PingKit vs iNet
iNet is one of the few network scanners with both a Mac and an iPhone app, with strong Wake on LAN. PingKit also spans iPhone, iPad and Mac — but it syncs over iCloud, monitors 24/7, and the toolkit is free with no ads. Here's an honest head-to-head from the PingKit team.
iNet (by BananaGlue) has a clean, Apple-style design and a loyal following, especially among people who like its Wake on LAN and Bonjour features. We make PingKit, so we have a horse in this race, but the comparison below aims to be genuinely useful. App details change, so check the current iNet listings before you decide.
Feature-by-Feature
| Capability | PingKit | iNet |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone + Mac apps | Yes (iCloud sync) | Yes (no sync) |
| LAN device discovery | Yes (on-device ML naming) | Yes |
| Wake on LAN | Yes, free | Yes |
| Bonjour / mDNS browser | Yes, free | Yes |
| Port scanner | Yes, free | Yes |
| Speed test | Yes, free | No |
| Security scan + score | Yes, free | No |
| Always-on monitoring + alerts | Mac companion (Guardian) | No |
| AI explanations of findings | Yes (Guardian) | No |
| Price | Free + optional $2.99/mo | ~$0.99 iOS / $29.99 Mac |
Where iNet Wins
iNet has a long history of doing the Apple-ecosystem basics well: a tidy device list, customizable device names and icons, a solid Wake on LAN implementation, and quick connection shortcuts (SSH, VNC, HTTP). If you specifically want a one-time-purchase Mac scanner and value its established design, iNet is a reasonable pick.
Where PingKit Wins
Two big things: sync and monitoring. iNet's iPhone and Mac apps are separate and don't share data. PingKit's iOS app and Mac Agent sync through your private iCloud, so your devices and history follow you. PingKit also keeps watching the network 24/7 with new-device and outage alerts — iNet only scans when you tap. On top of that you get a speed test, security scan with a score, Wake on LAN, MTR, SSL inspection and more — all free, no ads, no account.
The sync angle: If you live across an iPhone and a Mac, iNet asks you to scan twice and keep two separate device lists. PingKit keeps one synced picture of your network across both, privately through iCloud.
Which Should You Choose?
- Want a one-time-purchase Mac scanner with classic design: iNet.
- Want iCloud sync across iPhone and Mac with a free toolkit: PingKit.
- Want 24/7 monitoring, alerts and AI explanations: PingKit Guardian + the free Mac app.
Looking wider? See our best network tools for iPhone roundup.
More Comparisons
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- PingKit vs Network Analyzer
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- PingKit vs WiFi Explorer
- PingKit vs LanScan
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