# Network Utility vs Firmware Update Tool

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Network Utility at 81% against Firmware Update Tool's 20%. Network Utility also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.0) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 20 months). Firmware Update Tool's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

Network Utility holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Network Utility has 626 ratings behind it against 5, 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 20% of Firmware Update Tool's.

Network Utility ships an update every 2 months, Firmware Update Tool every 20 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Network Utility | Firmware Update Tool |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (626 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/network-utility/id573021799/reviews)** | [4.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/firmware-update-tool/id662842350/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **626** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **80.9% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 20 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 19 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fausto Ristagno](https://appshunter.io/developer/482102205) | [OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY COMPANY,LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/576590380) |

## 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


### Firmware Update Tool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/firmware-update-tool/id662842350)

This free utility allows users to update the firmware on OKI printers and multifunction printers over a network. It can detect compatible devices, check for available updates online, and initiate the download and installation process.

**Highlights:** Update OKI printer firmware, List network-connected OKI printers, Check for available firmware updates, Automatic firmware download, Initiate firmware installation

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Network Utility free?

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

### Is Firmware Update Tool free?

Firmware Update Tool is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Network Utility or Firmware Update Tool?

Network Utility is rated higher. Network Utility averages 4.6 out of 5 from 626 ratings, while Firmware Update Tool averages 4.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do Network Utility or Firmware Update Tool have ads?

Network Utility shows ads; Firmware Update Tool does not.

### Which is updated more often, Network Utility or Firmware Update Tool?

Network Utility ships an update every 2 months, and Firmware Update Tool every 20 months. Most recently, Network Utility was updated on November 6, 2026 and Firmware Update Tool on November 1, 2026.

---

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