Top 8 Free Android Apps for Wireless Networking

Boost your Wi-Fi signal, share files, troubleshoot your connection, and more

Bradley Mitchell

Updated on November 17, 2021

Reviewed by

Ryan Perian

Get a Better Wi-Fi Signal: OpenSignal

What We Like

Accurate speed measurements.
Quickly find a stronger Wi-Fi.
Points you to better cellular reception.

What We Don't Like

Signal strengths are shared publicly.
Maps are not updated in real time.

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.

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.

Download OpenSignal

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Troubleshoot Your Wireless Network: Wifi Analyzer by farproc

What We Like

Shows signals by channel.
Free to download and use.
Clear indicators of Wi-Fi signal strengths.

What We Don't Like

Slight learning curve.
Cluttered with lots of information.

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.

Download Wifi Analyzer

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Best Open Source Secure Shell (SSH) Client: ConnectBot

What We Like

Free to download and use.
Remotely control computers.
Open source and free.

What We Don't Like

Difficult to use on a phone screen.
Supports one SSH connection at a time.

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.

Download ConnectBot

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Access Your Android From a Computer: AirDroid

What We Like

Affordable yearly plan.
Easy to use.
Quickly transfer files.

What We Don't Like

Limited features with free version.
Commands are sometimes delayed.
Mirroring can be unreliable.

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.

Download AirDroid

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What We Like

Doesn't require rooting the device.
Intuitive interface.
Simple drag-and-drop file transfers.

What We Don't Like

Transferring large files can be slow.
Trial version expires after 10 days.

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.

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.

Download Bluetooth File Transfer

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Find Wi-Fi Signals in Dead Zones: Network Signal Speed Booster 2 by mcstealth apps

What We Like

Find low signals in dead zones.
Free to download and use.
No manual set up required.

What We Don't Like

Unreliable signal improvement.
Difficult to determine if the app is working.

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.

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.

Download Network Signal Speed Booster 2

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Extend Your Battery Life: JuiceDefender by Latedroid

What We Like

Free to download and use.
Easy to use.
Prolongs battery life.

What We Don't Like

You can adjust the same settings and save battery without the app.
May not work on all phones.

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.

JuiceDefender is no longer available in the Google Play Store, so you have to sideload the app if you want to use it.

Download JuiceDefender

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Alternative Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android: inTechnician by MetaGeek

What We Like

Room by room Wi-Fi analysis.
Troubleshoot wireless problems.
Somewhat expensive monthly plan.

What We Don't Like

Only available for Windows.
Poorly designed interface.

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.

It's not available in the app store, so you'll need to know how to sideload apps on Android to use InSSIDer.

Download inTechnician

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