13 Best Free Firewall for Windows: Safe Picks (2026)

If you want a set it and forget it firewall, Microsoft Defender Firewall (Windows Firewall) is the best free option because it’s built into Windows and enabled by default. If you want easier per-app control than Windows default UI, use a lightweight front-end like TinyWall or an advanced tool like Fort Firewall to protect your system. So, let’s look at some of the best free firewall for Windows that you can use to protect your Windows PC.

Best Free Firewall for Windows (Free + Paid)

As cybercrimes have increased, you must keep your personal information, data, files, login credentials, and financial information safe. To ensure that all this information remains secure, you can use any of best free firewall for Windows. We have presented a list along with its features to help you decide which one you should download. But before that, let us discuss are free firewalls safe.

Are Free Firewalls Safe?

Yes, free firewalls are safe as:

• Many of the free firewalls are secure and reliable.
• It can block some of the cyber-attacks.
• Apart from this, it ensures that your privacy is not infringed upon.

List of Best Free Firewall for Windows

Now you must know that free Firewalls are effective and safe, let’s take a look at some of the best free Firewall for Windows users:

1. Microsoft Defender Firewall (Windows Firewall): Best overall (free + built-in)

Windows Defender Firewall, officially known as Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security, comes pre-installed on all Windows systems and provides essential network protection at no additional cost.

Why it’s #1: It’s included with Windows and enabled by default, and you can manage it inside the Windows Security app.

Best for: 90% of users on Windows 11/10. Users seeking basic, cost-free protection without additional software installation.

What to expect: Solid baseline protection without installing extra software.

Key Features:

• Two-way traffic filtering (inbound and outbound)
• Three network profiles: Domain, Private, and Public
• IPsec support for network authentication and encryption
• Network Awareness functionality for automatic security adjustments
• Integration with Windows Security app for easy management
• Zero cost or resource impact

How to check it’s ON (Windows 11/10):

1. Open Windows Security
2. Go to Firewall & network protection
3. Ensure the active network profile shows Firewall is on

2. TinyWall

TinyWall is one of best free firewall for Windows. TinyWall is a free, lightweight firewall tool designed to be non-intrusive (no constant prompts). It also claims no drivers/kernel components (stability benefit) and no annoying popups. Also, this will be a perfect choice if you are looking for user-friendly software.

Cost: Free (Completely No-Cost)

Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11

Best For: Experienced users comfortable with technical configurations who want maximum security without corporate bloat. Perfect for privacy-conscious individuals.

Some of its key features are given below:

• Lightweight Design: Consumes minimal system resources
• Port Scan Protection: Stops hackers from identifying open ports
• Application Blocking: Prevents unauthorized apps from accessing the internet
• Tampering Protection: Ensures the firewall itself cannot be disabled
• No Pop-Up Approach: Quiet operation without intrusive notifications
• Auto-Learn Feature: Automatically creates exceptions for trusted programs
• Inbound/Outbound Filtering: Complete network traffic control
• Dedicated LAN Controls: Advanced network management capabilities

TinyWall leverages Windows built-in firewall components, ensuring system stability while adding a sophisticated application filtering layer. It employs an allowlisting approach only permitting applications explicitly trusted which is significantly more secure than traditional blacklisting.

3. COMODO

Comodo firewall is one of best free firewall for Windows. Comodo is a long-established cybersecurity company offering a sophisticated firewall with unique security technologies designed to catch threats others miss.

Cost: Free | Premium Version: $39.99/year

Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11

Best For: Users concerned about zero-day threats and those who regularly download files from untrusted sources. Excellent for testing suspicious applications safely.

Key Features:

• Sandbox Technology: Safely test suspicious applications in an isolated environment
• AI-Powered Detection: Artificial intelligence monitors suspicious app behavior
• Port Scan Protection: Advanced exploitation prevention
• Monitoring Tools: Complete incoming and outgoing traffic analysis
• Adblocker: Integrated ad and tracking prevention
• Custom DNS Servers: Enhanced privacy and security routing
• Virtual Kiosk: Isolated browsing environment for sensitive activities
• Timely Controls: Customizable security policies

4. ZONEALARM Free Firewall

ZoneAlarm is one of the most trusted free firewall solutions, combining advanced security features with an intuitive interface that requires minimal user intervention. More than 90 million users have downloaded ZoneAlarm Free Firewall. 

ZoneAlarm’s DefenseNet technology is particularly impressive as it analyzes real-time threat data from its massive user base, enabling the firewall to recognize and block emerging threats before they become widespread. This crowdsourced security approach provides protection against zero-day exploits and novel attack vectors.

Cost: Free | Premium version $24.95/year

Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11

Best For: Users wanting enterprise-grade protection without paying premium prices. Excellent for both casual users and power users seeking granular control.

Key Features:

• Two-Way Protection: Monitors both incoming and outbound network traffic
• Early Boot Protection: Detects rootkits and dangerous software during startup
• Anti-Bot Functionality: Identifies and blocks malicious bots in real-time
• Wi-Fi Protection: Enhanced security on unsecured networks
• Traffic Monitoring: Real-time intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS)
• Port Scan Protection: Prevents hackers from exploiting open ports
• Component Control: Guards against DLL injection attacks
• Customizable Settings: Advanced controls for tech-savvy users
• Password Protection: Secures firewall configuration against unauthorized changes
• DefenseNet Cloud Service: Analyzes threat data from millions of users for smarter protection
• Automatic Operation: Minimal pop-up alerts through machine learning
• Real-Time Updates: Continuous threat intelligence integration

5. GlassWire

GlassWire stands out as the most visually intuitive firewall solution, combining network monitoring with application-level firewall control in an exceptionally user-friendly interface. GlassWire’s flagship feature is its real-time network visualization graph. Clicking anywhere on the graph instantly shows which applications initiated traffic, what hosts they connected to, and the country of origin. This visualization makes it dramatically easier to spot unusual network activity compared to traditional firewall logs.

Cost: Free | Premium Version: $2.99/month (14-day free trial)

Compatibility: Windows, Android

Best For: Users wanting to understand and monitor their network activity. Excellent for identifying suspicious applications attempting outbound connections. Best combined with another firewall for comprehensive protection.

Key Features:

• Network Activity Visualization: Beautiful graph-based network monitoring
• Application Blocking: One-click blocking of suspicious programs
• ARP Spoofing Detection: Identifies network spoofing attacks
• RDP Detection: Detects Remote Desktop Protocol exploitation attempts
• Suspicious Host Monitoring: Alerts when unknown hosts attempt connections
• Data Usage Tracking: Monitor bandwidth consumption by application
• Evil Twin Detection: Identifies rogue Wi-Fi networks
• Lockdown Mode: Comprehensive network restriction (Premium)
• Historical Network Data: Review past network activity
• Host Name Resolution: Automatically identifies connection destinations

6. Sophos Firewall Home Edition

Sophos is an enterprise-grade cybersecurity company offering a specialized home firewall solution that provides unusual functionality as it installs as its own dedicated operating system on hardware.

Cost: Free (Home Use Only)

Compatibility: Runs on Intel-compatible PCs

Unique Feature: Installs its own operating system

Best For: Technical users protecting entire home networks. Network administrators protecting small offices or family networks with multiple devices.

Key Features:

• Dual AV Scanning Engines: Multiple malware detection signatures
• Dedicated Hardware Installation: Separate OS boot on compatible hardware
• Enterprise-Grade Protection: Security derived from corporate deployments
• Real-Time Threat Detection: Continuous malware monitoring
• Network-Wide Protection: Protects entire home network, not just one device
• UTM Capabilities: Unified threat management features
• 30-Day Free Trial: Extended evaluation period
• Premium Antivirus Plan Available: Enhanced protection with subscription

Part 2: Best Paid Firewalls for Windows

Let’s look some of the best paid Firewalls for Windows users:

1. Norton 360 Deluxe (Best Overall)

Norton is also one of best free firewall software for Windows.  Norton consistently ranks as the best overall antivirus-plus-firewall solution, and for good reason as its Smart Firewall blocks more threats than any competitor we’ve tested.

Norton’s Smart Firewall Superiority: Independent testing demonstrates that Norton’s firewall blocks significantly more advanced threats than Microsoft Defender, ZoneAlarm, and competitor solutions. The Smart Firewall combines signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and machine learning to identify threats before they execute.

Starting Price: $39.99-$49.99/year (first year) | $119.99 renewal

Device Coverage: Up to 5 devices

Platform Support: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

Best For: Users prioritizing maximum firewall protection and comprehensive security. Families wanting multi-device coverage. Those seeking all-in-one security solution.

Key Features:

• Smart Firewall: Advanced threat detection exceeding competitor capabilities
• Real-Time Malware Protection: AI-powered threat detection and prevention
• VPN with No Data Limits: Unlimited encrypted browsing
• Password Manager: Secure credential storage
• Dark Web Monitoring: Alerts if your credentials appear on dark web sites
• Webcam Protection: Prevents unauthorized camera access
• Parental Controls: Monitor and restrict children’s online activities
• 50 GB Cloud Storage: Secure backup for important files
• Genie Scam Protection: Real-time scam detection and prevention
• Privacy Monitor: Identifies apps misusing your data
• 5-Device Coverage: Protects entire family ecosystem
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Risk-free trial period

Also Read: How to Block or Unblock Programs In Windows Defender Firewall

2. McAfee Total Protection

McAfee offers aggressive firewall protection with automatic network profile adjustment, making it excellent for users switching between networks frequently. McAfee’s firewall takes a “set it and forget it” approach as it automatically adjusts settings based on whether your Windows network profile is public or private. This adaptive behavior is excellent for laptop users moving between home, work, and public networks, as protection automatically increases when connecting to untrusted networks.

Starting Price: $29.99-$39.99/year (first year) | Higher renewal

Device Coverage: 1-Unlimited depending on plan

Best For: Families seeking parental controls. Laptop users connecting to various networks. Users wanting set-and-forget protection.

Key Features:

• Adaptive Firewall: Automatically adjusts protection level based on network type
• Two-Way Firewall Protection: Monitors incoming and outbound traffic
• Automatic Network Adjustment: Matches Windows network security settings
• Real-Time Antivirus Protection: Signature and behavioral detection
• Web Protection: Blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts
• Ransomware Protection: Specialized protection against encryption threats
• Password Manager: Credential management and generation
• Identity Monitoring: Tracks for identity theft indicators
• Parental Controls: Content filtering and activity monitoring
• Performance Optimization: System optimization tools
• 24/7 Support: Professional technical support

3. Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender combines sophisticated malware detection with a capable firewall, offering excellent protection for users with moderate technical knowledge. Bitdefender’s vulnerability assessment scan is particularly valuable as it checks not just for outdated software but also weak passwords, missing Windows patches, and network security misconfigurations. This comprehensive approach identifies security gaps many users don’t realize exist.

Starting Price: $59.99/year (first year) | $99 renewal

Device Coverage: Up to 5 devices

Specialization: Advanced threat detection and multi-layer ransomware protection

Key Features:

• Multi-Layer Ransomware Protection: Multiple detection and prevention methods
• Behavioral Threat Detection: Heuristic and behavioral monitoring
• Vulnerability Assessment Scan: Identifies weak passwords and missing patches
• Network Intrusion Prevention: IPS-level protection
• Automatic Firewall Adjustment: Network-aware security
• Secure Banking: Protected browser for financial transactions
• VPN with Fast Speeds: Encrypted browsing without slowdown
• Password Manager: Secure credential storage
• File Shredder: Irreversibly delete sensitive files
• Device Optimization: Performance tuning tools
• Unlimited Multi-Device Plan: Protect all your devices

4. Kaspersky Internet Security

Kaspersky offers advanced firewall customization while maintaining impressive performance even on older systems. However, US users should note geopolitical concerns. Kaspersky’s lightweight footprint makes it ideal for older computers or those with limited resources. Benchmark testing shows Kaspersky uses fewer system resources during active scans compared to Bitdefender and Norton, making it excellent for devices that can’t afford performance hits.

Starting Price: $29.99/year (varies by region)

Device Coverage: Multiple depending on plan

Best For: Non-US users wanting maximum firewall customization. Users with older systems needing lightweight protection. Power users comfortable with complex configuration.

Key Features:

• Highly Customizable Firewall: Detailed port and protocol configuration
• Network Profile Support: Different rules for public, home, and work networks
• Lightweight Performance: Minimal system resource impact
• Behavior-Based Detection: AI monitoring of suspicious activities
• System Watcher: Real-time system activity monitoring
• Vulnerability Scanning: Detects software weaknesses
• Secure Banking: Protected financial browsing
• Parental Controls: Family protection features
• Password Manager: Credential management
• Webcam Protection: Prevents unauthorized recording

Comparison Table: Free vs Paid Firewalls

Legacy Free Firewall Softare

1. Sunbelt Personal Firewall

Another on the list is Sunbelt Personal Firewall. It helps you control how your PC communicates with another PC through a local network or the internet. Moreover, it protects your PC from external and internal attacks. We have listed some of its key features below:

• Users can download and install a new version whenever one is found.
• In a configuration dialog, you can view logs.
• Its system requirements are 64MB RAM, 15MB of free disc space, Pentium 400MHz or higher and a minimal screen resolution of 800*600 pixels.

2. PC Tools Firewall Plus

If you play high-bandwidth games, then PC Tools Firewall Plus will be a perfect choice for you. It keeps the personal information stored on your PC private. Apart from this, it blocks the attempts made by the malware to leak the personal data stored on your PC. Here are its key features:

• It is user-friendly.
• With its help, you can control all the network traffic.
• It provides advanced settings also.
• History panel is also there.
• You can view and save log activity to a file.

3. EVORIM Firewall

Evorim Firewall is compatible with Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10/ Windows 11. It is also one of best free firewall software for windows. Moreover, it helps you in saving bandwidth. Some of its features are:

• It has a web accelerator.
• Furthermore, it prevents web tracking.
• It is available in multiple languages.
• You can make rules that contain domain names.
• Apart from this, it protects your privacy.
• It can block botnets.

Q: Can I run multiple firewalls simultaneously? 

A: Not recommended. Running two firewalls simultaneously causes conflicts, instability, and reduced performance. Choose one primary firewall and disable others.

Q: How often are firewall definitions updated? 

A: Professional solutions update threat definitions daily or multiple times daily. Free solutions typically update weekly to daily depending on the vendor.

Q: Will a firewall slow down my computer? 

A: Modern firewalls have minimal performance impact. However, aggressive logging and scanning can affect older systems. Test performance before committing to any solution.

Q: Do I need a firewall if I have antivirus? 

A: Absolutely. Firewalls and antivirus serve different purposes. Firewalls prevent unauthorized access and network-based attacks, while antivirus detects and removes existing malware. Both are essential.

Q: Is Windows Defender Firewall sufficient? 

A: Windows Defender provides basic protection suitable for most users. However, it lacks advanced features like rootkit protection, application-level blocking, and network monitoring found in third-party solutions.

Selecting the right firewall depends on your specific needs, technical knowledge, and budget. For most users, starting with Windows Defender Firewall supplemented by ZoneAlarm Free provides excellent protection without any extra cost. Users prioritizing maximum protection and additional features should invest in Norton 360 Deluxe, which consistently outperforms competitors in independent testing.