PacketShield vs GlassWire
GlassWire is a well-known network monitor for Windows with rich traffic graphs and a paid subscription for its full feature set. PacketShield focuses on fast decisions: see which apps are online right now and block an app or a domain in one click, with a lighter interface and no subscription.
Try PacketShield free| Feature | PacketShield | GlassWire |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows 10/11 and Linux | Windows (plus Android app) |
| Real-time traffic per app | Yes | Yes, with detailed graphs |
| Block an app in one click | Yes | Yes |
| Block by domain and wildcard (*.ads.com) | Yes | Not its focus |
| Pricing model | Free during public beta, no subscription | Free tier + paid subscription |
| Telemetry | None — everything stays on your machine | See vendor policy |
Information about other products is general and may change; check each vendor for current details.
Choose GlassWire if…
- You want long-term traffic history with polished graphs and usage reports.
- You need remote monitoring of other machines.
Choose PacketShield if…
- You want to block domains and wildcards, not just whole apps.
- You prefer a lighter app and no recurring subscription.
- You also use Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is PacketShield a good GlassWire alternative?
Yes, if your main goal is seeing which apps use the internet and blocking apps or domains quickly. GlassWire is stronger at historical graphs and reports.
Does PacketShield need a subscription?
No. PacketShield is free during the public beta and is not sold as a subscription.
Does PacketShield replace the Windows Firewall?
No. It works with the native Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) and falls back to Windows Firewall rules when needed, so both stay consistent.