Arno's IPTABLES Firewall

At a glance

• Editor score
  3.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Linux users needing free basic packet filtering
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Outbound control
  Advanced
• Facts checked
  23 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Configurable inbound, outbound and forwarding chains
  • Supports IPv4, IPv6, NAT, port forwarding and interface-specific rules
  • Includes firewall logging, log filtering and installation scripts

• Where it doesn't

  • Configuration relies on files and command-line scripts, not a central console
  • No application-level rules or central management
  • Linux-only and self-hosted, with community support

Our verdict on Arno's IPTABLES Firewall

Arno’s IPTABLES Firewall is an open-source shell-script firewall for Linux systems using iptables and iproute. It is aimed at administrators who need packet filtering on single- or multi-homed systems, including DSL/ADSL setups, and are comfortable configuring a Linux host. Incoming traffic can be blocked by default, while configurable chains handle inbound, outbound and forwarding traffic. IPv4 and IPv6 support, interface-specific rules, NAT and port forwarding cover common network-control needs. The project is distributed under GPLv2 and is self-hosted rather than offered as a commercial service.

Its scope is practical rather than application-aware: rules govern traffic direction, hosts, ports, interfaces and forwarding, but there are no application rules or centralized management. Configuration is performed through files and command-line scripts. The package includes installation and removal scripts, a systemd service, firewall logging and a log-filtering utility, with optional plugins for additional functionality. That makes it a better fit for Linux administrators seeking direct control over packet-filtering rules than for teams that expect a graphical policy console or centrally managed fleet.

There is no paid plan to weigh against a free tier; the software is open source. The project materials document continued availability, and the latest release listed on its GitHub repository is from July 2024. Support is community-based. Choose AIF if free, host-level Linux filtering and configurable network rules meet the need, and file-based administration is acceptable. Look elsewhere if the requirement is application-specific controls, central management, or a broader commercial firewall platform with vendor support.

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Arno's IPTABLES Firewall pricing

Arno's IPTABLES Firewall fact sheet

Alternatives to Arno's IPTABLES Firewall

• FortiGateA broad hybrid firewall platform for organizations that need deep security and network controls.9.4
• Arista NG FirewallA broad firewall platform with a free plan and extensive network controls.9.3
• Google Cloud NGFWGoogle Cloud-native firewall protection with free rule evaluation and usage-priced advanced controls.9.2

See all Arno's IPTABLES Firewall alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update