Below are 10 free firewall programs worth checking out.
TinyWall
No annoying pop-ups.
Easily create exceptions with the auto-learn feature.
Amin Yusifov / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Open source with zero ads.
No protection against exploit attacks.
Must create exceptions for web-enabled programs you use.
Might be blocked from downloading by your web client.
Comodo Firewall
Reasonably priced and streamlined for cybersecurity novices.
Integrates well with the Comodo Dragon secure online window.
Automatic sandboxing is disabled by default.
Offers no defense from exploit attacks.
Tries to make changes to your home page and search engine unless you deselect that option during setup.
I especially appreciate how easy it is to add programs to the block or allow list.
However, there are also very specific, advanced tweaks, if you want to use them.
Comodo Firewall has aRating Scanoption to scan all running processes to show how trustworthy they are.
This is especially useful if you suspect that some kind of malware is running on your box.
you’re able to also see all your box’s running applications and services from this window.
It might take longer than you’re used to for it to install.
PeerBlock
Easy to toggle on and off.
Blocks most ads and pop-ups from websites.
Not updated or supported.
Need basic IT knowledge to set it up.
it’s possible for you to even block entire countries and organizations!
you might make your own list of addresses to block, oruse several free ones from I-BlockList.
Some lists are also available during installation.
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
Includes 5GB of free cloud backup.
Integrates with many other security programs.
Highest security setting flags everything, including safe programs.
No exploit attack protection.
Must skip offers during setup to avoid installing other things.
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is the basic version of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall but just without the antivirus portion.
During setup, you’re given the option to install with one of two security types:AUTO-LEARNorMAX SECURITY.
I tested this program in Windows 10, but it should work fine in other Windows versions, too.
GlassWire
Really simple to use.
Block programs in one click.
Not all features you see are free to use.
Can’t block all apps at once.
Missing advanced customizations like port blocking rules.
There’s also a snooze option to disable all notifications for 24 hours.
Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP are supported.
You canget the latest GlassWire release here, for Windows 11, 10, and 8.
Privatefirewall
Detailed help file with links to cybersecurity resources.
Easy for anyone to configure.
Cluttered, text-heavy interface.
Need administrator privileges to save updates to the default destination.
Last update was in 2013.
There are three profiles in Privatefirewall, allowing for easy switching between unique controls and firewall rules.
The list of applications that are allowed or blocked is very easy to recognize and alter.
It’s not confusing in the slightest.
It’s said to work on Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.
AVS Firewall
Intuitive interface, lots of customization options.
Monitor all traffic coming to and from your web connection.
No major updates in a long time.
Their registry cleaner installs during setup unless you deselect it manually.
AVS Firewall has a very friendly interface and should be easy enough for anyone to use.
Allowing and denying specific IP addresses, ports, and programs couldn’t be easier.
you might add these manually or browse through a list of running processes to choose one from there.
you’re free to password protect this section of AVS Firewall to prevent unauthorized changes.
This program works in Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
NetDefender
Straight-forward installation process.
Block or allow all incoming traffic with the click of a button.
Some features can be buggy.
Free version no longer supported by its developers.
Still, it’s a useful program if you’re running an older version of Windows.
This means you could block FTP or any other port from being used on the web link.
It did, however, fail to start in Windows 11.
R-Firewall
Create different configurations and easily switch between them.
No longer being developed.
Sometimes blocks legitimate programs.
A wizard helps apply rules to several programs at once by detecting the software that’s currently installed.
It worked for me in Windows XP, but not in Windows 11.
It’s possible it’ll work in other Windows operating systems, but I can’t confirm that.
Ashampoo FireWall
Comes packaged with other security tools.
Hides all its main processes.
It’s been discontinued.
Consistently fails leak tests.
Only works reliably with Windows XP and 2000.
TheLearning Modefeature is wonderful because it assumes everything should be blocked.
I like theBlock Allfeature in this software because clicking it immediately halts all incoming and outgoing connections.
You must request a free license code to use this program.
Ashampoo FireWall only works with Windows XP and Windows 2000.
This is yet another reason this free firewall sits at the bottom of my list!
