# Network Utility vs Magic Smoke

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Magic Smoke at none against Network Utility's 1. Magic Smoke also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Network Utility's advantage is ratings volume (625 vs 10) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Magic Smoke holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Network Utility has 625 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Network Utility's written reviews are positive against 100% of Magic Smoke's.

Network Utility ships an update every 2 months, Magic Smoke every 5 months. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Network Utility | Magic Smoke |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (625 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/network-utility/id573021799/reviews) | **[5.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-smoke/id1594832483/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **625** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 80.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 19 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fausto Ristagno](https://appshunter.io/developer/482102205) | [Caleb Barnett Wheeler](https://appshunter.io/developer/1719539575) |

## 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


### Magic Smoke

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-smoke/id1594832483)

Establish custom TCP connections to send specific commands. Save up to ten commands for quick access, or type any message directly. This utility is ideal for testing network connections and embedded systems.

**Highlights:** Custom TCP connection setup, Save up to ten custom commands, Send any typed message, Appends carriage return and linefeed, Supports IP address and port input

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Network Utility free?

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

### Is Magic Smoke free?

Magic Smoke is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Network Utility or Magic Smoke?

Magic Smoke is rated higher. Network Utility averages 4.6 out of 5 from 625 ratings, while Magic Smoke averages 5.0 from 10 ratings.

### Do Network Utility or Magic Smoke have ads?

Network Utility shows ads; Magic Smoke does not.

### Which is updated more often, Network Utility or Magic Smoke?

Network Utility ships an update every 2 months, and Magic Smoke every 5 months. Most recently, Network Utility was updated on September 24, 2026 and Magic Smoke on September 24, 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.*