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Best Firewall Apps for Android Smartphones – Ultimate Guide

Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller – Tech Enthusiast & Security Expert – June 6th, 2022

best firewall apps for android devices

You might be seeking the Best Firewall for Android Smartphones, given the continuous rise in malware and other security concerns targeting mobile devices in recent years. After all, a firewall is the most outstanding security against malicious programs, as it blocks all types of dangerous, suspicious files. 

However, we usually utilize a firewall on our computers, such as the Windows built-in firewall, which automatically filters anything harmful to your machine. On Android phones, providing the installation sources are trustworthy, a firewall is usually not required. However, this is not always the case.

Continue reading to learn more about the device firewall and why it’s so important on Android. I’ll also recommend the most excellent choice for you to pick from.

Table of Contents

Firewall for Android – The Ultimate Security Solution

A firewall is a software and hardware solution that redirects Internet traffic to a private network. When a firewall protects your computer, everything that enters and leaves it gets monitored. It might just be a piece of software or hardware.

As a result, if you want to keep your devices safe from malware and other cyber threats, you should think about adding this extra layer of security. To manage traffic going in and out of the network, firewalls employ one or more of the following three methods:

In the same way, the Android Firewall operates to give you the protection you require.

Best Firewall Apps for Android Smartphones – Top 5 Apps

A mobile firewall functions similarly to a traditional firewall. A firewall app will typically include an allowlist of pre-approved applications that can connect to the internet while the rest is restricted. When a mobile device user submits a query to the network, the Firewall sends a verification request. It contacts the database to verify the device against a list of allowed subscribers.

Blocking the apps’ background data gives you total control over the apps connected over WiFi or cellular networks. Furthermore, the Firewall will prohibit the user from visiting any questionable websites that may contain viruses or malware.

The Best Firewall for Android Smartphones is listed below, and you can use it to safeguard any Android device.

1. NetGuard - No-Root Firewall

NetGuard is an entirely customizable firewall that doesn’t require root access to operate. It’s a firewall program that works as part of an Android VPN. It enables you to restrict internet access while maintaining your apps and data entry. The best thing is that NetGuard allows you to limit internet access in both simple and complicated methods without requiring root access.

It monitors your apps using the default Android VPN service, so there’s no need to switch off data connections for this Firewall to operate. This program also allows you to disable advertisements. For the most part, NetGuard is free to use, but if you want to help the project out, you may give to obtain the pro features for free. You may also make. In-app purchases also grant access to additional functions, as seen below.

Pro Features

  • You may see a detailed outbound IP traffic log for all programs by viewing the traffic log.

  • With the network bandwidth graph notice, the existing network bandwidth may get shown as a graph in a notification area notification.

  • Filter network traffic enables selective network traffic blocking by IP and application.

  • Allows you to regulate new app notifications – enabling you to restrict or allow an application from new application notifications directly.

  • Appearance features will let users choose from five more app themes, all of which are available in light and dark versions.

  • You’ll be able to help with development, such as introducing new features and upgrading current ones.

Once you’ve downloaded the app from the Play Store, just install it like any other app. After the process is complete, you must first activate NetGuard. After that, you’ll be able to operate your phone. Decide whether an app may use data or solely WiFi or simply disable it.

This program is for individuals who want a safe solution without dealing with intricate settings. There is no other no-root firewall with all of these functions; therefore, Apps claim to be the only one of their kind. By contacting the developer, you can obtain help from the official forum and website.

2. Firewall No Root

Firewall No Root has many features like a firewall application with a well-organized user interface and no ads. It also modifies the routing table using an OS feature called VPNService. Even though it appears to do so, it does not generate an actual VPN connection to a server.

Pro Features

You may use No Root Firewall to monitor or prevent internet activities on your phone. Because this program employs artificial intelligence, it detects spy servers and instantly bans them. It also has filtering options for hostnames and domain names, fine-grained access restrictions, and other handy features. Some of the more complex features require a paid upgrade to access. There are no adverts or in-app purchases in the free version.

However, No Root Firewall does contain an ad tracker blocker and a program that allows you to monitor your data use, offering some useful features. You don’t even require root access, as the name implies. It’s simple to get from Google Play, and NoRoot Firewall is one of the most excellent firewall apps on Android for many users. NoRoot Firewall should be on your smartphone if you seek some essential firewall functions.

Because it does not support IPv6, the app may not operate with LTE. Because there are no instructions in the program, the UI might be puzzling at first. It’s not as simple as other Android firewall applications, so it may take some time to get accustomed to, but it’s well worth it.

3. AFWall+ (Android Firewall +)

AFWall+ is an open and free firewall app for rooted Android handsets. It allows you to control which applications may access the internet and which services they can use. It offers features that other firewall programs don’t have because it has previously taken use of root access. It is a robust front-end program that allows you to manage which applications have access to your data networks. The most critical features to help you stay safe are listed below.

Pro Features

  • To prevent malicious programs or persons from tampering with the Firewall, you can make a password, pattern, or fingerprint.

  • What sets AFWall+ apart from other Android firewall applications is its support for VPNs and Tor networks, allowing you to tunnel traffic from apps over a VPN or the Tor network.

  • AFWall+ gives you more control over your computer network by allowing you to alter iptables easily.

  • A kill-switch function disables all internet traffic when you don’t require an app to be connected.

  • You may use its Shelter feature to sandbox programs or run cloning versions. AFWall+ may regulate connections for cloned applications up as a separate version if Dual apps support is enabled.

  • To enable AFWall+ for other accounts, utilize Enable multi-user support.

While you don’t want to go further than the basics of using AFWall+, the other options provide much more flexibility. 

This app allows you to manage firewall rules across various connections, including LTE, VPN, and even LAN. Unless you’re a jailbroken user, this software should be your first choice over alternative firewall options. It’s free on the Google Play Store, but there’s also a pro version for $18 if you want to upgrade.

4. GlassWire Data Usage Monitor

GlassWire isn’t your average third-party firewall application, and its creators refer to it as a visual firewall. It does provide you with a lot of visibility into your network activities, and here are some of the app’s advantages.

  • You will get a stylish view of network traffic and usage.

  • It got designed for PCs. But its Android app makes it simple to keep track of your mobile data consumption, data limitations, and WiFi network activities.

  • If any new application starts to access the internet, it immediately shows up in a massage, and you can quickly blacklist or block that application

  • It provides data notifications to help you stay inside your data limit. To prevent overage costs, be notified before you hit your carrier’s data limit

  • You can use GlassWire’s graph to go back in time and observe which apps utilized data earlier

GlassWire has a clear policy that the app will not be able to send or receive data and will not utilize any data. Your data and app use information never leave your phone, so even if we wanted to, we wouldn’t be able to see it, and it keeps you secure.

Even though this is an excellent Android firewall software, you must purchase it when the trial period has expired. It was roughly $29 for a single device. GlassWire certainly delivers on its promises, but many consumers may lack the necessary skills to comprehend its notifications and decipher its attractive graphs. It isn’t a product for everyone who just wants his WiFi to function.

5. NetPatch Firewall

If you’re searching for a firewall to install on your Android device, NetPatch is another excellent alternative. It is a Full-Featured Advanced Firewall that requires no root. This firewall tool allows you total control over your internet connection, enhancing network security and protecting your personal information. It provides enough protection and protects the computer from harmful websites and suspicious connections. One of the most basic functions is choosing apps to access the internet through LTE data usage or WiFi. Below are the pro features of this one of the Best Firewall for Android Smartphones

  • Using the no-root Firewall, you may ban network access based on App, Hostname, and IP.

  • It is the only network firewall that ultimately allows custom rules and proxies.

  • At any moment, you may view all network logs and prevent access to any domain names you don’t want.

  • It has sophisticated features such as creating domain and IP groups. enables you to personalize your network completely

  • Uses Shadowsocks to provide security and encrypt all traffic (TCP/UDP/DNS).

Premium features are available for a free 7-day trial, following which you may purchase the pro features. You may easily download it from the Google Play Store and start using it right now.

Firewall For Android – Do You Need It?

Simple hardware firewalls get already included in your home WiFi routers. While essential firewall software gets preloaded on Windows and iOS devices. On the other hand, Android phones do not come with a built-in firewall by default. People are more concerned about it unless the user roots the device and installs it themselves.

As long as you utilize trusted Android apps from the Google Play Store, you won’t need a firewall for your Android smartphone. You can still use a firewall because your home network blocks all inbound ports by default, and your phone still works, but I don’t understand why. You’re unlikely to have any problems if you don’t use any dubious applications that leak information.

However, we can’t rule out the possibility that even respectable Play Store applications may share information with any third for marketing. Even if you have a firewall installed on your device, you are not safe from WiFi eavesdroppers when using public WiFi. In this instance, you may protect yourself by employing a VPN connection to create many levels of security because the VPN service encrypts all of your Internet activity.

Factors for Choosing Firewall for Your Android

One of the most crucial components of any security system is selecting the proper Firewall. Here are some essential factors to consider before choosing the Best Firewall for Android Smartphones to safeguard your device.

  • Cost: If your budget prevents you from acquiring the right Firewall, you may want to choose a free firewall-as-a-service option. Most apps include free firewall functions with in-app adverts, which you can remove later by purchasing for a modest fee.

  • Firewall Bandwidth: If your Firewall cannot handle data at the same rate as your internet, it will negatively impact your internet speed. As a result, it may cause bottlenecks in your network. Choose a bandwidth system that won’t slow down your computer if you’re not utilizing the bandwidth system advised by your firewall app creator.

  • Firewall Without Root: Rooting is the Android version of jailbreaking, which allows you to unlock the operating system and install unapproved programs. Because not all Android firewall applications operate without rooting your device. You can always opt for programs that don’t require root access if you want to leave your private information from being transferred to the internet.

Note: If you Root your Android device, you risk causing more problems and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty by rooting the Android device.

  • Customer Support: The Google Play Store is the most popular and secure option for Android users to get apps. There is usually an opportunity to see the contact maker’s details for more assistance. If you buy a premium app, it usually comes with support in the form of an official forum and a community. However, app support differs from that provided by computer services. If you want standard customer service, seek companies that offer a mobile firewall as an add-on service and a full-featured Network firewall.

Need for Firewall – Statistics

A firewall is an essential component of your company’s or individual security system. Your network will be vulnerable if you don’t have it. It is not enough to read the words in this essay to understand the significance of a firewall. Here are some stats that will make you reconsider whether you should start utilizing a firewall on your computer or even start looking for Best Firewall for Android Smartphones

  • Maintaining a host-based firewall is far lower than the cost of a single cyberattack. You might wind up paying for many cyber-attacks each year if you don’t have it; that’s more than most small firms can afford.

  • According to Kaspersky Research, 41% of consumers still use unsupported or nearly-expired operating systems. There is a lot of malicious code roaming the internet and sneaking up on vulnerable computers. Do yourself a favor if you’re using an outdated or unsupported version of Windows or even Android. Just to be safe, install a third-party firewall.

Firewall Vs. Antivirus

You may already be aware of or use an antivirus program. But don’t get it mixed up with a firewall. Firewall and antivirus software are two of the most misinterpreted security solutions. Just because they get frequently mentioned in the same sentence doesn’t indicate they’re the same. Instead of thinking of it as one item at a time, see it as two things that complement each other for your security.

As previously stated, a firewall protects and monitors you at the point where incoming and outgoing data traffic gets checked when you connect to the internet. On the other hand, antivirus is a software utility software that protects a computer system from inside threats.

Bonus Tip: Many virus scanners include a firewall. It implies that you just need to buy one product to keep your computer safe from viruses.

Keeping Your Smartphone Safe Without Firewall

Smartphone users are reliant on their gadgets for nearly everything. Not everyone has a firewall on their smartphone or even considers having one. Consider the following suggestions for keeping your smartphone safe. Even if you don’t have a firewall, this should apply to you.

Bottom Line

Android does not have built-in firewalls. But now you have learned about Firewall applications for Android phones that can help secure your device from unauthorized internet connectivity. When an app uses the network connection, having a firewall provides you more control over which of your phone’s functionalities get monitored.

All of the applications mentioned above come with a slew of extra features that help you stay secure on your smartphone. Remember that you may use the Firewall with root access, but this may cause additional issues, so stick to one that doesn’t require root access.

**Onlinecloudsecurity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate we earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.**

Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller

IT Consultant at Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller is an IT Consultant for Online Cloud Security and has over 7 years of experience in the Information Technology space. He also specializes in repairing laptops & computers. In his spare time, he loves to talk about new technologies and hosts monthly IT and Cyber Security meetings in the Houston area.

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About Online Cloud Security:

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

Recent Posts:

Online Cloud Security Logo (500x500px)

About Online Cloud Security

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

Recent Posts: