Best Advanced IP Scanner alternative for Mac found

Say goodbye to Wi-Fi troubles! Recommended best network scanning tools for Mac system

Last week, my home Wi-Fi suddenly became unusually slow, which made me fall into a tech panic. Is the router faulty? Is it a mysterious device that occupies bandwidth? Or is the neighbor secretly downloading the popular game "Stalker 2"? I need to find the answer quickly. At this time, I remembered the Advanced IP Scanner that was commonly used on Windows systems before. But unfortunately, the Mac system does not have Advanced IP Scanner.

Luckily, macOS offers many powerful alternatives that can help you monitor devices on your network, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and even optimize Wi-Fi performance. Let's dive into the best Advanced IP Scanner alternatives on Mac systems.

View the best Wi-Fi analytics apps for Mac systems

Does Advanced IP Scanner be available on Mac systems?

The answer is no, there is no official Advanced IP Scanner for Mac systems. I've tried searching.

This software is specially designed for Windows, focusing on a Windows-based network environment, and is incompatible with macOS systems. This limitation has forced Mac users to find alternatives to perform important network tasks such as device monitoring, IP scanning, and network troubleshooting.

Thankfully, macOS offers a range of excellent alternatives that are equally powerful and are specifically tailored to Apple's ecosystem to ensure functionality and reliability.

To save you time, I prepared a table listing the application and its features. Before reading the full article, check out a quick overview of the following alternatives (some of which are very cool):

Advanced IP Scanner替代方案	突出功能
WiFi Explorer	综合Wi-Fi网络分析、信号强度和信道优化
WiFi Signal	实时信号监控、故障排除和改进Wi-Fi性能的建议
NetSpot	高级热力图、网络发现和Wi-Fi故障排除
Nmap	具有命令行选项的开源网络扫描
LanScan	易于使用的IP扫描器，可识别网络中连接的设备

With these Advanced IP Scanner alternatives to Mac systems, you will become an expert in the Wi-Fi field. Optimize Netflix streaming? Tracking malicious devices that steal bandwidth? Let's explore each application to help you accomplish the tasks you need. I will point out their pros and cons and you can read it and make a decision.

The best Advanced IP Scanner alternative for Mac systems: My research

The following is a list of the best Advanced IP Scanner alternatives on Mac systems. I've tested them and can now share my thoughts.

WiFi Explorer: Quickly fix network problems

When my Wi-Fi fails while I make a big video call, I need a quick and easy way to find out what the problem is. I found WiFi Explorer and to be honest, it was like a lifesaver. This application provides you with all the details about nearby networks (such as their signal strength, overlapping channels, and interference), but it operates in a way that even non-technical people can understand.

The best thing is that the app displays all the data in a clear, colored chart, so you can spot weak signals or congestion in seconds (I like it!). It supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, including all channel widths (20, 40, 80 and 160 MHz).

After downloading the app, it automatically scans all nearby networks and within 2 seconds you will have a full understanding of your Wi-Fi “status”.

Pros:

• Provides comprehensive information about the network, including frequency bands, ranges and signal quality
• Excellent visual chart
• Seamlessly collaborate with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks

Disadvantages:

• Some features may appear too redundant if you only need basic information.
• Not-technical users may find it difficult to interpret detailed data.

WiFi Signal: Monitoring and Troubleshooting Network Errors

Another excellent Mac system Advanced IP Scanner alternative I tested is WiFi Signal. One of its best features is real-time signal monitoring (similar to WiFi Explorer) – just click on the app icon and you get a real-time chart showing signal strength, noise levels, speed and more.

Another good feature is the ability to customize the menu bar display. You can select two key metrics for a glance, such as your Mac IP address or signal strength. It is perfect for quickly discovering connection issues without having to go deep into settings.

The app also sends smart notifications (awesome!). You receive an alert when your connection quality drops, your device switches to a new network, or your transfer rate is below acceptable levels.

For users who manage multiple networks, the application allows you to comment on Wi-Fi access points. For example, you can label them by floor or location, making it easy to identify the connection you are using.

Pros:

• Customizable menu bar display
• Smart Notification
• Network Notes

Disadvantages:

• Wi-Fi connections only
• Not suitable for users who lack technical expertise

NetSpot: Draw network heat maps in real time

NetSpot is the perfect Advanced IP Scanner macOS alternative for anyone managing Wi-Fi at home or in the office. There was an annoying dead corner in the corner of my house and the signal was simply out of reach. After a long time to tossing the router, I gave up and turned to NetSpot.

Its Wi-Fi channel scanner is like a life-saving straw. It uses a real-time heat map to accurately show where my signal is strong and weak. Walking around the house and watching the signal map pop up, it feels like I'm solving a technical mystery. I finally found the best location for the router, and each room was connected (so I could binge watching short videos even in that corner room!).

I also like the site survey function. It allows me to run a real-time scan to check the upload and download speeds of each room and even generate PDF reports.

For anyone planning or improving the network, NetSpot can easily see where it needs to be adjusted. It's practical, intuitive and doesn't require you to be a technician to understand what's going on.

Pros:

• 3 modes: inspector, survey, planning
• Visual tools such as heat maps
• Speed ​​test
• Site Survey
• Can be used with modern routers and access points

Disadvantages:

• Some features require some experimentation (and time!) to be fully utilized.
• Compatible with macOS 10.10 or higher only.

Nmap: Review your security

Nmap (or "network mapper") is undoubtedly powerful, but I admit - it's a little too complicated for me. It is a command line tool that scans the network, detects devices, and pinpoints open ports, which in theory sounds great.

However, figuring out commands and interpreting results is like a challenge for users who prefer a more user-friendly interface. That said, I can totally understand why developers and network administrators trust it. If you are familiar with command line utilities and require precise, detailed network diagnosis, then Nmap may be the ideal tool for you.

However, if you prefer simpler tools like me, there are many other macOS options to get the job done without the steep learning curve.

Pros:

• Highly detailed scan
• Customizable commands
• Free and open source
• It can run on macOS, Linux and Windows
• Suitable for large networks

Disadvantages:

• Need to be familiar with the command line interface and network terms
• Not suitable for beginners, it can be confusing without pre-knowledge

LanScan: Automatically scan your network

I found LanScan great. It is a simple and efficient application for scanning your network and finding all devices connected to it. Plus, it is available for free on the App Store, so it is perfect for anyone, no matter your technical skills.

What I like most about LanScan is how much work it can accomplish with just a few clicks (spoilers: a lot!). It automatically detects connections such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi and scans the entire IP range to display information such as IP address, MAC address, and hostname. Additionally, you can even add your own tags or comments to the device to keep everything in order. If you like to use spreadsheets, you can export all the details as CSV files, which is very convenient for saving records.

LanScan also supports IPv6 addresses for those who need it and offers some extra features via in-app purchases. The free version does its job well, too, but if you're dealing with a larger network, the upgrade may be worth it.

Pros:

• Free download
• Automatic detection
• Show the IP address, MAC address, host name and other information of all connected devices
• Support IPv6

Disadvantages:

• Free version limited features
• No real-time troubleshooting
• Laboring advanced analysis

How to choose the best Advanced IP Scanner alternative?

When I first started looking for Advanced IP Scanner for macOS, I was overwhelmed by all the options. Here are some things I learned along the way:

• Start with your needs: Ask yourself why you need a scanner. Are you troubleshooting Wi-Fi at home? Manage devices in an office network? If it's a basic scan, an application like LanScan might do it. For more detailed network analysis, tools like NetSpot or Wi-Fi Explorer may be better.
• Trial first: Most apps offer free trials or streamlined versions. Use these to see how the application adapts to your workflow. For example, I tried WiFi Signal for a week to see if its menu bar integration makes monitoring easier (and indeed).
• Consider the price: Free apps like LanScan are great for basic needs, but you may need to pay for premium features.

Yes, choosing the right tool is about finding a tool that feels intuitive and can solve your problem without adding complexity. My advice? Don't just select the first app – test a few until you find one that works for you.

So, what is the best Advanced IP Scanner alternative on Mac systems?

If you are looking for an excellent and user-friendly IP scanner, WiFi Explorer is a free basic scanning option. If you need in-depth diagnostic and troubleshooting tools, NetSpot offers features like real-time heatmap and speed testing. WiFi Signal excels in fast menu bar monitoring and alerts to keep your connection performance at its best. Therefore, the best Advanced IP Scanner alternatives on your Mac system depend on your needs.

The good news is that all the apps mentioned in this article can be tested with the 7-day free trial of Setapp.

Setapp gives you access to over 250 applications, allowing you to try tools that match your needs before making a commitment.

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