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18 Free Alternatives to Connectify : – There is no introduction required to the most popular virtual internet sharing software, Connectify for the Windows PC. It not just allows you to share your internet connection effortlessly across several devices (smartphones, tablets etc.) by turning your computer to a WiFi router, but also offers many advanced features like, File Sharing, Dispatch and more.
While Connectify is almost a household name in the category of wireless hotspot, new concepts like “Virtual WiFi Technology” by Windows 7 is already making their way through. This technology allows you to convert your Windows 7 or 8 /10 computer into a portable hotspot without the need of a third party hotspot application. It may not be an entirely smooth process to use this embedded WiFi, but has surely triggered a competition that compels other hotspot makers to come up with enhanced features.
However, despite the fact that Connectify is the best WiFi hotspot software out there with some unparalleled features, it’s free “lite” version offering limited features and the steep pricing of the PRO and the MAX versions (starting at $35 and $50 respectively) compels many to look for alternatives.
Moreover, the fact that Connectify is feature rich also makes the entire process a bit perplexing. So while, there is hardly any competition to it in terms of its features, there are many free alternatives to Connectify that are not only comparatively easier to use, but also works as an excellent option as a WiFi hotspot station.
SeventhGate
Convert your windows computer into a virtual WiFi router effortlessly with SeventhGate. It uses its virtual wireless mini port inside your computer to set up the hotspot making it very close to the virtual routers. It’s easy to use and an ad free tool like connectify which can be turned off when not in use to free up your resources.
Download: http://seventhgate.codeplex.com/releases/view/81960
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows 7 and Windows 8
OSToto Hotspot
Earlier a paid software, 160 WiFi is now available to download completely free of cost with the new name OSToto Hotspot. It offers a secure platform to create a virtual WiFI hotspot out of your computer in a matter of seconds. You can then share the internet with the connected portable devices, iOS or Android that also has the management features. Moreover, the software is ad-free which makes it a befitting alternative to Connectify.
Download: http://www.ostoto.com/products/wifi-hotspot.html
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10; both 32 bit and 64 bit versions.
Maryfi
If your computer runs on Windows 7 then Maryfi can be the best free option for you, however, it all runs on other versions. It is an extremely easy to use and simple virtual router software that allows you to share any internet connection or even a WiFi network to PCS, tablets or even smartphones. The best part is that it helps share the WiFi connection that your computer is linked to, while the access point is secured with a password that has WPA2 encryption for enhanced safety.
Download: http://www.maryfi.com/download.php
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1
MyPublicWiFi
Turn your Laptop/Computer into a WiFi wireless access point instantly with MyPublicWiFi and share internet with your nearest devices conveniently. Not just for personal use, this software is also useful for creating temporary wireless network setup that’s separate from local area network and is used by conference rooms, hotel rooms and more. That’s not all as you can also keep a track of and keep a record of all URL pages that have been visited using MyPublicWiFi.
Download: http://www.mypublicwifi.com/publicwifi/en/index.html
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows 7, Windows 8; both 32bit and 64 bit architecture
Winhotspot
Got a Windows PC and an internet connection? Winhotspot or WindowsHotspot can turn your PC into a WIFi hotspot in no time at any given place and at any given point of time. It comes with a built-in bandwidth meter that keeps a track on the internet usage. You can also see the client P and the MAC addresses of the connected devices under separate tabs displayed under the hotspot platform.
Download: http://www.winhotspot.com/
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
mHotspot
If you are looking for a freeware then one of the names that cross one’s mind instantly is mHotspot. It can turn your computer into a wireless hotspot software within minutes which you can use to share your computer’s internet with other devices. One of the unique features of mHotspot is that enables your laptop to work as a repeater which means that the laptop can extend the WiFi network range by creating an additional WiFi network.
The bonus is that it allows you to connect up to 10 gadgets and gives you access to in-app internet option. Additionally, you can also view the connected device details such as IP address, Mac address, Name and also allows you to keep a tab on the network usage and more.
Download: http://www.mhotspot.com/
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows 7, Windows 8 and Android
Virtual Router Plus
Create a home network by turning your PC or laptop into a WiFi router using Virtual Router Plus and connect your tablet, smartphone or another PC. It is an open source software which is extremely easy to use and requires no installation. You can just select a name and set a password for the connection to be created. Now start the Virtual Router Plus for instant access to WiFi network.
You can share your internet connection with other devices using its Windows Wireless Hosted Network technology.
Download: http://virtualrouterplus.com/
Price: Free
Compatibility: Server 2008 R2, Server 2012, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10; for both 32 bit and 64-bit configurations
WiFi Hotspot Pro
Even though WiFi Hotspot Pro is a Microsoft app, it works only with Windows 10 currently. So, if you are downloading the app for the first time you have to first upgrade your windows version to windows 10. However, the upsides are that it is simple to use and it’s free. As per what it claims, you can set up a WiFi hotspot with this software in just three simple steps.
Download: https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/store/apps/wi-fi-hotspot-pro/9wzdncrfhv5v
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows 10 /8 /7
Baidu WiFi Hotspot
Baidu Hotspot is one of the best free connectify alternatives available today. Baidu Hotspot service is not only easy to use, but also offers some advanced features completely free of cost. Moreover, you never face a lag using the software due to the advanced features. While it helps you to share the internet quickly across devices, it also allows the WiFi hotspot connected device to share files equally efficiently.
Download: http://download.cnet.com/Baidu-WiFi-Hotspot/3000-18508_4-76384339.html
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
Wi-Host
Wi-Host is another free portables software that converts your Windows PC into a virtual WiFi hotspot in no time. You can share your internet conveniently with your devices thereafter. Being a portable software it does not require to be installed before you use it, however, you need to simply right click on the option that says “Run Administrator” in order for Wi-Host to run as an administrator. It’s a unique tool offered by AskVG hence you will actually find the download link in a blog post.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
Download: Download wi-host
Virtual WiFi Router – MyRouter
Get a free internet manager software for your desktop with Virtual WiFi Router – My Router. So, leverage the virtual WiFi technology used by the Windows servers and streamlines the internet sharing process safely and quickly with other WiFi-enabled devices. Among its other features, it comes with WPA2 encryption that allows you set a password for security and you can also change the WiFi name when needed. The user-friendly interface allows you to access the WiFi router without a headache.
So, not just as a home network, you can also use Virtual WiFi Router – My Router at schools, office, inside the car or wherever your laptop or PC is available.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP (Service Pack 3) , Windows 7 or Windows 2008 R2 or Windows 8
Download: http://myrouter.codeplex.com/
Open Garden
Connectify Hotspot Crack 2021
If you are looking for a viable alternative to Connectify, Open Garden can be one of your bets. It is a free internet application designed for Mac, Windows and Android that manages your internet network in a way so that other gadgets can also connect to your internet. It also allows you to share your mobile internet among all other gadgets.
It does not require any root access, however, uses Bluetooth and WiFi direct. In order to use it you need to install Open Garden on your connected devices as well such as, on a tablet or smartphone. The best part is that it can also extend the existing networks range by connecting to several devices at a time.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android
Download: http://opengarden.com/
My WIFI Router
With My WiFi Router you can do exactly what you need it for, that is convert your computer into your WiFi hotspot station whether public or private. While you can share your internet connection using the software among all devices, you can also allow access or even blacklist users using the option “Connection Management”. Furthermore, you can share videos or even close the WiFi router automatically by setting the Timer.
Moreover, the Software Conflict Detection is automatically turned on by My WiFi Router which we can deactivate or select the option that helps it shut down automatically under the settings.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP, 7 & 8
Download: http://download.cnet.com/My-WiFi-Router/3000-18508_4-76086273.html
Virtual Router – WiFi Hot Spot
A simple and useful tool, Virtual Router – WiFi Hotspot is a great free alternative to Connectify. It is a windows program that was created by a Microsoft MVP for Bing Maps and Carto LLC Co-Founder named, Chris Pietschmann. This free software turns your windows PC into a virtual WiFi router in a matter of minutes.
While you can share your internet network wirelessly across all devices, you can rest be assured that your connections are completely safe with the top-class wireless encryption, WPA2. Virtual Router – WiFi Hotspot offers an extremely user-friendly interface along with the facility for the router to work even without the internet network sharing. Ensure that you uninstall any previous version before you install the new version.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows 8, Windows 7 or 2008 R2
Download: http://virtualrouter.codeplex.com/releases/view/58218
Virtual Router Manager
Virtual Router Manager is a free and an open source software that enables you to develop wireless networks for your Windows PC or laptop. Using a wired network, mobile phone internet connection or WiFi in unison with a wireless stick or a card it creates a wireless network for you to access the shared internet connection on connected devices like iPhone, Android, Pad and more.
The application takes up minimal space, is very easy to install and comes with no advertisements. In order to set up the Virtual Router Manager, you need to have the basic equipment ready that includes a wireless stick or a card. It also allows you to share mobile internet, ADSL, other WiFi network and modems. For additional protection, you can set up a password for your networks with WPA2 encryption.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows 8, Windows 7 or 2008 R2
Download: http://virtualrouter.codeplex.com/
Virtual Router
If you want to share your internet connection with other devices with no hassles, Virtual Router is just the right option for you. It works as a great alternative to Connectify considering it’s a straightforward and portable application with no complications that helps you to create hotspot on your PC or laptop super conveniently with no step by step instructions.
Since it is a portable application, it does not even need to be installed. Also considering that the Virtual Router comes with default settings you only need to create a network name and password for the WiFi hotspot set up. Once you are done with the easy setup procedure you can then share your PC’s internet connection with all devices that are WiFi enabled.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows Vista 7, Windows 8; 64 bit
Download: http://virtual-router.net/
WiFi HotSpot Creator
With WiFi Hotspot creator you can convert your PC immediately into WiFi router and share your internet connection with a unlimited number of devices. It’s a freeware and does exactly what you want; create a virtual WiFi router out of your computer in no time. The best part is that it’s free of malware, easy to set up and safe to use. It allows you to share your broadband connection securely whether through a mobile phone, Cable, DSL or a Dial-Up connection.
The application comes in multiple languages, with network card support, advanced features and a good Email and Forum support.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
Download: http://www.wifihotspotcreator.com
Lionscripts WiFi Hotspot
Adding to the list of simple internet sharing software, Lionscripts WiFi Hotspot comes in both Free and Paid versions. Even though you may have to tolerate the ads in the free version, it’s an easy to use platform and the fact that you can also start the software even without opening it up makes it an excellent free alternative to Connectify. The Pro version comes without ads.
Download: http://lionscripts-wi-fi-hotspot-creator.soft112.com/
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
I find passion in writing Tech articles around Windows PC and softwares
Related Posts:
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Founded | 1 October 2009 |
| Founder | Alex Gizis |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
| Worldwide | |
| Products |
|
| Website | www.connectify.me |
Connectify (/kəˈnɛktɪfaɪ/) is an American software company that develops networking software for consumers, professionals and companies.[1][2][3] Connectify Hotspot[4][5] is a virtual router software for Microsoft Windows.[6] and Speedify[7] is a mobile VPN service[8] with channel bonding capabilities available for individuals, families and teams.[9]
History[edit]
Connectify launched their first product, Connectify Hotspot, in October 2009.[10] It can enable a Windows PC to serve as a router over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Along with a Windows 7, 8 or 10 certified Wi-Fi device it can act as a wireless access point. This enables users to share files, printers, and Internet connections between multiple computing devices without the need for a separate physical access point or router.
Connectify spent the next two years improving the product, first making it free and ad-supported. In 2011, Connectify switched to a freemium commercial model which included premium features for paying customers. These features included extended support of 3G/4G mobile devices, fully customizable SSIDs and premium customer support.
In 2011, Connectify received funding[11] from In-Q-Tel to begin developing a more powerful and secure remote networking platform and a connection-aggregation application. Connectify used this funding to develop the foundation of the application, and then in 2012 turned to the crowdfunding site Kickstarter[12][13] to raise additional funding[14][15] to develop Connectify Dispatch. Dispatch was a load balancer which could combine any number of Ethernet, Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connections.
In 2014, Connectify launched Speedify, a channel bondingapplication for PCs running Microsoft Windows and macOS.[16] In January 2016, Speedify for Mobile was launched at CES,[17][18] adding support for iOS and Android. In December 2016, Speedify added encryption on all supported platforms, turning it into a mobile virtual private network.[19]
Connectify released other apps: Pingify (in 2017) - a mobile network diagnostics tool, and EdgeWise Connect (in 2019).
Products[edit]
Connectify Hotspot[edit]
Connectify Hotspot is a virtual routersoftware application available for PCs running Windows 7 or a later version. It was launched in 2009 by Connectify and it has 3 main functions:
- Wi-Fi hotspot - users can share the Internet connection from their PC through a Wi-Fi adapter.[20] The free version of Connectify Hotspot only allows sharing of wired or Wi-Fi Internet via Wi-Fi. The paid versions allow users to share any type of Internet connection, including 4G / LTE. through Wi-Fi or Ethernet.[21]
- Wired router - users can share a computer's Wi-Fi connection via Ethernet. This functionality is only available in the paid versions of Connectify Hotspot.
- Wi-Fi repeater - users can extend the range of a Wi-Fi network and bridge other devices on that network directly. This functionality is only available in the paid versions of Connectify Hotspot.
Starting with version 2017, Connectify Hotspot also incorporates a universal ad blocker for clients connecting to the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network it creates.[22] This feature is available for free.
Speedify[edit]
Speedify is a mobile VPN bonding service available for devices running Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Speedify 1.0 was first launched in June 2014[23] as a channel bonding service.
Speedify can combine multiple Internet connections given its link aggregation capabilities. In theory, this should offer faster Internet connection speeds and failover protection.
Starting 2016, as a VPN service, Speedify's privacy policy states they do not log what users do or what sites they visit through the Speedify service.[24]
Starting with version 10, in 2020, Speedify provides QoS for live streams with its new streaming mode, which dynamically prioritizes streaming traffic.
Speedify can be used for free for the first 2 GB each month;[25] there are monthly and yearly subscription plans available.
Tom's Guide picked Speedify as the fastest VPN in late 2018.[26] Speedify became Citrix Ready in late 2019.[27]
Speedify for Teams[edit]
Speedify for Teams is Connectify's business product. It is basically a multi-seat Speedify mobile VPNsubscription with added centralized account management capabilities.
Pingify[edit]
Pingify is a free utility for testing network coverage, Internet reliability and VPN dependability.[28] It's currently available for iOS devices - it helps you run ping on your iPhone.[29]
Pingify was developed as an internal testing tool for Speedify on iOS - a mobile network diagnostics tool. Then, in 2017, it was made publicly available.
EdgeWise Connect[edit]
EdgeWise Connect is a simple VPN available for iPhone and Android which can seamlessly move web traffic between the Wi-Fi and cellular data connections. The service uses channel bonding technology and is fully encrypted.[30]
EdgeWise Connect was launched in early 2019 and can be used for free for a few hours each day; there are monthly and yearly subscription plans available.[31]
References[edit]
- ^'Connectify in Crunch Base'. Crunch Base. Crunch Base. Retrieved 7 November 2014.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^Parrish, Kevin (11 April 2014). 'Connectify Switchboard: Channel Bonding for the Enterprise'. Tom's IT Pro. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^'Broadpath – Strategic Communications » Speedify Solves Frustrating 'Dead Wi-Fi Hotspot Problem' by Intelligently Combining Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Connections for Faster, More Reliable Connectivity'. broadpathpr.com. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^Norris, Jim (19 February 2013). 'Review: Connectify Hotspot turns your laptop into a hotspot'. PC World. Retrieved 8 November 2014.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^'Create a super fast wifi hotspot'. Instructables. Retrieved 8 November 2014.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^'Connectify Released A Much Improved Version That Turns Your Windows 7 Laptop into A WiFi Hotspot'. Next of Windows. Retrieved 7 November 2014.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^'Speedify VPN review'. TechRadar. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^'What Is a Mobile VPN and How Is It Different from a VPN? - Speedify'. Speedify. 30 September 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^'Connectify commercializes Speedify channel bonding service | FierceWireless'. www.fiercewireless.com. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^Vilches, Jose (22 December 2009). 'Wi-Fi sharing utility Connectify 1.0 launches, remains free'. TechSpot. TechSpot, Inc. Retrieved 9 January 2012.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^DiStefano, Joseph (28 September 2011). 'CIA's investment firm backs Philly's Connectify'. Philly.com. Interstate General Media, LLC.
- ^Parker, Tammy (12 August 2012). 'Connectify aggregates Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G into a fat pipe'. FierceWirelessTech. Retrieved 8 November 2014.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^Rubin, Ross (25 May 2013). 'Yanked From The Cloud: Why Connectify Unplugged Its Switchboard Campaign'. TechCrunch. Retrieved 16 November 2014.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^Gannes, Liz (10 September 2012). 'Why Choose One? Connectify Blends VC and Crowdfunding in Kickstarter Campaign'(PDF). AllThingsD. The Wall Street Journal.
- ^Parker, Tammy (15 May 2013). 'Connectify returns to Kickstarter to enable channel bonding in the cloud'. FierceWirelessTech. Retrieved 8 November 2014.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^Connectify. 'Slow Internet is the Worst: Speedify Lets You Combine Internet Connections for Faster Speed'. www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^Shivakumar, Felicia. 'Speedify at CES 2016'. TechCrunch. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^Moore, Ryan. 'Speedify Mobile combines Wi-Fi, Mobile and Bluetooth technology to provide more reliable access to the internet ~ Android Coliseum'. Android Coliseum. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^'Introducing Speedify 5.0 - Speedify'. Speedify. 28 December 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^'How to Turn Your Windows Laptop into a Wi-Fi Hotspot - Connectify'. Connectify. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
- ^'Features of Connectify Hotspot - Connectify'. Connectify. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
- ^'Introducing Connectify Hotspot 2017! - Connectify'. Connectify. 13 January 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
- ^'Introducing Speedify, the Solution to Slow Internet - Speedify'. Speedify. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
- ^'Privacy Policy - Speedify'. Speedify. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
- ^'Download | Speedify - Speed up everything you do online'. Speedify. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- ^'The Fastest VPNs'. Tom's Guide. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
- ^Citrix, Anil Kumar Anil Kumar is a Technical Marketing Manager at (4 December 2019). 'Speedify is Citrix Ready – and ready to boost mobile worker connectivity'. Citrix Blogs. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^'Pingify - Mobile Network Diagnostics Made Easy'. Pingify. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
- ^Hoffman, Chris. 'How to Run Ping (Network Diagnostics) on Your iPhone'. How-To Geek. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
- ^'EdgeWise - Stay connected, even at the edge of Wi-Fi'. EdgeWise. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
- ^'Help'. EdgeWise. Retrieved 26 June 2019.