Our smartphone is undeniably the most-used everyday electronic device. It knows more for us than we already see for ourselves. And that may not be a good thing occasionally. The fact is that all of us use apps that we don’t know how innocent they are. The most popular or well-regarded apps from well-known companies or developers might not be an issue, though some privacy concerns have seen the light regularly, but what about the rest? What about the apps from lesser-known developers or potentially suspicious apps that are tempting us because they are offered for free or promise some extra features? Anti-malware protection is our first line of defense. But it might not always be adequate.
So, what can we do if we seek the best? Of course, being cautious with the apps we install is one option. If we want to secure our device, a Firewall is a solution. A firewall is essential for our PC, but most of us might not even know Firewall exists for Android. Although Android uses its security mechanisms, there are things we can do ourselves. Installing a decent Firewall app is one of these.
But not all Firewall apps work the same way. Some might need rooted devices to work with the disadvantages or advantages that this may mean. Fortunately, some Firewalls work for non-rooted devices using Android’s built-in VPN feature. We must be cautious with an app that requires such permission, but it is needed for this kind of app. Of course, we don’t trust any nonRoot Firewall we shall find. This article suggests the most reliable and well-known nonRoot Firewall apps to help you choose yours. Add some extra safety fire to your device.
NoRoot Firewall
NoRoot Firewall is one of the first of its kind and best if your Android version is supported. Though it might need some extra steps to learn to use it, you can find your way home quite easily. Although its UI might feel a bit dated, this tool remains powerful.
Pros
- Free
- No ads
- Powerful tool
- No questionable permissions
- Open-Source
Cons
- A bit dated
- It might not be supported on your device
- It needs some learning curve
NetGuard
NetGuard is a popular free and open-source Firewall. Although it is a decent tool, some features are not free. Your basic needs would be covered, but if you need the full experience, you might need to upgrade to the premium version.
Pros
- Easy UI
- Compatible with older Android versions
- Powerful tool
- Open-Source
Cons
- Some features are available only in the premium version
- It might require some extra permissions
InternetGuard No Root Firewall
InternetGuard is another popular Firewall app, but likely NetGuard offers some extra features in its paid version. You can still check it out because it is a decent choice.
Pros
- Easy UI
- Powerful tool
- No questionable permissions
- Open-Source
Cons
- Some features are available only in the premium version
- Ad-supported free version (some ads might be annoying)
DataGuard NoRoot Firewall, In
DataGuard is a free tool that might not be as popular as the others on this list, but it still is a decent choice. It offers for free what others ask you to pay for. This might suit you best if you are looking for a free tool.
Pros
- Easy UI
- Decent tool
- Free
Cons
- Not as powerful as the others, but still more than adequate
- I didn’t find any verifying info for the devs, but I didn’t notice something suspicious either. It is not an actual con, but I must mention it.
Epilogue
While Android firewall apps might not be as popular as, e.g., an anti-malware solution, you need to consider it for your device’s safety. Security is the most crucial part of our everyday companion. So, I hope this article helps you choose the best available option for your smartphone. As always, feel free to write your opinion, thoughts, questions, or app suggestions (of this kind preferably) that should have been included in the comments section or our forum. Stay safe, and stay in the know.
