inSSIDer vs iwScanner

inSSIDer is Wi-Fi analysis software that visualizes nearby networks and helps show how they affect a local connection. For access points, it displays channel, channel width, signal strength, Wi-Fi generation, maximum data rate, and security. Its Channels Table shows channel occupancy to help users identify a relatively quiet option. The software can scan a local network for connected devices and identify the type and name of many of them. It also checks Wi-Fi configuration and describes what is working well, what could improve, and what needs fixing. The free download provides Wi-Fi scanning and visualization and requires a free Oscium account. MetaGeek Plus adds packet capture, RF spectrum analysis, network snapshots, client traffic analytics, cloud sync, and team collaboration; Plus features are currently Windows-only. The free scanner uses the Wi-Fi adapter in a Windows laptop, while inSSIDer is listed for Windows and macOS. A Wi-Fi scanner cannot directly see interference from non-Wi-Fi devices such as Bluetooth, microwaves, or cordless phones. MetaGeek Plus costs $200/yr.

iwScanner is a free Linux wireless scanner with a graphical interface. It detects wireless networks and displays each access point, MAC address, channel, and encryption type. A signal chart shows the strength of detected networks, and scanning speed can be adjusted. The program uses wireless-tools and is ready to run when iwlist is available. It is designed in Glade and written in Python; the maker says PyGTK is needed in a Linux environment. iwScanner can open and save NetDetect (.ndd) and NetStumbler (.ns1) files, and the source is included with the download. The latest listed release is version 0.2.4, dated 2010-04-15, offered as an Ubuntu deb package and a generic Linux tarball. That release fixes networks being incorrectly detected as WPA2. Notes for version 0.2.3 add support for the rt2860sta card. The maker identifies Renzo Bertuzzi as author and invites email contact.