The best WiFi analyzer apps for your Mac in 2023
A great WiFi analyzer app detects available wireless connections and helps you improve your connection speed.
Whenever you go online you most probably do so through WiFi. Because wireless networks are so popular it makes sense to ensure the top performance with efficient WiFi analyzer tools.
So what are those WiFi analyzer apps and how does one use them? A WiFi analyzer app detects all available WiFi networks around and should provide you with detailed info on every network it found. You should be able to see which channels networks use, the signal strengths, WiFi encryption methods used, etc.
Why can it be rather useful to know which channel a wireless network operates on? Because in a WiFi crowded space, where every neighbor has their own network, overlapping channels is the most common reason of a slower connection. When you figure out which channels are the least crowded and switch to one of those you'll see the immediate difference in your WiFi performance.
Why Do You Need a WiFi Analyzer App?
Whether it's for home or office use, a robust WiFi analyzer app is a game changer for anyone looking to optimize their WiFi network. Now, you may be wondering, what's the big deal with WiFi analysis? Well, it's simple — an efficient WiFi spectrum analyzer for Mac will help you select the most fitting WiFi network and the most effective WiFi channel for your router.
High-quality Mac WiFi analyzer tools have the possibility to create accurate WiFi signal strength heatmaps, where you'll be able to clearly see and analyze the areas with the strongest, not so strong, and the weakest signal and decide how you can mend the issues.
Let’s take a look at some situations when Mac WiFi analyzer tools come in handy:
- Finding the sweet spot for your router: It's all about location, location, location! A WiFi analyzer for Mac can help you determine the best position for your router to maximize its signal reach.
- Poor performance: No one likes a slow internet connection, especially when you're streaming your favorite show or on an important video call. Several factors could lead to slow loading websites, and WiFi analyzer tools can pinpoint the root of your performance issues.
- Unreliable connection: It's a WiFi jungle out there, with several networks potentially clashing and causing interference. Many WiFi reliability issues are due to signal interference from other networks in your area. Luckily, a good mac WiFi analyzer can tell you which frequencies and channels are the most crowded, so you can choose a less congested one for a smoother connection.
- Scouting for free WiFi: When you're out and about, finding a stable free WiFi can be a lifesaver. With a capable WiFi analyzer app, you can discover hidden networks and assess their security settings, ensuring you stay connected without compromising your security.
The best part is, there's a variety of WiFi analyzer apps available to suit your specific needs — from a basic free WiFi analyzer for Mac to more advanced ones, like NetSpot's WiFi Spectrum Analyzer, offering detailed insights. By understanding what is WiFi analysis, you can leverage these tools to ensure you're getting the best out of your network.
Best WiFi Analyzer Apps for Mac
Let's take a look at the best WiFi analyzer mac apps, including WiFi analyzer for Mac free options. We've assessed each app's ease of use, efficiency, and unique features. Stay tuned as we dive in, highlighting the pros and cons, to help you pick the best WiFi analyzer for Mac to keep your connection running smoothly.
Here's a quick overview of the 8 best WiFi analyzer apps for Mac, highlighting their pros and cons:
- NetSpot — WiFi analyzer app for macOS offers the most visual and convenient heat maps and more.
- WiFi Scanner — WiFi analyzer app for Mac that also detects access points and clients in ad-hoc mode in case the SSID is broadcasted.
- InSSIDer — the basic version of this WiFi analyzer allows Mac users to collect all essential information about nearby WiFi networks.
- WiFi Explorer — detect issues that may be affecting connection and the performance of your network, such as channel conflicts, overlapping and configuration issues, etc.
- AirRadar 5 — this free-to-try WiFi analyzer for Mac is great for performing large-scale WiFi site surveys.
- KisMAC — an open-source WiFi analyzer application for Mac OS that can map wireless networks and lay out the info on their performance so you can easily troubleshoot.
- Mac Wireless Diagnostics Tool — a built-in Mac WiFi analyzer that’s included in all version of macOS.
- iStumbler for Mac — WiFi analyzer app for Mac will display networks according to their types, i.e. Bluetooth, Bonjour or AirPort.
NetSpot
NetSpot WiFi analyzer app for macOS offers the most visual and convenient heat maps so you can clearly see any dead spots and how you can optimize access points locations. NetSpot collects all important data about WiFi networks that you might need: channels, channel width, signal levels (RSSI), noise, MAC address, signal quality, maximum data rate, WiFi encryption, etc.
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Inspector Mode
Lets you take quick snapshots of all WiFi networks in your area.
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Survey Mode
Makes it easy to create detailed WiFi strength heat maps.
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Planning Mode
Enables you to simulate and plan your WiFi network's layout and coverage.
With the help of NetSpot one can filter out the issues with and improve network coverage, performance, signal level, interference, access points configuration, etc.
Additionally, NetSpot WiFi analyzer tool lets you evaluate WLAN interference and decide which wireless channels are better to be used by your access points. The professional and comprehensive report provides you with the most complete information on the network.
Whether you're a novice or a pro, NetSpot's user-friendly interface makes WiFi analysis a breeze:
Inspector Mode
- Launch NetSpot. It opens in Inspector Mode (former Discover Mode) by default, perfect for a snapshot of nearby WiFi networks. If you were previously in Survey mode, you can switch back using the toolbar control.
- Wait a few seconds for the detailed data on existing WiFi networks around you to start populating.
- Browse the list of networks. The 'Last Seen' column even indicates when a network was last in range.
Survey Mode
- Open NetSpot and switch to Survey Mode by clicking the appropriate button in the top toolbar.
- Click the Create new… survey button and upload or create a floorplan of the area for analysis.
- Complete the site survey as instructed by NetSpot and analyze the resulting WiFi heatmaps.
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User-friendly interface
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Two modes of operation
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Multiple visual heatmaps
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Free version available
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Reasonably priced paid version
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Quite honestly, it's tough to find any!
WiFi Scanner
Available for Mac OS 10.7 and later.
Wifi Scanner by AccessAgility LLC is next WiFi analyzer app for Mac on our list that also detects access points and clients in ad-hoc mode in case the SSID is broadcasted. WiFi Scanner Mac WiFi analyzer tool offers WiFi download and upload speed testing to uncover possible issues. It can also help you detect unauthorized devices on your wireless network with the help of IP scanner.
WiFi Scanner is good for wireless site surveys, wifi analysis, wireless discovery, WiFi networks connection. The app shows the BSSID/MAC addresses of access points and displays signal strength in dBm.
Pros and Cons
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Wireshark / PCAP file integration
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Local and remote WiFi scanning capability
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Easy to get started with
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Can't create WiFi heatmaps
InSSIDer
inSSIDer is a capable Mac WiFi analyzer that’s been serving its users since 2007. The tool combines advanced WiFi analysis capabilities with a modern user interface, delivering an attractive solution aimed at power users who want as much information as possible without spending hundreds of dollars on a professional tool.
While the basic version of inSSIDer can do a lot for free, you can supercharge your copy of inSSIDer by subscribing to MetaGeek Plus. Some of the features that you can unlock include WiFi scanning with packet capture and RF spectrum analysis, the ability to capture network snapshots, and seamless team collaboration.
Pros and Cons
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Collects essential information efficiently
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Frequently updated
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Accurate results
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MetaGeek account is required
WiFi Explorer
Use WiFi Explorer for WiFi analysis. Detect issues that may be affecting connection and the performance of your network, such as channel conflicts, overlapping and configuration issues, etc. This app can also help discover open, ad-hoc and rogue access points.
WiFi Explorer detects 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax wireless networks, works with 2.4 and 5GHz channel bands, and 20, 40, 80 and 160 MHz channels. This wifi analyzer tool can keep an eye on network signal strength consistently and provide you with metrics and network details that can be exported to a CSV file.
Pros and Cons
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Simple and intuitive user interface
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Included in the Setapp subscription service
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More capable Pro version is available
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Heatmap generation isn't supported
AirRadar 5
You can download this WiFi analyzer Mac free of charge and use it for up to 15 days, which should be enough to troubleshoot even the most serious WiFi issues you can encounter. AirRadar 5 uses GPS technology to place all available networks on a map so that you can easily locate sources of a strong signal.
This WiFi analyzer for Mac shines the most when used for large-scale surveillance projects. Simply place your MacBook on the passenger seat, launch AirRadar 5, and start surveying your neighborhood. The tool can speak new network names, so you’ll always know when a new network has been discovered.
Pros and Cons
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Modern user interface
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Supports all modern specifications
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Can automatically join the best network
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Non-subscription licenses are expensive
KisMAC
Next on this list of wifi analyzer tools is KisMAC — an open-source wifi analyzer application for Mac OS that can map wireless networks and lay out the info on their performance so you can easily troubleshoot. With KisMAC you can see clients and SSIDs (cloaked, hidden or closed).
KisMac supports Apple AirPort extreme and some other USB devices, which is a great advantage. KisMAC is not an amateur tool though, it is rather intended for professional users.
Pros and Cons
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Free and open source
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Can create a map of network coverage
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Supports GPS mapping
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No longer updated or maintained
Mac Wireless Diagnostics Tool
Apple computers have a built-in free WiFi analyzer Mac users can easily use to troubleshoot issues with loading webpages, streaming music or video content, or sending or receiving email messages, just to give some examples.
This analyzer is called Wireless Diagnostics, and here’s how you can open it:
- Press and hold the Option key.
- Click the Wi-Fi status icon in the menu bar.
- Choose Open Wireless Diagnostics.
- Select Continue in the popup window.
Once Wireless Diagnostics is open on your Mac, you should be able to see all wireless networks available in your area and compare their settings and strength. Yes, the tool is pretty basic, but that makes it easy enough to use even for casual Mac users who know nothing about WiFi analysis.
Pros and Cons
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Included in macOS
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Easy to use
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Very accurate
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Very limited functionality
iStumbler for Mac
iStumbler wifi analyzer app for Mac will display networks according to their types, i.e. Bluetooth, Bonjour or AirPort. Thanks to a friendly interface it is easy to see the open networks and secured ones, signal strength of each available network, and the stability of a selected network.
The application includes an AirPort plugin showing more accurate information like dBm values.
Pros and Cons
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Can detect WiFi and Bluetooth devices
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Support for WiPry analyzers
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Affordably priced
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Doesn't support the latest version of macOS
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Barebones user interface
Let's now take a look at each of these apps in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
WiFi analyzer app for every level
The wireless signal topic does not sound like the easiest out there. Indeed, there is so much to it with all the complicated terms and abbreviations. You might think that it is just easier to leave those software programs for professionals. Some of them are really meant to be handled by pros only, but some are friendly enough for owners of home networks.
We can recommend NetSpot as a cross-platform friendly solution for any level of user, especially since it has a free version you can start with and see how it all goes. NetSpot PRO or NetSpot Enterprise are highly valued by WiFi experts, so you can see this product is versatile enough for experts and amateurs alike. Definitely give it a try!
Best WiFi analyzer apps for your Mac FAQs
A WiFi analyzer is a software that can detect the surrounding wireless networks and gather detailed information about them. It should be able to provide you with such data as which channels networks use, their signal strength, encryption methods, etc.
With a WiFi analyzer app you'll easily get the information about surrounding networks, analyze them and select the best WiFi channel for your router. Use a high-quality WiFi analyzer in order to create accurate wireless signal strength heatmaps for visual and comprehensive depiction of your coverage.
If your WiFi network has a lot of neighboring networks, then most probably some channels overlap, which is a common cause for a slower connection. A WiFi analyzer can help you find the least crowded channels, which should consequently help you achieve a better wireless performance.
Here is a quick glance at the best 8 WiFi analyzer apps:
- NetSpot — the WiFi analyzer app for macOS with the most visual and comprehensive heatmaps, offering a free version and a reasonably priced paid version.
- WiFi Scanner — this Mac OS wifi analyzer detects access points and clients in ad-hoc mode when the SSID is broadcasted. It's integrated with Wireshark for deeper network analysis.
- inSSIDer — the basic version of this WiFi analyzer allows Mac users to collect all essential information about nearby WiFi networks and requires a MetaGeek account.
- WiFi Explorer — this app helps you find the issues with connection and performance of your network, such as channel conflicts, overlapping and configuration problems, etc. and is included in the Setapp subscription service.
- AirRadar 5 — this free-to-try WiFi analyzer for Mac is great for performing large-scale WiFi site surveys and supports all modern specifications.
- KisMAC — an open-source WiFi analyzer for Mac OS for mapping wireless networks and providing detailed information about them for easy troubleshooting, but no longer updated or maintained.
- Mac Wireless Diagnostics Tool — a built-in Mac WiFi analyzer that’s included in all version of macOS but with very limited functionality.
- iStumbler for Mac — this WiFi analyzer app discovers AirPort networks, Bluetooth devices, Bonjour services, but doesn't support the latest version of macOS.
Looking for the best app to use with your mobile phone? We've put together our lists of the best WiFi analyzer apps for Android and the best WiFi analyzer apps for iOS.
Here’s what you need to do to run WiFi diagnostics on your Mac:
- Press and hold the Option key.
- Click the Wi-Fi status icon in the menu bar.
- Choose Open Wireless Diagnostics.
- Select Continue in the popup window.
Just keep in mind that the built-in Wireless Diagnostics tool is pretty barebones, so consider installing a third-party WiFi analyzer Mac, such as NetSpot.
To discover the best WiFi channel for your Mac, you need to use a WiFi analyzer tool to scan all networks broadcasting in your area and determine which channels are used the least. To achieve the best performance possible, use only non-overlapping channels (1, 6, and 11).
Yes, Apple does have a built-in WiFi scanner tool within macOS that you can access through the Wireless Diagnostics application. However, it's very limited and lacks the extensive features and in-depth analysis provided by dedicated WiFi analysis apps. For a more comprehensive understanding of your network, third-party applications like NetSpot are recommended.
While you can see a list of available WiFi networks by clicking the WiFi icon in the menu bar or by using the Wireless Diagnostics application, this doesn't provide any detailed information about the networks, and it also doesn't list hidden networks. For a more detailed and comprehensive view and analysis of all the WiFi networks in your vicinity, it's best to download a third-party WiFi analyzer app, such as NetSpot.
Free WiFi analyzer apps for iOS are not readily available due to Apple's stringent security policies. Such apps were removed from the App Store in March 2010 because they used private frameworks, which are libraries that Apple's Developer Agreement explicitly forbids third-party developers from using.