5 Best Free Firewall Software For Windows

Windows built-in firewall is not safe enough considering increasing number of online threats like hackers, key loggers which can steal passwords and other confidential data, spyware, etc.

Moreover Windows firewall is only in-bound. Which means it can protect your PC only from external attacks. It cannot prevent malicious programs on your computer from sending private data.

Hence you need a good firewall software. There are many free ones available. Some are good for Expert users and some for Novice users. In this article we will help you to find one suitable for your needs.

1. Comodo Firewall

Recommended for: Expert Users

Comodo Firewall is one of the best free firewall solutions for your PC. This free Firewall is feature rich with advanced options. It monitors both inbound and outbound traffic. The firewall passes very stringent leak tests and it’s defense system includes Network Defense and Proactive defense system.

Comodo Firewall offers both Basic and Advanced features. In Basic mode, you can define trusted applications for which you can provide internet access. You can define a blocked application for which Comodo will prevent internet access. You can also configure Comodo to protect files from unauthorized access. Specific Registry Keys can be protected against unauthorized modification.

In Advanced features, you can apply various rules and define policies for an application. You can access and configure various firewall options such as security level, alert frequency of proactive defense system and firewall. Image Execution control feature takes care of authenticating every executable image being loaded into the systems memory.

Comodo Firewall Free lets you set a master password for settings so that the Firewall can’t be turned off by any of other users of your system. Note that Comodo Firewall comes as a part of Free Comodo Internet Security Suite in which Free Antivirus software is also included. That’s the reason for the unusually bigger size of the download. During installation, make sure you only select Firewall installation.
All in all, a very good, trustable and freeware firewall for a safer online experience.

Comodo Firewall works with 32-bit and 64-bit version of Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP SP2.
Download Comodo Firewall

2. PC Tools Firewall Plus

Recommended for: Expert Users

PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition is another good firewall program for your PC. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic on your computer. It protects your computer from unauthorized access when connected to the internet.

PC Tools Firewall lets you set filtering rules for programs and network access. You can create your own rules using protocol, port and IP address. The rules can be set using a easy to follow wizard. You can also choose to apply preset policy from various available preset rules. The application will prompt you when an unknown program is trying to connect to the internet. You can choose to allow or block the access.
Note that PC Tools Firewall Free edition needs a free registration after 30 days of use.

Download  PC Tools Firewall

PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition is designed for Windows 7 (32/64bit), Vista (32/64bit) and XP (32bit).

3. Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free 2009

Recommended for: Intermediate Users

Agnitum OutPost is a free Personal Firewall software which protects your PC from both inbound and outbound attacks. It has proactive defense system which protects your PC from unknown application installations. It has real-time network statistics monitor. It protects itself and your PC by preventing abnormal termination of it’s process by malware or hackers.

Agnitum OutPost Free Firewall can assign correct policies for most widely-used applications. All in all a good firewall software for your PC.

Download Agnitum OutPost Free Firewall

Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free Edition works with Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.

4. Ashampoo Firewall Free

Recommended for: Novice Users

Ashampoo Firewall is a free firewall program that gives protection from inbound and outbound threats. The firewall is simple to use, hence we recommend this for Novice users. Expert users still can use this software by using Expert mode.

It comes with Easy mode by which you can configure various network and program settings easily. It has a Learning mode, by which the firewall program automatically identifies programs that try to make connections and lets you decide whether you want to allow them. You can create rules for every program that controls their network access. In expert mode, you can monitor both local area network connections and the internal connections inside your own computer.

A “Block All” (similar to Comodo’s “Stop all Internet activities”) button when clicked will stop all the internet activities.  This is useful feature in emergencies when you come to know that your PC is in threat and you want to stop all the internet traffic.

Ashampoo Firewall comes loaded with few more useful features. Using Autostart Manager, you can manage Autorun of programs. It’s Internet Cleaner can be used to wipe all traces of your browsing activity from your computer to protect your privacy. In addition to this Ashampoo Firewall also comes with IP Spam Blocker which prevents popup spam message on the desktop sent using Windows Messaging Service.

Download Ashampoo Firewall

5. Zone Alarm Basic Firewall

Recommended for: Novice Users

ZoneAlarm Basic Firewall is one of the popular and free firewall programs with basic features. This software is simple to use. Hence our another choice for Basic Users. It protects your PC from inbound and outbound threats. The firewall protects unauthorized access to your PC via internet and network. The Internet lock blocks Internet traffic when your computer is not in use or while you are not using the Internet. It can be activated automatically with your computer’s screensaver or after a set period of inactivity.

Download ZoneAlarm Basic Firewall