Firewalls: Reviews

Updated March 2012

While other security products can thwart cybercriminals or clean up the mess they leave behind, an effective firewall can stop them cold at your computer's front door. ConsumerSearch looks at standalone firewalls, firewalls that are part of all-in-one security suites and firewalls for non-Windows computers, including Macs, to find the most effective ones -- with an eye toward choices that won't drive you to distraction while they work. Recommendations are based on independent lab tests, expert opinions and user feedback.

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Best firewall

Comodo Firewall

Free Learn More

According to tests and reviews, the best firewall money can buy is free. Comodo Firewall successfully withstands the toughest testing and is judged by most reviewers to be versatile enough to serve the needs of expert… expandusers and those with modest computer skills. The firewall is also included as part of the various Comodo Internet Security suites, which include additional security features such as an antivirus program, but opinions about these are mixed. The major knock against Comodo Firewall is that is requires users to manually choose whether to block or allow many programs; other programs handle this automatically. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Matousec.com: Matousec.com provides thorough and current efficiency results for a vast number of firewall applications.

PCMag.com: PCMag.com examines the newest major version of Comodo Firewall in this multipage review.

PC World: Preston Gralla reviews an older version of Comodo Firewall and gives it high marks for efficiency, although he says Defense+ can be annoying.

Gizmo's Freeware: While the editors of Gizmo's Freeware don't lay out their testing criteria, they do an excellent job of highlighting the pros and cons in firewall software thanks to their in-depth discussions and descriptions.

Download.com: Download.com's editors remain mum about Comodo Firewall, but a large number of users report experiences that overall are pretty positive.

Softpedia.com: Comodo Firewall enjoys a sterling reputation at Softpedia.com.

FileForum.com: Users at FileForum.com are just as pleased with Comodo Firewall, although their numbers are fewer than the ones at the other sources.

Free Download at Comodo.com

Best security suite/firewall combination

Kaspersky Internet Security 2012

*Est. $80 Compare Prices

Experts sing the praises of Kaspersky Internet Security 2012's excellent antivirus capabilities, but its firewall is also top-notch. The usability of the redesigned suite is another plus, as evidenced by user and expert… expandfeedback. Unlike Comodo and many other standalone firewalls, Kaspersky rarely asks users for security input, instead relying on Kaspersky's extensive security database. However, it also distinguishes itself in a less positive way by failing to stealth open ports. Unstealthed ports can be viewed by attackers. Experts report, however, that Kaspersky's firewall defense is virtually impenetrable and difficult to circumvent. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Matousec.com: Although Kaspersky Internet Security doesn't block 100 percent of the threats that Matousec.com throws its way -- as Comodo Firewall did -- it still manages to kill more than 90 percent of tested threats, making it the most effective 2012 security suite.

PCMag.com: Kaspersky's antivirus capabilities aren't as effective in Neil J. Rubenking's tests as they are in testing from independent labs, but he has few bad things to say about its firewall.

NotebookReview.com: NotebookReview.com's review of Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 isn't as long as PCMag.com's, but it does subject the software to a variety of security tests.

TopTenReviews.com: Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 lands in the fourth slot in TopTenReview.com's list of the top firewalls; Comodo lands in the first.

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for $16.50

Best Mac firewall

Hands Off!

*Est. $25 Learn More

Though not every expert says a third-party firewall is needed to supplement the one built into the Mac OS, those who do point to Hands Off! as the best choice. Reviewers say the streamlined, user-friendly software keeps a… expandlow profile while protecting users from outbound and inbound threats. Hands Off! can also prevent applications from fiddling with files stored on your Mac. Another nice feature is the network monitor, which tracks programs that access your network. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Appstorm.net: Jonathan Garro's long and screenshot-heavy review directly compares Hands Off!

TechRepublic.com: Vincent Danen, a longtime Little Snitch user, explains why Hands Off!

MacUpdate.com: The editors of MacUpdate.com do little more than provide a basic description of Hands Off!; the real usefulness comes from the hundreds of user ratings, which award the program a 4-star out of 5 overall score.

Available online at Metakine.com

Little Snitch *Est. $30

2 picks including: ZDNet.com, TechRepublic.com…

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 2012 Free

2 picks by top review sites.

Norton Internet Security 2012 *Est. $70

2 picks including: PC Advisor, AV-comparatives.org…

Norton Internet Security 2012 - 1 User

from Amazon.com

New: $39.99 $10.48

In Stock.

Average Customer Review: