NetSpot vs WiFi 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.

WiFi Scanner is commercial desktop software from AccessAgility LLC for investigating wireless signal, interference, coverage, and possible causes of WiFi problems. Its live access point grid shows signal, channel, width, security, vendor, and last-seen details, with alerts for interference and weak security. WiFi Survey and Planner provide walk-through and predictive coverage heatmaps, AP-on-a-Stick capture, and post-validation heatmaps. Copilot groups diagnostic action cards by category and provides finding counts and filter-aware recommendations. Performance tools cover throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss, and network-quality monitoring; LAN discovery identifies switches, access points, and other equipment. WebViewer allows a live scan to be shared by link without requiring viewers to install the app, and the software exports CSV data and reports. It supports Windows 10/11 on a 64-bit host and macOS 13 or later on Apple Silicon or Intel. The 7-day trial includes all features without a credit card. Afterward, scanning continues in the background, but viewing live results requires a paid licence. Core costs $195 a year, billed once rather than as a subscription.