17 Best Free Firewall Software in 2024

The firewall monitors the data transmission between your device and network servers. It detects and blocks any suspicious access attempts via the Internet based on a pre-configured set of rules. Hence, it serves as an efficient protective shield for devices against hacking and malware attacks. Most operating systems come with basic built-in firewalls.

However, it is crucial to use third-party software for additional security layers and more customizable options. Luckily, some incredible apps that are free to use today offer unbreakable protection against cyber-attacks.

In this article, we list the top free firewalls with their features, pros, and cons.

Quick Guide: Top 5 free firewall software

1. Peerblock — This enables you to block the entire list of IPs, is Open Source, and blocks pop-ups and ads from sites.
2. ZoneAlarm — Boasts anti-phishing and safe document download features and offers free 5G cloud backup.
3. TinyWall — An entirely free lightweight firewall software with no annoying pop-ups or ads.
4. Comodo — Offers a fast and hassle-free online experience, blocks all kinds of cyber attacks, and is a go-to product for cybersecurity novices.
5. Sophos XG Firewall Home Edition — Free home version that supports many other Sophos-backed products and boasts an excellent collection of features.

Why do you need a firewall?

A firewall is software or hardware that prevents hackers and certain types of malware from gaining remote access to a computer over the World Wide Web.

Its purpose is to verify information received from the Internet or a local network and block or allow computer access.

The firewall is not the same as an antivirus or anti-malware program.

Firewall programs protect against internet worms and hacker attacks. In contrast, anti-virus programs protect against viruses (as the name suggests), and anti-malware applications shield your device against malicious programs.

You need a firewall if you have a computer connecting to the Internet. It’s as simple as that (given that you value your online projection).

Think of a firewall as a barrier between the data on your computer and the outside world; it is a kind of door lock for your home, office, or vehicle.

Even if you have spyware and anti-virus trackers and keep your computer up to date, someone could still access your information if you do not have a firewall installed.

In its recently conducted study, MaketsandMarkets predicted the market of Network Security Firewalls to grow to 5.3 billion USD by 2024.

No market can grow that much without some practical reasons. The firewall market has many reasons for its growth.

However, most people use this protection to safeguard their important data or sensitive information.

You must also understand that you are at high risk of having your information stolen if you do not have a quality firewall program installed.

It is a system that ensures network security by filtering outgoing and incoming network traffic. A firewall filters the traffic based on a set of rules defined by the user.

In general, the function of all firewalls (whether complex firewalls used by big corporations or simple personal computer firewalls) is to allow legitimate communication to flow and eliminate or reduce unwanted network communications.

Firewall software types

There are two basic classes: client firewalls and firewall computers. These two classes can prevent unwanted access to the computer.

A client firewall is software that resides on the computer itself and monitors all incoming and outgoing network traffic of that device. A firewall computer is a physical device connected between the internet and the computer.

These devices are often used in small network environments where multiple computers must share the same internet connection.

Small routers in many homes and offices often have integrated firewalls. If you use a router, make sure you have a firewall.

Users who physically move (let’s say you go outside even for groceries) should always have a client firewall installed on their device. When we connect to the internet outside the office or home, we cannot take risks – connecting to the internet in public is always dangerous

While antivirus software is an excellent means of protection, deploying firewall security on your device can be the needed hook that leaves the attackers out of combat.

How to choose the best free firewall

Admittedly, selecting firewall security software can be a tedious task. Here, we cover three vital aspects to consider before opting for a firewall:

Pricing and planning

Cost is a key factor when going with a firewall. Professional firewalls are expensive. However, personal firewalls are cheap; sometimes, you can get them for free.

Understandably, the cost directly affects the properties and functions of a firewall.

You are most likely to find a good personal firewall software with excellent functionalities for free more easily than a corporate firewall (the list we compiled below boasts all the best free ones we tested).

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Security features

The best firewalls should be reliable and consistent and perform traffic analysis and filtering perfectly.

There should be no security holes in the firewall; it should alert if unauthorized access attempts come into play and should react automatically.

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Features

It should have the vital features that people need to use. Preferred features include the ability to control and detect threats, update threats based on cloud technologies, prevent intrusions, and integrate well with the environment.

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List of best free firewalls to use in 2024

1. Peerblock (open-source, free)

PeerBlock is the successor to PeerGuardian (which is only actively supported on Linux). It blocks incoming and outgoing internet connections of IP addresses that are blacklisted on the internet.

The backlisted IPs are maintained, which means the blacklisted hosts get updated regularly.

PeerBlock has several functions, and it keeps offering users more for free. These include a constantly updated blacklist managed by the home site and a manager that allows you to select the lists that should be used.

The program allows the user to enable and disable IP and HTTP trackers, as well as a log indicating the time, source of the IP address, destination, and protocol of the tracker. You can also customize the interface of the program, as well as its activities.

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2. ZoneAlarm (free + paid version)

The ZoneAlarm firewall has been protecting users since the time of Windows XP. In those years, it was among the most famous, most effective, and complete of all we could find.

It offers both free and paid versions.

The free version of ZoneAlarm would do for most internet users, but if you need advanced features and 24/7 online support, you can opt for their premium version, which costs $14.95 per year.

It has a very intuitive and easy-to-understand interface.

By default, it is configured to offer the best configuration for most users, but if you want, you can make security tweaks and configure it as you like.

It has several security modules and even boasts a game mode that turns off the firewall when a user plays games to avoid connection problems.

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3. TinyWall (free)

If you are looking for a lightweight PC firewall solution, try TinyWall. One megabyte is all the space you need on your hard drive to make it work, as TinyWall operates as a standalone program.

TinyWall is also an excellent choice if you do not want to manage the application constantly: there are no warning pop-ups as it works in the background without overwhelming the user.

As for the options you get with this totally free firewall software, it offers a white list, blocklists by port and domains, application access restrictions, IPv6 support, password locks, and much more.

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4. Comodo (free + paid version)

The Comodo firewall is one of the best free firewalls for PCs. It monitors all traffic on your computer, analyzes connections, and protects you from all kinds of security threats.

It is a real gem for those who care about their safety while connected to the web. It has a complete database and integrates with the cloud to protect users from even the latest threats.

Apart from a free version, Comodo offers a premium firewall, too. The premium version is not a firewall only; it is a complete security suite the company offers. Comodo’s full protection version costs $17.99 per year.

It has advanced features, such as the ability to run new programs in the sandbox and black-and-white lists. It is also one of the easiest alternatives to the built-in Windows firewall.

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5. Sophos XG Firewall Home Edition (free)

It is a rising star in the cybersecurity industry, and its excellent business security software is also available for home use. This security system is extraordinarily advanced over standard firewall software.

It is not only a computer security system but a network security system.

Most homes use multi-tenant Wi-Fi networks, so Sophos’s approach to embracing home cybersecurity is a long-standing concept.

In essence, you get all the system security controls you would use for your business but not for your home network.

Sophos XG Firewall Home Edition is a fully equipped software version of the Sophos XG firewall that is available at no cost (no strings attached) for home users.

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6. AVS Firewall (free)

AVS Firewall differs from its counterpart as it has additional protection modules, including a registry, pop-up blocker, parental controls, and more. This firewall does not offer much customization, but it offers many standard features and add-on modules.

The firewall offers three levels of protection:

• Off, which makes the firewall disabled.
• User: This protection level allows users to configure rules for connections).
• High, blocking all connections.

Each function in the program interface is performed quite smoothly. Its alerts also provide clear and concise information. It supports Windows XP, 7, 8, and Vista.

It has four add-on modules, and each one of them is worth mentioning.

The first one is the registry protection module, which provides control and security of the registry for modifications (preventing malicious registry changes), with the ability to configure specific sections.

Next is the parental control module; as the name implies, it limits the available list of sites for kids, but you need to add each site manually.

Then comes the Module problem in logic, with which you can specifically allow certain websites alongside blocking individual sites.

Lastly, its pop-up blocker monitors browser behavior and blocks pop-up ads.

Notably, all four of these add-on modules can be individually disabled.

AVS Firewall also comes with a monitoring utility, which allows users to check the size of the passing network traffic for each application.

During the installation of this free firewall, the installer automatically installs the AVS secure browser.

Unfortunately, you cannot refuse the AVS browser’s automatic installation, but once the firewall is installed, you can remove it separately without any consequences for the firewall functionality.

In general, AVS Firewall is a pretty good firewall that will appeal to those who need additional security compared to basic firewalls and who do not want to dive deeper into the specifics of the network device.

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7. Outpost Firewall (free)

This is a good free firewall software option for users who want a flexible protection setting without sacrificing ease of use.

Its interface is organized carefully and retains its functionality well (an average internet user can cope with it easily).

For example, the program boasts simplified alerts but is also efficiently functional, so you can quickly apply actions and easily configure rules.

Also, the Outpost Firewall records all answers in pop-up messages without creating additional rules.

It notifies you of all configured rules in the training mode and notifies you of all automatically applied rules.

The firewall also controls various app activities that could be threatening, including access to critical system objects (registry files), memory injections, and driver loading.

Outpost database also includes a lot of pre-configured rule templates, which means setting up internet access for applications will most often consist of a couple of mouse clicks.

The installer will ask if you wish the firewall to learn for a week (using the auto-learning mode and manual training “Rules Wizard”). In this mode, the Outpost firewall automatically sets its recommended rules for known secure applications.

Outpost Firewall Free is a good choice for those seeking a balance of functionality and interface.

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8. GlassWire (free + paid version)

GlassWire is a free firewall with an attractive interface that shows you exactly which programs send and receive data through your network and how much traffic they use, making it easy to notice anything suspicious.

This firewall allows you to view an extensive amount of information, which can initially be a little confusing.

You will be notified when a new application or service wants to go online, and you can allow or block it with one click.

Notably, GlassWire is merely an interface built based on the Windows firewall, so it is not better than it, despite the attractiveness and improved information content.

The premium version of GlassWire includes additional features, such as microphone and webcam monitoring, storing recordings for over a month, and monitoring several remote connections.

But for normal work and home use, the free version should do.

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9. PrivateFirewall (free)

PrivateFirewall is a PrivacyWare product. The firm’s functional product is a security system designed for business networks, which is dubbed ThreatSentry.

The company no longer develops Private Firewall and does not mention the product on its website.

However, you can still download it (and for free) from software distribution platforms such as Softpedia. The program supports Windows from XP to 8.1 – there is no version for Windows 10.

This software is not only a firewall but also a host-level intrusion detection system. It checks the log files on your computer to find alarming events.

It will also protect these log files from unauthorized modification or deletion, a trick some malware programs use.

Typical firewall features that come in this program include whitelist and blacklist features, as well as content privacy controls such as text copying and clipboard monitoring.

The interface for the firewall is a pop-up context menu that you access by right-clicking on the program icon on the taskbar.

Apart from providing you with basic firewall functionalities, the tool will also monitor email activity, disable downloads from infected or blocked websites, and block Internet activity from the specified addresses.

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10. OpenDNS Home (free)

OpenDNS is unlike any free firewall you can download from the internet; this replaces your router’s settings when it connects to the internet through OpenDNS servers.

That means each of the devices available on your network stays protected.

OpenDNS Home automatically blocks known threats and offers many options for filtering internet data to protect your home and children from all kinds of dirt.

Also, it helps to avoid phishing attacks. The program is free and offers clear installation instructions for literally every device.

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11. Windows Firewall (Free)

As the name suggests, Windows Firewall is part of Windows Defender. It is installed and activated by default and monitors and blocks suspicious attacks.

It is very easy to configure and use; you only need to turn it from the Windows Defender. Like other firewall software, Windows Firewall boasts a blacklist and white list where you can configure the connections.

It is also worth considering which version of Microsoft Windows you are using.

For instance, the firewall in XP is not as effective as in Windows 7. Therefore, exploring a third-party firewall program may be better if you use an older Windows version.

You can use freeware such as (WFN) Windows Firewall Notifier and TinyWall to enhance the built-in Windows firewall functionality.

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For Mac

12. LuLu (free)

LuLu is a free, open-source macOS firewall designed to block unknown outgoing connections unless explicitly authorized by the user.

LuLu’s goal is simple: block any unidentified outgoing connections unless the user permits it.

Although it was made to detect malware by flagging unofficial network connections, it can also block Operating System components or third-party apps from transmitting data to remote servers.

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13. IceFloor (free)

IceFloor is the first free OS X graphical interface for PF. You can configure the PF firewall with a few clicks, as it boasts a very simple interface and a step-by-step guide for setting up your application.

It secures your device from malicious software, Trojan viruses, and external attacks by spies. With the help of IceFloor, you can protect your private information easily and without spending even a buck.

The way IceFloor works can be a bit complex for some users as it is known for creating different groups that further block or pass the connections, assign parameters, addresses, etc.

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14. Hands Off! (free + paid version)

This application monitors and controls applications’ access to your network and drives.

The ability to track usually invisible actions allows you to make informed decisions regarding transferring your personal information while connected to the web, which avoids the leakage of confidential information.

Hands Off! A firewall stops hackers from infiltrating your device by hiding it from unwelcome network traffic.

It is free to try and use, but should you decide to upgrade, you need to pay $14.99 per year. And then there is a Hands Off! full license purchase option that costs $49.99 and is valid for a single user.

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15. Murus Lite (free)

With Murus, you can easily configure complex network settings by moving sliders, dragging and dropping icons, and checking boxes.

From basic filtering to advanced proactive options, it is the best free Mac firewall that a novice can use.

Murus protects your apps from unwanted network outgoing and incoming activities and controls apps’ internet access. It authorizes you to manage (and prevent) individual data leakage by controlling the app network.

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16. NoRoot Firewall (free)

The majority of Android mobile applications require installation permission to establish network connections.

Many of them genuinely need it for full-fledged functionality, while others use it only for targeted advertisements or other (not always useful) purposes.

By default, the Android OS does not contain security tools that would help regulate applications’ network activities. That is why it falls upon you to secure your Android.

And you can solve that problem using a third-party application called NoRoot Firewall.

The work of this utility precisely matches its name and will not bring doubts to anyone’s mind who has encountered all the settings of any firewall in Windows.

NoRoot Firewall notifies when applications try to access the internet and enables you to permit or deny the appropriate connection.

Thus, you deploy a set of rules to which any program installed on your Android device will gain network access.

In addition to global rules, you can specify more subtle specific instructions for each program.

This means it is possible to specify a list of addresses to which access is allowed or denied and even a connection method for each connection.

Subsequently, the NoRoot Firewall saves connection logs, too, so you can see which app sent/received data and where.

Unlike many competitors, this free Android firewall program works by creating a secure VPN connection and does not require superuser rights.

Please note that NoRoot Firewall might not work on LTE since it does not support IPv6 currently.

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17. AFWall + (free)

It is one of the most advanced firewalls for Android. AFWall allows you to fine-tune the built-in Linux utility iptables, adjusting selective or global blocking of access to the Internet as per your liking.

Key features of the program include highlighting the color of system applications in the list (to avoid problems, system components should not be prohibited from accessing the Internet), maintaining a detailed statistics log, and importing settings from other devices.

Besides, this firewall can be protected from unwanted access or deletion, and perhaps that is why it requires your Android device to be rooted.

Of course, the Android rooting requirement is a big disadvantage of AFWall, and for this reason alone, we would not recommend using it.

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Benefits of firewalls in organizations

Companies that opt for the installation of such a protection system enjoy the following advantages:

Safeguard the company from internal threats

Many times, the enemy is not outside but within the same company.

With a Firewall installed, an organization can block user access to unwanted websites and gain reports on non-productive activity to limit them for its benefit.

Firewalls also allow remote workers more secure access to the company’s network through VPN connections.

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Keeping the network safe and functioning properly

Nowadays, companies cannot afford to go down even for a while because the workers mostly use applications hosted in the cloud to perform their job functions.

Intruders who sneak into a company can cause a network crash that a quality firewall could have anticipated and avoided.

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Protect corporate data

Firms of all sizes must invest in a business-grade firewall system to protect their data, network, and company security.

The hacking cases continue occurring, and we have witnessed many times that hackers succeeded in stealing data critical for a company’s operation.

Such mischief can be avoided with a firewall so that the loss of information that can seriously undermine a company’s economy should not happen.

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Are built-in firewalls not good enough?

A built-in firewall can merely take your internet security so far, which is why a purpose-built third-party firewall is needed.

It will add another layer of protection to your device and applications so that even if hackers find their way through the operating system, they are hit with an extra security shield they cannot break.

Think of it like the antivirus doing half the job and then a quality third-party firewall combining forces with it; you get protection 24/7.

Most of the free firewalls I have listed in this article offer much more than the bare bones of a built-in firewall system.

These are designed to prevent malicious attacks once they are inside your network. Preventing your network from communicating outside insecurely, causing any damage, and letting viruses or worms in, removing threats from your system without causing any harm to files.

Unfortunately, cyber-attacks are persistent in this age, and to stop viruses, malware, or other malicious things from damaging your device, you need protection that is designed for you specifically.

If all you need is firewall software that bars incoming connections, then the built-in firewalls that come with your operating system will work fine.

On the other side, if you want additional security layers and more advanced features, then it is recommended that you get your hands on a third-party firewall.

Third-party firewalls give you complete protection with advanced features, app or file change detection, providing timely information on network activities, spoofing monitoring, bandwidth consumption alerts for certain applications, and much more.

Of course, you can try using third-party tools alongside built-in firewalls for helping to extend their capabilities. But having two lines of defense together is never a good idea if you ask us.