Operating a public WiFi hotspot is a great way to generate revenue, attract foot traffic, or provide communal internet access. However, managing user sessions, bandwidth limits, and voucher generation requires robust and reliable software. Since MikroTik routers are highly affordable and widely used for localized hotspot deployments, finding a compatible free billing software is a top priority for operators looking to keep overhead low.
In this review, we compare the top 5 free MikroTik captive portal billing tools in 2026, weighing their pros, cons, and technical requirements.
1. VoucherBeam Cloud Hotspot Manager (Free Tier)
VoucherBeam is a modern, lightweight cloud-managed captive portal billing dashboard built specifically for MikroTik routers. Unlike traditional RADIUS servers, it connects securely via the RouterOS API port and eliminates the need to install on-premise hardware or configure complex Linux servers.
- Centralized Cloud Dashboard: Manage multiple router sites and bandwidth limits from a single mobile-friendly portal.
- One-Click Voucher Engine: Generate bulk standard or small-layout vouchers with customizable logos and automatic validity rules.
- Client QR Auto-Login: Print vouchers with unique QR codes, enabling customers to scan and connect instantly without typing pin codes.
- Local Payments Support: Automatically verify Mobile Money (GHS, KES, NGN) payments directly on Paystack.
Verdict: The absolute best option for modern operators who want an easy, set-and-forget cloud system without maintaining local databases or servers.
2. MikroTik User Manager (RouterOS Built-in)
User Manager is MikroTik’s built-in RADIUS server and database manager package. Available directly in RouterOS v6 and v7, it allows operators to create accounts, set limits, and authenticate portal users locally.
- No External Server: Runs entirely on the router, removing external network latency.
- Deep System Integration: Works natively with RouterOS user tables and queues.
- Cons: Limited, legacy web interfaces; eats up router CPU and flash storage, making it prone to crash on low-end models (e.g. hEX, hAP lite) under heavy client loads; no native payment gateway integrations.
Verdict: Best for single-site operators with high-end hardware (e.g., CCR series) who possess strong scripting skills.
3. RADIUSDesk (Open-Source)
RADIUSDesk is a feature-rich, open-source RADIUS management GUI built on top of FreeRADIUS. It is a powerful tool designed for enterprise networks and ISPs.
- Highly Scalable: Can handle thousands of simultaneous active client sessions.
- Advanced Reports: Graphing and visual logs for data consumption and traffic.
- Cons: Extreme technical complexity; requires setting up a dedicated Ubuntu Linux server, configuring SQL databases, and setting up FreeRADIUS from scratch.
Verdict: Ideal for networks with a dedicated systems engineer who enjoys setting up custom Linux infrastructure.
4. EasyWiFi (Free Core Edition)
EasyWiFi is a simplified RADIUS management panel designed to sit in front of FreeRADIUS databases to make voucher creation easier.
- Clean GUI: A much simpler dashboard compared to RADIUSDesk.
- Voucher Templates: Custom layouts for printing vouchers.
- Cons: Requires local server setup; support is virtually non-existent for the free edition; lacks dynamic billing integrations for modern mobile wallets.
Verdict: A good intermediate solution if you already have a local Linux RADIUS server running.
5. YFi Hotspot Manager (Legacy Open-Source)
YFi Hotspot Manager is one of the oldest open-source web interfaces for FreeRADIUS.
- Time-Tested: Stable codebase that has been run on various installations worldwide.
- Cons: Outdated UI; does not support modern RouterOS v7 API changes natively without extensive modifications; lacks support for modern mobile-first payment platforms.
Verdict: Not recommended for new deployments in 2026 due to legacy package dependencies.
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