It doesn’t matter whether you are using WiFi or ethernet; you must monitor the data usage if you have a limited internet bandwidth. Let’s admit that when we are online, we tend to get carried away and sometimes end up exhausting the whole month’s internet package within a few days.
These habits can be disturbing, but they can easily be controlled using a proper data monitoring app. There are lots of Windows 10/11 applications available out there that let you monitor your internet usage. In this article, we have decided to share some of the best Windows apps to track internet usage.
10 Best Tools To Monitor Internet Usage in Windows
So, if you have a limited broadband plan, check out the best free programs to monitor internet usage daily, weekly, and monthly.
1. NetBalancer
NetBalancer is a top-rated and advanced program to monitor internet usage in the Windows 10/11 operating system.
With this app, you can easily monitor multiple network adapters. The tool can also be used to monitor system services. The premium version allows you to set speed limits for each running process.
2. Glasswire
If you are searching for a Windows tool to check your current and past network activities, Glasswire might be your best pick. It presents a detailed overview of all your internet activity in graphs.
It also lets you go back up to 30 days to see which apps and processes have caused a spike in network activity. It also enables you to create firewall rules.
3. NetTraffic
NetTraffic is a lightweight, extremely powerful data monitoring tool for Windows. With this tool, you can track bandwidth data on multiple network adapters, LANs, and WiFi connections.
However, the app has a few drawbacks, like it doesn’t track the users or the apps. It also has a floating widget that shows the necessary details per your preference.
4. Shaplus Bandwidth Meter
It’s one of the best and most lightweight software to monitor internet activity on a Windows computer.
Once installed, the tool remains in the system tray and displays the bandwidth usage of Now, Today, and This Month. It’s fairly simple to use and ideal for those with limited bandwidth broadband/ADSL connection.
5. Net Guard
It’s the most powerful internet monitoring software on the list. It’s one of the most advanced bandwidth monitoring tools available for the Windows operating system. It has many unique tracking features that help you watch the system’s network bandwidth.
The tool also lets you set a global network limit. Apart from that, it also has a floating widget that shows real-time network data usage.
6. BitMeter OS
If you are searching for the best, free, open-source bandwidth monitoring tool for Windows, try BitMeter OS.
With BitMeter OS, you can easily track how much you use your internet bandwidth. The tool is extremely lightweight and runs in the background without slowing down your device.
7. FreeMeter Bandwidth Monitor
FreeMeter Bandwidth Monitor is a portable tool to monitor the download/upload speed & bandwidth. Since it’s a portable tool, you can store the FreeMeter Bandwidth Monitor on a USB flash drive and run it on any computer. The tool is lightweight and doesn’t strain the computer’s overall performance.
8. NetWorx
NetWorx from Softperfect is another best bandwidth monitoring tools that you can use on Windows 10. The tool mainly collects bandwidth usage reports and measures internet speed. NetWorx also supports cable modems, ADSL, Wi-Fi cards, and more.
9. NetSpeedMonitor
Well, NetSpeedMonitor adds an internet speed meter tool right on the taskbar. The taskbar meter shows the upload and download speed in real-time.
You can even open the NetSpeedMonitor panel to check more details like bandwidth usage, app-based data usage, etc.
10. Cucusoft Net Guard
It’s a free bandwidth monitoring tool for Windows that you can use today. Cucusoft Net Guard is more useful because it tells you about the app or processes using your internet.
With Cucusoft Net Guard, you can easily monitor your broadband usage. The tool can also set up a monthly limit for internet traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to monitor your internet usage on Windows is by using the Task Manager. You can open Task Manager from the Windows search and check the Network tab. This will show you all the apps using your internet.
Yes, monitoring WiFi usage on a Windows computer is very easy. You can check the Data Usage Settings of Windows from Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Data Usage. Or else, you can use the tools mentioned to monitor your WiFi usage.
To check your daily internet usage on your laptop, open Windows Settings and navigate to the Network & internet > Data Usage > View Usage per app. The third-party tool NetworkUsageView also shows the daily network usage in Windows 10.
Yes, all tools mentioned in the article are safe to download and use. Just make sure to download them from trusted sources or their official website.
You can set up a metered connection in Windows 10 to limit the data usage in Windows. We have shared a detailed guide on how to limit data usage on Windows 10. Make sure to go through that post to know the steps.
So, these are the best Windows 10/11 apps to monitor internet usage. I hope this article helped you! Please share it with your friends also.
Netspeedmonitor is incompatible with Windows 10