The 22 Best Firewall Software Of 2024
10 Best Firewall Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 22 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
In the digital age dominated by hackers, cyberattacks, and data breaches, firewall software stands as the sentry between our devices and threats. It's more than just antivirus protection; it's a sophisticated security system designed for every operating system - be it Microsoft, Mac, or Android. This tool vigilantly monitors IP addresses, ensuring that phishing, ransomware, trojans, and spyware can't breach your private network. With stateful inspection, advanced firewall mechanisms, intrusion prevention systems, and even options like a free version for preliminary testing, it's about ensuring a secure digital environment.
What Is Firewall Software?
Firewall software is a digital sentinel designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security policies. Acting as a barrier between a trusted internal network and potentially untrusted external networks, such as the Internet, it's a critical tool for both businesses and individuals.
While companies deploy firewalls to protect sensitive data, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure regulatory compliance, individuals use them to guard against cyber threats, shield personal information, and maintain privacy in their online endeavors. The importance of such a tool? It's like having a relentless guard, ever-watchful, keeping threats at bay while optimizing bandwidth and ensuring your antivirus software can function without overwhelming interruptions.
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Best Firewall Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Aikido Security | From $314/month (billed annually, up to 10 users) | Website |
| GlassWire | From $3.33/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) | From $45/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| pfSense | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| IPFire | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Stormshield Network Security (SNS) | From $20/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Firewalld | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Arista | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall | From $40/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Sophos Firewall | From $25/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Firewall Software Reviews
Aikido Security is a comprehensive DevSecOps platform designed to provide full coverage from code to cloud, offering a wide range of security scans and features to protect applications at runtime. It secures code through vulnerability management, SBOM generation, and protection against malware, outdated software, and license risks.
Why I Picked Aikido Security:
Aikido Security's firewall software stands out due to its comprehensive and robust feature set designed to protect Node.js applications at runtime. One of the most compelling features is its ability to automatically block critical injection attacks, such as SQL and NoSQL injections, command injections, and path traversal attacks. This is crucial for preventing unauthorized access and data breaches. The firewall also introduces rate limiting for APIs, which helps mitigate the risk of denial-of-service attacks by controlling the number of requests a user can make to the server.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include cloud posture management, which detects cloud infrastructure risks. The platform also excels in open source dependency scanning, continuously monitoring code for known vulnerabilities and generating SBOMs for better dependency management. Integrations include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure Cloud, Drata, Vanta, AWS Elastic Container Registry, Docker Hub, Jira, Asana, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Helps in compliance tracking and reporting
- Provides actionable insights and recommendations
Cons:
- Setup complexity for cloud security
- Can be expensive for some users
GlassWire isn’t just another firewall protection; it’s a guardian that paints a clear picture of your network's heartbeat. Visualizing your network activity is critical, not only for understanding what's happening but also for spotting anomalies – and this is where GlassWire shines.
Why I Picked GlassWire:
When selecting tools for this list, GlassWire immediately caught my attention. It's not every day that I find a tool where aesthetics meet functionality so effectively. Through rigorous comparison and judging its presentation of network data, I determined GlassWire was a cut above the rest. I have a firm opinion that visualization aids understanding, which is why I believe GlassWire is the best for those who prioritize a visual grasp of their network activities.
Standout features and integrations:
GlassWire excels with its detailed network activity graph, allowing users to spot spikes or unusual patterns effortlessly. The integrated firewall lets you control application activities with precision. Furthermore, the 'Incognito mode' ensures moments of privacy when needed. For integrations, GlassWire alerts users of unknown devices connecting to their WiFi, bolstering security. Its tight-knit integration with Windows systems means there's less to worry about in terms of compatibility.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Security alerts for unfamiliar devices
- Precise application control with an integrated firewall
- Comprehensive network activity graphs
Cons:
- Some premium features are locked behind higher pricing tiers
- The limited scope of native integrations
- Primarily tailored for Windows users
Check Point's Next Generation Firewalls are engineered to provide an all-encompassing multi-layered security shield. From applications to data, it meticulously scans to ensure optimal protection, making it a holistic choice for those who need diverse protection layers.
Why I Picked Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs):
My decision to pick Check Point was rooted in its multifaceted security approach. In judging its features and after extensive comparisons, I've come to the opinion that its multi-layered protection is unparalleled. Hence, I believe it’s the top pick for those seeking varied layers of defense.
Standout features and integrations:
The firewall is equipped with features like Identity Awareness to recognize users, Application Control, and URL Filtering. Furthermore, its integration capabilities are vast, aligning with major cloud platforms and threat intelligence feeds.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile integration with cloud platforms
- Identity Awareness for precise user recognition
- Comprehensive multi-layered security
Cons:
- Resource-intensive in large environments
- Licensing structure can be complex
- Might require advanced understanding for deployment
pfSense emerges as a highly reliable open-source firewall and router platform. Not only does it offer network security solutions, but its open-source nature ensures transparency and adaptability. Hence, for those seeking a cost-effective yet robust option, pfSense fits the bill perfectly.
Why I Picked pfSense:
Among the sea of network security tools, pfSense captivated me with its open-source stature. I selected it after determining its adaptability and the trust that comes with transparent solutions. Comparing its capabilities, I believe pfSense stands out as the best choice for open-source network security.
Standout features and integrations:
pfSense provides a comprehensive range of features including VPN, load balancing, and multi-WAN. Its package system allows for expansion without adding bloat to the base distribution. As for integrations, it aligns well with popular VPN standards and other open-source projects.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Trustworthiness and transparency
- A wide array of features through its package system
- Cost-effective open-source solution
Cons:
- Hardware compatibility checks needed
- Limited official support; reliant on community
- Requires technical know-how for configurations
IPFire isn’t about a one-size-fits-all approach; it's about offering a modular firewall solution tailored to your specific needs. As businesses grow and adapt, a modular system like IPFire becomes essential, ensuring that the firewall solution grows with them.
Why I Picked IPFire:
The beauty of modularity is adaptability, and IPFire exemplifies this. Having examined numerous firewalls, it became evident that IPFire’s approach to modularity was unparalleled. Based on its adaptability and my evaluation, I deem IPFire as the best for those seeking a scalable firewall solution.
Standout features and integrations:
IPFire’s color-coded web interface ensures easy understanding and management. Its ability to be customized through add-ons makes it unique, allowing for functionalities to be added as needed. For integrations, IPFire supports a range of plugins, enhancing its capabilities further.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad support for plugins
- Intuitive color-coded interface
- Highly modular design
Cons:
- Not suitable for large-scale enterprises without customization
- Requires periodic manual updates
- Some configurations can be complex
Stormshield Network Security doesn't just secure; it fortifies based on stringent European cybersecurity standards. When it comes to achieving a robust security posture, adhering to these standards can be a significant asset, a niche where SNS dominates.
Why I Picked Stormshield Network Security (SNS):
In my journey of selecting the finest, SNS made its mark with its focus on European standards. It's not just about the tech but the principles behind it, and SNS's alignment with rigorous European security guidelines drew me in. I concluded that for businesses aiming to align with European cybersecurity norms, SNS is the best bet.
Standout features and integrations:
SNS offers multi-level security, protecting the network's edge to its core. Their proactive detection mechanisms are notable, keeping threats at bay before they become issues. Furthermore, SNS integrates with other Stormshield products, creating a fortified ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with Stormshield ecosystem
- Proactive threat detection
- Adherence to European cybersecurity standards
Cons:
- The interface might be less intuitive for some users
- Pricing can be on the higher side for smaller entities
- May not be ideal for non-European businesses
Firewalld offers dynamic firewall management, changing rules without restarting, and is specifically crafted for Linux. For Linux system administrators, this tool ensures consistent, agile firewall configurations without the common hassle.
Why I Picked Firewalld:
Of the myriad of firewall solutions, Firewalld drew my attention due to its Linux-centric design. Its ability to alter rules on the fly without necessitating a restart was a standout feature in my selection process. Given its attributes and after numerous comparisons, I determined that Firewalld is best suited for Linux system administrators.
Standout features and integrations:
With Firewalld, users benefit from a zone-based firewall design allowing for tailored rules per connection. Its support for both IPv4 and IPv6 ensures modern compatibility. The tool also integrates well with most Linux distributions, providing native management options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Native support for major Linux distributions
- Zone-based firewall design
- Dynamic firewall rule changes without restart
Cons:
- Requires manual intervention for some advanced configurations
- GUI options are limited
- The steeper learning curve for non-Linux administrators
Arista provides a comprehensive solution focused on ensuring that your network remains secure against evolving threats. The tool's specialization in adaptive network security scaling means it can handle increasing security requirements without compromising efficiency.
Why I Picked Arista:
I chose Arista after evaluating a range of firewall solutions. The way it scales, and adapts to changing network security needs, particularly captured my attention. While there are many tools that offer firewall protection, Arista's emphasis on adaptability sets it apart. This is why I believe it's best suited for those seeking adaptive network security scaling.
Standout features and integrations:
Arista boasts a rich set of features including deep packet inspection, advanced threat intelligence, and automated response mechanisms. This tool integrates well with several popular third-party platforms, ensuring a seamless flow of information and further bolstering its protective capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with popular third-party platforms for enhanced functionality
- Deep packet inspection provides granular insights into network traffic
- Adaptive scaling ensures security even as network requirements grow
Cons:
- Pricing transparency could be improved, as specific costs aren't readily available on the website
- Integration capabilities might require advanced IT knowledge for a complete setup
- May have a steeper learning curve for beginners
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall is designed to offer unmatched threat prevention capabilities. It delves deeper than just access control, by inspecting content to prevent threats and ensure safe data transmission.
Why I Picked Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall:
I chose this particular firewall after a meticulous examination of its threat-prevention mechanisms. The tool's ability to scrutinize the content and not just access intrigued me. Given its rich features, I opine that it's best suited for advanced threat prevention.
Standout features and integrations:
This firewall boasts features such as App-ID, User-ID, and Content-ID technologies for precise traffic identification. Its WildFire cloud-based malware analysis environment is commendable. As for integrations, it melds with Palo Alto's suite of security tools and mainstream SIEM solutions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tight integration with other Palo Alto tools
- Cloud-based malware analysis
- Profound threat identification technologies
Cons:
- Needs periodic updates for optimal performance
- Configuration can be intricate for beginners
- Might be pricey for smaller organizations
Sophos Firewall promises a transformative approach to threat detection and prevention. At its core, it aims to offer a synchronized security response, ensuring all security components act in unison for optimal protection.
Why I Picked Sophos Firewall:
Upon careful examination, I found that Sophos's commitment to synchronized security was noteworthy. Its approach to ensuring all facets of security communicate and act cohesively caught my attention. After analyzing and comparing its mechanisms, I firmly believe it offers the best solution for those seeking a synchronized security response.
Standout features and integrations:
Key features of Sophos Firewall include Xstream SSL Inspection, AI-powered threat analysis, and SD-WAN capabilities. It also integrates with the broader Sophos product suite, providing a comprehensive and unified security platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration with other Sophos products
- AI-driven threat analysis capabilities
- Emphasis on synchronized security
Cons:
- Some advanced features necessitate additional purchase
- Licensing model can be complex to understand
- Interface may be daunting for beginners
Other Firewall Software
Below is a list of additional firewall software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Fortinet Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)
For scaling security infrastructure
- VyOS
For flexibility in a network router
- Barracuda CloudGen Firewall
For integrated cloud network protection
- A10 Networks Thunder
Good for application delivery control
- Cisco Adaptive Security Virtual Appliance (ASAv)
Good for virtualized network security
- Endian
Good for unified threat management
- Zonealarm Extreme Security
Good for PC-based threat prevention
- WinGate Firewall
Good for VPN and content filtering
- SonicWall
Good for real-time breach detection
- VMware NSX
Good for software-defined data center security
- Zscaler Internet Access
Good for secure cloud access
- SecPoint Protector
Good for vulnerability scanning and defense
Selection Criteria For Choosing Firewall Software
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, selecting the right firewall and network security software is crucial. I've evaluated dozens of these tools, and in this quest, I was particularly focused on their core functionality, key features tailored to specific needs, and usability. Each of these criteria plays a significant role in ensuring optimal protection and streamlined operations for any organization.
Core Functionality:
- Threat Prevention: The tool should be able to detect and block potential threats in real-time
- Traffic Filtering: It should enable the filtering of inbound and outbound traffic based on predefined rules.
- VPN Support: For ensuring secure remote connections, VPN integration is crucial.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Continuous monitoring of network traffic and generating relevant reports for analysis.
Key Features:
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS): Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and sends alerts.
- Geo-blocking: Allows or denies traffic based on geographic locations.
- Application Control: Provides granular control over which applications can access the network.
- Multifactor Authentication: Adds an additional layer of security by requiring more than one method of authentication.
- Role-based Access Control (RBAC): Allows specific network access based on the role of the user.
Usability:
- Intuitive Dashboard: A clear and easy-to-navigate dashboard that provides a snapshot of network activity and threats.
- Configurable Alerts: The ability for users to set and adjust alerts based on their specific needs.
- Centralized Management: Tools should provide a centralized interface where configurations, updates, and patches can be managed across the entire network.
- Learning Resources: Given the complexity of some tools, having a comprehensive learning library, documentation, or training program for onboarding users is vital.
- Responsive Customer Support: Efficient and knowledgeable customer support can be a lifeline when dealing with security issues or software complications.
Most Common Questions Regarding Firewall Software (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using firewall software?
Using firewall software offers several advantages, including:
- Enhanced Security: Firewalls provide a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, protecting against malicious attacks.
- Traffic Management: They allow organizations to control and manage both incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an established set of security policies.
- Real-time Threat Detection: Modern firewalls can identify and block real-time threats and suspicious activities.
- VPN Support: Firewalls often include VPN support, ensuring secure remote connections for users.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Continuous tracking of network activity and the ability to generate detailed reports for analysis can provide insights and facilitate prompt action.
How much do firewall software tools typically cost?
The cost of firewall software can vary widely depending on its features, the size of the organization, and its specific requirements. Some tools offer a subscription model, while others might charge based on the number of users or devices protected.
What are the common pricing models for firewall software?
The most common pricing models include:
- Per User/Device: Pricing is based on the number of users or devices that the software will cover.
- Subscription-Based: Monthly or annual fees for using the software and its features.
- Feature-Based: Different pricing tiers based on the set of features included.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
While the range can be broad, firewall software might start as low as $10/user/month for basic features, going up to $500 or more for enterprise-level solutions with advanced functionalities.
Which is the cheapest firewall software?
While prices continuously evolve, some tools like ZoneAlarm and pfSense have been known for their cost-effective solutions.
What are the most expensive firewall software options?
Premium solutions from vendors like Palo Alto Networks and Cisco tend to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum due to their comprehensive features and advanced protection mechanisms.
Are there any free firewall software options available?
Yes, there are several open-source and free firewall options available. Notable examples include pfSense and the basic version of ZoneAlarm.
Why is there such a wide range in pricing for firewall software?
The pricing discrepancy arises from the diversity in features, scalability, and the target audience of the software. While basic solutions might cater to small businesses or personal use, enterprise-grade solutions are built to handle vast networks, offer advanced threat protection, and provide robust monitoring and reporting tools.
Other Firewall Software-Related Reviews
Summary
Selecting the right firewall software is a crucial decision for ensuring robust network security. From understanding the core functionalities and distinguishing key features to evaluating usability aspects, it's essential to consider various factors tailored to your specific needs. The market offers a diverse range of solutions, each with its own strengths and pricing models, making it vital to identify which aligns best with your requirements.
Key Takeaways:
- Determine Core Needs: Before diving into features and pricing, pinpoint the primary requirements your organization or personal use demands. Whether it's real-time threat detection, VPN support, or traffic management, ensuring the firewall software aligns with your core needs will result in more effective protection.
- Consider Usability and Support: Beyond the fundamental features, assess the software's user experience. A good firewall should not only be powerful but also intuitive. Moreover, the availability of training resources or customer support can significantly affect long-term use, especially if complex issues arise.
- Evaluate Cost and Scalability: While initial costs are essential, think about the software's scalability. As your organization grows or your personal needs evolve, your firewall should be capable of adapting without necessitating an entire system overhaul. Opt for solutions that provide flexibility both in features and pricing to ensure longevity and value for money.
What Do You Think?
While I've endeavored to provide a comprehensive overview of some of the best firewall software available, the tech landscape is vast and ever-evolving. If you've had a stellar experience with a tool not mentioned in this guide, I'd love to hear about it.
Your input can help make this resource even more valuable for everyone. Please share your recommendations and insights, and together, we can create a more inclusive and informed discussion around firewall solutions.