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TL;DR - Hotspot Meter
- Free macOS menu-bar app that tracks Wi-Fi and hotspot data usage in real time
- Provides live speeds, session/network totals, per-network history, and customizable usage alerts
- Private by design, all data stays on-device, nothing is collected or transmitted
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is Hotspot Meter?
Hotspot Meter is a free macOS menu-bar app that tracks Wi-Fi and hotspot data usage in real time. It lives in the menu bar and shows exactly how much data you're using on every network you connect to, with live download and upload speeds, session and network totals, and per-network history. The app is built for anyone on a metered connection, phone hotspots, hotel and café Wi-Fi, travel routers, or any link where every megabyte counts. It offers usage alerts with customizable limits from 100 MB to 10 GB, auto-tracking when joining a hotspot or tethered connection, and flexible menu bar display options (icon only, session total, network total, or both). Hotspot Meter is private by design: all data stays on your Mac, nothing is collected, stored remotely, or transmitted. Location access is requested only because macOS requires it to read the current Wi-Fi network name for per-network grouping, and the app works without it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden costs or premium tiers
- Private and secure, all data is stored locally on the device
- Lightweight and unobtrusive menu bar utility with customizable display options
Cons
- Only available for macOS (no Windows, Linux, or mobile versions)
- Requires location permission to read Wi-Fi network names for per-network grouping
Key Features
Real-time download and upload speed display in the menu barSession and per-network cumulative data totalsPer-network history with cumulative data and first/last-seen datesCustomizable usage alerts with limits from 100 MB to 10 GBAuto-tracking that starts when joining a hotspot or tethered connectionFlexible menu bar display: icon only, session total, network total, or bothLaunches at login with no setup required
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jul 24, 2026
Free
Free
- Live speeds in menu bar
- Session and network totals
- Per-network history
- Usage alerts (100 MB to 10 GB)
- Auto-tracking on hotspot/tether
- Flexible menu bar display
- Launch at login
- Private by design (on-device only)
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Hotspot Meter FAQ
How does Hotspot Meter help someone on a metered connection avoid overage fees?
Hotspot Meter tracks Wi-Fi and hotspot data usage in real time from the macOS menu bar, showing live download and upload speeds, session totals, and network totals. It offers usage alerts with customizable limits from 100 MB to 10 GB, so you get notified before you exceed your data cap.
Which teams benefit most from using Hotspot Meter?
Remote workers, digital nomads, and IT support teams who frequently rely on phone hotspots, hotel Wi-Fi, or travel routers benefit most from Hotspot Meter. Its per-network history and real-time tracking help teams monitor data usage across different connections without leaving the menu bar.
How is Hotspot Meter priced?
Hotspot Meter is completely free to use with no hidden costs or premium tiers. There is no paid plan required to access any of its features.
Can Hotspot Meter track data usage on multiple networks separately?
Yes, Hotspot Meter automatically groups data by network name, showing per-network history and session totals for every Wi-Fi or hotspot you connect to. It requires location permission only because macOS needs it to read the current Wi-Fi network name for this grouping.
Why does Hotspot Meter request location permission on macOS?
Hotspot Meter requests location permission because macOS requires it to read the current Wi-Fi network name for per-network grouping. The app works without this permission, but it will not be able to separate data by network.
What kind of user would find Hotspot Meter's privacy design important?
Users who are privacy-conscious and want to avoid any remote data collection will appreciate Hotspot Meter's design. All data stays on your Mac, nothing is collected, stored remotely, or transmitted.
Does Hotspot Meter offer customizable display options in the menu bar?
Yes, Hotspot Meter provides flexible menu bar display options including icon only, session total, network total, or both. You can choose how much data usage information is visible at a glance.
When would Hotspot Meter automatically start tracking a new connection?
Hotspot Meter automatically starts tracking when you join a hotspot or tethered connection. It also tracks any Wi-Fi network you connect to, making it easy to monitor data usage without manual setup.
Source: hotspot-meter.loam.sk