If you own a recent Android, there is a big chance that you have heard the phrase “Tethering” been thrown around. Tethering is a feature in Android phones which helps you share your phones internet connection with other devices around you. You can tether using a USB connection or via Wifi. Some tethering options on Android require rooting and some don’t . For most people, PdaNet is the best tethering option because it’s reliable, accessible, easy to install and use, and easy to troubleshoot.
Features
- Offers wired tethering over USB or wireless tethering via Bluetooth to Windows and Mac OS systems
- Displays data usage in real-time
- Does not require rooting your handset to work.
- Includes an SMS agent so you can send and receive SMS messages while tethered to your computer
- Attempts to hide your tethering from your mobile carrier so you don’t get in trouble for using it without a tethering plan.
- Free to use for 14 days, but after the trial expires, you won’t be able to access secure web sites (sites that use SSL or require a login) without purchasing a license
Pros
The 14-day trial is free, so you can get a feel for how well the app runs for you before deciding to purchase it, it supports Mac OS and Windows systems, and you have the option of tethering either wired via USB or wireless via Bluetooth. It’s easy to use, easy to install on your desktop and on your phone, and it doesn’t require root access to run, which is a huge point in its favor. What makes PdaNet a real winner here though is that it’s easy to set up, easy to use, more reliable than any of the other tethering apps we’ve tried, and has support options available for you if you run into trouble.
Cons
It lacks the ability to tether to your device over Wi-Fi, which is a bit of a disappointment. Plus, the $16 price tag may be steep for some people, but we think it’s well worth the price of admission. Still, when put alongside other apps in the market that are free, it’s worth considering. Finally, PdaNet requires a desktop client to work—meaning you have to have the companion app installed on your Mac or Windows PC and they both have to be running when you want to tether. It’s not a big deal, but it’s definitely a pain if you’re on the road, need internet access, and forgot to install the PdaNet client on the computer you want to get to the internet with.
