Free and open first

Best Firewall Software in 2026

This list covers firewall software for people choosing a tool for a self-hosted, cloud, desktop, Linux, API, Windows or macOS setup. It includes paid, free and freemium pricing models.

81 apps
Research read 28 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

OPNsense
by OPNsense
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+2

OPNsense combines firewall, routing, VPN, failover, and intrusion-prevention features in a self-hosted platform.

9.3 Free plan Visit site
2

IPFire

Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

IPFire brings firewalling, VPN, intrusion prevention, and proxy functions together in a free, open-source platform.

9.2 Free plan Visit site
3

CrowdSec
by CrowdSec
Free plan Open source APIExtensioniPhone+5

CrowdSec combines local behavior analysis with IP blocking and optional application protection.

9.0 Free plan · paid from $49/mo Visit site
4

NethSecurity
by NethSecurity
Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

NethSecurity combines several network security and traffic management functions, with an optional remote management controller.

8.9 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
5

OpenWrt
by OpenWrt
Free plan Open source AndroidAPILinux+2

Choose OpenWrt if you want a free Linux system for an embedded device and are comfortable checking compatibility and configuring it.

8.9 Open source Visit site
6

OpenSnitch

Free plan Open source LinuxSelf-hosted

8.6 Free plan Visit site
7

VyOS
by VyOS
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted

Choose VyOS if you need an open-source networking operating system with extensive routing, firewall, VPN, and automation options.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
8

Comodo Internet Security
by Comodo Internet Security
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1

Comodo Internet Security pairs core protection with isolated browsing and application use. Check the listed Windows-version limits before choosing it for an older PC.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $29.99/yr Visit site
9

Google Cloud NGFW

Free plan APIWeb

7.4 Free plan · paid from $0.02 Visit site
10

SonicWall Network Security Manager
by SonicWall Network Security Manager
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

NSM brings firewall administration, search, and security checks into a centralized system for SonicWall environments.

7.4 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
11

pfSense
by pfSense
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWeb

Choose pfSense if you want an open-source firewall and router distribution with a web interface, package extensions, and several deployment options.

7.4 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
12

firewalld

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted

7.3 Free plan Visit site
13

GlassWire
by GlassWire
Free plan AndroidWebWindows

GlassWire combines traffic visibility with firewall controls, while its Android app focuses on app data use and connections.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $2.99/mo (annual) Visit site
14

Portmaster

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

7.3 Free plan · paid from €8/mo Visit site
15

Shorewall

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

7.3 Free plan Visit site
16

Arista NG Firewall
by Arista NG Firewall
Free plan Web

Arista NG Firewall offers a free tier and a broader Complete package for network visibility and appliance management.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $25/mo · 30-day trial Visit site
17

ClearOS

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted

7.2 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
18

Zentyal Server
by Zentyal Server
Free plan Linux

7.1 Free plan · paid from $230/yr · 15-day trial Visit site
19

Endian Firewall Community
by Endian Firewall Community
Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted

Endian Firewall Community combines firewall, VPN, email security, antivirus, intrusion prevention, traffic management, and reporting for smaller environments.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
20

iptables
by iptables
Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted

7.1 Free plan Visit site
21

Smoothwall Express
by Smoothwall Express
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWeb

7.1 Free plan Visit site
22

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
by ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
Free plan Windows

7.0 Free plan Visit site
23

TinyWall

Free plan Windows

TinyWall offers firewall controls and connection visibility for supported Windows desktops.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
24

RethinkDNS

Free plan AndroidWeb

RethinkDNS combines DNS filtering with Android firewall controls and connection reporting. Its blocking is not universal, and RPN is a separate paid offering.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
25

TNSR
by TNSR
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted

TNSR offers extensive routing, VPN, management, and monitoring capabilities for Linux deployments.

7.0 Pricing on request Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Review each tool's free plan or trial, and read its open-source licence if you need to inspect or modify the code. Before deciding, compare outbound control, rule direction, connection alerts, application rules, supported platforms and central management.

Questions

Are free plans available?

Yes. Tools in this category offer free plans. Google Cloud NGFW lists a free plan, and IPFire lists a free plan.

Can I find open-source firewall software?

Yes. Some tools in this category provide source code under open-source terms. Check the licence before using or changing the code.

Do any tools offer a free trial?

Yes. A free trial is offered by tools in this category. Check the trial terms and what requires payment afterward.

What platforms are supported?

The entries cover self-hosted, web, Linux, API, Windows and macOS platforms. Check the specific tool's supported platforms.

What paid prices are listed?

Listed starting prices include $0.02 for Google Cloud NGFW, $0.40 for AWS Network Firewall and $420/mo for Alibaba Cloud Cloud Firewall. Panorama lists pricing on request.

Which features can I compare?

You can compare free-plan availability, starting paid price, outbound control, rule direction, connection alerts, application rules, supported platforms and central management.

Questions

More in Security & Privacy