TechJunkie Expert Recommendations
TechJunkie is supported by our readers. When you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Read More.
Every device should have firewall software installed, whether it’s a computer, a tablet, or a mobile device. Your device’s firewall helps keep all your data safe while protecting your device from unauthorized traffic. Firewalls are commonly used by individual users, businesses, large corporations, and government websites.
When searching for the proper firewall for your device, you should keep a few things in mind. One of the most important aspects is that your firewall should be able to protect any device connected to the internet. Along with the vital 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 provide a comprehensive list of some of the best free firewall programs you can install on your device in 2022.
Comodo Firewall is one of the best firewall programs you can find. You can download it for free if you only care about having a firewall, but they do have a yearly plan that costs $29.99 for those who want maximum security. The installation process is relatively straightforward and 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 effortlessly create a list of programs to either block or add. This firewall is highly recommended, especially when you take all of these aspects into consideration.
Easy to install and useCompatible with all versions of Windows24/7 chat supportPersonalized alerts
Requires configuringExploit attack protection isn’t includedThose who want maximum security need the plaid plan
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 unique is that it’s incredibly 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 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.
Requires minimal resources and spaceAllows for safe operationsNo ads, limitations, or necessary updatesQuick installationExploit attack protection isn’t includedManual 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 inform you if any apps start importing questionable traffic.
You will receive notifications when an unknown device joins your Wi-Fi network. Another helpful 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 and 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).
Easy to useOne-click blockingMonitoring average bandwidth usageNotifications of network-related changesAvailable for AndroidBlocking all apps at once isn’t possibleSome features are only available for the premium versions
ZoneAlarm Firewall is a solid option that will keep all your data safe. It has a free version, which offers reliable protection for your computers. Not only does it protect your Windows system, 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 your PC is connected to 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. ZoneAlarm has an impressive track record of being installed 20 million times. For those with cash to spend, you can get the ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall for $22.95 per year. It has everything the free version offers and additional features like advanced-access protection, advanced settings control, component control, 24/7 online support, expert rules, and zero ads.
5GB of free cloud backupEasy to useHigh-speed performanceQuick installationCompatible for mobile devicesFree version has limitations
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 you can make a list of URLs that are acceptable for your child and a blacklist of sites they are prohibited from visiting. 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, and any changes made in the PC registry.
Compatible with all versions of WindowsPop-up and ad blocker featureParental control optionsPC registry protectionCould mistakenly flag safe apps as a threat
1964 Articles Published
We're not just tech junkies, but we're also tech experts. Each and every "Best of.." list on TechJunkie is curated by our content-area subject matter experts to provide a well-rounded, unbiased perspective to help and inform you, our reader. Our lists are constantly reviewed and updated, so you can be sure you're reading relevant and up to date information.
Copyright @2021 TechJunkie
Copyright @2021 TechJunkie
If you don’t see an app that should be here, let us know what it is
