GlassWire

Overview

GlassWire combines network traffic monitoring with a personal firewall, helping users see which apps and devices are active and respond to connections they do not trust. It is most compelling for people who want app-level visibility on a Windows PC or Android phone, rather than a broader network-management suite. The free tier covers quick checks; longer-term investigation and expanded firewall controls make the paid plan more useful.

Key features

On desktop, traffic can be examined by app, IP or host, traffic type, and other categories. That level of detail helps identify what is using bandwidth instead of leaving users with an unexplained total. Alerts flag unusual network or app changes that could indicate malware and can report when an unknown device joins Wi-Fi. They are useful signals to investigate, not a substitute for broader security software.

Premium adds bidirectional firewall control, custom profiles, Ask to Connect, and Lockdown Mode. These controls make GlassWire more than a passive usage chart: users can manage app connections and apply different connection rules. The free tier is narrower, and its short history makes it a poor fit for anyone who needs to revisit activity after the immediate day has passed.

The Android app graphs data use by app, alerts when apps access the network, and can block app connections over mobile or Wi-Fi. GlassWire says Android app and data usage information stays on the phone and that the app itself uses no data, a relevant privacy assurance for phone users monitoring usage.

Pricing

GlassWire is freemium. Free costs nothing, billed Free Forever, and includes one day of bandwidth usage, 24 hours of network history, and alert logs for the current day. That is a sensible way to check current activity, but the narrow retention limits make delayed troubleshooting difficult.

The Personal Plan costs $2.99 a month, billed Paid annually. It supports up to 20 licenses and includes unlimited bandwidth usage, network history, and alert logs. Premium also brings the expanded firewall controls and dedicated support, alongside community support. This is the better fit for users who want durable records or stronger control over app connections; casual users who only need same-day visibility can stay on Free. The annual billing term is worth noting when comparing the monthly price.

Platforms

GlassWire is offered for Android, web, and Windows. The desktop download requires Windows 10 or later and supports x64 and ARM64 architectures. Android provides app-level data graphs, network-access alerts, and blocking over mobile or Wi-Fi. Users should choose another option if they need desktop software for an operating system other than Windows.

Who it's for

GlassWire suits individuals who want to identify which apps are using bandwidth, notice unusual connection activity, and optionally block app connections. It is especially practical for Windows users who value longer history and firewall controls, and for Android users who want per-app usage visibility. It is less suitable for people seeking a cross-platform desktop firewall or those who need only a minimal, one-time bandwidth report.

Pros and cons

• Useful traffic breakdowns: Desktop views by app, IP or host, and traffic type help narrow down the source of usage.
• Actionable connection controls: Premium adds bidirectional firewall control, custom profiles, Ask to Connect, and Lockdown Mode.
• Android app-level monitoring: Users can graph data use, receive network-access alerts, and block connections over mobile or Wi-Fi.
• Free history is brief: Network history lasts 24 hours, bandwidth history one day, and alert logs only cover the current day.
• Desktop support is Windows-only: The desktop download requires Windows 10 or later, limiting its fit for Mac and Linux desktop users.

Alternatives

SoftPerfect Bandwidth Manager is a reasonable alternative for users who prefer rule-based bandwidth management: its free Lite plan allows five rules or streams and includes usage reports, a live monitor, and penalties for heavy downloads or uploads. ntopng is worth considering for home and network practitioners who want an open-source option; its Community plan is aimed at small networks, with a suggested maximum of 256 live local hosts.

sFlowTrend is another option for readers evaluating network traffic monitoring software. ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer may suit readers who want interface-based monitoring, with a free edition capped at two interfaces. bwmon is a free, self-hosted option for a single Linux host. Cacti offers free open-source network monitoring and graphing, with requirements including MySQL, PHP, RRDTool, Net-SNMP, and a PHP-capable web server. FlowViewer is free software for Linux and requires a Unix server. Nagios XI has a self-supported free plan capped at seven nodes or 100 services, whichever comes first.

For more options, browse Bandwidth Monitoring Software and Network Monitoring.

Verdict

GlassWire is a strong choice for individuals who want understandable traffic breakdowns, alerts, and app connection controls in one product, particularly on Windows and Android. Its clearest advantage is pairing visibility with a firewall, while its main drawback is that meaningful history and the most capable controls require an annual paid plan. Choose Free for short-term checks; choose Personal if keeping full records and managing connections justify the recurring cost. Look elsewhere for non-Windows desktop support or more infrastructure-oriented monitoring.