Top 9 Android Tethering Apps to Connect All Your Devices

It was Android 2.2 Froyo that first brought the option to the OS – the ability to connect a device to another and share the internet connection. Since then things have changed a lot. The 4G Network offers speeds worth sharing and the number of tethering apps on Google Play has increased drastically. That is why we decided to come to the rescue and give you a list of the best tethering apps.

1. ClockworkMod Tether (No Root)

Complete and reliable

From the developer of some of the most highly appreciated apps on the Google Play Store comes this great Tether option that works wonders. The app  is extremely easy to use and offers a highly intuitive interface. It also displays the upload and download rates within the first page – an option that everyone should benefit from. ClockWorkMod Tether requires a carrier’s tethering plan and should work with most devices and carriers.

Here are some of ClockworkMod Tether’s features:

• No root required
• Quick start guides will get things rolling fast
• Fast tethering speeds

Notable Feature: Offers software for Windows, Mac and Linux

Downloads:  5,000,000+

Android Version: 2.2 and up

Size: 991 k

Price: 14 day free trial – Premium version costs $4.99

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2. FoxFi (WiFi Tether w/o Root)

Settings and speed oriented

Another great “no root required” option. FoxFi offers an intuitive interface through a control panel that lets you activate or deactivate features. The app also displays the upload/download speeds. It offers fast speeds and features Bluetooth and WPA2 security.

Here are some of FoxFi’s features:

• No root required
• Quick start guides will get you up and running fast
• Fast tethering speeds

Notable Feature: No other software required

Downloads:  5,000,000 +

Android Version: 2.2 and up

Size: 204 k

Price: Free

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3. Barnacle Wifi Tether

Simple reliability

3.a Free Version

Barnacle WiFi Tether is a great option for creating a Wireless Ad-hoc HotSpot. It is popular among tethering app users, even though it requires a root. As far as speed goes – that depends on your device and connection. It offers all the features anyone would expect from this type of app, including security options.

Here are some of Barnacle WiFi Tether’s features:

• Unlimited, free and open source
• Settings control panel available

Notable Feature: Works with Windows, Mac/iPod/iPad, Linux, Xbox

Downloads:  5,000,000+

Android Version: 1.5 and up

Size: 130 k

Price: Free – Donating will get you a widget

3.b Paid Version ($1.99)

The paid version works as a widget to immediately activate a tether from the convenience of your home screen. This widget saves you time and allows you to contribute to the development team at Barnacle.

Downloads: 5,000-10,000

Android Version: 1.5 and up

Size: 30k

Price: $1.99

 

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4. Tethering Widget

So easy to use…

This is one of the simplest options for tethering on your smartphone. The app is highly useful, and every tethering app user should install it on their device. Tethering Widget offers separate widgets for USB and WiFi tethering. Don’t look for the widget in the app drawer after installing it. Activate it from the widgets tab.

Here are some of Tethering Widget’s features:

• Clean and easy to use
• No advanced permissions required

Notable Feature: Separate widgets for WiFi and USB

Downloads: 1,000,000+

Android Version: 2.2 and up

Size: 224 k

Price: Free

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5. WiFi Tethering

For advance users

WiFi Tethering is one of the most advanced tethering options. The application requires your device be rooted. In return it offers advanced settings through a control panel and a pleasing interface. WiFi Tethering comes with Ad-hoc mode, AP where available, Bluetooth and WPA security. Most users claim that it works flawlessly, but there seems to be problems with devices like the Galaxy S3. Let’s hope the developer is working on solving these issues.

Here are some of the WiFi Tethering App’s features:

• Ad-hoc mode, AP where available, Bluetooth
• Advanced control panel

Notable Feature: Options for conserving battery life

Downloads: 5,000,000+

Android Version: 2.0 and up

Size: 1 M

Price: Free – With a donation option

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6. 1-Click WiFi Tether No Root

The quick control based, root-free option

6.a Free Version

1-Click WiFi Tether No Root is a lightweight app that poses few problems – even for beginners. It offers a shortcut to activate tethering within seconds. The app displays a status bar control for several basic options. One problem we noticed is that it takes the app longer than usual to appear in the status bar.

Here are some of its features:

• No root required
• Quick access through the status bar
• Quick start guide

Notable Feature: Available for Windows, Mac, Ubuntu, Wii, PS3 and a lot more

Downloads: 1,000,000+

Android Version: 2.2 and up

Size: 550 k

Price: Free – Insecure

6.b Paid Version ($9.98)

The paid version doesn’t require a root and it gives you faster connection speeds. The primary reasons this version requires payment is because of the speedy tethering and 1-click hot spot connection.

Downloads: 5,000 – 10,000

Android Version: 2.20 and up

Size: 394k

Price: $9.98

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7. Fast WiFi Tether Free

A rather expensive Pro version

7.a Free Version

This tethering application offers many of the features 1-Click WiFi Tether No Root does. You launch it and wait for it to activate and show up in the status bar. Fast WiFi Tether Free scans for any WiFi connections from devices including your PC, iPad, Linux and about any other WiFi-enabled device.

Here are some of Fast WiFi Tether Free’s features:

• No root required
• Quick access through the status bar
• Works with several WiFi devices

Notable Feature: Available for Windows, Mac, other phones or tablets, Ubuntu, Wii, PS3 and a lot more

Downloads: 500,000+

Android Version: 2.2 and up

Size: 894 k

Price: Free – Insecure

7.b Paid Version ($9.88)

The pro version seems to offer similar features as the free version, but you receive increased speeds and a great 1-click button to start your connections. You also receive a secure connection.

Downloads: 1,000 – 5,000

Android Version: 2.20 and up

Size: 331k

Price: $9.88

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8. Tether It

Feature oriented

8.a Free Version

Tether It was developed to include every tethering feature possible. The new application supports WPA2 security, WiFi, Bluetooth and USB. It also offers a quick tutorial and an easy-to-use interface. One disadvantage is that you have to pay for the Pro version. Other than that, it’s an app worth trying.

Here are some of its features:

• No root required
• Supports WPA2 security
• Works with numerous WiFi devices

Notable Feature: No root required

Downloads: 1,000+

Android Version: 2.2 and up

Size: 156 k

Price: Free limited time trial

8.b Paid Version ($2.99)

The paid version is the actual application. The free version is only a trial and it only lasts for a limited time. All the same features are offered in both versions.

Downloads: 100 – 500

Android Version: 2.20 and up

Size: 165k

Price: $2.99

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9. Easy WiFi Tether

 

Aiming high

Don’t think that by choosing to include the description “Easy” in the app’s name – Easy WiFi Tether lacks any features. Among the long list of options the app supports WiFi, Bluetooth and USB. It even offers a ringer mode widget.

Here are some of the app’s features:

• No root required
• Supports WiFi, Bluetooth, USB and 3G Data
• Flight Mode option

Notable Feature: Shortcuts for multiple features

Downloads: 50,000+

Android Version: 1.0.6 and up

Size: 882 k

Price: Free

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Conclusion

All of these tethering apps work well for users of all experience levels. Some of them require slightly more technical knowledge than others, but a no root option is great for those who want to quickly connect their devices to internet access through their Android phone.

Let us know what you think in the comments section. Do you have any questions about these tethering apps? Did we miss any great tethering apps that you enjoy?