Real-time network path view
See the path from your Mac through the router and ISP with real-time telemetry for connection points, bandwidth, latency, and status.
PeakHour 6
PeakHour 6 is a macOS network bandwidth and connection monitor that visualizes the path from your Mac through the router and ISP. It helps users investigate intermittent connectivity, track bandwidth and latency over time, and monitor multiple network targets from the menu bar.
Network monitoring from the Mac
PeakHour 6 is a network bandwidth and connection monitor for macOS. It provides a real-time view of the network path from a Mac to its router, ISP, and beyond, combining bandwidth, latency, connection status, and local Wi-Fi information in one desktop app.
The app is designed for diagnosing intermittent connectivity, observing local and internet-facing network behavior, and tracking changes over time. It runs in the menu bar, supports multiple monitoring targets, and uses lightweight probes and periodic SNMP or UPnP queries rather than routing network traffic through the app.
Network visibility and diagnostics
On-device AI Network Advisor
An on-device advisor assigns a letter grade to the connection and explains detected issues in plain language.
Wi-Fi and local network intelligence
View Wi-Fi signal strength, transmit rate, channel information, Ethernet link speed, and other local network details.
Speed tests and historical analysis
Run speed tests with traditional measurements and RPM Responsiveness scores, then review longer-term bandwidth and latency history charts.
Menu bar monitoring and alerts
Keep current bandwidth, latency, and connection status in the macOS menu bar, with alerts when the connection drops and recovers.
Multiple-target monitoring
Monitor routers, remote servers, ISP gateways, and other supported targets through SNMP, UPnP, or the Mac's network interface, with configurable polling and alert settings.
Practical uses
Investigating unstable internet
Use the network-path view, latency telemetry, and outage notifications to identify whether an intermittent problem appears between the Mac, router, ISP, or a more distant connection point.
Comparing network targets
Watch multiple devices or gateways at once to compare local and remote conditions when checking a router, firewall, remote server, or more than one ISP connection.
Tracking performance over time
Review bandwidth and latency history, speed-test results, and RPM Responsiveness scores to understand recurring congestion or changes that a one-time speed test may miss.
Day-to-day connection awareness
Keep a compact status view in the menu bar and receive alerts when a connection drops or returns, without opening a full monitoring window for every check.
Diagnosing local Wi-Fi conditions
Use Wi-Fi signal, channel, transmit-rate, and local link information alongside the AI-generated connection explanation when narrowing down a wireless or local-network issue.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Maps network conditions from the Mac through the router and ISP instead of showing only a single speed-test result.
- Combines live bandwidth and latency monitoring with historical charts, speed tests, and connection alerts.
- Provides on-device connection grading and plain-language explanations through the AI Network Advisor.
- Supports multiple targets, including routers, remote servers, and ISP gateways.
- Offers menu bar status information and configurable polling, thresholds, layout, and notification rules.
Cons
- Requires macOS 14.6 Sonoma or later.
- Advanced monitoring may depend on router support for SNMP or UPnP; direct Mac interface monitoring is also available.
- The available purchase and support workflow is tied to the Mac App Store and Apple ID.
FAQ
How is PeakHour 6 set up for bandwidth monitoring?
PeakHour 6 can monitor bandwidth through SNMP on most routers, UPnP on compatible routers, or by reading the Mac’s network interface directly. Its setup wizard recommends the appropriate option for the configuration.
Does PeakHour 6 affect network performance?
No. The app uses lightweight ICMP pings and periodic SNMP or UPnP queries. The site states that this typically consumes less than 1 KB/s of bandwidth.
Can PeakHour 6 monitor multiple network targets?
Yes. You can monitor multiple targets at the same time, including a router, a remote server, and multiple ISP gateways.
Which Macs and macOS versions are supported?
PeakHour 6 requires macOS 14.6 Sonoma or later and runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs as a Universal Binary.
How does the trial and purchase process work?
Download PeakHour 6 from the Mac App Store and open it; the trial starts automatically without signup. After the trial ends, the app displays its purchase screen. Purchases are billed through Apple, and existing purchases can be restored with the same Apple ID.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Network monitoring and diagnostics
- Platform
- macOS 14.6 Sonoma or later
- Processor support
- Apple Silicon and Intel; Universal Binary
- Monitoring methods
- SNMP, UPnP, or direct Mac network-interface readings
- Primary workflow
- Menu bar monitoring with real-time telemetry, alerts, and historical charts
- Distribution
- Mac App Store
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