Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

hostapd VS Linux Wifi Hotspot

Compare hostapd VS Linux Wifi Hotspot and see what are their differences

hostapd logo hostapd

hostapd is a user space daemon for access point and authentication servers. It implements IEEE 802.

Linux Wifi Hotspot logo Linux Wifi Hotspot

Create virtual Wi-Fi hotspot using same Wi-Fi card which is connected to an AP.
  • hostapd Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-26
  • Linux Wifi Hotspot Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-29

hostapd features and specs

  • Open Source
    Hostapd is an open-source project, which means it is freely available and can be modified by anyone. This allows for flexibility in customization and transparency in its operation.
  • Linux Compatibility
    Hostapd is specifically designed for Linux-based systems, making it highly optimized and reliable for creating access points on Linux platforms.
  • Advanced Configuration Options
    Allows users to implement advanced features and configurations such as WPA/WPA2, 802.11n/ac, and radius support, providing robust security and networking capabilities.
  • Community Support
    Being widely used in the open-source community, hostapd benefits from extensive documentation, forums, and user contributions for support and troubleshooting.
  • Performance
    It is known for its performance efficiency, enabling the handling of multiple connections and high network traffic without significant degradation.

Possible disadvantages of hostapd

  • Complex Configuration
    Setting up and configuring hostapd can be complex and challenging, especially for users who are not familiar with command-line interfaces or network configuration.
  • Limited GUI Options
    Hostapd does not include a graphical user interface, making it less accessible for users who prefer or require GUI-based network management tools.
  • Linux-Only
    Hostapd is specifically designed for Linux, which might limit its usage for users or applications in non-Linux environments.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Some hardware and drivers may not be fully compatible with hostapd, requiring users to ensure their wireless hardware is supported.
  • Maintenance Requirement
    As an open-source project, users might need to handle updates and maintenance themselves or rely on community support for software patches.

Linux Wifi Hotspot features and specs

  • Open Source
    The project is open-source, which means it has a transparent development process and can be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone.
  • Platform Flexibility
    As it runs on Linux, it can be used across a wide variety of Linux distributions, offering flexibility in terms of deployment.
  • Community Support
    Being an open-source project with a presence on GitHub, it benefits from community contributions and peer support.
  • Frequent Updates
    The repository is actively maintained with updates and improvements, ensuring stability and the addition of new features.

Possible disadvantages of Linux Wifi Hotspot

  • Technical Expertise Required
    Setting up and configuring a Linux-based hotspot might require technical knowledge and command-line skills, making it less accessible for beginners.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Compatibility issues may arise with certain WiFi adapters or hardware, requiring manual troubleshooting or driver installation.
  • Limited Documentation
    Documentation may not be as comprehensive as commercial alternatives, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve for new users.
  • Not User-Friendly
    Lacks the intuitive, user-friendly interface often found in commercial software, possibly leading to a less streamlined user experience.

hostapd videos

Script to Create a Wifi Hotspot with Hostapd and udhcpd on Linux - wireless router access point

More videos:

  • Review - FreeBSD hostapd awkward problem: WiFi network "vanishes".

Linux Wifi Hotspot videos

No Linux Wifi Hotspot videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to hostapd and Linux Wifi Hotspot)
Log Management
43 43%
57% 57
Monitoring Tools
43 43%
57% 57
API Tools
44 44%
56% 56
Development
58 58%
42% 42

User comments

Share your experience with using hostapd and Linux Wifi Hotspot. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Linux Wifi Hotspot seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 23 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

hostapd mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of hostapd yet. Tracking of hostapd recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Linux Wifi Hotspot mentions (23)

  • How do I create a hotspot while connected to WiFi network (AP)
    There are some GUIs out there like https://github.com/lakinduakash/linux-wifi-hotspot but I've never tried them. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Questions regarding 5GHz WiFi Hotspots
    Na, not an issue. I create them from kde network applet itself. There are some utilities like linux-wifi-hotspot that I have had good experience with and work with any DE. Source: about 2 years ago
  • The good ending
    Do you mean for creating a hotspot? I’ve never tried doing that but have you looked into using various packages out there such as this one instead of the hotspot tool that ubuntu provides by default? Source: about 2 years ago
  • hotspot/adhoc plugin request. or how do I create a plugin?
    I want to add https://github.com/lakinduakash/linux-wifi-hotspot as a plugin for decky loader. I'm very much still new to Linux. Although I do run Ubuntu on my jellyfin server and have some basic experience with that. If someone could ether add this as a plugin or give me some sources to read and watch to do it my self that would be awesome! Source: about 2 years ago
  • Any tips for a starter to Ubuntu
    I have something better than a tip. I have the answer to a possible problem you may or may not experience at some point down the road. That is creating a working Hotspot using the same wifi card that's already in use and connected to a wifi already. Similar to windows 10. Let me 1st say this is not my work I did not create this. I was told it's not possible I even asked this sub and I got the same answers it's not... Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing hostapd and Linux Wifi Hotspot, you can also consider the following products

Connectify Hotspot - Connectify Me hotspot is a PC app that turns your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

mHotspot - mHotspot is a completely free software which converts your windows 7 & 8 laptop into a virtual wifi router and creates a secure wifi hotspot.

Virtual Router Plus - Download Virtual Router Plus Windows Wifi Hotspot for free.

create_ap - The create_ap script combines hostapd, dnsmasq and iptables to create a Bridged/NATed WiFi Access...

AndroidWifi - To read the update messages on this guide click here   A few months back, I bought an android phone. I found android was way better tha...

MyPublicWiFi - MyPublicWiFi is easy and unobtrusive software that turns your desktop/laptop into a Wi-Fi wireless access point.