Top 7 Firewalls for Windows

The best firewall for Windows will protect against incoming threats and be able to block outgoing threats from malware that has successfully infiltrated your system. A good firewall will know when it is under attack because it will constantly scan the computer's ports to detect threats. A firewall applies rules to the packets it sees in order to enforce polices. It knows when to allow or reject traffic. When it detects illegal traffic, it applies filters so that only traffic that it defines as legal makes it through.

Comodo Firewall Pro (Freeware)

Your first line of defense in protecting yourself online. Comodo Firewall Pro introduces the next evolution in computer security: Default Deny Protection (DDP™). What is DDP? Most security programs maintain a list of known malware, and use that list to decide which applications and files shouldn't access a PC. A multi-layered security application that will constantly monitor and defend your PC from Internet attacks.

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall (Freeware)

2-Way Firewall (Inbound & Outbound) stops Internet attacks at the front door and even catches thieves on their way out. Our 2-way firewall proactively protects against inbound and outbound attacks while making you invisible to hackers. It operates automatically, due to its powerful DefenseNet cloud service, so users are not interrupted with unnecessary alerts.

ESET Smart Security 6

ESET Smart Security 6 is a lightweight and capable internet security suite with a good range of features. ESET Smart Security protects you and your laptop. Connect securely on social networks, browse the Internet or just play online. New anti-malware advanced technology protects you against threats that used to avoid detection—as well as browser and application exploits.

TinyWall 2.1

TinyWall includes a combination of features that sets it apart from both commercial and freeware firewalls. TinyWall is a free software to harden and control the advanced firewall built into modern Windows systems. TinyWall does not annoy you with popups at all, yet it is still extremely easy to add exceptions to your firewall rules,  actively blocks hundreds of Trojans, viruses and worms and does not require you to know about ports, protocols and application details.

Ashampoo FireWall FREE

If you don’t have a degree in computer science, using a firewall program can be quite frustrating. In addition to all the confusing jargon, current firewalls are getting to be very big programs. Sometimes you have the feeling that you’re installing an entire office suite instead of a basic network tool. You probably know that you need a firewall program to use the Internet safely.

Agnitum Outpost Firewall Pro

Outpost Firewall Pro provides the first line of defense against malicious software by proactively controlling how programs behave and interact on a PC and preventing security breaches. Two-way firewall for secure network connections. Proactive Protection module to block unknown and zero-day threats, SmartDecision technology for fast decision-making in security issues and web control with fast web content filtering to protect your PC from web-borne threats. Self-protection technology to maintain continuity of protection.

Sunbelt Personal Firewall

The Sunbelt Personal Firewall helps control how computers share information with other computers through the Internet or a local network. It also protects computers from external or internal attacks from other computers. The Personal Firewall is especially useful for laptop computers since they are easier to compromise because of built-in wireless access.