GlassWire vs NetLimiter
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
GlassWire is a network monitoring and personal firewall application for Windows and Android that visualizes current and past network activity to help users spot malware, bandwidth hogs, and unfamiliar devices on their network. Its firewall includes an ask-to-connect mode that lets users approve or deny individual apps' network access, alongside a network time machine for reviewing historical connections. GlassWire also tracks data usage across devices and can alert users before they exceed set data limits, while its network scanner flags new or unknown devices joining a WiFi network. Over 53 million downloads have been recorded for the Windows and Android apps combined.
NetLimiter is a Windows utility for controlling and monitoring network traffic on a per-application basis, letting users set maximum upload/download speeds for individual apps, the whole system, specific users, or individual connections. It shows real-time traffic with live visualization and keeps long-term local statistics for historical analysis. Interactive rules can block selected applications from reaching the internet based on conditions like application path, domain, IP range or user account, and data quotas can automatically throttle or block traffic once a transfer limit is hit. It is sold under Locktime Software as a Pro edition with time-limited licenses covering one or two-year usage periods.
- Combines network monitoring and firewall in one lightweight app
- Very affordable premium pricing at $2.99/month
- Visual, easy-to-understand traffic graphs
- Available on both Windows and Android
- Fine-grained per-application bandwidth control not found in most consumer tools
- Real-time and historical traffic statistics in one app
- Flexible rule and filter system for blocking or limiting specific traffic
- Long track record as a dedicated Windows bandwidth manager
- Free tier limits network history to just 24 hours
- Windows and Android only, no Mac or Linux support
- Advanced threat detection features require Premium
- Windows only, no Mac or Linux version
- Licensing is time-limited rather than a true perpetual purchase
- Interface and rule configuration have a learning curve for non-technical users
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to GlassWire
View all →Windows tool for controlling, monitoring and limiting per-application internet bandwidth.
Next-generation firewall appliances with AI-powered threat protection and zero trust access.
Alternatives to NetLimiter
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNetLimiter offers deeper per‑application bandwidth control on Windows, while GlassWire provides a more visual, mixed monitoring‑firewall experience with a free tier.
Key differences
- •NetLimiter enforces precise upload/download limits per app/user; GlassWire only alerts and can block via a firewall mode.
- •GlassWire includes built‑in threat detection and Wi‑Fi security alerts; NetLimiter has no security features.
- •Pricing model: NetLimiter is subscription‑only; GlassWire offers a free tier with limited history and a low‑cost premium option.
- •Platform support: NetLimiter is Windows‑only; GlassWire runs on Windows and Android.
- •Historical data retention: NetLimiter stores long‑term local stats; GlassWire free tier keeps only 24 hours.
Pricing & value
GlassWire has a free tier and a $2.99/month premium, whereas NetLimiter requires a paid subscription with no free option.
Ease of use / learning curve
GlassWire’s visual graphs and simple firewall prompts are easier for non‑technical users than NetLimiter’s detailed rule system.
Features & depth
NetLimiter provides fine‑grained per‑application bandwidth limits and long‑term statistics not available in GlassWire.
Integrations & ecosystem
Both are standalone desktop apps with no APIs or listed integrations.
Support
GlassWire offers community plus dedicated premium support; NetLimiter only provides documentation and email support.
Security & privacy
GlassWire includes malware/spyware detection and Wi‑Fi threat alerts; NetLimiter has no security features.
Platform coverage
GlassWire runs on Windows and Android; NetLimiter is Windows‑only.
Choose GlassWire if…
Home or small‑business users wanting visual monitoring, basic firewall, and optional threat alerts.
Choose NetLimiter if…
Power users needing strict per‑app bandwidth caps on Windows.
Common questions
Can I limit an app’s upload speed to a specific value?
Yes, NetLimiter lets you set exact upload/download limits per application; GlassWire only offers block/allow via its firewall.
Is there a free version I can try?
GlassWire offers a freemium tier with 24‑hour history; NetLimiter has no free tier, only paid subscriptions.
Does either tool work on macOS or Linux?
No, both are Windows‑only; GlassWire additionally supports Android, while NetLimiter has no other platform support.