For sure you all must be familiar with the term “Wi-Fi Hotspot.” In simple terms, it can be defined as a small area where one can access a wireless network. The term “Wi-Fi hotspot is used for referring to the public Wi-Fi networks; these networks can be available in the School, Railway, College, station, airports, etc. However, the sad part is that most of the people still think that no Wi-Fi hotspot can be created without Wi-Fi Routers.
Well, in reality, it is entirely wrong, as there are a number of other devices that you can use in order to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. Technology now has developed a lot, and there are a number of other viable options which one can use for creating a secure Wi-Fi hotspot.
The credit goes to the Android smartphones that have not only changed the smartphone world but has also provided us to create Wi-Fi hotspot anytime and anywhere.
The best part about using your smartphone for creating a Wi-Fi hotspot is that for doing so you don’t need any prior knowledge or technical skills. Simply, just turn on your data network and then create a hotspot. As we mentioned above, there are other ways also for creating Wi-Fi hotspot. Just keep on reading to get awestruck.
We bet not many out there are aware of the fact that they can also use their PC or laptop as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Well, for sure not all the makers or PCs and Laptops out there promote their product with the tagline that they have this feature, and to be honest in reality most of the laptops and PCs available in the market don’t have the internal features that could turn it into Wi-Fi hotspot.
However, with the help of some third-party software, you can use this feature on your PC or laptop. In this very article, we will be covering the details of the 15 best Wi-Fi hotspot software available out there on the market. However, we would like you to have a look at the benefits that you will be able to enjoy by using your laptop or PC as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Connectify Hotspot
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Easy Connect
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Reliable Choice
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Multi-Language
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Ad Blocking
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Avoid Overcharges
Antamedia Hotspot Software
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Professional
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Free Trial
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Top Choice
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Multiple Devices
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Greatest Features
mHotspot
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Free
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Multiple Devices
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Extend WiFi Range
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Basic Usage
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Not for Professional Usage
Can make smooth and hassle-free transition from wired connection to wireless connection
If you are planning to get or have already a wired internet connection at your house, and if you have a router that doesn’t have Wi-Fi then you should know that there is nothing that you should be sad about. As you can create Wi-Fi hotspot simply by connecting the router to your laptop or PC via Ethernet cable and using any of the 15 software that we have enlisted below for enabling your living space to act as a hotspot area.
Supports unlimited number of connections
This is a major benefit that you will get to enjoy by using your laptop or PC for creating Wi-Fi hotspot. You will be able to connect all your devices that have Wi-Fi features and enjoy internet benefits from anywhere in the hotspot area. However, we would like to mention here that most probably you will be able to enjoy the “unlimited number of connection feature” with the paid version of the software, as free versions of any of the software have its limitations.
Can use to extend your original Wi-Fi range
You can also use any of the below software for also extending your original Wi-Fi range. Just consider that you have a Wi-Fi range up to some point “X.” You can place your laptop near that point and us any of the enlisted software. This will eventually extend your Wi-Fi range.
15 Best WiFi HotSpot Software Reviews and the Best Virtual Router
1. Antamedia Hotspot Software
Well, if you are looking for a software that has the capability of managing your Wi-Fi in order to give you access to what data is passing through for all the subscribers or devices connected to your network then you should consider getting this software as soon as possible.
This very software opens the doors to the networking control world for you. After getting this software, it will be a child’s play for you to control everything that is going on with your Wi-Fi.
In reality with most of the people who are running an office or have the internet service at their home, they can grant access to people with the desire to use Wi-Fi in their area simply by sharing the wireless password with them.
After handing out the password, one gets very little control is maintained over the Wi-Fi connection by the owner or bill payer. This arrangement can have a lot of drawbacks for the bill payer, for example someone connected to the Wi-Fi network might misuse your connection in order to download immense amounts of data and this very move of you one customer will easily send the amount of data spent over the preferred spending limit of the bill payer or owner.
You might also find yourself in a difficult position when one of the customers has grabbed most of the bandwidth and have made the connection slow for other users connected to the network.
If you have faced similar problems in the past and have been looking for a simple and easy solution for gaining access to the networking control then using Antamedia Hotspot Software can be a great option for you. By having a tool that can give you control over the access to the Wi-Fi network all your problems will be sorted out, and that is what Antamedia Hotspot Software has been developed for.
If you need this software for home setup, then you should consider gaining with the Antamedia Hotspot Software demonstration version. This very version will allow you to allow you to control network access of up to three users simultaneously.
The lite version of Antamedia Hotspot Software is ideal for restaurants and coffeehouses as it allows you to handle up to 20 users simultaneously. There are some other editions of this software that comes with different price tags depending upon the control number.
The best part about Antamedia Hotspot Software is that it not only allows you to control PCs connected to your network but also smart devices such as tablets and smartphones. With few clicks only you can easily manage the upload and download speeds of the devices connected to your network.
Besides, they also offer “collect payment” option, which means you can either provide your network for free or can charge users for using your network. Antamedia Hotspot Software offers more than 70 payment gateways, and in addition to that, they allow you to keep all your profit.
2. Connectify Hotspot
For years, we have been using our smartphone features such as WiFi hotspots, or USB Tethering for sharing cellular data with PCs or Laptops or other devices. Contrary to popular belief you will be surprised to know that mobiles aren’t the only device in your house that you can use for creating a Wi-Fi hotspot inside your house.
Windows for years has had this very feature in it, however, for accessing it, you will have to use Command Prompt. Well, not everyone likes to use Command Prompt as for the obvious reasons that it isn’t user-friendly.
Well, there is a better option which can give you the benefits of creating Wi-Fi hotspot via your laptop or PC, and the name of that is Connectify Hotspot. If you haven’t heard about Connectify Hotspot before then, you should know that Connectify Hotspot is a Windows app that gives users to create hotspots on their laptops or PCs with Windows operating system easily and quickly. In reality, Connectify Hotspot offers way more than just the ability to create hotspot via your laptop or PC. To explore its abilities and benefits keep on reading this piece.
The best thing Connectify Hotspot is that it supports almost all the Windows versions. The other thing that we noticed about this very app is that it doesn’t look bad. For sure we won’t say that the design and presentation is the best but honestly saying the design functional and offers easy access to all the functionality within few clicks.
The app is hiding tons of features, it’s not hiding as the “Start Hotspot” button is provided way at the bottom, and above this button, you can see various options which clearly indicates how customizable this Windows app is.
Developers and designers of this very app for sure have put a lot of thought while designing it and have tried their best to keep the theme simple and easily accessible.
As everything in the app is labeled properly, therefore, we can say one thing for sure, and that is you won’t have to go online and search for troubleshooting and to know about the features of this app as everything is labeled and arranged properly. Even new users will easily understand what different options are and their uses.
Connectify Hotspot fulfills the purpose for which it was designed and developed which means that it can quickly and easily create Wi-Fi hotspot via your PC or laptop, but the thing or you can say the feature that made us fall in love with Connectify Hotspot was that it could make your device act as a Wi-Fi repeater, which eventually will help you in increasing your network coverage.
For sure a number of people will present the counterargument that it is not a viable solution, but you too would agree that this very feature comes in handy. You can also block users and cut them for your network.
3. mHotspot
mHotspot is a free and easy to use software that you can use in order to convert your Windows PC or Laptop into Wi-Fi hotspot. The best thing about mHotspot is that it is free. You can turn your PC or laptop into virtual Wi-Fi hotspot router without installing the freeware and enjoy the wireless network on other devices.
With a file size of 400KB mHotspot bagged this position in our list because of its simple and attractive UI and its ability to connect ten devices simultaneously. Download this great online hotspot creating software in no time and start using it quickly by simply giving a name to the hotspot easily.
If you have a desire to secure your connection, then you will be delighted to know that mHotspot allows you to secure your network via WPA2 PSK password security. This very app also allows you to make your laptop or PC act as a repeater in order to extend your Wi-Fi range without any fuss.
Everything with this app is just perfect the only thing that might upset you a bit especially if you are a laptop user is that it drains the battery too quickly. Apart from this problem, you will be receiving a great tool for your daily use.
4. Baidu Wi-Fi Hotspot
Baidu Wi-Fi Hotspot is a handy and light tool that gives you the flexibility to use your Laptop’s or computer’s network with any other device that you possess such as smartphone or tablet.
The best part is that anyone even with nominal technical knowledge can easily use this very app in order to create Wi-Fi network in no time. The only thing that you should have will be access to the internet on your laptop and PC, and Baidu WiFi hotspot software will take care of the rest for you.
We would suggest you to leave the default settings untouched if you lack technical knowledge for avoiding the unwanted hassle. This very app will detect the Wi-Fi adapter, and in no time you will have a Wi-Fi hotspot zone created irrespective of the location and time.
You can see the connected device on the retractable panel of the app. From this retractable panel, you will also be able to block devices that are unknown or with which you don’t want to share your internet connection with.
Well, the real reason because of which we included this very app in our list was because of its additional feature which allows users to share files such as music, photos, and documents between your PC and other connected devices.
5. Virtual WiFi Hotspot
This open source software is free. It is an ideal software for PCs and laptops running Windows NT, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 and Windows 8. By using Virtual Wi-Fi Hotspot, you can easily use any internet connection such as Wi-Fi, Cable Modem, Cellular, Dial-up, LAN and others for wirelessly sharing in any space.
The only thing that you will need will be a PC or laptop with internet connection. The setup of this application is easy, and the best part is that it has got interactive UI coupled with attractive design.
The devices that you will be connecting to your PC or computer will be connected to it like any other access point and in addition to that this very app also offers secure connection using WPA2 wireless encryption.
Configuring this application is not too difficult, and you won’t have to be a rocket scientist for completing this simple task. In seconds you will be able to complete the configuration task, and after that, you will be able to create a functional WiFi hotspot without any hassle. You can see every device connected to your network along with their IP address on the clients connected tab.
6. Virtual WiFi Plus V2.2
By using Wireless hosted network technology, Virtual WiFi Plus can easily turn your PC or laptop into a Wifi hotspot in no time. Virtual WiFi Plus is compatible with Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 and Windows 8.
By using this very Windows app, you will be able to share any internet connection wirelessly with all the devices that have WiFi. You won’t have to worry a lot about security as your connection will be secured via this app by using WPA2 PSK encryption.
The best thing about this app is that it is small in size and is pretty simple. You won’t even have to install it for using this app. Just copy the shortcut of this app on your desktop and run this application manually every time you need a wireless network in any space. The simple graphical UI along with menu bar has all the options available for easy access.
There is button provided which starts previously created hotspot. This means you won’t have to enter credentials such as SSID and password every time on restarting the hotspot. After starting the hotspot connect any device with WiFi to the wireless network.
7. Free WiFi Hotspot
As the name suggests it truly is free. Which means you won’t have to pay a single penny from your pocket in order to use this great application. The best thing about this software is that it is available for devices with Windows as well as Mac operating system.
Believe us we have used this great app and we can say one thing for sure, and that is it fulfills our every device surfing needs that too without any glitch or catch. This easy to use virtual WiFi router will easily share your laptop’s or PC’s internet with other devices such as iPhone, iPad, iPod, Xbox, Kindle, Android phone, PSP, Google glass, iWatch and other similar devices in one go.
Apart from being free this very app also helps you in saving extra money as you won’t have to buy any external router. The best feature of this virtual router is that it can work as a Signal booster or WiFi repeater.
Now you can extend your WiFi’s range by using Free WiFi hotspot on your device and enjoy access to the internet from anywhere in your house. You can setup hotspot within few seconds and in addition to that can keep a track on the data usage and the connected devices to the network.
8. Hotspot
“Hotspot” the name of this very app is too simple and direct, and for sure you too would have understood that this very software acts as a virtual router in order to create WiFi hotspot by using your PC or Laptop with internet connection.
Though the name is simple but in reality, this very app is packed with great features. With this very app, you will be able to share your WiFi, LAN, Dial-up connection, and Cable modem with your other devices such as smartphones, PSP, Xbox, and other similar devices with WiFi.
Hotspot is created and designed specifically for PCs and laptops with Windows 10 operating system. This application is easy to use, and it is because of its interactive user interface. You can also keep an eye on the data usage, connected client list, downloading and uploading speed via this very app.
In addition to that, you can also block devices. This app offers secure network and in addition to that can also be used for creating LAN servers in order to play high-end games on your PC. Though this app is free but it is loaded with all the features that a high-end application should have.
9. Thinix WiFi Hotspot
Thinix WiFi hotspot is a great software compatible with Windows 7 and Windows 8 that you can use in order to share the computer’s or laptop’s internet with your other devices.
This very application uses the wireless adapter of your device in order to create a virtual hotspot. On completion of hotspot setup, you will be free to share your computer’s internet with other smartphones, tablets, computers, and laptops.
The trial version of this very app is available online, but after the trial period, you will be needed to buy the subscription in order to keep using its services and enjoy its benefits. The simple user interface coupled with WPA2 encryption gives you the ultimate experience, and for sure you won’t regret investing your money in this very app.
Thinix WiFi hotspot software allows you to pay for only one internet connection while traveling and share and use the connection on all your devices. This very app will act as an ideal companion during travelling as you will be able to save a good amount of money in airports and hotels, and so the price tag of $12.95 is justifiable in long run. Give this app a try and enjoy its benefits for 7 days for free then decide whether you would like to buy it or not.
10. My Public WiFi
My Public WiFi in simple terms acts as a virtual router by turning your PC or laptop with the wireless adapter into WiFi access point in order to make it possible for you to share the internet with other devices.
The setup of this app is simple and straightforward. You will just have to fill three boxes in order to set up a WiFi access point via your PC or laptop. After filling the boxes, you will only have to click on the “Start Hotspot” button, and WiFi hotspot will be created in no time. Other features of this very application include the ability to block connected devices, list of all connected devices along with IP address.
One of the features that attracted our attention is that this very application can also be used for recording all the sessions’ actions which means that you will also be able to keep track of all the visited pages. This application is free, and you won’t have any restrictions or limitations which mean that you will be able to use the application to its full potential that too without making any expenditure.
11. Mars WiFi
Mars Wifi is very much similar to other network sharing applications listed here which means that this very application can help you in sharing any WiFi connection with your other devices. Well, the essence of the former sentence is that Mars acts as a virtual router and with the help of your laptop or PC with internet connection creates WiFi hotspot.
While using this application, you will not have any fear as this application offers secure network in order to safeguard your personal information by preventing other devices from connecting to your network.
As a user, you will have the freedom to customize the settings of this application in order to enjoy great user experience. You will be able to change device names, alter speed limits and can blacklist other devices.
Well, this application is free and then also you will have the option of enjoying free support. You can contact Mars WiFi support anytime when you face any troubleshoot with the application. If you are thinking about saving you money and enjoy great service then for sure Mars WiFi will be your clear choice.
12. Hosted Network Starter
Hosted Network Starter is a Windows application that allows the users to create WiFi hotspot by using their PC or laptop with a wireless network adapter. With this Windows application, you will be able to allow any device with WiFi to use the internet connection of your PC or Laptop.
The best thing about Hosted Network Starter app is that it is compatible with almost every latest version of Windows operating system and in addition to that this very app doesn’t require any DLL files or installation process.
You can simply enjoy this application by running the executable file. After clicking on the .exe file, you will enter the desired configuration for your WiFI hotspot. You will have to enter the network name, password and select the internet connection. Just click on the start button, and you will be able to enjoy the wireless network anywhere anytime.
You can see the number of connected clients, and in addition to that, you can also keep a track on the detailed list of clients which includes device name as well as the IP addresses of the device connected to your wireless network. Overall this free Windows application is loaded with all the features that one will want in WiFi hotspot software for his or her computer.
13. Virtual Router Plus
After reading so many sections you must have understood what Virtual Router Plus does. This very application can share any internet connection wirelessly with other WiFi-enabled devices.
All the devices with WiFi will connect to this application without any hassle and with as ease as they get connected to any other access point. You will be relieved to know that apart from being a great app and fulfilling its prime function this app also offers a safe and secure connection to devices as all your data and personal information is secured via WPA2 encryption.
This Windows-compatible app converts your laptop or PC with an internet connection into WiFI router which in turn will allow you to connect your other devices with WiFi to connect to the created wireless network. This application is compatible with Windows 8 operating system.
Virtual Router Plus is a lightweight and easy to use application which requires no installation, which means that you can use this application simply by running the .exe program. To use this app simply run it, enter the name and password and click on “StartVirtualRouterPlus” button and you will have WiFi access in the nearby area in no time.
14. My WiFi Router
My WiFi Router like other applications in this article allows your PC or laptop with internet connection to act as a router and create a WiFi hotspot in the nearby area.
Well, in reality, My WiFi Router does offer a bit more than other software on the list that we have compiled. This simple application packs more features than one can imagine.
For example, you can create kind of a playlist of videos via My videos and can watch and control the playback. This very option is ideal for road trips where you might not have internet access. This application also allows you to move files from one device to other apart from sharing the internet of one device to others.
This application is easy to use, and the best thing about this application is that it has got a great feature of video sharing. However, the only complaint that we have regarding this application is with its security.
You should now that My WiFi Router doesn’t offer great security to the network. Thus, you should be careful while using this application and the type of data that you deal with. However, it is a great application as long as security isn’t your primary concern.
15. Virtual Router
As the name suggests, this application is Wifi Hotspot software for computer. Well, the best thing about this free open source software is that it is compatible with almost all the latest versions of Windows except Windows 10.
You can use this Windows compatible virtual router for sharing the internet connection of your PC or laptop. This application is ideal to be used in places such as airports, workplace, school, homes and other places.
Unlike other similar applications, in reality, this very application is very easy to use, and it also offers safe and secure connection. Believe us you will definitely like this software and in addition to that, it will help you in saving a good amount of money.
The best thing that you will get to enjoy by having this app in your PC or laptop apart from ease of turning your device into portable wireless router will be that you won’t have to get annoyed because of the advertisement.
This app is not only free but is also advertisement free. Since this app is not ad-supported, therefore it won’t track your web history as other ad-supported apps do.
Choosing the Best WiFi HotSpot Software or Best Virtual Router Software
We took a number of factors into account for shortlisting the best WiFi hotspot software from numerous options available online and for ranking the selected software in the above order.
If you are looking for software that can create hotspot easily via your PC or laptop and not giving a lot of thought on other features then rest assured you can pick any of the software below blindly and have faith in us you won’t be satisfied.
Connectify Hotspot
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Easy Connect
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Reliable Choice
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Multi-Language
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Ad Blocking
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Avoid Overcharges
Antamedia Hotspot Software
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Professional
-
Free Trial
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Top Choice
-
Multiple Devices
-
Greatest Features
mHotspot
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Free
-
Multiple Devices
-
Extend WiFi Range
-
Basic Usage
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Not for Professional Usage
But things aren’t this simple, and we know that as a customer you would have tons of your own references and we won’t be suggesting you to give priority to few of them in order to convince you to select the applications that we have enlisted above.
We would rather suggest you to relax and prepare a list of features that you need in WiFi hotspot software for PC or laptop. Well, you can choose to add features such as WiFi booster, security encryption, ease of installing and using the software, and various other things. After preparing this list consider having a look at our list, and we ensure you that you surely will find the right option in our article.
If you are confused, just give the #1 application on our list a try. Don’t worry you won’t have to spend a penny as most of the applications in our list comes with free trial version.
Use each one for few days and then make the decision. You won’t face any issue as all the software in the above list are of a nominal size and installation process of most of them is too easy and some of them won’t have to be installed. Give our list a try and enjoy great user experience.
