Vistumbler vs Wi-Fi Scanner

Vistumbler is free, open-source software for scanning nearby wireless access points and mapping them with wireless and GPS data. It finds networks through the Windows Native WiFi API or netsh and supports COM/NMEA GPS receivers. Users can import and export access point data, save KML and GPX files, track scans live in Google Earth, and use audio alerts. The stable release supports Windows 10 and 11 and requires .NET Framework 4. Official releases include an installer, source code, and a portable ZIP; the maker says these downloads do not bundle third-party installers or adware. The project recommends checking available checksums and using standard anti-malware practices during installation. Vistumbler can collect GPS and WiFi location data while running. WiFiDB accepts wireless scan uploads, including data from Vistumbler, and creates statistics and maps. The software is intended for legitimate network analysis and WiFi mapping; its terms prohibit unauthorized network access and monitoring without consent. An experimental MAUI preview is available for Windows and Android, but it remains in development and may have missing features or bugs.

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.