The Best WiFi Heatmap Software

A properly configured WiFi network improves communication between the devices that connect using it, thereby improving employees’ productivity and efficiency. Given its critical role in today’s workplaces, organizations must provide constant, strong, and secure signal strengths across the entire workplace. One way administrators can make sure they are getting the most out of their networks is by using heatmap software.

Specifically, it addresses the following pain points for IT administrators:

• Areas with poor or no signal strength can impact productivity
• Overlapping access points and signal interferences from other devices can reduce signal strength
• Inefficient placement of access points leads to skewed coverage areas.
• Troubleshooting can be time-consuming
• Uneven load distribution can cause device congestion and malfunction

To address the above pain points and reduce their impact on your organization, WiFi heatmaps can help. In this article, we will provide detailed information on how you can select the right tool, along with information on the best WiFi heatmap software.

Here’s our list of the best WiFi heatmap software:

1. Ekahau AI Pro EDITOR’S CHOICE A powerful Wi-Fi design and troubleshooting tool that leverages AI to optimize network performance, providing predictive insights, heatmaps, and real-time analysis for seamless wireless coverage and connectivity. Runs on Windows and macOS.
2. NetSpot A WiFi heatmap tool for Windows devices; it can be used to keep on top of small as well as large WiFi networks.
3. Acrylic WiFi Heatmaps Great heatmap design tool that allows administrators to visualize their future WiFi networks using prediction technology; test it before you roll it out.
4. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor A powerful WiFi heatmap tool from a company that is the best in the network performance management industry; the best tool for both small and enterprise networks.
5. VisiWave Site Survey Windows tool that can be used to scan a WiFi network, and works well with GPS positioning to create very accurate heatmaps.
6. AirMagnet Survey PRO Heavy-duty WiFi heatmap software network mapping tool for engineers who need to get a grasp on the health and performance of their networks.
7. TamoGraph Site Survey This package is able to plot predictive site signal strength before WiFi deployment and then provide live signal strength results once APs are in place. Runs on Windows and macOS.

What is a WiFi heatmap software solution?

The best way to describe a WiFi heatmap would be that it is a color-coded, graphical presentation of the signal strengths being broadcasted from the access points (APs) located in a predefined perimeter.

Taking that into consideration, we can say that WiFi heatmap software is a tool that gauges the signal strengths in a predefined perimeter, color-codes its findings, and presents the output as a two-dimensional graphic presentation that is known as a “heatmap.”

Usually, a WiFi heatmap is bordered by the graphical representation of a real room, floor plan, or even a city, and overlaid by the colored representation of the wireless signal strength being analyzed.

How does a heatmap tool work?

The first thing to do would be to install a WiFi heatmap tool. A laptop or even a mobile device can be used.

Once done, the WiFi heatmap software monitors the WiFi signal strength as it is moved around a pre-specified area. It then assigns a color to the strength level and it plots it on a map that has been loaded for the purpose.

The recording tool can measure the signal strengths as it is moved around on foot or, in the case of a city-wide scan, in a vehicle.

What do we use WiFi heatmaps for?

Now, there are many real-life use cases where we may need to use a heatmap tool. As mentioned above, the first would be to ensure there is a good WiFi network in the workplace. But, there are more reasons:

• Site surveying and troubleshooting new wireless network installations – just like with any type of network infrastructure implementation and optimization, this is a challenging task which becomes especially so if there are no tools to help guide the engineer.
• Strength discovery – administrators can use these tools to map out where WiFi signals are strong and where improvements need to be made.
• Visual presentation – they can also use the tools to create layouts showing the coverage of their WiFi networks.
• Check for overlaps – they can see to it that there is no WiFi interference from neighboring networks.
• Monitoring – the tools can be used to see whether or not there are unauthorized users piggybacking on the network; a good example would be if WiFi bandwidth (or access points) are allocated by floor or department. Administrators can also spot potential rogue devices.
• Plan access point placement – in cases where they are planning to expand a network, the heatmaps can plot hardware and physical obstacles in the path of new WiFi installations. They can locate and identify sources of interference causing signal deficiency before the expansion work starts.
• Create channel and power plans – the tools can be used to tune and adjust the network configuration to squeeze the best performance out of it with minimum data packet loss balanced with optimal power consumption.

Key Points to Consider While Choosing the Best WiFi Heatmap Software

Selecting the right tool that fits well with your organization requires a careful evaluation of your infrastructure and the features that the tool offers. Here are some broad factors to consider while choosing WiFi heatmap software.

• Active and Passive Scanning: Ideally, you’d want a tool that offers both active or real-time and passive scanning. This combination can provide a better picture of the state of your wireless networks. In particular, information about signal strength and interference will be more accurate across different times of the day and night.
• Signal Mapping Accuracy: It should reflect the actual signal coverage in detail. Make sure it comes with tools like floor plans and obstacle identification for improved accuracy.
• Wide Compatibility: The tool you choose must be compatible with multiple brands of routers and switches. It also helps if the heatmap software supports various relevant standards.
• Reporting Options: Pick tools that generate different reports to gain a comprehensive idea of your coverage state. Additionally, it must also integrate with other tools and ensure the smooth flow of data across software.
• Scalability: Another important aspect is scalability because you’d want a tool that will work well across larger areas, especially if you plan to expand in the future.

Besides these features, consider costs and support while evaluating different tools.

How to Calculate the ROI of WiFi Heatmap Software

An important aspect of your decision-making process is the costs. You want a tool that adds value to your organization, and the best way to calculate it is to take a streamlined approach. Below is a structured way to calculate the ROI of your WiFi heatmap software.

Step 1: Set the Baseline Metrics

In the first step, establish the metrics that you want to track to evaluate the performance of your software. A few suggested metrics are:

• Number of WiFi-related tickets per month.
• Average time spent troubleshooting each issue.
• Downtime frequency and duration that can be directly associated with poor connectivity.
• The cost of deploying additional access points due to poor planning.
• Hourly rate of IT staff.

Step 2: Calculate the Investments

Next, calculate the total cost that goes into using the heatmap software. It can include:

• Subscription and licensing costs.
• Cost of initial setup and configuration.
• Training costs.
• Maintenance fees.

Step 3: Calculate the Benefits

In the third step, calculate the benefits of using this software. Some potential benefits are:

• Fewer support tickets that are directly related to Wi-Fi.
• Reduced downtime due to WiFi issues.
• Improved access through existing points.
• Reduction in the subscription costs of other tools.

Step 4: Put Everything Together

In the last step, put everything together.

• Total costs = (Support Tickets Reduced × Time Saved × IT Hourly Rate) + (Downtime Hours Avoided × Revenue Lost per Hour) + (Hardware Savings from Better AP Planning) + (Other Tool/Consultant Cost Eliminated).
• Total investments = All costs in step 2
• ROI = ((Annual Cost Savings – Total Investment) / Total Investment) × 100%
• Using the above steps, you can calculate the ROI of different WiFi heatmap software to identify the one that offers the best ROI

Use Our WiFi Heatmap Software ROI Calculator

To ease the process of calculating the ROI of WiFi heatmap software, use our HTML calculator.

WiFi Heatmap ROI Calculator

The best WiFi heatmap software

Feature Comparison Table

1. Ekahau AI Pro

Best for: Enterprise Wi-Fi design

Relevant for: IT professionals and network engineers who need precise planning and analysis

Price: Starts at $7,990

Tested on: Windows, MacOS

Ekahau AI Pro is a high-concept wireless network planning concept that is probably most suitable for use by consultancies and large organizations that have a specialized division for wireless network installation.

Ekahau AI Pro’s Key Features:

• AI-Assisted: Ekahau AI Pro is equipped with AI capabilities, which leverages advanced algorithms and machine learning to enhance its functionality.
• AP Location Recommendations: Provides recommendations for Access Point (AP) locations, assisting users in optimizing the placement of wireless access points for optimal signal coverage.
• Floor Plan Overlay: Ekahau AI Pro supports floor plan overlay, allowing users to visualize and plan the deployment of wireless networks on a floor plan.
• Adjusts Signal Predictions According to Area Contents and Materials: This feature enhances the accuracy of signal predictions in real-world scenarios.
• Advanced Heatmaps: Visualize signal strength, interference, and coverage through detailed heatmaps, aiding in precise network planning and troubleshooting.

Unique Business Proposition

This is an AI-driven platform that automates Wi-Fi network design using predictive modeling and real-time analysis. It also integrates well with the Ekahau Sidekick to provide site surveys, spectrum analysis, and performance diagnostics. All these features make it a comprehensive solution for enterprise-grade wireless planning.

Feature-in-Focus: AI Auto-Planner

This feature automatically calculates the optimal placement and configuration of access points based on the data gathered and analyzed through multiple strategies. With such an approach, it minimizes dead zones and improves Wi-Fi coverage.

Comparitech SupportScore – 7.8

The headcount is relatively less, but the company still has a dedicated support team and excellent documentation. However, its limited cash flow could lead the company to use AI for customer support.

Why do we recommend it?

Ekahau AI Pro is a design tool that uses AI to predict the likely results of different positions for APs. This is a very good system for planning but it is probably a little over-engineered for day-to-day network monitoring.

This system includes a designer, called AI Auto-Planner, that takes the floorplan of your location and allows you to place APs on the layout, identifying how the signals will spread to all workstations. Fine-tune your plan by entering more details. For example, the Ekahau system will adjust its predictions on signal strength according to furniture placement and wall and flooring material.

Implement your plan and then check on the results with a live signal footprint display.

The Ekahau system produces signal predictions, based on AI processes. This lets you avoid signal clashes and gaps. The system will adjust its recommendations according to the type of equipment that you intend to install – specifically the frequency deployed by your APs.

The tool is also good for examining the effects of a network upgrade – more powerful APs will need to be spaced out to avoid signal clashes. You can also adjust recommendations to block signals from leaking to places that you don’t want them to be available.

Once your network is live, you can collect signal performance data through the Ekahau tool, examining signal strength and quality and spotting sources of interference.

Who is it recommended for?

Two aspects of Ekahau AI Pro direct it to a specific market – system engineering consultancy. The first of these attributes is that it is intended for use before any APs have been placed and the second is that it is very expensive. Only a consultancy that would use this tool for work on many client projects could get value for money out of this system.

Ekahau is not a free tool, in fact, it costs a lot. You are looking at $5,995 for Ekahau AI Pro. A mobile device-resident version, called Ekahau Sidekick is available for $3,295. A pack of both tools, called Ekahau Connect costs $9,290. You can request a demo to see the Ekahau system in action.

2. NetSpot WiFi Heatmaps

Best for: Cross-platform Wi-Fi mapping

Relevant for: Network planners and home users who need a reliable tool for planning Wi-Fi location and coverage

Price: Three editions; Home $59, Pro $149, Enterprise $499

Tested on: Windows, MacOS

NetSpot offers a comprehensive wireless site survey, WiFi analysis, and troubleshooting heatmap application. It is designed for a wide variety of scenarios – from small home WiFi installations to large-scale wireless deployments in a corporate setting.

NetSpot’s Key Features:

• Plots onto a Floor Plan or a Map: Allows users to plot WiFi data onto a floor plan or map, providing a visual representation of the wireless network coverage.
• Detailed Signal Analysis: Provides detailed signal analysis, allowing users to assess the strength and quality of WiFi signals in different areas.
• Color-Coded Display: Uses a color-coded display, making it easier for users to interpret and understand the varying signal strengths on the visual representation.

Unique Business Proposition

This is a user-friendly tool that supports Wi-Fi site surveys, analysis, and troubleshooting without requiring additional hardware. Also, its cross-platform support for Mac and Windows makes it ideal for different environments.

Feature-in-Focus: Multiple Operational Modes

A highlight of NetSpot is that it has three different modes – inspector, survey, and planning. The inspector mode provides a real-time analysis of Wi-Fi networks, the survey mode helps in the creation of detailed heatmaps, while the planning mode simulates Wi-Fi network deployment in different environments.

Comparitech SupportScore – 6.4

Though NetSpot is a small business, it has a robust customer support team and self-supporting documentation to provide good-quality customer support. Its employee job satisfaction is also above average, and this indicates no major change in support quality in the near future.

Why do we recommend it?

NetSpot can give you a quick superficial display of signal footprint and then it provides some very detailed information about signals that go right down to the scientific level. Look at signals, identify channels and track the traffic of individual devices.

The NetSpot tool has the ability to run on multiple operating systems including Mac OS X as well as Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.

During our testing we found it is pretty straightforward: simply upload a site plan or area layout, indicate the starting point on the plan, and the tool begins to register and map the WiFi coverage and signal strengths.

The result is recorded on heatmaps that look professional and are highly informative.

The tool can register a signal-to-interference ratio to show interference from other radio transmitters. The Wireless Transmit rate shows the speed of data transfer from an AP to a wireless device.

On a Mac device, the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) compares the level of WiFi signal to the background noise level – the amount of outside interference determined at each measuring point.

It can monitor issues with SNR visualization, which helps determine the spots with low SNR levels and that can affect network connectivity. After all the information has been saved on a heatmap, it can be viewed locally on the measuring device or exported to Google Earth, for example.

Who is it recommended for?

As NetSpot is free, everyone with a wireless network should use it. The detailed analysis options take a bit of learning and probably most users will just be satisfied with the heatmap screen.

Download NetSpot for free (premium versions also available).

3. Acrylic Wi-Fi Heatmaps

Best for: Wi-Fi site surveys and spectrum analysis

Relevant for: Network engineers, IT professionals, and security consultants who want to create Wi-Fi assessments

Price: Plans; one month $129, three months $325, one year $879, perpetual $2,199

Tested on: Windows

Acrylic Wi-Fi comes to us with a complete suite of WiFi analysis tools – including a heatmap tool – that is designed for Small-to-Medium Businesses (SMBs).

This tool can be used to design and plan a new WiFi network; it identifies the best locations for APs and recommends the orientation of their antennas for optimal coverage of premises. As a site surveying and WiFi planning tool, it is designed to provide WiFi coverage mapping and RF analysis.

Acrylic’s Key Features:

• Plots onto a Floor Plan: Acrylic Wi-Fi Heatmaps enables users to plot Wi-Fi data onto a floor plan, providing a visual representation of the wireless network coverage within a physical space.
• Color-Coded Signal Strength: Utilizes a color-coded system to display signal strength, allowing users to easily identify areas with strong or weak Wi-Fi signals.
• Estimates the Effects of Changing the Room Layout: Acrylic has the capability to estimate the effects of changing the room layout, providing insights into how modifications may impact the Wi-Fi coverage.

Unique Business Proposition

Acrylic Wi-Fi Heatmaps is an ideal tool for performing in-depth network analysis. It combines active and passive surveys with spectrum analysis to generate over 14 different types of heatmaps. Also, it is compatible with various hardware, including GPS and AirPcap adapters.

Feature-in-Focus: Advanced Heatmap Generation

One of the most notable features is the ability to produce 2D and 3D maps that can provide a visualization of different parameters. Also, it’s easy to export these maps to other tools in different formats.

Comparitech SupportScore – 6.4

Acrylic is a stable company with good financials, all of which come from the WiFi heatmap software. Though it doesn’t have a dedicated customer support team, the presence of excellent self-supporting documentation seems to be sufficient for its customers. Its employee job satisfaction is also good, and hence, we don’t expect many changes to customer support in the coming years.

Why do we recommend it?

Acrylic Wi-Fi Heatmaps are the real deal. They give you the classic color-coded signal overlaid on a floorplan of your offices (which you have to feed in). As well as signal strength, Acrylic provides traffic analysis and noise ratio statistics.

It was able to analyze both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands on testing and supports active and passive site surveying.

It does not require expensive hardware as it can run on most PCs that have a network card. It is also easy to use and allows for heatmaps to be exported to different formats and even to maps that allow for blueprints to be edited online.

Administrators can draw walls and building elements as they design their premises maps and even add multiple materials to make it as real-life as possible to simulate their expansion or new installation plans.

The tool can be combined with GPS to cover larger premises; the area surveying that is done using this method can be accurately represented on a map – administrators can even generate 3D heat maps.

They can obtain a complete inventory of the analyzed devices, which are plotted in detailed, editable reports; the heatmaps can be exported to Word and CSV formats, and even Google Earth.

Who is it recommended for?

While not free, and so not as accessible as NetSpot, Acrylic is a great tool for consultants. The system runs on Windows and so isn’t a roaming tool like ManageEngine WiFi Monitor Plus. However, the endpoint-based configuration means that you don’t have to visit a site in order to analyze its wireless system.

Download a 15-day free trial.

4. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

Best for: Enterprise-grade Wi-Fi monitoring

Relevant for: Organizations with large wireless networks, especially those using Cisco wireless controllers

Price: Negotiated

Tested on: Windows Server

From SolarWinds, the leader in the IT and network performance management and monitoring software market, we have Network Performance Monitor (NPM).

This network performance monitoring tool’s interface is intuitive and informative; its dashboards and alerts are easy to configure. It allows administrators to prioritize the data they want to track and receive alarm notifications about before critical situations become a reality. Best of all, it has a dedicated WiFi heatmapping feature.

Network Performance Monitor’s Key Features:

• Color-Coded Maps: Provides color-coded maps, allowing users to visualize network performance and status in an intuitive and easily understandable manner.
• Easy to Understand: The platform is designed to be easy to understand, simplifying the process of monitoring and managing network performance.
• Overlay on a Floor Plan: Users can overlay network maps on a floor plan, providing a spatial representation of the network layout.
• Automatically Updated: The maps are automatically updated, ensuring that users have real-time information about the state of their network.
• Runs on Windows Server: NPM is designed to run on Windows Server, offering compatibility with Windows environments.

Unique Business Proposition

This tool integrates heat maps with the overall network monitoring suite to give a holistic view of your wireless network’s performance. This integration also helps with real-time monitoring and management of network performance.

Feature-in-Focus: Intelligent Mapping

Using this tool, you can upload floor plan images and get them overlaid with heatmaps. It can also accurately put the access points at the right locations, while a color-coded signal strength can support data-driven changes.

Comparitech SupportScore – 8.9

SolarWinds is an established company that has multiple products in the monitoring space. It has a dedicated customer support team backed by excellent self-supporting documentation to ensure that all questions and concerns are answered promptly.

Why do we recommend it?

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor offers a full network discovery and monitoring system that extends to wireless networks. The package is able to generate WiFi heatmaps, record equipment activities, and alert for strains and breakages in the whole networking system.

Administrators can use this network performance tool to gauge the performance of each Access Point (AP) in a building. The WiFi heatmaps used to capture the results are easy to create especially if they use NPM 11.5 or later.

Its algorithm combines coverage estimates with actual AP signal analysis to create accurate color-coded heatmaps.

Administrators can create, save, and continue to access their maps within NPM’s dashboard. They can find the automatically-updated heatmaps under “All Wireless Heat Maps” and see wireless clients that are currently connected – with just one click.

Viewing a wireless heatmap using the SolarWinds NPM heatmap software allows administrators to pinpoint all connected clients to within a three-meter range. This gives control over unauthorized access to a business’ WiFi network by monitoring all the devices that are on it.

Once created, labeled, and saved, the heatmaps update automatically to show the current information in real-time. This can be quite useful because administrators can use polling through WiFi APs to discover and recover lost mobile devices, for example.

Going beyond the discovery and mapping, NPM’s thorough cross-stack network data correlation and hop-by-hop network path analysis capability allow administrators to compare an odd or suspicious event to a baseline device behavior, understand what has happened, and resolve it quickly.

Extending this functionality, the detailed network device monitoring tool can ensure the health of hardware and nodes, while addressing any resource drains and security risks from unauthorized or rogue devices.

Who is it recommended for?

The SolarWinds system is suitable for large organizations. There is a free or cut-down version of the Network Performance Monitor and you need a lot of hardware to justify using an extensive package like this.

Add on the Network Traffic Analyzer to get flow information, using the protocols NetFlow, IPFIX, sFlow, J-Flow, and NetStream. You can get both modules in the Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack. These two units slot together and you access them through a single console. The software runs in Windows Server.

5. VisiWave Site Survey

Best for: WiFi site surveys and predictive modeling

Relevant for: Large corporations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and large venues

Price: Regular edition is $549, while the Pro version is $849

Tested on: Windows

VisiWave is a complete WiFi network survey solution that can also be run on any Windows laptop that has a wireless network adapter. During testing it captured the WiFi data one point at a time, by scanning around an entire survey area or with the help of GPS positioning.

VisiWave’s Key Features:

• Shows Current Signal Footprints: Allows users to view current signal footprints, providing real-time insights into the strength and coverage of Wi-Fi signals.
• Overlays on a Floor Plan: Supports the overlay of Wi-Fi data on a floor plan, enabling users to visualize and plan the deployment of wireless networks within a physical space.
• Predicts Signals in Planning Scenarios: VisiWave includes the capability to predict Wi-Fi signals in planning scenarios, helping users optimize their network layouts.

Unique Business Proposition

VisiWave enables users to collect real-world data using standard wireless adapters and GPS devices, and based on this data, it can create detailed heatmaps. Its predictive modeling capabilities and virtual simulations lead to efficient network planning.

Feature-in-Focus: Predictive Site Surveys

This tool allows users to simulate Wi-Fi coverage in a virtual environment. Its 3D modeling tool helps users to predict signal strength and coverage throughout the survey site. It supports cost-effective planning as well.

Why do we recommend it?

VisiWave Site Survey is available in many editions. The basic edition just gives you signal detection from the Pro edition up, you also get predictive capabilities for use in planning a network.

VisiWave Site Survey has a comprehensive reporting system that is highly customizable; administrators can also use a template or generate a heatmap. All heatmaps can be exported to Google Earth – it has simple location tracking that is triggered by clicking on a floor plan image.

It can be used in any network setting: in businesses, warehouses, cyber cafes, on campuses, and even city-wide hotspot installations.

VisiWave Site Survey Pro can perform predictive site surveys – administrators can simply add barriers like walls and other solid objects in a survey area along with the location and characteristics of one or more APs and then run a theoretical simulation of how radio waves would propagate throughout the premises.

The result is a predictive WiFi coverage heatmap that estimates signal strengths; this simulation can be done at a desk – long before the survey area even exists in the real world.

It is a relatively affordable product. But, what is even more appealing is that it can be further enhanced by combining it with other third-party tools. For example, VisiWave Site Survey supports Wi-Spy Spectrum Analyzer, a USB 1.1 device, to continuously monitor 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio spectrums and report on any radio transmissions or interference sources that occur in this range. VisiWave records this information and associates it with a location on a survey map image to create detailed interference graphs on top of the wireless coverage maps.

Also, VisiWave Traffic, a separate, standalone product, allows us to easily see how wireless packets work together to create a WiFi network. Administrators can analyze WiFi traffic, see data flow patterns, and examine packet details.

Who is it recommended for?

The different editions of the VisiWave system mean that it caters to different audiences. The signal detection system is good for network administrators and the predictive service is a tool for network engineers and consultants.

Download an evaluation version of the VisiWave Site Survey.

6. AirMagnet Survey PRO

Best for: Wi-Fi audits for compliance

Relevant for: Enterprises that require RF compliance and security validation

Price: Single user license costs $4,150

Tested on: Windows, MacOS

NetAlly is the maker of network troubleshooting and monitoring tools. Its AirMagnet Survey PRO is one such tool that was made for large networks and can be used to create heatmaps, plan for capacity, design WLANs, and improve network security.

AirMagnet Survey Pro’s Key Features:

• Shows AP Signals on a Floor Plan: Displays Access Point signals on a floor plan, providing a visual representation of the Wi-Fi signal coverage within a given space.
• Recommends Transceiver Relocation: AirMagnet offers recommendations for the relocation of transceivers, assisting users in optimizing the placement of wireless devices for improved signal strength.
• Simulates New Layouts and Signals: It has the capability to simulate new layouts and signals, allowing users to plan and predict the impact of changes to the wireless network environment.

Unique Business Proposition

With features like spectrum analysis and compliance checks, you can get a highly granular view of your Wi-Fi coverage. It also provides detailed data about signal overlap and channel interference, so you can take the steps accordingly.

Feature-in-Focus: Regulatory and Security Compliance

A highlight of this tool is its built-in templates and workflows that check your Wi-Fi design and implementation against standards like HIPAA and PCI-DSS. With such a granular approach, you can identify misconfigurations, rogue devices, and policy violations, and take steps to address them.

Why do we recommend it?

The AirMagnet Survey PRO system provides signal footprints of existing wireless networks and it can also be used to plan the position of APs either for completely new implementations or to adjust an existing installation. By combining this tool with a hand-held scanner, you can walk around the building and gather a complete image of all wireless APS in your building.

AirMagnet Survey Pro maps out network performance by gathering data on bandwidth, network throughput, and packet losses which the tool then uses to create WiFi heatmaps as well as displaying other relevant performance measurements. It can also be used to create signal strength, noise, and SNR coverage heatmaps.

A simulation feature allows for the optimal positioning of APs – administrators can compare different WiFi configurations in real-time before real-world actions need to be taken.

AirMagnet Survey’s simultaneous multiple surveying capability leverages multiple adapters plugged into the same PC, for example, so users can perform active and passive surveys together, across multiple spectrum bands (like a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz survey).

While testing we found that this tool goes beyond just verifying RF coverage – it plotted actual end-user network performances in terms of Throughput and PHY (Physical Layer) data rates, taking MIMO, and other network characteristics and configurations into consideration.

Reports could be generated using customizable templates that allowed for the creation of insightful, informative data presentation.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is good for network engineers and consultants. However, netAlly doesn’t publish a price list, so it is difficult to know whether the AirMagnet Survey would be a reasonable competitor to the other site survey tools on this list.

There are versions for Microsoft Windows 7, 8, and 10 or MacOS. Request a free demo of AirMagnet Survey Pro.

7. TamoGraph Site Survey

Best for:  Fast and user-friendly Wi-Fi surveys

Relevant for: IT professionals and consultants who need a detailed assessment of Wi-Fi coverage in indoor and outdoor environments

Price: One-year license costs $999, while a six-month license costs $499

Tested on: Windows, MacOS

TamoGraph Site Survey provides signal scanning for all the 802.11 specifications – a, b, g, n, ac, and ax. This tool is also able to predict where WiFi Access Points should be located in a new building, so you can start using this wireless heat mapper even before you have any WiFi systems in place. The heatmap view is just one of the signal detection and representation utilities in this package.

TamoGraph Site Survey’s Key Features:

• Wireless System Planning: TamoGraph provides tools for wireless system planning, allowing users to strategically design and optimize their wireless networks.
• Color-Coded Live Signal Map: Features a color-coded live signal map, offering a visual representation of signal strength variations across different areas.
• Signal Source Details: Provides detailed information about signal sources, aiding in the identification and analysis of wireless devices.

Unique Business Proposition

Tamograph Site Survey comes packed with many features, like passive and active surveys, predictive planning, GPS-based outdoor mapping, and more. Its easy-to-use interface and plug-and-play approach make it ideal for any environment.

Feature-in-Focus: Real-Time Data Capture

This tool captures data in real time and uses it to create detailed visualizations of Wi-Fi coverage. Using this information, you can spot coverage gaps and interference, which in turn can help make quick decisions.

Why do we recommend it?

TamoGraph Site Survey has a lot of features but at its core is a very easy-to-understand heatmap. This shows you immediately where there are blackspots in your wireless coverage and it will also identify signals coming in from neighboring properties.

A nice feature of TamoGraph is that it can also identify signals outside your offices by accessing GPS information. This gives you the opportunity to create a WiFi heatmap for a campus or a community.

Once you have all of your wireless Access Points in operation, the console for TamoGraph provides an asset inventory that gives you details on the make, model, and specifications of each device.

The survey can also be used to see all channels available from each AP and an assessment of utilization and capacity.

The TamoGraph system can produce detailed reports on demand, which can be extracted in PDF, HTML, or ODT format.

This system provides a very busy console, which looks impressive but the heatmap will probably be the main tool that most administrators refer to.

Who do we recommend it for?

The TamoGraph Site Survey system is not free, so it won’t appeal to small businesses. It is available only for Windows and MacOS, so system administrators that like to walk around a site won’t want to use this tool. However, it can operate across a network, which means that it can also be used over the internet to survey remote sites, so centralized IT data centers and managed service providers (MSPs) would be able to use this tool.

Access a 30-day evaluation version.

Our Methodology for Choosing WiFi Heatmap Software

Now, you might wonder why we picked these tools as the best picks over hundreds of other WiFi heatmaps. We considered the following features as part of our methodology to evaluate different tools and pick our best seven.

1. Accuracy of Heatmaps

We evaluated different tools to understand how accurate they are in visualizing the signal strength across different locations. Tools that provided information about dead zones as well as those that provide information in real-time, were considered.

2. Support for Varying Environments

We selected tools that work for different environments, like offices, warehouses, and more. Also, the capability to handle complex floor plans, obstacles, and even multi-floor structures was given importance.

3. Ease of Use

The tool must be easy to use for wide adoption among employees. This is one of the core pillars of our methodology, and in this list too, we have prioritized tools that are easy to use.

4. Reporting

Our list contains tools that go beyond just heat mapping, as we gave importance to tools that could generate extensive reports about bandwidth usage, channel interference, and more.

5. Integration

We considered tools that work well with existing infrastructure, including those that can integrate with network monitoring platforms and different data formats.

Broader B2B Software Selection Methodology

The above factors that we considered are in line with our broader B2B software selection methodology, where we look for tools that have a simple user interface and are backed by excellent support from the vendor. Additionally, we look into tools with an extensive feature set and scalability.

Know more about our B2B software selection methodology.

Comparitech SupportScore Methodology

The support offered by a vendor company and its future stability are also critical factors in our evaluation. We have created a proprietary SupportScore, a weighted average of factors like the vendor’s employee headcount, job satisfaction levels, availability of supporting documentation, presence of a dedicated customer support team, and the funding or revenue inflow of the company. Based on these factors, we create a score ranging from 0 to 10 that can act as guidance to understand how a particular vendor will support in the near future.

Know more about our SupportScore methodology.

Why Trust Us?

At Comparitech, we always work to provide the most honest and comprehensive reviews to help with your decision-making. Our stringent process takes a multi-layer approach. It starts with a thorough analysis of features, where we evaluate whether the tool can address the pain points effectively. In addition, we also look at the good-to-have features that can add value to your organization.

Then, we test features hands-on where possible, and combine it with user reviews for a holistic feedback about every tool.

WiFi Heatmap FAQs

Let us know about any WiFi heatmap tools you may have used and think should be on this list too. We would love to hear about them; leave us a comment below.