Security & Privacy·Standings

Compare Personal Firewalls

Personal firewalls help control network connections on a device; the key choices are whether the software supports your platform and fits your budget.

Compare the signal score out of 10, then check the API, open-source and free-tier marks. These marks can help you assess access, code availability and whether you can try a free plan.

  • 17 platforms
  • 13 with a free tier
  • Checked 23 Oct 2026
  1. 1
    O
    OpenSnitchgithub.com

    OpenSnitch is a GNU/Linux interactive application firewall inspired by Little Snitch.

    7.3 APIOpenFree Free tier
  2. 2
    G
    GlassWireglasswire.com

    A firewall and traffic monitor for Android, Windows, and the web, with a free plan.

    6.6 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $2.99/mo
  3. 3
    P
    Portmastersafing.io

    A firewall for Linux, macOS, and Windows with app rules, alerts, and a free plan.

    6.6 APIOpenFree Free tier · from €40/yr
  4. 4
    M
    Murusmurusfirewall.com

    A macOS firewall with advanced two-way controls, a free plan, and paid upgrades.

    6.3 APIOpenFree Free tier
  5. 5
    S
    simplewallgithub.com

    simplewall is a tool for configuring the Windows Filtering Platform to control network activity on a computer.

    6.3 APIOpenFree Free tier
  6. 6
    A
    AFWall+github.com

    AFWall+ is an open-source firewall app that controls which apps can access the internet on rooted Android devices.

    6.2 APIOpenFree Free tier · $9.99 one-time
  7. 7
    FA
    Firewall App Blockersordum.org

    A free Windows firewall tool with advanced two-way app blocking and rules.

    6.2 APIOpenFree Free tier
  8. 8
    R
    RethinkDNSrethinkdns.com

    A DNS service and Android app for blocking domains and managing app connections.

    6.1 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $1.75/mo
  9. 9
    T
    TinyWalltinywall.pados.hu

    A lightweight free Windows firewall with whitelist tools, timed rules, and no blocking popups.

    6.0 APIOpenFree Free tier
  10. 10
    ZF
    ZoneAlarm Free Firewallzonealarm.com

    The firewall monitors incoming and outgoing traffic to block potential threats.

    6.0 APIOpenFree Free tier
  11. 11
    RS
    Radio Silenceradiosilenceapp.com

    Radio Silence is a firewall and network monitor for Mac that lets users block apps from accessing the internet.

    5.9 APIOpenFree $9 one-time
  12. 12
    V
    Vallumvallumfirewall.com

    Vallum is an application firewall for macOS that intercepts inbound and outbound app connections.

    5.9 APIOpenFree $15 one-time
  13. 13
    LS
    Little Snitchobdev.at

    Little Snitch shows where a Mac connects to the Internet and lets the user allow or deny connections.

    5.8 APIOpenFree From €59/mo
  14. 14
    L
    LuLuobjective-see.org

    A no-cost tool for macOS that lets you set rules for apps' outgoing network connections.

    5.8 APIOpenFree Free tier
  15. 15
    N
    NetLimiternetlimiter.com

    A Windows traffic manager that monitors connections, blocks apps, and controls bandwidth.

    5.7 APIOpenFree Free tier
  16. 16
    N
    NetGuardMarcel Bokhorst
    4.9 APIOpenFree Free tier
  17. 17
    WD
    3.8 APIOpenFree —

Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this board are open to sponsors. Take #1 · Other ways to advertise

How to choose

Which platform does it need to run on?

Start by checking that the firewall supports the device you want to protect. The listed platforms include Windows, macOS, Android, web and Linux.

NetGuard is listed for Android. Confirm the platform details for any other tool before choosing it.

Can I use a personal firewall for free?

Yes, free plans are available, including AFWall+, LuLu and Portmaster.

Check the pricing note for limits or paid options. Portmaster also lists a paid plan from €8 per month.

Can I try a personal firewall before paying?

Some tools list a free trial, so check the terms and length before you commit. NetLimiter lists a 28-day trial, while Radio Silence lists a 1-day trial.

Should I look for an API or open-source code?

Check the API and open-source marks if you need a public way to connect another app or want to review the code. A free plan is a separate question: it tells you whether a no-cost plan is listed.

Questions

What does a personal firewall do?

A personal firewall is software for controlling network connections on a device. Check its supported platform before choosing one.

Which personal firewall works on Android?

NetGuard is listed for Android. Confirm platform support for other tools before choosing.

Are there free personal firewalls?

Yes. AFWall+, LuLu and Portmaster are examples with a listed free plan.

Which personal firewall has a free trial?

NetLimiter lists a 28-day trial, and Radio Silence lists a 1-day trial. Check the terms before starting.

How is the personal firewall signal score calculated?

The score is out of 10 and reflects maker-published information about usage, public API access, documentation depth, open-source code and a free tier.

Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure