For many, having a solid, stable internet connection is vital. Back in the days of a PC with an Ethernet connection, you just needed t make sure that the cable was plugged in, but with the move from wired to wireless, getting a reliable connection can be trickier. Throw in the different variables that come into play between Wi-Fi and cellular, the problems grow exponentially.
If you're someone who uses their Android device a lot and puts a lot of data through it over Wi-Fi and cellular every month, then having apps that can help you find the best signal, diagnose problems, test connections speeds using real-world tests, and keep track of how much data you're using.
Note that these apps are Android. Apple imposes more restrictions on what iOS apps can do, so while there are similar apps for that platform, they are not as powerful. One of the advantages of using Android!
This app tells me everything I need to know -- and more -- about the cellular connections in my area.
This app is packed with charts and meters and gauges, but the feature that I use the most is the one that monitors and logs signal strength data as I walk or drive through an area. This is a brilliant and truly useful feature when I'm out of the cities and in a more rural area. I know where I need to go back to in order to get the best connection.
Another "feature" of this app I like is the fact that there is a comprehensive online user manual -- more apps could do with that feature!
Everything you needed to know about your network, including device discovery, in a single app.
Truly amazing set of features. This is an app I've been using for some time now and it never lets me down. It even has features such as DNS lookup, LAN scanning, port scanning, and cellular network information built in.
This is a really powerful tool, with a lot of features and functions. That's a huge pro, but it's also a con, in that the app can take some time to get used to. I find myself using this app a lot, but if I'm using a feature I've not used for a while, it can take me a few moments to find what I need.
I bought this app mainly because it allowed me to put the data transfer speeds for my connection on the status bar in Android (some of my handsets don't have this useful feature). However, I kept it because it offers me a deep dive into how I'm using data on a day-by-day basis.
I'm finding the traffic breakdown analysis to be particularly useful.
For people who are not on an unlimited data plan, this is a particularly useful app because it lets you see what's eating away at your data.
There is a lot of internet speed checkers out there, but nPerf has some features that make it stand above the rest.
Along with giving you accurate speed tests, and allowing you to log how your Wi-Fi and cellular networks are performing, nPerf can also test using real-world conditions such as web browsing and video streaming, offer you a real-world cellular coverage map, and even allow you to map your network coverage while traveling.
I find this handy for scouting out signal strength in new areas I'm traveling to and which networks offer me the best speeds.
If you're looking for the best user experience on a data monitoring app, you won't do better than GlassWire. The app allows you to easily navigate through the other apps downloaded to your phone and view their daily data use.
2. Monitor Internet Usage with ISP's Home Network Management App. The easiest way to monitor internet usage is to use your ISP's home network management app. Many ISPs offer apps that allow you to view your data usage, set usage limits, and even set up parental controls to restrict access to certain websites.
GlassWire is a free app that specializes in keeping track of your data usage. There is a mobile phone version for Android, and a desktop PC version for Windows. Use an Android phone? First install GlassWire for Android.
The best way to monitor internet bandwidth usage is at the router level to track bandwidth usage from all devices in your household. You can also check your ISP's website to see overall bandwidth usage. Bandwidth monitoring is critical for avoiding ISP data caps and overage fees.
To see how much cellular data you've used, go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data. If you're using an iPad, you might see Settings > Cellular Data instead. Scroll down to find which apps are using cellular data. If you don't want an app to use cellular data, you can turn it off for that app.
How to check data usage on your Android phone or tablet
Go to your device Settings. You can either do this by finding the settings app in your app drawer or on the quick settings menu you get when you swipe down on the home screen. ...
Incorporating apps like Opera Mini, Opera Max, Data Compress, Maps.me, WiFi Finder Free, and NetGuard can significantly lower your data usage. Whether compressing web pages, finding offline maps, or blocking specific apps, these tools empower users to control and monitor data consumption.
Introduction: My name is Fr. Dewey Fisher, I am a powerful, open, faithful, combative, spotless, faithful, fair person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.