Wi-Fi Analysis Tools Comparison
AirMagnet was discontinued in December 2025. This page helps engineers find the right tool for each analysis task. Every tool listed is purpose-built - the right choice depends on what layer you're debugging and what budget you're working within.
— Shankar K. · wifi-arsenal catalogues 635 802.11 tools. This page covers the 5 most relevant for enterprise MAC-layer analysis.
| Feature | WiFi Analyser | AirMagnet discontinued | Wireshark | Ekahau | Eye P.A. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ✅ Free forever | ❌ ~$5,000+/yr | ✅ Free | ❌ $4,500+/yr | 💰 ~$299 |
| Browser-based (no install) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Desktop only | ❌ Desktop only | ❌ Desktop only | ❌ Desktop only |
| PCAP upload analysis | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Automated anomaly detection | ✅ 240+ checks | ✅ Yes | ❌ Manual filters | ❌ RF only | ⚠ Limited |
| IEEE clause citations | ✅ Per anomaly | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| AI root cause diagnosis | ✅ Yes (Claude API) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| EAPOL / 4-Way Handshake decode | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full (manual) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| RSN IE / PMF / WPA3 analysis | ✅ Full | ✅ Yes | ⚠ Manual | ❌ No | ⚠ Basic |
| RF heat maps / site survey | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Best in class | ❌ No |
| Live packet capture | ❌ PCAP upload only | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Rogue AP detection | ✅ 4-pillar | ✅ Yes | ⚠ Manual | ⚠ Basic | ⚠ Basic |
| BSS Color / OFDMA / MLO (Wi-Fi 7) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (discontinued) | ⚠ Field only | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Swimlane timeline visualization | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| PDF report export | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠ Basic | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Vendor CLI suggestions | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠ Basic | ❌ No |
| No account / login required | ✅ Yes | ❌ License required | ✅ Yes | ❌ License required | ❌ License required |
Upload a PCAP and get 240+ automated 802.11 MAC-layer checks in under 60 seconds. The only free, browser-based tool that decodes RSN IE, WPA3, BSS Color, OFDMA, MLO, and TWT without installation.
Built to replace AirMagnet's PCAP analysis features (not RF survey) after its December 2025 discontinuation. AI root cause diagnosis via Claude API generates plain-English explanations with vendor CLI suggestions. Every anomaly includes the governing IEEE clause.
For 20 years, the industry standard for enterprise 802.11 MAC-layer analysis. Deep decode for every frame type, rogue AP detection, RF heat maps, and compliance reporting. Netscout discontinued it in December 2025.
If you were an AirMagnet user: WiFi Analyser covers the PCAP analysis workflow. For RF heat maps and site surveys, Ekahau is the current industry leader.
The universal packet analyser. Not 802.11-specific, but the 802.11 dissector is comprehensive. With a monitor-mode capable adapter, you can capture live 802.11 frames. Every field from every IE is decoded correctly.
Wireshark gives you everything - but you have to know what to look for. No automated analysis, no anomaly detection, no SLA flagging. It's a precision instrument that requires expertise to use effectively. This library's Wireshark filters page gives you the starting points.
The industry standard for Wi-Fi RF planning and site survey. Predictive heat maps, real-time survey with a laptop + USB adapter, AP placement optimization, and automatic report generation.
Ekahau does not analyse 802.11 MAC-layer frames in PCAPs. Its strength is the RF layer - coverage, signal strength, channel utilization from the radio perspective. Pair with WiFi Analyser or Wireshark for MAC-layer troubleshooting.
Purpose-built for 802.11 PCAP analysis. Strong conversation view (groups related frames into association sequences), retransmit analysis, and a clean visual swimlane timeline. Single purchase, no subscription.
Less automation than WiFi Analyser and no AI diagnosis. Does not decode Wi-Fi 7 (BSS Color, MLO, EHT IEs) as of 2024. Worth considering if you want a desktop tool with a one-time purchase model.