8 Must-Have Wake-On-LAN Tools to Remotely Power Up PCs

As an IT professional, I know how invaluable yet challenging it can be to manage devices remotely. One technology that provides invaluable remote access is Wake-on-LAN (WOL). With WOL properly configured, you can power on devices from anywhere with the click of a button.

In this post, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at the top 8 Wake-on-LAN tools available. I‘ll share my insights as an IT analyst and geek to help you determine which solution best fits your needs. Let‘s dive in!

An Essential Introduction to Wake-on-LAN

Before we get into the tools, I want to provide a quick overview of how Wake-on-LAN works for anyone unfamiliar with the technology.

WOL allows a device to be powered on remotely by sending special network packets, called magic packets. These packets contain the MAC address of the destination device repeated 16 times.

When the computer receives this magic packet, even in a low-power sleep state, it will power on. Pretty cool right?

For this to work, both the hardware and software on a device must support Wake-on-LAN:

Hardware: The network interface card, BIOS, and other components must be WOL-compatible and enabled.
Software: The operating system needs WOL drivers installed and enabled.

With both the hardware and software configured properly, your devices can receive the magic packets and wake up remotely. The packets are sent over UDP on port 9.

Now let‘s look at some excellent tools that make WOL easy and accessible.

1. ManageEngine Wake-on-LAN – Straightforward and Reliable

ManageEngine Wake-on-LAN is one of the most popular free solutions. It allows waking multiple computers by IP or MAC address through an intuitive web interface.

Here are some of the key benefits ManageEngine WOL provides:

Easy to use interface – The straightforward dashboard makes waking devices a breeze.
Group-based waking – Define computer groups for waking multiple devices simultaneously.
Free for up to 5 devices – No licensing required for small networks.
Integration with Desktop Central – Unlock advanced scheduled waking and automation.

I really appreciate the simplicity and reliability of ManageEngine Wake-on-LAN. For remote workers or small offices that need basic WOL access, this tool does the trick admirably.

The integration with Desktop Central also allows scaling to advanced automation when needed. Overall, ManageEngine Wake-on-LAN is my top recommendation for straightforward, no-fuss Wake-on-LAN.

2. SolarWinds Engineer‘s Toolset – Feature-Packed

For more robust features, the Engineer‘s Toolset by SolarWinds is a stellar choice. It provides both manual and automated WOL capabilities.

Here are some standout features:

Scheduled wake-ups – Set waking to run on schedules and recurrences.
Centralized dashboard – Wake devices and view status from one pane of glass.
Mapping and groups – Organize devices for easy management.
30-day free trial – Test drive the toolset.

I especially like the ability to schedule and automate wake-ups for things like off-hours maintenance. This removes the need for late night logins to wake devices manually!

For any network using SolarWinds products, the Engineer‘s Toolset is a natural fit for Wake-on-LAN. The deep integration allows seamless remote power operations.

3. Microsoft Wake-On-LAN – Seamlessly Integrated

If you use Windows devices, Microsoft‘s Wake-On-LAN tool integrates seamlessly. It provides reliable magic packets tailored specifically for Windows.

Key features include:

Made by Microsoft – Designed for Windows infrastructure.
Simple interface – Quickly wake devices right from Windows.
Free download – Available in Microsoft Store.
Windows-only – Works on Windows 10 and Server 2016+.

For all-Windows environments, it‘s hard to beat the seamless integration of Microsoft‘s own WOL utility. It‘s easy to install and use from any Windows machine.

For small teams with Windows devices, this first-party tool is a quick way to enable Wake-on-LAN. It avoids the need to install any third-party software.

4. EMCO Wake-On-LAN – Automation Powerhouse

If you manage Wake-on-LAN at scale, EMCO offers robust enterprise-grade capabilities. It allows in-depth automation of WOL jobs.

Key features:

Scheduled waking – Set wakeup times, rules, and recurrences.
Trigger-based waking – Wake on system events and alerts.
Automatic MAC discovery – Detect devices on the network.
Wake across subnets – Magic packets beyond local networks.
30-day free trial

EMCO Wake-on-LAN brings automation power for advanced WOL implementations. I like the flexibility to wake systems based on schedules, network triggers, device alerts, and more.

For managed service providers and complex environments, this automation-centric WOL tool is worth a close look. The free trial lets you experience the enterprise-level features firsthand.

5. Wake-On-LAN Android App – WOL in Your Pocket

For easy Wake-on-LAN from your Android phone or tablet, I recommend the Wake On LAN app. As long as your mobile device is on the same network as your PCs, you can wake them anytime, anywhere.

I find the key features very useful:

Intuitive app interface – Simple and easy WOL from your device.
Widget for one-tap waking – Wake devices right from your home screen.
Device organization – Logical groups to manage multiple devices.
Tasker integration – Automate based on triggers like location, time, events, etc.
Free download

This app brings Wake-on-LAN convenience right to your pocket. Instead of logging into a desktop, just launch the app and tap to wake systems instantly.

For personal use and managing home/office computers, this mobile WOL utility is indispensable. I never leave home without it!

6. AquilaWOL – Enterprise-Grade Features

On the enterprise end of the spectrum, AquilaWOL stands out by providing unique capabilities. These include:

Wake-over-WAN – Power up devices outside the LAN.
Network discovery – Automatically map devices for simplified management.
Command line interface – Automate Wake-on-LAN tasks.
Event logging – Review WOL history and troubleshoot issues.
30-day free trial

I‘m especially impressed by AquilaWOL‘s Wake-over-WAN functionality. This allows waking devices anywhere across the internet, instead of only locally on a LAN.

The network discovery tools are also invaluable for automating device detection. This removes the need for manual IP/MAC logging.

For advanced Wake-on-LAN at scale, AquilaWOL delivers enterprise-ready power. It‘s an outstanding choice for teams managing complex environments and distributed networks.

7. MATCODE Wake-On-LAN – Simple Yet Powerful

On the simpler end of the spectrum, MATCODE Wake-On-LAN provides streamlined magic packet sending. The portable executable allows Wake-on-LAN from any Windows machine.

Benefits include:

Small portable .exe – No installation required.
Wake by IP or name – Easy device targeting.
Optional password – Adds security to WOL packets.
Command line usage – Automates Wake-on-LAN tasks.
Free download

I appreciate the simplicity and portability of MATCODE for no-fuss Wake-on-LAN access. For travelling technicians or temporary workstations, the single executable delivers instant WOL capabilities. It‘s a must-have for any IT pro‘s toolkit.

Though basic, MATCODE provides reliable magic packet transmission for both individual devices or scripted automation. Don‘t let the small package fool you – this tool packs a serious WOL punch.

8. NirSoft WakeMeOnLan – The Portable WOL Master

Similar to MATCODE, WakeMeOnLan from NirSoft provides streamlined Wake-on-LAN in a portable executable. It allows powering on devices by MAC address, IP, or name.

Key features:

Lightweight .exe file – No installation required.
Wake by MAC, IP, or name
Network scanner – Identify devices for waking.
Command line interface – Automate WOL tasks.
Free download

Like MATCODE, I really appreciate the simplicity of WakeMeOnLan for quick WOL access from any device. For travel or temporary workstations, just transfer the .exe file and start waking systems in seconds.

This tool also provides handy network scanning capabilities to identify local devices for magic packet sending. Overall, WakeMeOnLan is a must-have for any technical toolkit.

Key Criteria for Selecting a Wake-on-LAN Tool

With the many excellent Wake-on-LAN tools available, choosing the right one depends on your specific technical environment and business needs. Here are some key factors I recommend considering:

Supported operating systems – Make sure the tool works with all your devices like Windows, Mac, Linux machines.
On-premise vs. cloud – On-prem tools allow customization while cloud simplifies access. Evaluate your infrastructure.
Automation capabilities – If you manage WOL at scale, choose tools with robust scheduling, triggers, etc.
Mobile functionality – Mobile apps allow WOL from anywhere.
Advanced features – Some tools support Wake-on-WAN, across subnets, etc. Consider if you need these.
Budget – Paid tools offer more features while free options allow basic WOL access.

I also highly recommend confirming your hardware supports Wake-on-LAN before choosing any tools. The target devices need WOL-enabled network cards, BIOS settings, operating system drivers, etc.

The Power of Wake-on-LAN

With rising remote workforces and distributed technology, Wake-on-LAN is an increasingly invaluable capability. The ability to power on devices remotely saves enormous time and headaches.

As you evaluate WOL tools, think about your specific environment and use cases. Prioritize simplicity or advanced functions as needed. There are excellent options across the spectrum.

Hopefully this guide provides a helpful starting point to choose the perfect Wake-on-LAN solution for your needs. I encourage you to try out the free trials and tools available.

Wake-on-LAN can provide amazing time savings, flexibility, and insight into your remote devices. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!