Quick take
Already sold on GlassWire?
In this articleShow
Short answer: GlassWire shows you, in clear graphs, which apps on your Windows PC or Android phone are using the internet, how much data they use and which servers they contact. It alerts you when a new app goes online or something unusual happens, and lets you block apps with Windows' own firewall underneath. It's a helpful visibility tool for curious users and small offices. Be aware that development has slowed — the latest major release (3.9) dropped support for older Windows versions, and users have raised concerns about the pace of updates.
What GlassWire does
- Live and historical network graphs by app, host and traffic type.
- Alerts when an app connects to the internet for the first time, when data usage spikes, or when network settings change (DNS, proxy, ARP).
- Firewall control: block or allow apps using the built-in Windows Firewall, with an "Ask to connect" mode.
- Device list showing devices on your Wi-Fi network (on supported plans).
- Data usage limits for metered connections.
GlassWire's graph highlights a spike in traffic and which application caused it.
Free vs. paid
The free version shows network activity and alerts; paid tiers add firewall control and more history and devices. Check GlassWire's site for current plans, as tiers and prices have changed over time.
Who it's for
- People who want to see what their PC is doing online — for example spotting unexpected uploads.
- Small offices that want simple visibility without enterprise tools.
- Anyone on metered or limited data plans.
For whole-network visibility (smart TVs, IoT), a device like Firewalla or a DNS service like NextDNS covers devices GlassWire can't run on.
Limitations
- Windows and Android only.
- Slower development and dropped support for Windows 7, Server editions and 32-bit Windows in version 3.9.
- Not an antivirus — it shows activity but doesn't remove malware.
Verdict
GlassWire remains one of the easiest ways to understand your computer's network activity. Its visibility is genuinely useful, but given slower development, pair it with actively maintained security tools rather than relying on it alone.
Frequently asked questions
Is GlassWire a firewall?
It's a network monitor that controls the built-in Windows Firewall, so it adds an easy interface for blocking apps rather than its own firewall engine.
Is GlassWire free?
There's a free version with monitoring and alerts; paid plans add firewall control and more features.
Does GlassWire work on Mac?
No. It's available for Windows and Android.
Sources
- Neowin, GlassWire 3.9 release notes
- GlassWire, Official site
The bottom line
