GlassWire Firewall
Firewall software
Network security software
Business security software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$2.99 per license per month
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Free version
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What is GlassWire Firewall
GlassWire Firewall is a Windows-focused desktop firewall and network monitoring application that helps users control outbound and inbound connections on an endpoint. It combines a host-based firewall controller with traffic visualization, per-app network usage tracking, and alerts for new or unusual network activity. Typical use cases include small business endpoints and individual workstations where administrators or power users want visibility into which applications are communicating over the network and the ability to block them. It is not positioned as a perimeter or cloud-delivered firewall platform for large-scale network enforcement.
Clear per-app network visibility
The product provides application-level views of network connections and bandwidth usage, which can help identify unexpected communications on a workstation. It presents historical traffic information and connection details that are easier to interpret than many built-in OS firewall interfaces. This is useful for troubleshooting and for basic security review on endpoints. The focus on visualization differentiates it from many enterprise firewall tools that emphasize centralized policy enforcement over endpoint-level transparency.
Simple endpoint blocking controls
GlassWire allows users to block or allow applications and connections from a local interface, typically by creating rules tied to programs. This can reduce time to respond when an endpoint starts making unwanted outbound connections. It can complement existing endpoint security by adding a user-friendly control layer over host firewall behavior. For small environments, this can be easier to operate than complex network security stacks.
Alerts for network changes
The product can notify users when new applications access the network or when network-related changes occur, supporting faster detection of suspicious activity. These alerts can help catch newly installed software or unexpected background processes communicating externally. For endpoint-centric monitoring, this provides a lightweight signal without deploying full network sensors. It is most effective when paired with clear operational processes for triage.
Limited enterprise-scale management
GlassWire is primarily designed for local endpoint use and does not match the centralized policy management, multi-tenant administration, and large-scale reporting expected in enterprise firewall and network security platforms. Organizations needing unified policy across many sites, users, and devices typically require more robust centralized controls. This can increase operational overhead if many endpoints must be configured and monitored consistently. It is better suited to small deployments or individual systems.
Endpoint-only enforcement scope
As a host-based firewall controller/monitor, it does not provide perimeter network functions such as site-to-site routing, advanced segmentation, or cloud edge enforcement. It also does not replace secure access service edge (SSE/SASE) capabilities used for remote user traffic steering and inspection. If the requirement is to enforce security controls across networks rather than on a single machine, additional infrastructure is needed. This limits its fit for network-wide security architecture.
Not a full NGFW feature set
Compared with next-generation firewall offerings, it does not typically provide deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, advanced threat prevention, or comprehensive VPN and identity-integrated policy controls at the network edge. Its strengths are visibility and basic application-level blocking on endpoints rather than layered network security services. Buyers expecting consolidated network security services in one platform may find gaps. It is best evaluated as an endpoint visibility and control tool rather than a full NGFW replacement.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 — Free Forever | Basic network monitoring; Bandwidth Usage Monitor: 1 day; Network history: 24 hours; Alerts logs: current day; limited remote connection (1); community support. |
| Premium (Personal) | $2.99 per license/month (paid annually) | Full premium features: unlimited network history, unlimited bandwidth monitoring, unlimited alerts logs, unlimited remote connections, full security features (suspicious host monitoring, ARP spoofing detection, system file monitor, proxy settings monitor), firewall features (Ask to Connect, Lockdown Mode, firewall profiles). Pricing page shows options for 1/2/5/10/20 licenses and states discounts up to 50% may apply; site also displays a 30% discount code (DUO30) reducing the 1-license price to $2.00 per license. Exact per-license prices for multi-license quantities are not listed on the public pricing page and require the purchase flow/account. |
