For the most detailed, up-to-the-minute information on capabilities and to download the latest version, always refer to the official Tarlogic Acrylic WiFi products page.
| Feature Category | Specific Capabilities | | :--- | :--- | | | Supports 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands; detailed info on SSID, BSSID, RSSI, channel, security, max speed | | Real-Time Network Quality Metrics | Tracks signal strength, SNR, channel usage, download/upload speed, packet loss, and roaming | | Monitor Mode & Packet Capture | Detects connected clients, captures raw 802.11 frames on any channel for in-depth analysis (e.g., with Wireshark) | | Visualization & Heatmapping | Generates RSSI, channel overlap, and bandwidth graphs; integrates with Acrylic WiFi Heatmaps for site surveys | | Troubleshooting & Optimization | Detects connectivity issues, latency, packet loss; recommends optimal channels based on saturation/congestion | | Inventory & Reporting | Manages device inventory; exports in HTML, TXT, CSV; generates detailed network quality reports |
While NetSpot is often praised for its intuitive heatmaps, Acrylic Wi-Fi Professional is noted to be "more advanced and tailored to user specifics with detailed configurations". Its direct integration with Wireshark and its powerful monitor mode make it a superior choice for those who need to perform detailed packet captures and analyze raw data transmission, moving beyond simple signal visualization to true network forensics.
Look at the "Channels" graph. If you notice your network sharing a primary channel with three neighboring offices, manually change your AP settings to non-overlapping channels (1, 6, or 11 on the 2.4 GHz band) or move high-bandwidth services strictly to 5 GHz / 6 GHz channels. Look at the "Channels" graph
Detailed breakdown of channel bandwidth (20, 40, 80, and 160 MHz). Core Use Cases for Network Engineers
If you have any questions about how to interpret specific metrics in Acrylic WiFi Pro, like signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or packet loss,I can also explain how to set up with compatible network cards.
NetSpot distinguishes itself with its user-friendly interface and visual touch, making it stand out for those who prioritize aesthetics and ease of use in a survey tool. It is an excellent tool for quickly visualizing signal strengths and conducting site surveys. Acrylic, on the other hand, is generally considered more suited for who need deep network diagnostics and protocol analysis. If you need a powerful, cost-effective tool for deep-dive analysis on Windows, Acrylic is the superior choice. Core Use Cases for Network Engineers If you
Standard Wi-Fi card for Normal Mode. For Monitor Mode, an NDIS-compatible card or specific chipsets (like Intel Wireless series or MediaTek chips with custom drivers) are required to capture raw traffic.
Notably, versions from support all three frequency bands (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) for packet capture, but the software requires a compatible Wi-Fi 6E network card to utilize the 6 GHz band. Regardless of the exact number, the version referenced embodies the full power of Acrylic’s analyzer suite.
What or computer chip are you currently using? and channels across 2.4 GHz
When choosing a Wi-Fi analyzer, professionals look for speed, accuracy, and depth of data. Acrylic WiFi Pro delivers on all fronts. 1. Real-Time Performance Analytics
Getting started with Acrylic is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:
It identifies access points, SSID/BSSID, and channels across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands in real time.
Below is an informative breakdown of why Acrylic is considered one of the best Wi-Fi scanners and how it compares to other leading tools in 2026.