for access points. Pretty neat. The app is free to use and download but some additional features have been reserved for the premium version.
Pro version will keep the screen always on and add a beeper sound to notify you when an access point is found. There are filter and tile support.
Verdict: WiFi Analyzer for Windows 10 is a good app if you have the right OS. The free version is good enough but if you need more details, consider in-app purchases.
Download WiFi Analyzer (Freemium)
2. Netcut
Netcut is a solid network debugging and investigating tool that was originally built to be a backend solution. It not only works in Windows but also iOS and Android. Unlike WiFi Analyzer above which can be used by beginners and pros alike, Netcut is more suitable for professionals and office use.
Scan and analyze all the IP addresses on your network. Advanced features include ARP protocol using which you can manage user bandwidth and stop network abuse. The best thing about Netcut is that it let you kick people off your WiFi network without requiring any access to your router.
Also Read: See What Others Are Browsing on Your WiFi
Sometimes, nearby networks can interfere as we previously discussed. Netcut can help prevent this interference and boost the connectivity range and performance of your router.
How To Test Wifi Signal Strength
Verdict: Netcut is available for Windows 7/8/10. Netcut is an advanced WiFi analyzer tool that can be a little difficult to understand at first but once you master it, you will find it very useful.
Download Netcut (Free)
3. NetSpot
Most WiFi Analyzers for Windows have little to offer in terms of UI and aesthetics. NetSpot is a WiFi analyzer that has a good looking interactive UI that is fun to use. It comes with two different modes: Survey and Discover.
The Survey tool is for creating heat maps that you can then use to identify networks and points in your area. Discover tool, on the other hand, takes snapshots of WiFi networks in the vicinity. Together, they will help you choose the best spot, fight signal interference, and increase signal strength.
NetSpot is a premium tool that will cost you $49 for the home edition. This is for 2 users and cannot be used commercially. It will offer only 2 snapshots of two different zones with a max of 50 data points per zone.
Verdict: NetSpot is a powerful software that is suitable for both beginners and professionals but slightly expensive for home users. Professionals and companies can afford to pay a one-time premium.
Download NetSpot (Paid)
4. WiFi Analyzer Tool
Another WiFi Analyzer Tool from Microsoft store but this time, it is available for Windows 7 and 8 users too. It will scan for all the WiFi networks around you with a handy spectrum chart that helped me identify networks that were overlapping with each other.
This way, you can easily find the best available channel to connect your router to. An easy to use tool for home users who don’t want fancy features but a simple tool to get the job done. Singal levels tend to move up and down which is why WiFi Analyzer Tool will also show historical data.
Both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands are supported. You can save charts as images however that is not a big deal. You can take screenshots anyways.
It comes with two themes, light and dark, and a beeper for signal strength. At the time of writing this article, the app was available for free, however, usually, you can buy it for just $4.95 which isn’t much.
Download WiFi Analyzer Tool (Paid)
5. inSSIDer
inSSIDer is another advanced WiFi analyzer tool that was built for professionals more than home users. They have three plans available to choose from. At $149, inSSIDer Office is the most affordable plan but doesn’t support 2.4 GHz channel and spectrum leaving much to be desired.
Meant for offices with big networks, inSSIDer’s strength lies in its ability to handle large networks, accuracy, and reliability. It can monitor channel saturation and identify the sources of interference.
inSSIDer will track and record WiFi signal strength over the period of time so you can compare which ones are working the best. The data is recorded in dBm. I like the ability to perform spot routine checks to make sure I was connected to the most optimal channel.
Verdict: inSSIDer is an expensive tool that was built for office use more than homes. It is a powerful tool and well worth the money if you have enough number of PCs in the network.
Download inSSIDer (Paid)
6. SpeedTest Master
Whereas inSSIDer is an advanced tool that will help you make more informed decisions in the office, not everyone is looking for something so complex. Some, like me, want a point and click solution that will quickly tell me just what I need to know.
SpeedTest Master will quickly analyze network speed, latency, and download/upload speeds. It will then analyze the nearby networks. Most WiFi analyzers don’t allow users to switch networks but SpeedTest Master does. You can switch even if you are using cable network.
Also Read:How To Kick Someone Off Your WiFi Network
The whole process is quick and easy and won’t take more than a few moments. All the tests that you have performed will be saved just like in previous Windows WiFi analyzer tools.
Verdict: SpeedTest Master’s strength lies in its simplicity. A one-click solution that will quickly provide results and tell you what to do. The app is completely ad-free as all previous Microsoft WiFi analyzers were.
Download SpeedTest Master (Freemium)
7. Vistumber
Apart from the usual WiFi analyzer for Windows features that we have seen so far in the above-mentioned apps, Vistumber also has support for live Google Earth and GPS. When you run the app for the first time, it will collect data like available network, signal strength, location, and encryption and plot everything on a map.
Vistumber is more suitable if you are constantly moving in a car and have a Windows laptop. This app will help you find suitable networks.
Vistumber is completely free to download and use.
Verdict: Vistumber is free and useful if you are traveling. The app is useful but comes with a dated UI that will fail to impress anyone.
Download Vistumber (Free)
8. WiFi Commander
WiFi commander has a beautiful UI with 3D graphing capabilities that makes the whole WiFi and network analyzing process fun and engaging. If you have a touch-screen laptop, you can interact with the 3D visual representation of the channel distribution.
WiFi Commander was built with Windows 10 in mind and hence is not available for Windows 7 or 8. Most WiFi analyzers will check signal strength and display it but this app will show it in real time. This will help you join the best network based on the most accurate and recent data.
The app is ad-free and lightweight. At the time of writing this article, it was available for $4.99.
Verdict: WiFi Commander is rich in visual representation and real-time gathering and presentation of data which makes it both fun and useful.
Download WiFi Commander (Paid)
9. WiFiInfoView
Nirsoft is our favorite site that is known for making useful software and apps and making them available to the netizens for free. WiFiInfoView shows a lot of info about the networks in the surrounding area including, but not limited to, SSID, PHY type, speed, company name, and more.
Free Wireless Signal Strength Meter
There is a handy summary mode available which is sort and display all the useful data neatly. You can sort this data by channel number, company name etc.
Verdict: WiFiInfoView offers a functional UI which will help you take quick decisions. It shows a lot of data which can be easily filtered and sorted.
Download WiFiInfoView (Free)
10. GlassWire
GlassWire brings more to the table and in a beautiful layout. Apart from the usual networking tools like finding channels and optimizing networks to connect to, GlassWire will also show you who your Windows PC is talking to.
Wifi Signal Strength Meter Pc
The data that is being transmitted and the apps that are behind it. There is a firewall in case you want to block an IP or an app for security reasons.
GlassWire is free to use however there are upgrades available too. Starting at $39, you get additional features like lockdown mode, 6-month history of logs and data, but sadly, license for only a single computer. If you want more, there are other plans.
Verdict: GlassWire packs a lot of features in a beautiful UI that will help you make smart decisions. The free version should be enough for most users.
Download GlassWire (Freemium)
Wrapping Up: WiFi Analyzers for Windows
Wireless Signal Strength
All of the tools mentioned in this list work. The only difference lies in their ability to solve problems on different levels, and they are compatible with different versions of Windows. Depending on whether you need a WiFi analyzer for your home or office, you can use one of the above apps.
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