Expert's Rating
Pros
- Stable
- Fast
- Reliable
Cons
- Cell phone hotspot may be handier
- Pro version is pricey
Our Verdict
Connectify Hotspot acts as a software router between whatever internet connection you provide and the other computers connected to your laptop.
Your phone isn’t the only piece of equipment able to share an internet connection with other devices. Windows has been able to do this for years; the problem is getting it accomplished quickly, easily and wirelessly, especially on the go with a laptop system. Connectify Hotspot (two editions, various pricing) provides the tools to do precisely this, acting as a software router between whatever internet connection you provide and the other computers connected to your laptop.
The free Lite version is robust enough for most personal use and includes a simple firewall program to boot. The Pro version lets you use your laptop as a repeater and permits sharing of 3g/4g connections as well as Ethernet and Wifi, plus other benefits outlined in the vendor’s comparison chart. Connectify Hotspot Pro isn’t cheap however, running anywhere from $30 for an annual license to $45 for a lifetime license.
Note: The Download button on the Product Information page takes you to the vendor’s site, where you can download the desired edition of the software.