Android offers a powerful mix of features and customization options for wireless networking. Whether you’re a home or business network user, IT student, or networking professional, our list of the best Wi-Fi analyzer apps for Android can help increase your productivity.
Get a Better Wi-Fi Signal: OpenSignal
OpenSignal has established itself as a leading cellular coverage map and Wi-Fi hotspot finder. Its database includes hundreds of thousands of cellular towers around the world as submitted by users.
Accurate speed measurements.
Quickly find a stronger Wi-Fi.
Points you to better cellular reception.
Signal strengths are shared publicly.
Maps are not updated in real time.
Depending on your location, the app can help you find where to stand to get optimal signal strength on your phone. An integrated connection speed test feature, data usage statistics, and social networking options are also extremely useful.
Troubleshoot Your Wireless Network: Wifi Analyzer by farproc
Many consider Wifi Analyzer the best signal analyzer app for Android. Its ability to scan and visually represent Wi-Fi signals by channel can be helpful when troubleshooting wireless signal interference issues in a home or office.
Shows signals by channel.
Free to download and use.
Clear indicators of Wi-Fi signal strengths.
Slight learning curve.
Cluttered with lots of information.
Best Open Source Secure Shell (SSH) Client: ConnectBot
Network professionals and remote access aficionados always need a good Secure Shell (SSH) client for system administration or scripting work on servers. ConnectBot has many loyal followers who appreciate its reliability, ease of use, and security features. Working with command shells isn’t for everyone, so don’t worry if this app sounds intimidating.
Free to download and use.
Remotely control computers.
Open source and free.
Difficult to use on a phone screen.
Supports one SSH connection at a time.
Access Your Android From a Computer: AirDroid
AirDroid supports wireless remote control of an Android device through its user interface. After installing the app and connecting the device to a local Wi-Fi network, you can access the device from other computers through a standard web browser. The app also allows you to manage Android text messages and phone calls.
Affordable yearly plan.
Easy to use.
Quickly transfer files.
Limited features with free version.
Commands are sometimes delayed.
Mirroring can be unreliable.
Share Files Without Wi-Fi: Bluetooth File Transfer by Medieval Software
Numerous Android apps allow you to share files over a Wi-Fi connection, but most are useless when no Wi-Fi is available. That’s why it’s essential to keep an app like Bluetooth File Transfer handy that supports file sync over Bluetooth connections with other mobile devices.
Doesn’t require rooting the device.
Intuitive interface.
Simple drag-and-drop file transfers.
Transferring large files can be slow.
Trial version expires after 10 days.
This app is easy to use and includes some nice features like displaying thumbnail pictures for photos and movies, optional document encryption, and the ability to configure which devices are allowed to share with you.
Find Wi-Fi Signals in Dead Zones: Network Signal Speed Booster 2 by mcstealth apps
This app (formerly called Fresh Network Booster) has been billed as the number one cell signal booster for Android. It automatically scans, resets, and reconfigures your phone’s cellular connection in an attempt to increase signal strength.
Find low signals in dead zones.
Free to download and use.
No manual set up required.
Unreliable signal improvement.
Difficult to determine if the app is working.
Designed to be used when the carrier’s signal is lost or weak, some reviewers claim the app improved some of their connections from zero or one bar to at least three bars. The app won’t always be able to improve your connection in all cases, though. It uses a set of built-in network speed tweak techniques that run automatically when the app is launched, so no user configuration is involved.
Extend Your Battery Life: JuiceDefender by Latedroid
JuiceDefender is designed to add minutes or even hours of battery charge by implementing automatic power-saving techniques for an Android device’s network, display, and CPU. This popular app features five free built-in power-saving modes to choose from, plus other options controlling the conditions for automatically turning Wi-Fi off and on.
Free to download and use.
Easy to use.
Prolongs battery life.
You can adjust the same settings and save battery without the app.
May not work on all phones.
JuiceDefender is no longer available in the Google Play Store, so you have to sideload the app if you want to use it.
Alternative Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android: inTechnician by MetaGeek
Both offer similar wireless network scanning features, but some people prefer the user interface of InSSIDer over that of Wifi Analyzer. Reviewers have noted that InSSIDer may not fully support scanning of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channels 12 and 13 that are popular outside of the U.S.
Room by room Wi-Fi analysis.
Troubleshoot wireless problems.
Somewhat expensive monthly plan.
Only available for Windows.
Poorly designed interface.
It’s not available in the app store, so you’ll need to know how to sideload apps on Android to use InSSIDer.
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