Chances are, you won’t need a firewall app if you are using the apps from Google Play store because they are already verified by Google. In case that you want to install an APK or apps that are not available on the Google Play store, from an external source, one of the benefits of a firewall app is that it allows you to see if those apps want to communicate without you knowing it. Now that we made that a little bit clearer, let’s move to our list!
Android Firewall Apps to Make You Feel More Secure
Note: Most of these apps, fortunately, don’t need to root your Android device in order to install your Android firewall (except the last one). So, like any other app, you install them and you’re good to go.
1. No root Firewall
Just as the name implies, NoRoot Firewall is a great way to control how your device uses the Internet. The app allows you to easily manage all the apps and how they use your Internet. Fortunately, you don’t need to root your phone for this app. Features:
No root required;Access control based on IP/host/domain name;Simple interface;Minimal permissions.
One great thing about this app is its ability to block background data usage and only let foreground data run freely. You’ll be able to analyze, record and start the data usage for each app and truly gain useful details about them. In conclusion, this is the perfect solution if you want a firewall for Android without root. It gives you complete protection for your Android device.
2. Mobiwol: NoRoot Firewall – free
Mobiwol firewall app can be used to not only reduce data usage but also save battery life in addition to securing your privacy. You’ll be able to directly take control of the apps installed on your Android device with this app. Features:
Android firewall protection with no root required;Automatic launch on device startup;Full data usage visibility;Identifies and Notifies when newly installed apps access the Web.
If one of the apps has gone rogue and used a lot of background data, you can simply restrict its usage. You can also get alerts when a new app tries to access the internet. The app may not be as effective as dedicated battery saver apps for Android, but it works well in combination with them.
3. NetGuard – no-root firewall – free with in-app purchases
NetGuard is a simple, yet effective way to block Internet access on your device. The best part is, you don’t even need access to block off malicious websites from the device. Addresses and even applications can be individually configured for access on the Android device. Features:
No root required;IPv4/IPv6 TCP/UDP supported;Actively developed and supported;No advertisements.
There were a lot of features available that allow you to customize the experience you have with this firewall app for Android. For example, you can easily block when roaming. You can also block system applications from accessing the Internet, this allows them to stay as it is and won’t receive any updates.
4. Droid Firewall – free with in-app purchases
Droid Firewall is perhaps the oldest and most popular Android firewall app available on the Google Play Store. Even if you will have to deal with the ads, it is still one of the best firewalls for Android in the market. Features:
Mobile data reset;Wi-Fi data reset;Grant/Deny both system & installed Apps;Minimal permissions.
One bad part about this app is that it has ads built-in, but you can upgrade the app to pro mode for 4$ and get rid of them plus other features like getting info about traffic log.
5. GlassWire Data Usage Monitor – free with in-app purchases
GlassWire is basically a data usage monitor that allows you to see and control the data usage on your wifi and mobile data connection. You can allow or deny some apps to connect to the internet and it sends you alerts that some apps are running in the background. Mostly, it runs just like a firewall app and it may be the solution for you. Features:
Live notification with traffic usage;Set data usage limit;Block apps from connecting to the internet;See suspicious activity;No root needed.
If you want to know more about data usage on your Android phone, you can take a look at our article with the best apps to help you reduce it.
6. AFWall+ (Android Firewall +) – free
If you want one of the best firewall apps for Android, AFWall+ is the best one you can get. The app has a very pleasant interface and works great on almost any device.Please take into consideration that you will need to root your device for this app. See in our article how to root your Android device! Features:
Search Applications;Filter Applications;IPV6/IPV4 Support;Notify on new installations.
AFWall+ (Android Firewall +) is basically a front-end application that allows you to restrict which applications are permitted to access your data networks. Additionally, it also allows you to limit and control network traffic used by apps within your local area network or while connected through a VPN. If you want security with no limitations and has freedom of Google’s restrictions, then better check this app out. Speaking of VPN, if you want a reliable and safe way to surf the internet, nothing is a more secure way to do it than having NordVPN.
NordVPN Internet Privacy & Security Software
If you use a VPN to surf the web, every data and information you send and receive is hack-proof and it goes through an encrypted tunnel for online traffic to flow. Nobody can see through the tunnel and get their hands on your internet data. NordVPN gives you peace of mind each time you use public Wi-Fi, access personal and work accounts on the road, or want to keep your browsing history to yourself.
Android firewall apps – the need for them these days
Even if you feel safe using your apps when online, or you just want a little bit of more control of your internet traffic data, the apps listed above may help you.Do you really need an Android firewall app? In our opinion, Android is already as secure as it can get, but if you want to find out more, you can check out this article about how secure Android is. Also, if you need more deep information, Android Source has some more details. Have questions, comments, or suggestions? Do let us know in the comment section below! Featured Image
