Netfox

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.3 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Mac users wanting free device and Wi-Fi risk alerts
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  None
• Device discovery
  Yes
• Facts checked
  5 Oct 2026

• Where it wins

  • Finds devices using Bonjour, ARP, SSDP, NetBIOS and active probing
  • Tracks device changes and alerts on new devices, open ports and services
  • Grades nearby Wi-Fi security and shows channel, band and signal history

• Where it doesn't

  • Runs only on macOS
  • Checks open ports on reachable LAN devices, not beyond the local network
  • Designed for solo and small-scale home network management

Our verdict on Netfox

Netfox is a native macOS app for discovering devices on a local network and monitoring potential home-network risks. It is aimed at people managing a home network from a Mac, especially those who want device and Wi-Fi alerts without paying for the app. Device discovery combines Bonjour, ARP, SSDP, NetBIOS and active ICMP probing. Netfox can identify device vendors, categories, exposed ports and server banners, and keeps a history of devices’ online/offline transitions and identity changes.

Its monitoring combines several useful views rather than relying on a device list alone. Alerts cover new and returning devices, risky arrivals, opened ports and new services. Open-port checks apply to reachable LAN devices and are framed around ports associated with home-network risks. For nearby Wi-Fi networks, the app shows a security grade, channel, band and signal history; a menu-bar view provides network status and active-alert information. This makes Netfox a fit for Mac owners who want a continuing view of what is on their network and basic signals to investigate, rather than a broad security suite.

Netfox is described as free and runs locally without a cloud account. Its narrow platform scope is a practical constraint: it is for macOS, not a cross-platform household or business deployment. The published description centers on local-network discovery and monitoring, so people needing wider network coverage or a larger-team platform should look elsewhere. For a solo user or small household with a Mac, the combination of discovery methods, device history, alerts and nearby Wi-Fi grading brings several relevant checks into one desktop app. Choose it if those local visibility features are the priority; skip it if you need coverage beyond a Mac-managed local network.

Your product? Our editors can test Netfox in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →

Netfox pricing

Netfox fact sheet

Alternatives to Netfox

• Fing SecurityA broad Wi-Fi scanner for finding devices, checking risks, and monitoring networks.9.2
• SWSoftPerfect WiFi GuardA focused desktop scanner for spotting and tracking unknown network devices.8.6
• DomotzBroad network monitoring with a free discovery tier and paid per-collector or per-device plans.8.4

See all Netfox alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Netfox is listed in our Wi-Fi Security Scanner Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/netfox/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/netfox.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Last updated 20 Oct 2026 · How we research and update