Side by side
inSSIDer vs iwScanner
Both stand on wi-fi analyzer software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidMacWindows
inSSIDer helps users inspect nearby Wi-Fi networks, channel usage, connected devices, and configuration. Non-Wi-Fi interference is outside a Wi-Fi scanner’s direct view, and Plus features are Windows-only.
Visit inSSIDer Free plan Linux
iwScanner offers a focused set of wireless scanning and file-handling features at no cost. Its Linux requirements and the age of its latest listed release are worth considering.
Visit iwScannerThe facts
| inSSIDer | iwScanner | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, Mac, Windows | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | MetaGeek Plus: $200 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | oscium.com | kuthulu.com |
| On wi-fi analyzer software | #3 of 29 | #7 of 29 |
inSSIDer: what it does well
- Visualizes nearby Wi-Fi networks.
- Shows channel usage and access-point details.
- Scans local networks for connected devices.
- Free download includes Wi-Fi scanning and visualization.
- Configuration checks explain possible improvements.
What to know first
- Free download requires a free Oscium account.
- MetaGeek Plus features are currently Windows-only.
- Cannot directly see non-Wi-Fi interference.
- MetaGeek Plus costs $200 a year.
iwScanner: what it does well
- Free, with source included in the download.
- Shows access point, MAC address, channel, and encryption.
- Charts signal strength and allows scan-speed adjustment.
- Opens and saves NetDetect and NetStumbler files.
What to know first
- Linux is the only listed platform.
- Requires PyGTK in a Linux environment.
- Latest listed release dates to 2010-04-15.
Alternatives to inSSIDer Alternatives to iwScanner The whole list