simplewall

At a glance

• Editor score
  5.3 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Simple open-source Windows firewall control
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Outbound control
  Advanced
• Facts checked
  22 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Controls inbound and outbound traffic with global and application rules
  • Includes telemetry blocking, notifications, packet logging, and IPv6 support
  • Supports Windows services, Store apps, WSL, and temporary or permanent rules

• Where it doesn't

  • Windows-only, with no support for other platforms
  • Requires administrator rights and is intended for advanced users
  • Lacks central management and integrations for broader enterprise use

Our verdict on simplewall

simplewall is a free, open-source Windows application for configuring Windows Filtering Platform and controlling network activity. It is aimed at advanced users who want direct control over application and system traffic without a paid plan. Rules can apply globally or to individual applications, and the software supports inbound and outbound blocking. Its Windows scope covers Windows 7 SP1 and later, including 64-bit and ARM64 systems, with both installer and portable versions available.

The feature set is focused on traffic control rather than broad security-platform administration. simplewall includes an internal telemetry blocklist, blocked-packet notifications, packet logging, IPv6 support, and permanent or temporary filtering rules. It also supports Windows services, Windows Store applications, and Windows Subsystem for Linux. That combination gives users several ways to inspect and manage local network activity while keeping the product centered on Windows Filtering Platform configuration.

Its main limitation is scope. simplewall is Windows-only and does not provide the central management or integrations expected in wider enterprise deployments. Administrator rights are required, and its intended audience is advanced users rather than people looking for a fully managed firewall experience. Choose it for free, open-source control over Windows application traffic, bidirectional blocking, and local rule management. Organizations needing cross-platform coverage, centralized administration, or a broader integrated firewall environment should choose an alternative.

Your product? Our editors can test simplewall in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

simplewall pricing

simplewall fact sheet

Alternatives to simplewall

• 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 simplewall alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

simplewall is listed in our Firewall Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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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