Alternatives to NetGuard

No-root Android firewall that blocks internet access per app. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as NetGuard.

  • AFWall+

    iptables firewall for rooted Android with per-app rules.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    AFWall+ is free and uses iptables at kernel level, so it does not use the VPN slot, but it requires a rooted Android device.

  • GlassWire

    Network monitor and firewall with a visual traffic history.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsAndroid

    GlassWire is closed source with a visual traffic history on Android and Windows, and longer history and several features need a paid licence.

Also worth comparing

These listings name NetGuard as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • OpenSnitch

    An interactive application firewall for Linux that asks before letting any program make an outbound connection.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    NetGuard blocks internet access per app on Android without root, but occupies the VPN slot so it cannot run alongside a VPN.

  • Portmaster

    Shows every connection each application makes and lets you block any of them, with sensible defaults already set.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    NetGuard blocks internet access per app on Android without root, with a live traffic log, but occupies the VPN slot.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.