Battle simplewall vs Windows Firewall Control vs TinyWall

[Templarware]

I tried WFC, but it blocks Windows updates without showing a notification, I don't know if other Windows services will be blocked too.
At least in SW it shows notification for every connection, and you can enable Windows updates and store apps from the settings so they will work properly.

It also occasionally blocks the windows antimalware service, among other random things without telling you, and you won't find out unless you check the recently blocked connections.
Anyway, a good firewall acts completely automated in the background, not putting any decisions on you. You just can't have that with Windows Firewall.

 

[silversurfer]

It also occasionally blocks the windows antimalware service, among other random things without telling you, and you won't find out unless you check the recently blocked connections.
Anyway, a good firewall acts completely automated in the background, not putting any decisions on you. You just can't achieve that with Windows Firewall.

Another case, why do you think that is an general issue for every user of WFC?

Here on my systems (PC, two laptops) WFC doesn't block Windows Antimalware Service nor other things if that is whitelisted/allowed for outbound connections.



Any chance you would inform the WFC developer about that issue, unless you did that already?

 

[Templarware]

Another case, why do you think that is an general issue for every user of WFC?

Here on my systems (PC, two laptops) WFC doesn't block Windows Antimalware Service nor other things if that is whitelisted/allowed for outbound connections.

View attachment 283659

Any chance you would inform the WFC developer about that issue, unless you did that already?

There's issues because the software has issues.
It shows the "recently blocked connections", you need to be lucky to check shortly after it happens. If some amount of time passes, it disappears. Only if you check regularly you may notice it.

 

[lokamoka820]

Don't get me wrong, my intention is no personal attack, but that sounds not like a software issue, otherwise WFC wouldn't work properly for other users, I guess rather misconfiguration on your system or whatever reason...

You wrote earlier in post #17 "I tried WFC, but it blocks Windows updates without showing a notification ..." that sounds or can be misinterpreted that WFC as software would break Windows updates in general for all users, but that isn't true because the WFC developer is highly respected among the userbase of WFC, he would fix such major issues, not to mention Malwarebytes as company

Maybe it is my fault, because I didn't explain the issue clearly, and I didn't take screenshots to make finding solutions easier.

I'm not an expert with firewalls in general, and I'm here to learn from experts like you and others in the forum.

 

[jackuars]

I've used quite a few firewalls over the years, but Fort Firewall is the one I've really stuck with. It's reliable, straightforward, and doesn't compromise on security. That's what matters most to me. Before this, I've been using WFC - Windows Firewall Control. I have to say, it's been excellent. The interface is clean and intuitive, and it does a great job without any unnecessary complications. Interestingly, it was Glasswire that first got me interested in external firewalls. It made me realize just how much network activity goes on in the background. After that, the basic Windows firewall just didn't cut it anymore.

As for the others, Simplewall was by far the easiest to set up. It's perfect if you want something simple and quick. Tinywall, on the other hand, is my least favorite. It' just didn't stick out for me. I understand some people prefer that, but I need a bit more functionality. Then there's Comodo and PortMaster. They offer an incredible amount of customization, which is great if you need that level of control. But for me? It's overkill. I don't need to tweak every single setting to feel secure.

 

[ddave]

Fort firewall ,

I've used quite a few firewalls over the years, but Fort Firewall is the one I've really stuck with. It's reliable, straightforward, and doesn't compromise on security. That's what matters most to me. Before this, I've been using WFC - Windows Firewall Control. I have to say, it's been excellent. The interface is clean and intuitive, and it does a great job without any unnecessary complications. Interestingly, it was Glasswire that first got me interested in external firewalls. It made me realize just how much network activity goes on in the background. After that, the basic Windows firewall just didn't cut it anymore.

As for the others, Simplewall was by far the easiest to set up. It's perfect if you want something simple and quick. Tinywall, on the other hand, is my least favorite. It' just didn't stick out for me. I understand some people prefer that, but I need a bit more functionality. Then there's Comodo and PortMaster. They offer an incredible amount of customization, which is great if you need that level of control. But for me? It's overkill. I don't need to tweak every single setting to feel secure.

Ok guys, can you explain me why Fort Firewall is better than Comodo and the other?
I don't try to create controversy but only to understand.

 

[tnodir]

can you explain me why Fort Firewall is better than Comodo and the other?

Fort Firewall is definitely not better than other firewalls and lacks many (important for most) features.

I think, @jackuars explained it very well above. Fort Firewall is lightweight and reliable on what it does.

 

[ddave]

Fort Firewall is definitely not better than other firewalls and lacks many (important for most) features.

I think, @jackuars explained it very well above. Fort Firewall is lightweight and reliable on what it does.

Thank you for your reply.
Maybe "better" was not the right word but with the table you've posted I can understand what are the differencies with other softwares.
Indeed "different" is the right word...

 

[lokamoka820]

Fort Firewall is definitely not better than other firewalls and lacks many (important for most) features.

I think, @jackuars explained it very well above. Fort Firewall is lightweight and reliable on what it does.

I think what Fort Firewall need is more video tutorials, I barely find any.

On the other hand, all reviews are good about it.

 

[ErzCrz]

I like WFC even though I use CF most of the time. My favourite way to start WFC is delete all the rules and import WFC recommended and then create rules but that's just to get rid of all the extra default allow rules

 

[lokamoka820]

I like WFC even though I use CF most of the time. My favourite way to start WFC is delete all the rules and import WFC recommended and then create rules but that's just to get rid of all the extra default allow rules

Nice tip, thank you.

 

[ddave]

The real deal with Comodo are the extra features that it has.
Like containment, virusscope, etc...
Other firewall have the same capabilities?

 

[lokamoka820]

The real deal with Comodo are the extra features that it has.
Like containment, virusscope, etc...
Other firewall have the same capabilities?

I don't think that other firewall can beat Comodo when it comes to features, but it all depends on the user needs, some are looking for simplicity for example.

 

[3242enthere]

Indeed, WFC is probably the best as far as regular updates. FYI: TW used to be a WF front-end but the v.3.x.x.x change saw it completely re-built on Windows Filtering Platform, as is Simplewall.

I don't understand what level of trust should we put on current firewall releases.


WFC (windows firewall control) says it is from malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes says they don't have a firewall product.
WFC itself isn't open source.
Here we have WFC anyway.

Simplewall and Tinywall are one man open source projects. They are well known, but only on niche forums. (as far as I know).

I could trust Comodo. Known brand, huge company etc. ..
"Comodo 2025 firewall only version" is out and have some reviews. But it is not on the official download page. (it is only provided as a link through comodo forums anyway. So it must be a beta.)
Here we have it anyway.


So what should we think of? (I don't intent to look like diminishing their known work.)

I'd like to use one.

Please advice.

 

[Templarware]

Malwarebytes says they don't have a firewall product.

And they don't, Malwarebytes only has a software that serves as a better interface for the built in Windows Firewall. Just like DefenderUI also isn't an antivirus.

 

[lokamoka820]

I don't understand what level of trust should we put on current firewall releases.


WFC (windows firewall control) says it is from malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes says they don't have a firewall product.
WFC itself isn't open source.
Here we have WFC anyway.

Simplewall and Tinywall are one man open source projects. They are well known, but only on niche forums. (as far as I know).

I could trust Comodo. Known brand, huge company etc. ..
"Comodo 2025 firewall only version" is out and have some reviews. But it is not on the official download page. (it is only provided as a link through comodo forums anyway. So it must be a beta.)
Here we have it anyway.


So what should we think of? (I don't intent to look like diminishing their known work.)

I'd like to use one.

Please advice.

Try them all and judge by your experiment, or ask yourself what the features you need in a firewall software.
For my self, although all commenters favor WFC (Windows Firewall Control), I tried twice, and didn't like it, I found that simplewall fit my needs better.
Currently, I use AVG firewall, and I can't be happier.

 

[Studynxx]

I like OpenSense.

 

[TuxTalk]

Simple :

Free Firewall

With over 90 million downloads, ZoneAlarm is one of the world's most popular Firewall software products.

www.zonealarm.com

or

ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall

Download ZoneAlarm Firewall and Anti-phishing professional grade software for PC. Two-Way Firewall, Identity Protection and Zero-hour Protection

www.zonealarm.com

 

[lokamoka820]

Simple :

Free Firewall

With over 90 million downloads, ZoneAlarm is one of the world's most popular Firewall software products.

www.zonealarm.com

or

ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall

Download ZoneAlarm Firewall and Anti-phishing professional grade software for PC. Two-Way Firewall, Identity Protection and Zero-hour Protection

www.zonealarm.com

They have antivirus too, right? Which free product is better, the antivirus or the firewall alone?

 

[TuxTalk]

They have antivirus too, right? Which free product is better, the antivirus or the firewall alone?

The Antivirus, i used the paid version, best buy !

You can see it in my configuration, im doing some tests there.

Advanced Security - Jengo Configuration 2024

Reinstalled my laptop and went for G DATA TS, since it's protection is awesome and light on the system. https://www.gdatasoftware.com/

malwaretips.com