Speedwidget

Speedwidget is a macOS desktop widget that continuously measures internet speed, ping, and stability using minimal data.

Speedwidget is a macOS desktop widget designed for laptops that rely on mobile hotspots and hotel Wi-Fi. It measures internet speed, ping, stability, and data usage with near-zero data consumption by reading kernel byte counters, performing occasional TCP handshakes, and running minimal speed tests. The widget displays real-time connection details, outage tracking, history charts, and provides an API and CLI for scripts and AI agents. All data remains locally on your Mac without requiring accounts or analytics. It sits on the desktop layer and runs automatically at login.

Speedwidget at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, CLI, API, self-hosted, open source
Pricing: Free
Released: November 2026
Category: AI productivity tool
Website: github.com/franzenzenhofer/speedwidget

Key features

Measure speed and ping with historical bars
Track internet outages and connection status
Calculate stability ratings from zero to one hundred
View connection details like Wi-Fi band and signal
Access status JSON and JSONL history files
Run manual speed tests with a mouse click
Copy public IP addresses with a single click

Use it for

Monitor internet speed and stability on mobile hotspots
Track internet outages and connection drops
Check network status before large downloads
Provide connection data to scripts and AI agents

Alternatives to Speedwidget

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Udon — Manages your files and apps locally with an optional AI sysadmin.
Ida — Controls your Mac and apps using voice or text commands with one key.
bytemail — Connects directly to email providers without using intermediary servers.
LLM Usage Desktop Widget — Tracks LLM usage limits directly in the system status bar without manual checks.
Glance for Mac — It brings live scores media controls and command approvals directly to the Mac notch.
Macaroni — Tracks folder changes made by AI agents without writing to files.
Arci — Instant launcher for macOS combining calculations, AI, shortcuts, and clipboard history.
NotchDodo — It keeps timers, calendars, files, and AI agent usage accessible right from the menu bar.

All Speedwidget alternatives