Fing - Network Tools

A Google user

I have used this occasionally for the tools, but this morning a notification popped up from it about the super bowl. Really? It shouldn't even have been running. So I looked at the permissions, and not only can it access location data, it reads my contacts. So it's stealing contact information? Why would a program basically design for pinging the network need contacts. Sounds like spyware to me. I removed it.

B Wull

Started off as a very useful tool. Paired with the Fing Box, you could easily scan your network, identify all of the nodes, and track down issues. As with most of these companies, however, the focus starts out with the customer, but quickly shifts to the shareholders. Focus is now on charging for extra features (even though I signed up for the premium service) rather than maintaining a useful tool. Function has been sacrificed for form too. The app has been dumbified (I know it is not a word) so non-technical users can click shiny buttons, making it pretty useless for it's original user base. A real pity.

Joe Rosse

I made the mistake of getting the Finbox when it was still a Kickstarter. Used to love it and the app, but the combination of a clunky interface and all the ads and upcharges for features that used to be included have turned me off. I thought buying the box would ensure continuity, but now I can't even find my old history. My Fingbox is now acting up, and I'm not planning to replace it.

A Google user

Fing is a valuable tool for the management/administration of a small business, or a home network. In the latter case, it is particularly useful when dealing with multiple sub-networks, such as: a. Devices used for a home office/business; b. Personal home networks; and c. "Internet of Things" devices such as home automation devices, security systems, electronic locks, etc. The Fing device is a puck-shaped gadget about 4.5 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches high. It has an AC-to-DC adapter for power and an RC-45 socket to connect to your router. The primary GUI is intended for use with a smartphone (android or iOS). This is a well-designed app which provides a lot of information about the network. It allows you to assign nicknames to devices, monitor device status, and detect new devices joining your network. Fing will send notifications to your smartphone for numerous network events (including possible security issues), and you can set the conditions that must be met to send you a notification. Fing also maintains a fairly comprehensive log of network events to assist with troubleshooting. As good as the smartphone interface is, Fing also has a web browser interface which comes in handy when small screens and virtual keyboards serve only to slow you down. Fing has several network tools (ping, trace-route, speed-test, etc.), but is not a replacement for more advanced network management applications or your router's configuration and management utilities. However, for users who want a device that conveniently monitors their networks and enables more than basic troubleshooting, Fing, is a very good tool whose firmware and applications software are continually updated by the vendor.

A Google user

REPLY TO DEV: It's not that I'm dissatisfied with the progress of the updates, and I don't want them for free, but I object to paying for things in advance, especially if I don't know whether I'll want or need them. I question the wisdom of paying for promises before results. A one-off payment to ditch the ads is fair. Charging an ongoing fee to do so is extortion. ORIG: The "paid" version is actually a subscription. No outright purchase like others offer. Too bad. Hate ads, so uninstalling.

A Google user

Fing used to be an amazing app when i fist startedcusinn it a few years ago. It was clean and really good at getting me the information I wanted. Now, it feels clutters and this is only made worse by the prompt to sign in and the ads. I miss the old experience. I don't want to have an account sign in and I'd rather pay for a now ad version - particularly if it resembled the app from a couple years ago. And stop trying to push the fingbox!

D H

Was great. Now useless. The addition of intrusive ads and an increasingly clunky interface wasn't great but i put up with it since the core functionality was still there. Now, it can't even find 30% of the devices on a my network. I understand the challenge of monetizing a tool like this but eroding utility to the point of uselessness isn't going to work. Uninstalling. Such a shame...