Which Should You Choose?
Both MetaGeek App and Chanalyzer provide spectrum analysis capabilities using compatible Wi-Spy hardware, allowing you to visualize RF activity and investigate potential sources of wireless interference.
However, the two applications serve different troubleshooting needs.
MetaGeek App — Wi-Fi Troubleshooting and Packet Analysis
MetaGeek App combines Wi-Fi packet analysis, client monitoring, and spectrum visibility in a single application. It is ideal for troubleshooting Wi-Fi connectivity, roaming, performance, and interference-related issues.
Chanalyzer — Advanced RF Spectrum Analysis
Chanalyzer is designed for more detailed RF spectrum investigations. It provides specialized tools for inspecting, identifying, and documenting RF activity, making it particularly useful for diagnosing complex interference problems.
In short: Choose MetaGeek App for comprehensive Wi-Fi troubleshooting with integrated spectrum visibility. Choose Chanalyzer when you need more advanced, dedicated spectrum analysis tools.
Detailed Feature Comparison | ||
| Spectrum analysis capability | ||
| Real-Time RF Signal Strength | ✓ |
✓ |
| Spectrum Analysis Capture | ✓ |
✓ |
| Find non-Wi-Fi Interference | ✓ |
✓ |
| Capture Playback and Navigation | ✓ |
✓ |
| Spectrum Signature Library | ✓ |
|
| Zoom Resolution Enhancing | ✓ |
|
| Report Builder | ✓ |
|
| .CSV export of raw spectrum data | ✓ |
|
| Spectrum-Based Device Finder | ✓ |
|
| Dual-band spectrum analysis with Wi-Spy DBx | ✓ |
✓ |
| Tri-band Spectrum Analysis with Wi-Spy Lucid | ✓ |
✓ |
| Packet analysis capability | ||
| Wi-Fi Network Details | ✓ |
✓ |
| Wi-Fi Client Details |
|
✓ |
| Multi-Channel Wi-Fi Capture |
|
✓ |
| Visual .pcap Analysis |
|
✓ |
| Live Wi-Fi Traffic Analysis |
|
✓ |
| Export .pcap to Wireshark |
|
✓ |
| Copy-to-Clipboard Reporting |
|
✓ |
| Failed Connection Reason Codes |
|
✓ |
| Local Area Network Scanning |
|
✓ |
| Intelligent Capture for Roaming Devices |
|
✓ |
| Network Coverage Thresholds |
|
✓ |
| Wi-Fi Event Detection |
|
✓ |
| Stacked Time Graph Analysis |
|
✓ |
| Rolling 1-Hour Captures |
|
✓ |
| Spectrum and .pcap File Format |
|
✓ |
Spectrum Analysis Screenshots
Here is an example of spectrum activity in Chanalyzer:
As you can see, there are few more features to identify the interference as well as a DVR-like waterfall, or timeframe, to navigate.
And here is that same spectrum activity in MetaGeek App:
Note that the timeframe must be manually adjusted under View > Timeframe:
Packet Analysis screenshots
Because of packet analysis, MetaGeek App is capable of finding and analyzing Wi-Fi clients on the network. This is something Chanalyzer is not capable of doing.
Here is a screenshot of the client view in MetaGeek App:
In this example, MetaGeek App is tracking an iPhone and has reported disassociation and roaming events in the Client Timeline.
The only Wi-Fi data that Chanalyzer can analyze is basic network information, obtained from Wi-Fi adapter:
Chanalyzer is completely blind to the iPhone, or any other client on the network.