Best Free Firewall

Every device should come with firewall software installed, whether it’s a computer, a tablet, or a mobile device. Your device’s firewall helps to keep all your data safe, all the while protecting your device from unauthorized traffic. Firewalls are commonly used by individual users, businesses, large corporations, and government websites.

When searching for the right firewall for your device, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind. One of the most important aspects is that your firewall should have the capability to protect any device that’s connected to the internet. Along with the key security features, the firewall should also be easy to set up, use, and update. Other desirable features include personalization options, real-time alerts, reliable customer support, quick performance, and many other tools.

While many firewall tools come with a cost, you can easily find firewall programs that will do the trick just as well and not have to pay a penny for them! This guide will present you with a comprehensive list of the 10 best free firewall programs that you can install on your device right now.

Comodo Firewall is one of the best firewall programs you can find. While it offers a premium plan with firewall and antivirus features for $29.99 a year, you can also download it for free. The installation process is relatively straightforward, and it only takes a couple of minutes.

The reason Comodo Firewall is one of the best options is due to its lengthy list of features. It’s compatible with all versions of Windows, from Windows XP to the latest version of Windows 10. Once you install the firewall on your device, it will immediately start checking for incoming and outgoing network traffic, filtering unauthorized traffic.

Other features include auto-sandbox technology, personalized alerts, cloud-based behavior analysis, a user-friendly interface, and automatic updates. If you experience any issues or have any questions, Comodo Firewall’s 24/7 customer service is there to help. You can also use Comodo Firewall to block ads, and you can effortlessly create a list of programs to either block or add. Taking all of these aspects into consideration, this firewall is highly recommended.

Pros

• Easy to install and use
• Compatible with all versions of Windows
• 24/7 chat support
• Personalized alerts

Cons

• Requires configuring
• Exploit attack protection isn’t included

TinyWall is another popular option for firewall protection. One of the reasons it’s so favored is because it’s 100% free. In other words, you can forget about annoying pop-up ads, artificial limitations, or even necessary updates.

Once you install the program on your device, you’re good to go. Another factor that makes it special is that it’s extremely lightweight, meaning that it doesn’t require too many resources and doesn’t take up too much space on your device (it only takes up 1 MB).

The moment you install the program, it starts to block viruses and any unwanted network traffic. In fact, it can actively remove hundreds of unauthorized worms and host viruses, all the while protecting your data.

Some other helpful features that TinyWall offers include password lockdown of settings, integrated port and domain blocklists, automatic learning mode, host file protection, and much more. What’s more, you have the option to make and update your whitelist and blacklist. When you install TinyWall, the program will run all the time, allowing you to work with no concerns.

Pros

• Requires minimal resources and space
• Allows for safe operations
• No ads, limitations, or necessary updates
• Quick installation

Cons

• Exploit attack protection isn’t included
• Manual whitelisting

Installing GlassWire will instantly let you monitor your PC’s activity, and if it detects any malware or suspicious activity, the program will block it with only one click. This firewall program will also let you know if any of your apps start importing questionable traffic.

You will receive notifications when an unknown device joins your Wi-Fi network. Another useful feature is that this firewall allows you to track your daily, weekly, and monthly bandwidth usage. This refers to the extent to which you have been using certain apps or programs, as well as the incoming and outgoing traffic.

Some other features include multiple server monitoring, discrete alerts, the “ask to connect and lockdown” option, different firewall profiles, and much more. While GlassWire provides several useful features, some options are only available for GlassWire Pro, GlassWire Basic, and GlassWire Elite. This firewall is also available for mobile phones (Android only).

Pros

• Easy to use
• One-click blocking
• Monitoring average bandwidth usage
• Notifications of network-related changes
• Available for Android

Cons

• Blocking all apps at once isn’t possible
• Some features are only available for the premium versions

ZoneAlarm Firewall is a solid option that will keep all your data safe. It offers a free version and the ZoneAlarm Extreme Security for $35.95 a year. ZoneAlarm offers different packages for your home computer and your business. Not only does it protect your Windows (version 7 to 10), but it also provides mobile security for both iOS and Android devices.

The way the program works is by identifying any potential malware or viruses, after which it will shield any open ports. Other safety features include safe browsing and downloading, identity protection, malware blocking, protection from hackers, and many more. It basically makes your device invisible to any threats. Another great feature is the option to evaluate the safety of any Wi-Fi network that your PC is connected to, all the while giving you tips on how to stay safe from cyber-attacks.

You can also set a password for the firewall settings to go a step further, keeping your device 100% safe. Installing this firewall on your device will definitely keep it safe. In fact, ZoneAlarm has an impressive track record of being installed 20 million times.

Pros

• 5GB of free cloud backup
• Easy to use
• High-speed performance
• Quick installation
• Compatible for mobile devices

Cons

• Not all features are free

Owned by Online Media Technologies Ltd, AVS Firewall is available for download from Softpedia, Tucows, or alternative sites that distribute free software. You can install the firewall on your device in a few simple steps, and once you turn it on, you don’t have to worry about your PC’s safety.

The interface is also relatively user-friendly, so anyone can use it effortlessly. One factor that makes AVS Firewall a reliable choice is the option to create custom firewall rules for all your apps and programs. Apart from this feature, AVS also provides parental control options. This means that you can make a list of URLs that are acceptable for your child and a blacklist as well.

AVS Firewall lets you view your incoming and outgoing traffic while allowing you to control its volume. Some other things you can block with this firewall are pop-ups, ads, banners, malicious traffic, as well as any changes made in the PC registry.

Pros

• Compatible with all versions of Windows
• Pop-up and ad blocker feature
• Parental control options
• PC registry protection

Cons

• Could mistakenly flag safe apps as a threat

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of finding and downloading a firewall for your device, we have some good news for you. If you have a Windows, then Windows Defender is already installed on your device, and it’s already actively working by default.

This applies to all Windows versions, except for Windows XP. Windows Defender is a reliable software tool that keeps all your data safe and manages your privacy at the same time. It works through the Windows Security app on your device. One of the latest features of Windows Defender is the Windows Hello option, which uses face recognition software instead of regular passwords.

Other useful features of Windows Defender are the included online safety tools. With Windows Defender, you can limit your or somebody else’s screen time, restrict online purchases, and protect your children from mature content. All of Window Defender’s features are automatically updated, so you can work without having to worry whether the program is doing its job correctly. Even if you want to install another firewall program, Microsoft still recommends leaving the Windows Defender on. Although with Windows Defender, you may not need another firewall.

Pros

• It’s already installed on your Windows device
• No extra cost
• Screen time limit
• Windows Hello face recognition

Cons

• No additional features

Similar to some of the firewall programs on this list, Avast offers a free plan and two more premium packages – Premium Security for $49.99 a year and the Ultimate Avast for 79.99 a year. Even though the two premium plans have additional safety features, the free plan is quite reliable, and more importantly, it gets the job done.

The free Avast firewall provides six layers of security. Furthermore, it’s available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. The installation process is straightforward, and it’s easy to use. What’s more, this firewall’s high-speed performance won’t slow down your device, so you can work in peace. Once installed, Avast starts scanning your device for viruses and any potential threats. If it detects a virus, it instantly blocks it, all the while notifying you about the current situation.

Another useful tool is the Wi-Fi Inspector, where this program automatically detects weaknesses in the Wi-Fi your device is connected to. Marketed as the world’s most trusted antivirus, Avast has 435 million users. It’s definitely a great option to consider to keep your device safe.

Pros

• Compatible with Windows (7, 8, and 10), Mac, Android, and iOS
• Wi-Fi security weaknesses scanning
• Reliable and consistent threat reports
• Easy to install and use

Cons

• Many features are only available for premium packages

PeerBlock is unlike any of the firewall programs mentioned so far. While other firewalls give you the option to block particular apps and programs, PeerBlock actually blocks IP addresses. In other words, it blocks both incoming and outgoing traffic, allowing for maximum security.

PeerBlock can even block organizations! PeerBlock is compatible with all versions of Windows, even the XP version. The installation process might take a little more time, but once it’s completed, you can toggle the program on and off effortlessly. You can start by making a list of all the IP addresses that are acceptable and those which are not.

You can update your whitelist and blacklist at any time. This firewall program requires a very low amount of CPU and space on your device. The tool might seem untrustworthy because it hasn’t been updated for a long time and still has an outdated Windows design. However, PeerBlock works just as well as any other firewall program. Not only that, but it’s very easy to figure the program out because of its simple design.

Pros

• High-level security
• Compatible with all versions of Windows
• Custom whitelists and blacklists

Cons

• Difficult to set up
• It hasn’t been updated for a long time

NetDefender is another free firewall service that is very easy to install and use. Due to its user-friendly interface, you can block unwanted traffic, programs, or any apps you want. Just keep in mind that an app or program has to be running for you to add it to the firewall’s blacklist.

Another useful tool that NetDefender offers is the port-scanner feature. It lets you know which ports are open and how many you should close. You can also block pop-up ads, malware, viruses, and any suspicious activity will be immediately reported.

What’s more, you can do all of this with just one click. Once you install this firewall on your device, you won’t have to worry about your privacy or the safety of your data ever again. Even though NetDefender is intended for Windows 2000 and Windows XP, users have tried installing it on Windows 7 and 8, and it worked just fine on those devices.

Pros

• Quick installation
• Easy to use
• Port-scanner feature
• Several safety features

Cons

• Only available for Windows 2000 and Windows XP
• Some features are limited

Evorim Free Firewall is an excellent program designed to keep all of your data safe. It allows you to monitor every program and app on your device, and it also lets you know when a program on your device accesses the internet.

What’s more, you can set up an authorization request for every app and program you have. Doing this will prevent potentially suspicious malware or site invaders from accessing your network. Evorim also detects viruses and botnets and immediately removes them from your device, allowing you to work safely and with no concerns.

The installation process is quick and easy, and using it is no more difficult. It even monitors background programs, which are constantly running without you even realizing it. This software is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac, and Linux. If you want to secure maximum safety of your data, then Evorim is definitely the right option for you. Remember, it’s only one click away.

Pros

• Protects your device from both external and internal threats
• Simple administration
• Keeps all your activity private
• No extra costs for additional features
• Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux

Cons

• No learning mode
• No option to sort lists