Acrylic Wi-Fi Heatmaps vs NetSpot

Acrylic Wi-Fi Heatmaps is Windows software for planning WiFi layouts and surveying existing networks to identify coverage and performance problems. It supports WiFi 7 across the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands. For planning, users can model walls and building materials, place access points, configure antennas, and simulate coverage. Indoor and outdoor surveys can produce as many as 15 heatmap types, including 3D views. Survey measures include signal strength, interference, channel overlap, SNR, per-channel and access-point coverage, and device density. The WiFi Quality module provides Web browsing and VoIP profiles, with options to define other quality controls. Reports are editable and export to DOCX, CSV, and KMZ; English, Spanish, French, and German are available. Spectrum analysis can use Wi-Spy or Oscium hardware, while GPS can use an embedded receiver or compatible NMEA 0183 dongle. It requires Windows 10 or 11,.NET Framework 4.5, at least 1 GB of memory, and a WiFi adapter. Monitor mode capture requires an Advanced license. Listed plans start at $69, paid once for Basic — 1 Year; the pricing note also lists a 5-day trial.

NetSpot is a Wi-Fi app for network planning, wireless surveys, analysis, and troubleshooting. Inspector mode shows nearby networks and details including channels, vendors, security type, bands, signal, and noise. Survey mode creates interactive, color-coded heatmaps with more than 20 visualizations and customizable reports. Planning mode supports predictive surveys and network design, including multi-floor planning. Survey data can be exported as PDF or CSV, and heatmaps saved as PNG. Active survey throughput testing can use Iperf 3 or custom speed-test servers. NetSpot says survey, scan, heatmap, network, and location data are processed locally rather than automatically sent to Etwok. Desktop editions support offline activation and can run entirely offline afterward. Optional anonymized, aggregated usage statistics can be disabled in Preferences. The free edition is for personal and evaluation use on macOS and Windows. Paid plans are listed from $199. The seven-day full-featured PRO trial requires a valid corporate email and an explanation for the request.