GlassWire and simplewall alternative for Windows
Out of the box, the Windows Firewall lets every program connect to the internet. If you want to know what your PC talks to, and decide which apps may go online, you add a tool such as GlassWire, simplewall, TinyWall or Windows Firewall Control. Here is what each one does, and when one tool for outbound control, attack protection and a security check may fit better.
- The problem: Windows blocks unwanted connections in, but by default allows every program out, without asking.
- What these tools do: show network activity and let you allow or block programs.
- GlassWire, simplewall, TinyWall, Windows Firewall Control: four different approaches, from a network monitor with graphs to a slim rule tool.
- When Coinetic may fit better: you want outbound control, a live firewall log, automatic bans of attackers and a security check in one tool.
1. The problem: every program may connect out
The Windows Firewall blocks unsolicited connections from outside, but its default for outgoing traffic is allow. A new program, an updater or a piece of malware can reach the internet without you noticing. The Windows Firewall console can block outbound traffic, but then you write every allow rule yourself and Windows does not ask you when a new program tries to connect.
2. The tools people compare
GlassWire
GlassWire is a network monitor and firewall for Windows PCs and Android phones. A graph shows who or what your PC is talking to, including past activity. In Ask to connect mode you allow or deny new app connections. It alerts you to new apps going online and new devices on your network, and tracks data usage against limits you set. There is a free version; Premium unlocks all features.
simplewall (Henry++)
simplewall is a free, open-source tool on GitHub to configure the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP). Its README lists a simple interface without pop-ups, a rules editor, an internal blocklist, notification and file logging of dropped packets, and support for Windows services, Windows Store apps, WSL and IPv6. It runs on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 (64-bit / ARM64).
TinyWall
TinyWall describes itself as a lightweight firewall for Windows: free, no ads, no pop-ups. It works directly with the Windows Filtering Platform, installs no drivers, and offers tamper protection, blocklists and temporary rules. The current version runs on Windows 11 and Windows 10 from 21H2; the source code is on GitHub.
Windows Firewall Control (BiniSoft)
Windows Firewall Control by BiniSoft.org extends the built-in Windows Firewall from the system tray. It does no packet filtering itself; the Windows Firewall enforces the rules. Its features include notifications of blocked outbound connections. It supports Windows 7 to 11 and Windows Server 2012 to 2025.
At a glance
Only facts the vendors state themselves; where a vendor does not say, the cell is left empty (–).
| GlassWire | simplewall | TinyWall | Windows Firewall Control | Coinetic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free to use | Free version; Premium | Yes | Yes | – | No; 30-day trial |
| Open source | – | Yes | Yes | – | No |
| Filters through | – | Windows Filtering Platform | Windows Filtering Platform | Windows Firewall | Windows Firewall |
| Windows Server named | – | – | Older version 3.2.5 only | Yes (2012 to 2025) | Yes (2008 R2 SP1 to 2025) |
| Asks when a new app connects | Yes (Ask to connect) | – | – | – | Yes |
| Live firewall log with the rule that decided each connection | – | – | – | – | Yes |
| Make a rule matching a packet (right-click a log line) | – | – | – | – | Yes |
| Open ports view: what listens and who can reach it | – | – | – | – | Yes |
| Security check with one-click, reversible fixes | – | – | – | – | Yes |
| Port scans and password guessing blocked automatically | – | – | – | – | Yes |
| Protects Windows Servers too (RDP, VPN, SQL, mail, web) | – | – | – | – | Yes (Pro) |
| AI security analyst (Ask AI on any line, ban, port or connection) | – | – | – | – | Yes (Pro + AI) |
| Phone unlock (port invisible until unlocked from your phone) | – | – | – | – | Yes |
| Bans attackers automatically (password guessing, port scans) | – | – | – | – | Yes |
3. Coinetic: it shows, decides, and defends
GlassWire, simplewall, TinyWall and Windows Firewall Control show or filter which programs go online. Coinetic does that too – and then goes further: it defends the computer. It bans password guessers and port scanners by itself, shows every connection live with the firewall rule that decided it, turns a log line into a rule in one click, lists every open port and who can reach it, runs a security check with one-click fixes, warns and heals if the firewall is switched off, protects Windows Servers as well as PCs, can make a port invisible until you unlock it from your phone, and has an AI analyst built into every screen. One powerhouse instead of a viewer plus a ban tool plus a scanner.
With Coinetic: one tool, installed in minutes, then it runs by itself
- Asks once per new program when outbound control is on: allow everywhere, LAN only, only one address, or block, also for 1 hour, 8 hours or until restart. The prompt shows the publisher and digital signature and recommends a choice with the reason.
- Shows every connection live, green allowed and red blocked, with the firewall rule that decided it.
- Bans attackers automatically: port scans, trap ports and failed Windows / Remote Desktop logins, in every plan. Addresses in your own network are never banned.
- One-click security check: open ports, risky settings and stale rules, each with an explanation and a reversible fix.
- Watches the firewall: if something switches it off, Coinetic alerts you and switches it back on.
- Built on the Windows Firewall that is already there: nothing is added to the network stack, all its rules are visible in Windows, and the Simple view shows at a glance whether you are protected.
- Your AI security analyst (Pro + AI): right-click any line, ban, port or connection and choose Ask AI, e.g. “Which programs talk to the internet, and which should I block?”. It looks up this computer's Coinetic data itself and answers in plain words, with what to do on this machine.
Download Coinetic, install, done - it starts protecting at once. 30 days free with all features, no payment details. From $20 per computer per year.
More guides: all Coinetic guides.
Frequently asked
Does Windows block programs from connecting out by default?
No. The Windows Firewall's default for outbound traffic is to allow it. You can switch a profile to block outbound, but then every program needs an allow rule.
Does Coinetic replace the Windows Firewall?
No. Coinetic works through the Windows Firewall and adds nothing to the network stack. Its rules are ordinary Windows Firewall rules whose names start with Coinetic.
Will Coinetic flood me with pop-ups?
With outbound control on, each new program asks once; your decision is remembered. Windows essentials and Windows Explorer are allowed without asking. Notifications can be switched per kind, with quiet hours at night.
Is Coinetic only for businesses?
No. It protects PCs and Windows Servers, for home users and companies alike.