PacketShield vs OpenSnitch
PacketShield vs OpenSnitch
OpenSnitch is a free, open-source Linux application firewall inspired by Little Snitch, built around prompting you for each new connection. PacketShield takes a dashboard approach: a live list of apps and domains you can block in one click, and it also runs on Windows.
Try PacketShield free| Feature | PacketShield | OpenSnitch |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows 10/11 and Linux | Linux |
| Interaction style | Live dashboard, block when you decide | Prompts for new connections |
| Per-app blocking on Linux | Yes (cgroups + iptables) | Yes |
| Block by domain | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Price | Free during public beta | Free |
Information about other products is general and may change; check each vendor for current details.
Choose OpenSnitch if…
- You want to approve every new connection interactively.
- You want a fully open-source stack.
Choose PacketShield if…
- You prefer a quiet dashboard over frequent prompts.
- You want the same tool and rules on Linux and Windows.
Frequently asked questions
What does PacketShield need on Linux?
A systemd-based x86_64 distribution with kernel 5.8+ (cgroup v2). Packages are available as .deb, .rpm and AppImage.
Can I run PacketShield and OpenSnitch together?
Not recommended. Both filter outbound traffic, which makes results hard to predict. Pick one.
Is PacketShield free on Linux?
Yes, during the public beta.