If you’re using a Windows PC, you already have a free firewall as part of the Windows Defender Security Toolkit.
The built-in firewall in Windows 10 is effective, and Microsoft recommends leaving it enabled, regardless of whether you are using other firewall software. However, there are third-party firewalls that match and even exceed the capabilities of Windows Defender.
Your WiFi router and security suite also adds additional layers of intrusion protection beyond the Windows 10 firewall, but that may not be enough. If you want to make sure you have the best firewall for Windows 10 and not Windows Defender, here’s our list of the best options for you.
ZoneAlarm
ZoneAlarm is one of the most popular firewalls and one of the most powerful of its kind. Considered by many to be one of the best firewalls for Windows 10. It adds an extra layer of protection to your home Wi-Fi and public Wi-Fi connections.
In addition, ZoneAlarm includes a stealth mode that protects your devices from online surveillance and malware.
ZoneAlarm firewall will assess the security of your Wi-Fi network to improve protection against any attacks, and will automatically update. This way you get up-to-date threat protection.
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ZoneAlarm has a free version that detects potentially unsafe traffic, disables malware, and hides open ports. However, it does show ads and lacks component management, attack protection, expert rules and 24/7 support, among other advanced settings.
ZoneAlarm Pro protects you from phishing attacks, prevents spyware from sending your data to the Internet, and protects your privacy.
Comodo Firewall
Comodo Firewall is the ultimate Windows 10 security firewall. It blocks incoming connections and its up-to-date threat database monitors your device for current threats.
The firewall keeps you updated on suspicious folders, files, and programs, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to learn your computer habits to provide personalized protection, and keeps you running smoothly. Comodo Firewall also scans for viruses and malware, and checks executable files to make sure they are safe.
In addition, Comodo Firewall has a user-friendly and attractive graphical interface without complicated setup hassles, making it ideal for hobby users. Techies has several configuration options to customize Comodo Firewall to your liking.
You can add exceptions for applications that can connect to the Internet and Comodo Firewall will alert you of any suspicious activity. The firewall also checks your network traffic and hides your device’s ports from hackers.
Other Comodo Firewall features include a game mode that allows interactive applications to run over the Internet, a browser cleaning utility, and blocks malware from sending your personal data over the Internet.
TinyWall
TinyWall is a free, lightweight and unobtrusive firewall for Windows 10 that runs continuously and provides on-demand protection against malware, Trojans, worms and viruses. TinyWall was designed to improve the built-in Windows Defender, so it is only available for Windows.
TinyWall lacks a pop-up window, which means it won’t freeze your computer when you do something. The downside to TinyWall’s approach is that threat alerts are easy to ignore, posing a risk to your personal safety and the security of your data.
While TinyWall has an application scanner that scans your computer for any programs it might add to the safe list, it expects you to manually whitelist the programs you want to allow internet access. An easier way to create these exceptions is to use TinyWall’s Autolearn mode feature, which examines the programs you want to whitelist based on your use so you can add them all to the safe list.
If you find that the program you are using is blocked, you can add it to the whitelist and continue working. TinyWall does all of this without needing to know application details, protocols or ports.
In addition, you can see all active processes in the TinyWall connection monitor and see all open ports as well as processes connected to the Internet. You can complete the process or submit it to VirusTotal for an online virus scan.
The premium version of TinyWall is not available.
Norton 360 Deluxe
Norton 360 Deluxe is a feature-rich internet security suite that offers more than just a firewall for Windows 10. Additional features in the software include dark web monitoring, secure VPN without logging in for anonymous browsing, password manager and parental controls
Plus, it comes with 50GB cloud backup for your PC and SafeCam, which alerts you when cybercriminals try to use your webcam and helps you block them.
Norton 360 Deluxe’s ??multi-layered advanced security protects devices from new malware and protects your data when you’re online.
All of these features come with a higher price tag compared to other security packages on this list. However, the price is nothing compared to the peace of mind you get knowing all your devices and data are safe.
You can upgrade to the Lifelock Select software version and get additional credit monitoring, privacy protection and insurance against the misuse of your personal information. Norton 360 Deluxe does not offer a free trial or free plan.
GlassWire
GlassWire is a free Windows 10 firewall that can be used as a network monitoring solution It has a stylish design that makes it easy to monitor network activity and detect threats. You can use it on your home or small business network.
The firewall blocks incoming connections, monitors bandwidth usage, and even restricts some applications to free up bandwidth for other critical applications. GlassWire also monitors all activity on your devices to check for suspicious activity.
GlassWire doesn’t have as many features as the built-in Windows Defender management interface. In addition, it lacks advanced settings such as port blocking rules and does not block all applications at once.
Protect your devices from harmful activities
Windows Defender Firewall does a pretty good job of checking what is trying to get in and out of your computer and deciding if it’s safe or not. However, this is a rudimentary solution and may have more features and options that you can get with the third party firewalls mentioned above.
Are you using a third-party firewall instead of Windows Defender? What do you think is the best firewall for Windows 10? Let us know in the comments.
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