# Network Utility vs Microsoft Surface

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Network Utility at 81% against Microsoft Surface's 26%. Network Utility also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.2) and ratings volume (625 vs 159). Microsoft Surface's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Network Utility sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Microsoft Surface asks for nothing beyond the download.

Network Utility holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 625 and 159 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Network Utility's written reviews are positive against 26% of Microsoft Surface's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Network Utility | Microsoft Surface |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (625 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/network-utility/id573021799/reviews)** | [3.2 (159 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-surface/id1476329686/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **625** | 159 |
| Positive reviews | **80.9% of reviews** | 25.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 19 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fausto Ristagno](https://appshunter.io/developer/482102205) | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) |

## What reviewers say

### Network Utility

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/network-utility/id573021799)

This app provides a comprehensive suite of network analysis tools for your device. Monitor data usage, scan your local network, perform DNS lookups, and get detailed IP information. Export results and utilize widgets for quick access to network stats.

**Highlights:** Network Information, Cellular Data Monitor, LAN Scanner, Ping Tool, Geo IP Lookup, DNS Lookup (DIG, NSLOOKUP), Domain WHOIS, Widgets

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PRO Upgrade | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🔒 Helpful for network security
- 💡 Comprehensive set of tools
- 🔥 Excellent value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔒 Concerns about data tracking
- 🔋 High data usage
- 💰 Pro version paywall for some features

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect IP address detection
- Ping feature not working as expected
- Inability to change subnet mask

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved IPv6 support
- Ability to reset data usage
- More detailed network information


### Microsoft Surface

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-surface/id1476329686)

Manage and personalize your audio devices. Update firmware, view device information, and adjust settings like equalizer and volume. Connect and control devices, and access tutorials for assistance.

**Highlights:** Update earbuds and headphones, View and change device info, View battery and volume, Personalize settings, Change equalizer settings, Control connected devices, Reset devices

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Excellent audio quality and crisp sound
- 🎚️ Useful EQ customization capabilities
- 📱 Smooth out-of-box setup experience
- 🔗 Hardware quality is solid
- ⚡ Quick app loading when functional

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App frequently fails to detect paired headphones
- 🔌 Constant connection and pairing issues
- 😤 Poor reliability and stability
- 🚫 App becomes completely broken after updates
- 🔐 Authentication and login failures

**Reported bugs**

- App stuck on scanning/searching for headphones
- Bluetooth connection drops during calls
- App won't recognize headphones even when paired
- Authentication hangs on 'Authenticating' screen
- Constant red light indicator issues

**Requested features**

- MacOS app support
- iPad landscape mode support
- Customizable gesture controls
- Better device switching between paired devices
- More EQ preset options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Network Utility free?

Network Utility is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Microsoft Surface free?

Microsoft Surface is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Network Utility or Microsoft Surface?

Network Utility is rated higher. Network Utility averages 4.6 out of 5 from 625 ratings, while Microsoft Surface averages 3.2 from 159 ratings.

### Do Network Utility or Microsoft Surface have ads?

Network Utility shows ads; Microsoft Surface does not.

### Which is updated more often, Network Utility or Microsoft Surface?

Network Utility ships an update every 2 months, and Microsoft Surface every 2 months. Most recently, Network Utility was updated on October 5, 2026 and Microsoft Surface on October 8, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*