In this article, we have done a depth analysis and listed your top 10 best Free Firewall software that provided extended security to protect your system from bad actors.

Generally, every computer is connected to the internet and is susceptible to being the victim of a hacker or an unwanted attack.

The whole procedure, which is used generally, consists of mopping the network in search of a connected computer or laptop.

Then the attacker simply looks for the security “hole” simply to gain access to the data present on the computer or laptop.

All these threats could even become greater if the computer permanently remains connected to the internet.

If the PC is connected without permanent supervision, then undoubtedly it will become a gold mine for the attackers or hackers.

Hence, to protect us from intruders, we have in our favor a fantastic tool which is known as Firewall.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Best Free Firewall Software

Q#1 What is a Firewall?

Detailed Answer: Basically, firewalls are tools that can be used to improve the security of computers attached to a network, just like LAN or the Internet.

So, if we think about what a firewall is a first and foremost thing that comes to our mind is that a firewall is a computer software program that restricts illegal and unapproved access to or from a separate or private network.

These are integral elements of a complete security framework for your system or network.

Hence a firewall works as a wall between your computer and the internet. It cleans out all the wicked traffic originating from the outside world, whereas software and hardware-based firewalls are also available.

Apart from software, USB firewall sticks are also available, and they are generally known as Armadillo and USG.

Hence, many people believe that a firewall is a device that is established on the network, and it checks the traffic that crosses within the network section.

However, apart from all these things you can also have a host-based firewall that can be administered on the computer systems themselves, along with ICF (Internet Connection Firewall). 

Fundamentally, the work of both firewalls is identical: to stop the intervention and present a robust process of access control policy.

Well, we can define, firewalls are nothing but a system that protects your computer.

Basically, the firewall achieves all these tasks by examining the data packets upon the rules that have been set up.

Hence, if the data packs are in trade with these rules, then they are allowed by the firewalls. If they lose to meet the rules, then the firewall refuses them and blocks them.

Well, in today’s generation, firewalls are serving to defend PCs and other related devices over the world, whether they refer to individual users, huge companies, or the administration.

Q#2 How Firewall Work?

Detailed Answer: Well, after knowing what a firewall is, now you must be thinking about how it works.

Basically, a firewall entirely confines your computer from the internet practicing a “wall of code” that investigates each individual “packet” of data as it appears on both sides of the firewall —that is inbound to or outbound from your device— to conclude whether it should be allowed to cross or gets rejected.

Moreover, firewalls also have further ability to improve security by enabling granular control over what types of system roles and methods have access to networking sources.

Hence, firewalls can utilize various kinds of signs and host situations to enable or disallow traffic.

However, they seem complicated, but firewalls are comparatively easy to install, set up, and work.

Establishing antivirus software as well as an extra firewall is your best opportunity to keep your system malware-free.

Furthermore, firewalls work by controlling the data traffic to allow or accept the ‘good data’ while refusing or blocking the ‘bad or malicious data.’

But, if we get into the details of the features, then the firewall uses one of the three methods or sequences of these to measure the traffic that passes in and out of the network.

Hence, the firewall permits the information to go through if the connection yields a decisive match unless the record of the data or data packet is refused.

Q#3 Types of a Firewall?

Detailed Answer: Following are the three types of firewalls.

  1. Packet-Filtering Firewalls
  2. Circuit-level gateways.
  3. Stateful Inspection Firewalls.

Packet-filtering firewalls: This is one of the original types of firewalls, which simply operates online at junction points where the devices like routers and switches simply do their job.

However, this firewall does not route packets. But it actually compares each packet received with a set of established standards like IP addresses, packet type, port number, etc.

Circuit-level gateways: It simply monitors the TCP link protocols on the network.

As they are simply established between local and remote hosts to determine if the session that is started is legitimate or not. However, apart from all these things, it does not inspect the packages.

Stateful inspection firewalls: It not only examines each packet but also track if that packet is part of an established TCP session.

Moreover, it offers more security than packet filtering or simple circuit-level gateways. And not only that even it also generates a greater impact on network performance.

However, apart from all these things, we have mentioned all the well-known and best free firewall software in 2023.

Best Free Firewall Software and Key Features

Best Firewall SoftwaresKey FeaturesDownload Link
Comodo Free FirewallComponents such as Sandbox, HIPS, and File Rating.
Behavior Analysis
KillSwitch Option
Gbhackers on Security
GlassWireSimple to Use
Realtime Traffic Graph
Network Monitoring
Gbhackers on Security
Zone Alarm Basic FirewallGuards Personal Data
Online backup
Multiple security layers
Gbhackers on Security
TinyWallPowerful Scanning Tool
Wi-Fi Protection
LAN controlling options
Gbhackers on Security
Malwarebytes Windows FirewallUSB Device Control
Advanced Protection for Rootkits
Sandbox Protection
Gbhackers on Security
OpenDNSBlock Phishing Attacks
OpenDNS servers
Non-intrusive
Gbhackers on Security
Windows FirewallFree robust Firewall
Private Network
Virus & Threat Protection
Gbhackers on Security
NetdefenderPort Scanner
Protect from Spoofing
Lock Down mode
Gbhackers on Security
AVS FirewallProtects from Registry Attacks
Detects Ports
Parental Control
Gbhackers on Security
Agnitum Outpost FirewallOutpost firewall
Anti-leak blocks
Folder Protection
Gbhackers on Security

So, now without wasting much time, let’s get started and simply explore the whole list that we have mentioned below.

Best Free Firewall Software

  1. Comodo Free Firewall
  2. GlassWire
  3. Zone Alarm Basic Firewall
  4. TinyWall
  5. Malwarebytes Windows Firewall
  6. OpenDNS
  7. Windows Firewall
  8. Netdefender
  9. AVS Firewall
  10. Agnitum Outpost Firewall

1. Comodo Free Firewall

Best Free Firewall Software
Comodo Firewall

Firstly, we will discuss the Comodo Free Firewall Software. It allows virtual Internet browsing, an ad blocker, a game mode, custom DNS servers, Virtual Kiosk in enhancement to features to easily block any method or program from flying/entering the network.

Every user enjoys using this firewall as it’s easy to attach plans to the block or support list. Moreover, it also provides a specific, advanced setting if you need to use them.

Furthermore, Comodo Firewall has a Number Scan option to scan all working processes to determine how reliable they are.

Hence, this firewall is especially helpful if you assume that any malware is going on your computer.

Thus Comodo KillSwitch is the first portion of the Comodo Firewall that enumerates all working methods and makes it strong to eliminate or block anything you don’t want.

Therefore you can also examine all your computer’s working applications and services from this window.

However, Comodo Firewall may take a more extended time than you’re used to installing. But it’s a very effective and useful firewall.

Pro’sCon’s
Comes with inbuilt Comodo Dragon secure browserSandbox disabled by default
Monitors all network connectionsAds default home page and search Engine

2. GlassWire

Free Firewall Software
Glasswire

Next, we have the GlassWire Free Firewall Software. It is a network monitoring software as well as a firewall, and it’s free and easy to use.

This software is basically available for Windows 7, 8, and 10. However, this software would be perfect for a small business network, and not only that but even it’s also used for home use as well.

Thus this firewall can be set up with different profiles, so it works adversely in each scenario. For illustration, you can have both a home network setting and a public wifi profile.

As well as preventing incoming connections, the set allows you to monitor bandwidth usage, restricting some apps to make more bandwidth available to essential applications.

The traffic management functions go down to a port number, program, and method.

The tool simply monitors and continually tracks all movement on your computer, scanning for anything suspicious.

Like TinyWall, the firewall duties of GlassWire are just a control interface to the original Windows Defender.

Pro’sCon’s
Single click blocking featureFeatures Restricted
Visual monitoring alertsPort Blocking options not available
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3. Zone Alarm Basic Firewall

Best Free Firewall Software
Zone Alarm

After that, we have the Zone alarm basic firewall, which is available for Windows 7, 8, and 10.

This tool has some great features, which makes it a choice for home wifi networks and laptops that correlate to the internet in public places.

Thus all you have to install is an internet connection for the download and an email address for the activation.

This firewall comprises a “stealth mode,” which preserves your connections from hackers, involves identity security services, and prevents malware.

Hence if you are in the US, you can call on the organization for victim compensation assistance in the occurrence of identity theft.

However, the software will add an extra coat of security to your associates when you correlate to public wifi hotspots, and it evaluates the protection of your home wifi network to enhance protection from attacks.

Pro’sCon’s
Free Cloud DataUnsafe with Exploits
Privacy protectionSafe programs detected as malware
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4. TinyWall

Tinywall

Now we will discuss the TinyWall Free Firewall Software. Karoly Pados got up with the smart idea of designing an improvement for the native Windows Firewall, Windows Defender.

Therefore it’s not surprising that this service is only available for Windows. The reason for the development of TinyWall is that it should be modest.

The program encompasses every time and acts as an icon in the system service.

Thus you can tap on the icon to see the popup menu of the system. This indicates that warning information is accessible on request.

But the interesting point about this feature is that you won’t get your computer stopped by an overlay when you are doing something on your system.

While on the downside, warning alerts are easy to overlook, which is pretty dangerous.

Its service is free of cost, and that’s determined to be harmless and lightweight.

Thus this firewall doesn’t have several features. Apart from all these things, you can simply whitelist requests to check your essential plans from being blocked.

Pro’sCon’s
No add pop-upUnsafe with Exploits
Privacy protectionNo Frequent Updates
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5. Malwarebytes Windows Firewall

Free Firewall Software
Malwarebytes

After that, Malwarebytes obtained BiniSoft Free Firewall Software in a request to ramp up the firm’s endpoint security resolutions.

Thus the BiniSoft Windows Firewall Control tool presents additional characteristics to increase Windows Firewall software.

Well, this software works in the system service for fast and immediate access and can present information for outbound blocked connections and digitally contracted plans.

And not only that, even the original firewall from Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Server 2016, and Server 2012 can be accomplished by this tool.

However, the startup’s software has been installed approximately 500,000 times.

Not only this, but BiniSoft has also created a tool for USB drive control as well. As we all know very well that cyberattacks generally aim to rise against users’ businesses.

Therefore, the CEO of Malwarebytes, Marcin Kleczynski, has announced that it is enhancing more importance than ever to ensure endpoints are efficient.

Hence, the company also stated that it is committed to advancing the purpose of the BiniSoft outcomes and its features.

Moreover, the startup’s anti-malware, anti-exploit, anti-rootkit, cloud antivirus software, and sandbox abilities were merged with Malwarebytes enterprise protection contributions.

Pro’sCon’s
Easy to use & StableLack of Features
Great Protection while browsing onlineUnable to view logs
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6. OpenDNS

Free Firewall Software
OpenDNS

Now we have the OpenDNS Free Firewall Software; its name is recognized between custom DNS services, Google DNS and Cloudflare obtaining the other two VIPscustoms.

Although its users also acquire a free firewall to develop their internet protection while browsing various websites.

Hence, it’s estimated as OpenDNS Home, and you don’t require to trade with any dull setup method or any further app.

Thus all you need to arrange the OpenDNS server on your device, for that you have to do a few extra steps, and you’re ready to work.

Pro’sCon’s
DNS ProtectionLack of speed
Blocks Malicious WebsitesLack of options
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7. Windows Firewall

Free Firewall Software
Windows

Now the next firewall in our list is the Windows Free Firewall Software, well if you have this free, robust firewall, then don’t get panic about any other malicious bugs.

As the Windows Firewall is a perfect explication that you can undoubtedly pick when searching for the best free firewall software.

Well, it was first included with Windows XP in the year 2003, and it has been developed a lot considering from that time.

Thus the Windows Defender Firewall in Windows 10 is one of the elements to admire.

And not only that even if it operates so calmly that it is the maximum of the time, but you also won’t even see that it exists on your PC.

Pro’sCon’s
Free with all optionsDoesn’t monitor Proxy Connections
No installation requiredNo Logs will be provided
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8. Netdefender

Free Firewall Software
NetDefender

Then we have the Netdefender. It is a pretty fundamental firewall application for Windows, as we can easily determine that it is a source and target IP address and port number; not only this, even it also has the protocol simply to block or allow any address as well.

Thus it implies that you can easily prevent FTP or any additional port from being used on the network.

However, blocking applications is a bit inadequate as the program must be currently operating to add it to the block list.

Therefore, it works by recording all the working plans and holding the option to add them to the list of blocked applications.

Thus Netdefender further comprises a port scanner by which you can instantly see which ports are permitted on your machine to help understand which of them you may need to stop.

Basically, the Netdefender operates officially only in Windows XP and Windows 2000, but the fact is that it didn’t create any problems for us in Windows 7 or Windows 8.

Pro’sCon’s
Simple Installation processLack of features & Buggy
Traffic Blocking in a clickUnable to view logs
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9. AVS Firewall

Free Firewall Software

Now we have the AVS firewall. This is a brand that is recognized by Online Media Technologies Ltd.

Although, the organization doesn’t make its firewall software simple to find on its website.

Therefore, you can download it from Tucows or Softpedia, any of these free software-sharing sites.

This firewall works on all variants of Windows from XP to Windows 10. Moreover, it blocks incoming applications’ connection, and it combines other security devices also.

If you want then you can also choose the combination, like which apps on your computer are provided to attach to the internet and a protection level feature.

However, this software controls movement in the registry and blocks modifications.

Furthermore, the AVS Firewall Free Firewall Software implements surfing protection as well as system protection.

These projects combine an ad as well as a popup blocker and parental controls.

Thus you can easily designate bandwidth usage limits to devices, applications, or plans.

Pro’sCon’s
Simple Installation processNo Updates
Ability to Control Internet TrafficUnable to view logs
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10. Agnitum Outpost Firewall

Free Firewall Software
Agnitum

Lastly, we will discuss the Outpost firewall, well the maker of the Outpost firewall is Agnitum Ltd, which was sold to Yandex 2017, it was the Russian search engine.

Hence, if you want, then you can’t obtain this firewall straight from the company anymore, but it is accessible from software sharing sites like Filehippo and Softonic.

Now you might be thinking why a dropped firewall is discussed on this list. It has been considered here as it justifies being one the best among all.

Agnitum authorized its firewall to other protection companies, so this is the firewall that you can obtain from another big-name cybersecurity contributor, counting Sophos.

However, the paid Outpost Firewall Pro is no longer recommended; while the free firewall is yet going influentially.

Hence, the features of this wonderful security service combine automated whitelisting for popular software, an anti-leak design that blocks unusual outgoing messages, a file, and a folder, moreover, an ad and popup blocker is also available for web browsers.

Pro’sCon’s
Detects all IntrusionsNo Updates
Prevents Data LeakDifficult to install and configure
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Conclusion

Generally, we have provided a list of the best free firewall software for Windows Versions.

So, from the above list, you can simply choose any of the mentioned firewalls, and all of them are available for free, yes, free of cost.

It means that you won’t have any problems while shifting from one to another firewall.

Apart from all these things, you can say that the above Free Firewall Software list is not comprehensive, as there are various other factors to think about while picking the best Free Firewall Software among all the mentioned ones.

So, we hope that you liked this post, and if you liked this post, then simply do now forget to share this article with your friends, and family, and on your social media profiles as well.

BALAJI is an Ex-Security Researcher (Threat Research Labs) at Comodo Cybersecurity. Editor-in-Chief & Co-Founder - Cyber Security News & GBHackers On Security.

1 COMMENT

  1. I get your trying to help people…Right? So why present verbiage for Comodo “Free Firewall” when in all actuality it is a Antivirus Sale Package with a yearly subscription. The real problem is prospects already have a Antivirus solution thus creating a conflict because *As You Well Know A PC cannot run *Two AV programs at the same time!!

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