NetSpot vs Wi-Fi Scanner

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.

Wi-Fi Scanner is a Windows program for finding nearby wireless networks and examining their signal and connection details. It displays items such as SSID, RSSI, BSSID, signal quality, channel, data rates, security, channel use, and connected clients. It supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, and channel widths from 20 to 160 MHz, including 80+80 MHz. Users can graph signal level over time, view signal spectrum masks, and filter detected networks by characteristics such as quality, mode, and security. The program can connect to detected networks, manage wireless profiles, and connect or disconnect wireless adapters. It detects WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security and supports WPS 1.0 and 2.0. The maker describes uses ranging from checking signal distribution and access-point placement at home to planning and monitoring corporate wireless security. Version 25.05, released May 16, 2025, lists initial Wi-Fi 7 support. Minimum requirements include a Wi-Fi adapter, administrator privileges, and internet access for registration and updates.