The Tool Desk
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Which free PingPlotter alternative should you choose?
Choose WinMTR if you use Windows and want a free graphical tool for watching hop-by-hop ping and route results accumulate. Choose PingPlotter Free if you prefer to try PingPlotter itself and its free-tier limits suit your session.
“Free alternative” does not necessarily mean an open-source tool with all of PingPlotter’s features. WinMTR’s project page identifies it as open source under GPL v2; the PingPlotter Free listing describes a free edition, not an open-source license.
How the verified options compare
| Option | What is documented | Best fit | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| WinMTR | Free Windows visual application combining ping and traceroute; live results; text or HTML export; GPL v2. | Windows users who want to inspect route hops and save or share a diagnostic session. | The official project information is Windows-focused; it does not establish parity with PingPlotter’s longer-running graphs or remote collection. |
| PingPlotter Free | PingPlotter says its Free edition can be used indefinitely. Its comparison page lists one target and 10 minutes of continuous monitoring. | Users who want PingPlotter’s own visual workflow for a short, single-target session. | The comparison page lists no remote collection. Limits can change; confirm them on the vendor page. |
These details come from the WinMTR project page and PingPlotter’s Free-edition comparison. Neither source supports assuming that another free tool offers the same monitoring duration, history, target count, exports, or remote-collection options.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why WinMTR is a practical free option
The WinMTR project describes the program as a free Microsoft Windows visual application combining traceroute and ping in one network diagnostic tool. Its live results let you observe how responses behave at successive hops while a trace runs. The project’s usage instructions also explain how to copy or export results in text or HTML, which is useful when documenting a troubleshooting session or sending findings to support.
That makes WinMTR a focused choice for Windows-based, hop-by-hop diagnosis—not a verified replacement for every PingPlotter capability. The project source does not establish equivalent long-term history or remote collection.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Run a basic trace and export its results
- Start WinMTR and enter the hostname or IP address you want to investigate.
- Start the trace and allow results to accumulate. A short run gives you a snapshot; wait longer when you need to see whether a pattern persists.
- Use the Options menu to adjust ping size, maximum hops, or interval if your troubleshooting calls for different settings.
- Copy or export the results as text or HTML to keep a record or share them with support.
If WinMTR appears not to work, its project instructions note that firewall or antivirus software can interfere. Treat that as one possibility to check, not proof that security software is the cause.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before choosing a tool
- Platform: WinMTR’s official project description is Windows-focused. Verify platform support before choosing another candidate.
- Interface: Decide whether you need a graphical view or are comfortable using a command line.
- Scope: Check how many targets can be monitored and whether you need hop-by-hop visibility or only destination-level results.
- Duration and history: Confirm how long a session can run and how much history the tool retains; a live display alone does not establish long-term monitoring.
- Sharing and collection: Look for documented export options and remote collection if those matter to your workflow.
- License and maintenance: Confirm the license and current project status rather than inferring either from a tool being free to download.
SmokePing, native MTR distributions, and other tools may be worth investigating, but current official details for their platforms, visualization, and licensing are not established here. Verify those specifics before treating them as direct alternatives.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
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- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
