Connectify is a software that transforms your computer in to a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to share your internet connection with all your devices. You can share Wi-Fi, 3G/4G and ethernet connections on your PC with your smartphone, tablet and more. It is also a practical way to let other users near you, get access to the internet using your connection. Connectify includes great features such as an ad blocker and it is available in 9 languages.
The prices start at $19.98 and they go up to $59.98. While Connectify is a fantastic internet sharing solution and it is still a leader in its category, many people are looking for alternatives that offer simplicity and lower prices. The truth is that Connectify is pretty unique in terms of functionality and it supports advanced features that you may not find anywhere else. However, if you prefer a free option that allows you to share your internet connection, you can find some great alternatives to Connectify in this list.
Virtual Router Plus
Virtual Router Plus is a software that has been around for a while it seems outdated, it works well. It is a free, open source and very easy to use software based router that works with Windows 7 and Windows 8,as well as Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012. If you are only looking for a Wi-Fi hotspot solution, Virtual Router Plus is a good choice.
SeventhGate
SeventhGate is another option that lets you turn your computer running Windows into a wireless router. It also works with Server 2008R2 and it is easy to enable and to turn off. SeventhGate has a user-friendly interface and it doesn’t feature ads.
OSToto Hotspot
Previously known as 160WiFi, OSToto hotspot is another free option that works with multiple versions of Windows. The best thing about it is that it has a simple interface and you can set up a Wi-Fi hotspot within seconds. It also offers practical features that will allow you to manage your connection settings. Since it uses WPA2PSK, you can also expect great password security.
Marifi
Marify is a free virtual router software that is compatible with Windows. It gives you the possibility of sharing your internet connection wirelessly and it supports a wide selection of devices including tablets, smartphones, laptops and gaming consoles. It offers security via password-protected WPA2 encryption and it also support VPNs and Proxies.
MyPublicWiFi
MyPublicWiFi has been around for quite some time and while it hasn’t been updated in a while, it is still an effective solution. It offers a good selection of features that will give you greater control over your WiFi hotspot. You can block users from accessing your WiFi network and you can also implement blocks to prevent them from using P2P or other applications that require a high amount of bandwidth.
Open Garden
Open Garden provides impressive peer-to-peer mesh networking technology that allows organizations, app developers and communities around the world to set up networks and services to extend access to the internet. Open Garden works with a variety of platforms including Mac, Windows, Android and iOS. It gives you flexibility and thanks to its convenient management features, you will be able to connect more devices. It works with WiFi and Bluetooth direct.
LionScripts WiFi Hotspot Creator
LionScripts Wi-Fi Hotspot Creator lets you turn your WLAN enabled computer into a WiFi hotspot with just one click. You will be able to share your internet connection with any device that can connect to the internet. It is easy to set up and to use, plus it doesn’t feature ads and it is available from $11.
mHotspot
mHotspot helos you to create a secure Wi-Fi hotspot using your laptop and it is compatible with Windows 7 and Windows 8. It allows you to share one connection (Data-Card, LAN, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 3G/4G) with multiple devices. You won’t need additional equipment and it lets you see details of all the devices connected, as well as network usage.
HCSpot
HCSpot is the right choice for those who need a professional internet sharing software. It supports a diversity of features including advanced filtering engine, bandwidth management (the option to limit the download and upload speed per user) and the possibility of keeping track of the websites visited and the internet connections used. It works with any router or hardware and it is ideal for business users.
Thinix
Thinix is an advanced solution and although it is not free, it offers a great selection of features that will be handy in different environments. It is a suitable option for businesses and organizations that need to offer internet connection to several users. Thinix also offers a solution for home users, or for small businesses and it provides a user-friendly interface with a variety of settings that will let you manage your Wi-Fi hotspot effectively.
Winhotspot
Winhotspot works on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 and it lets you share your internet connection with other devices. With Winhotspot you will be able to track the internet usage with the built-in bandwidth meter. It is also free and it lets you see Client IP and MAC addresses on a separate tab.
Baidu WiFi hotspot
Baidu makes things simple when you need to set up a WiFi hotpsot to connect multiple devices. It combines ease of use with advanced functionality and it enables you to send and receive files from any device connected to the WiFi hotspot. It works with multiple versions of Windows.
Purple
Purple is a comprehensive solution with advanced features that will suit business requirements. You can let others connect to your WiFi, but it is focused on ensuring that companies can expose their brand to their customers and increase their following. Your customers can connect using their preferred social media network and access the internet quickly. You can get a better understanding of what your customers do online so that you can create effective marketing campaigns.
Handy Cafe
Handy Cafe is a free software that enables you to set up a WiFi hotspot. In addition, you will be able to monitor and filter content and use other functions that will allow you to manage your connection more effectively. The list of features also includes firewall, remote management and multi-language support.
