GlassWire vs sniffnet
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.
Sniffnet is a lightweight graphical network monitor that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering clear visualizations of bandwidth usage and protocol distribution. It helps users quickly understand what devices and applications are consuming network resources without needing deep technical expertise. The tool provides real‑time charts, detailed traffic breakdowns, and customizable filters, making it suitable for both casual home users and IT professionals who need quick insights into their network activity.
- 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
- Open‑source and completely free
- Intuitive graphical interface
- Low CPU and memory footprint
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS and Linux
- Free tier limits network history to just 24 hours
- Windows and Android only, no Mac or Linux support
- Advanced threat detection features require Premium
- Limited to desktop environments, no mobile app
- Requires operating-system packet-capture dependencies to be installed before network adapters can be analysed
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 sniffnet
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing datasniffnet is a free, open‑source desktop‑only network monitor with low resource use, while GlassWire adds firewall and threat alerts but costs money and is limited to Windows/Android.
Key differences
- •Cost: sniffnet is completely free; GlassWire requires a paid premium for full history and threat features.
- •Platform support: sniffnet runs on Windows, macOS, Linux; GlassWire only on Windows and Android.
- •Feature set: GlassWire includes a built‑in firewall, malware detection, and Wi‑Fi security alerts; sniffnet focuses on traffic visualization only.
- •Open‑source vs closed: sniffnet’s source is publicly available (Rust, 40k+ stars); GlassWire is proprietary.
- •History depth: GlassWire’s free tier limits history to 24 h; sniffnet can export unlimited historical CSV data.
Pricing & value
sniffnet is free and open‑source; GlassWire’s full features require a $2.99/month premium.
Ease of use / learning curve
GlassWire offers a polished UI with built‑in firewall prompts, making it easier for non‑technical users.
Features & depth
GlassWire adds firewall, malware detection, Wi‑Fi security alerts, and device‑join notifications beyond basic traffic graphs.
Integrations & ecosystem
sniffnet is open‑source with a GitHub community; GlassWire provides no API or third‑party integrations.
Support
GlassWire offers community and premium dedicated support; sniffnet relies solely on GitHub Issues.
Security & privacy
sniffnet runs without elevated privileges and is open‑source, allowing audit; GlassWire’s proprietary code isn’t publicly reviewable.
Scalability
sniffnet works on desktop OSes across Windows, macOS, Linux; GlassWire lacks macOS/Linux support.
Choose GlassWire if…
Home users or small businesses wanting integrated firewall, threat alerts, and Windows/Android support.
Choose sniffnet if…
Tech‑savvy admins or enthusiasts needing free, cross‑platform traffic monitoring.
Common questions
Can I use sniffnet on macOS?
Yes, sniffnet supports Windows, macOS, and Linux as a native desktop app.
Do I need to pay to get malware detection?
Only GlassWire provides malware detection, and it requires the paid Premium tier.
Is there any cost to export historical data?
sniffnet exports unlimited history to CSV for free; GlassWire’s free tier limits history to 24 hours.