Shorewall
Shorewall: A file-driven Linux firewall for detailed network control across multiple firewalls. Ranked #45 of 76 in Firewall Software by our editors (4.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for config-file-driven multi-firewall administration.
At a glance
- Editor score4.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forConfig-file-driven multi-firewall administration
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Outbound controlAdvanced
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Stateful filtering, zones, NAT, VPNs, logging, and traffic shaping
- Supports IPv4, IPv6, and multiple VPN tunnel types
- Shorewall-lite centralizes administration across multiple firewalls
Where it doesn't
- Configuration-file management requires firewall administration expertise
- No application-level rules are provided
- No integrations are listed
Our verdict on Shorewall
Shorewall is a high-level configuration tool for the Linux Netfilter firewall. Administrators define firewall and gateway requirements in configuration files, then Shorewall generates and applies the corresponding rules. It fits dedicated firewall systems, gateways, routers, servers, standalone GNU/Linux systems, and virtualization environments. Its core audience is technical teams that want explicit, repeatable control over network policy rather than a primarily graphical firewall experience.
The open-source model makes Shorewall available as a free firewall option. Its published capabilities cover stateful packet filtering through Netfilter connection tracking, zone-based policies, outbound and inbound rule direction, NAT, masquerading, port forwarding, IPv4 and IPv6, VPN tunnels, traffic accounting, traffic shaping, logging, and status monitoring. Shorewall-lite extends that configuration approach to centralized administration of multiple firewalls. This breadth suits administrators managing gateways or several network boundaries from structured configuration files, while the lack of application rules makes it less suitable for teams seeking application-aware policy controls.
Shorewall’s main distinction is its depth in network-layer and gateway administration. Support for IPsec, GRE, IPIP, and OpenVPN tunnels, together with routing, NAT, shaping, and logging, gives it a wide infrastructure focus without shifting into an application-control product. The trade-off is operational specialization: administrators must be comfortable expressing policy through configuration files and maintaining Linux-based firewall systems. Choose Shorewall when declarative, multi-firewall administration and detailed network controls are priorities. Consider another firewall product when the requirement centers on application-specific rules, integrations, or a less configuration-oriented management model.
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Shorewall pricing
Shorewall fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Outbound control | Advanced |
| Rule direction | Both |
| Connection alerts | Yes |
| Application rules | No |
| Supported platforms | linux, windows, macos |
| Central management | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | shorewall.org |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Shorewall
- 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 Shorewall alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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