# Network Utility vs DS router

Network Utility and DS router both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 81% of Network Utility's written reviews are positive against 42% of DS router's. DS router's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Network Utility against 4.6 for DS router. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 625 and 1.4K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of Network Utility's written reviews are positive against 42% of DS router's.

Network Utility ships an update every 2 months, DS router every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Network Utility | DS router |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (625 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/network-utility/id573021799/reviews) | [4.6 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ds-router/id963699443/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 625 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | **80.9% of reviews** | 42.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 19 MB | 109 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fausto Ristagno](https://appshunter.io/developer/482102205) | [Synology Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/321493109) |

## 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


### DS router

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ds-router/id963699443)

Manage your Synology Router network remotely with ease. Monitor traffic, set up guest networks, and implement parental controls to protect your children's online activities. Requires a Synology Router and SRM 1.3.

**Highlights:** Remote router management, Network status monitoring, Guest network creation, Real-time traffic supervision, Device prioritization, Parental controls and security

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Network Utility free?

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

### Is DS router free?

DS router is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Network Utility or DS router?

Network Utility and DS router are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 625 and 1.4K ratings respectively.

### Do Network Utility or DS router have ads?

Network Utility shows ads; DS router does not.

### Which is updated more often, Network Utility or DS router?

Network Utility ships an update every 2 months, and DS router every 3 months. Most recently, Network Utility was updated on October 14, 2026 and DS router on October 14, 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.*