Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Tower Collector VS OpenSignal

Compare Tower Collector VS OpenSignal and see what are their differences

Tower Collector logo Tower Collector

Collects GPS locations of cell towers and sends them to OpenCellID.org

OpenSignal logo OpenSignal

Mobile analytics and insights on wireless connectivity from Opensignal, the independent global standard for understanding the true state of the world's mobile network.
  • Tower Collector Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-13
  • OpenSignal Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-20

Tower Collector features and specs

  • Open Source
    Tower Collector is open source software, which means users can inspect, modify, and enhance the code according to their needs. This transparency fosters trust and community collaboration.
  • Crowdsourced Data
    The application relies on data collected by users, which helps create a comprehensive database of cell tower information that can benefit everyone involved.
  • No Sign-up Needed
    Users can start using the app without the need for creating an account, ensuring a hassle-free user experience and protecting user privacy.
  • Offline Mode
    Tower Collector supports offline data collection, which is crucial for areas with limited or no internet connectivity.
  • Community-driven Updates
    Regularly updated based on community feedback and contributions, ensuring the software evolves to meet user needs and technological advancements.

Possible disadvantages of Tower Collector

  • Dependent on User Contributions
    The quality and coverage of the data collected by Tower Collector are highly dependent on the number of active users contributing data. If user participation drops, the data may become less reliable.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Though it doesn't require sign-up, the app collects sensitive location data, which could be a concern for privacy-conscious users.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to commercial alternatives, Tower Collector may lack some advanced features and integrations that professional users might require.
  • Technical Expertise Required
    Being an open-source project, some users may need technical expertise to fully utilize or customize the application, which might not be ideal for typical end-users.
  • Potential for Inaccurate Data
    Since data is crowdsourced, there is a risk of collecting inaccurate or outdated information, affecting the overall quality of the database.

OpenSignal features and specs

  • Comprehensive Data Collection
    OpenSignal collects data from millions of devices worldwide, providing a broad and detailed overview of mobile network performance.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to access and understand the data presented.
  • Independent Analysis
    As an independent company, OpenSignal provides unbiased insights into network speed and reliability, which can help consumers make informed decisions.
  • Global Coverage
    OpenSignal provides network performance reports for numerous countries across the globe, making it a valuable tool for international travelers.
  • Regular Updates
    The app frequently updates its data to reflect the most current assessments of network providers’ performances.

Possible disadvantages of OpenSignal

  • Battery Usage
    The app may consume a considerable amount of battery life as it requires constant data collection in the background.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Users might be wary of sharing their location data, even though OpenSignal ensures that data is anonymized.
  • Data Plan Usage
    Continuous data collection could result in higher data usage, potentially affecting users with limited data plans.
  • Coverage Limitations in Sparse Areas
    In less-populated or rural regions, the data collection might be less comprehensive due to fewer contributing users.
  • Variable Data Accuracy
    As data largely depends on user participation and device distribution, accuracy can vary, particularly in less densely populated areas.

Tower Collector videos

Nov 30 min review: Secrets of Great Queens: Old Tower Collector's Edition

More videos:

  • Review - Tower Collector - die neue Mülltrennungsstation von WESCO
  • Review - Trying out Enlightenus II: The Timeless Tower Collector's Edition

OpenSignal videos

What is OpenSignal? How are mobile networks measured? (Telugu)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Tower Collector and OpenSignal)
Mobile Proxies
30 30%
70% 70
Wi-Fi
22 22%
78% 78
Tool
25 25%
75% 75
Tech
24 24%
76% 76

User comments

Share your experience with using Tower Collector and OpenSignal. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenSignal seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 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.

Tower Collector mentions (0)

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

OpenSignal mentions (5)

  • Coverage Critic Coverage Map - Compare Coverage From The Major Networks
    Check cellmapper.net this is the site I always go to ..... Secoond to opensignal.com to get "real device mapping"..... unfortunately both sites are only good as the "users" who have used their respective "apps" around your locale.....though. but through word of mouth the coverage mapping will get better. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Just started working electronics 4 days ago. Any tips from any veterans? Or useful info
    I always tell people about opensignal.com as well as cellmapper.net if they are curious "which network is the best" - it can be complicated for some customers! So tread lightyly or you will end up in "tech support hell" with an 80 year old....lol. Source: over 3 years ago
  • What’s the most reliable service provider in the DC metropolitan area?
    Have you checkd cellmapper.net? or opensignal.com? Unfurtnately the service(s) are only as good as the people that have used the "apps" in that region though....I know when I switched from Virgin Mobile USA to metro years ago, and then to family mobile I used both sites to compare coverage, and it's kinda technical, but interesting....to check your home address, work address, etc.....it's definitely far more... Source: almost 4 years ago
  • FortiGate-40F-3G4G - antenna replacement
    Https://opensignal.com/ - Crowd based signal mapping. Useful for finding generalized signal strength by carrier based on location. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Considering Spectrum Mobile?
    But I'd defintely play around with cellmapper.net and opensignal.com in your local area and see, but verizon is pretttty solid. Source: over 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Tower Collector and OpenSignal, you can also consider the following products

OpenCellID - OpenCelliD is the largest Open Database of Cell Towers & their locations. You can geolocate IoT & Mobile devices without GPS, explore Mobile Operator coverage and more!

CellMapper.net - Crowdsource open collection of mobile towers via app and also visible on the main website https://www.cellmapper.net/map

wigle.net - WiGLE (Wireless Geographic Logging Engine)

Android IMSI-Catcher Detector - Detect attacks of fake base stations such as IMSI-Catcher and StingRay on your GSM/UMTS network.

Profone Tracker - Profone Tracker is one of the first to provide cell phone location tracking using CellID and LAC.

GSM Spy Finder - Detect IMSI/IMEI/TMSI catchers and interception of voice and data over GSM networks