Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

NetBalancer VS AFWall+

Compare NetBalancer VS AFWall+ and see what are their differences

NetBalancer logo NetBalancer

NetBalancer is a Windows application for local network traffic control and monitoring.

AFWall+ logo AFWall+

AFWall+ (Android Firewall +) - iptables based firewall for Android
  • NetBalancer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-03-31
  • AFWall+ Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-02

NetBalancer features and specs

  • Traffic Control
    Enables users to set download and upload network priority or limit for any process, offering precise control over bandwidth allocation.
  • Comprehensive Monitoring
    Provides detailed information and statistics on network usage by applications, helping users monitor and analyze network traffic effectively.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that simplifies the process of managing network resources, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users.
  • Customizable Rules
    Allows users to create custom rules and filters to automate network management specific to their needs, enhancing flexibility and control.
  • Multiple Network Adapter Support
    Supports multiple network adapters and connections, allowing users to manage different network interfaces from a single platform.

Possible disadvantages of NetBalancer

  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of NetBalancer offers limited features and functionalities, requiring a paid license to unlock its full capabilities.
  • Learning Curve
    Although the interface is user-friendly, new users might face a learning curve in understanding all the features and effectively configuring advanced settings.
  • System Resource Usage
    Running NetBalancer can consume considerable system resources, which might affect system performance, particularly on lower-end devices.
  • Windows-Only
    The software is only available for Windows operating systems, limiting its usage for users with Mac or Linux systems.
  • Lack of Cloud Integration
    NetBalancer lacks integration with cloud-based services, which might be a drawback for users wishing to manage multiple devices remotely.

AFWall+ features and specs

  • Enhanced Privacy
    AFWall+ provides users with the ability to restrict internet access for individual apps, ensuring that no unnecessary data is sent out without the user's consent.
  • User Control
    It allows users to have full control over which apps can access Wi-Fi, mobile data, or both, enhancing overall control over data consumption.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source software, AFWall+ is transparent about its functionality, enabling users and developers to review the code for security and trustworthiness.
  • Customizability
    The app offers extensive customization options, allowing advanced users to tailor their firewall configurations to their specific needs.
  • Battery Saving
    By controlling which apps can use data and when, AFWall+ can contribute to reduced background data usage and improved battery life.

Possible disadvantages of AFWall+

  • Root Requirement
    AFWall+ requires root access on the device, which can discourage non-technical users and potentially void device warranties.
  • Complexity
    The app can be complex for non-technical users to configure properly, potentially leading to misconfigurations that could block essential app functions.
  • Potential for Misconfiguration
    Incorrectly setting app permissions could result in apps losing necessary connectivity, impacting their functionality and user experience.
  • OS Compatibility
    AFWall+ may face compatibility issues with certain Android versions or custom ROMs, limiting its usability for some users.
  • Lack of Mainstream Support
    As a third-party app, it may not receive the same level of support or frequent updates as more mainstream solutions.

Analysis of NetBalancer

Overall verdict

  • NetBalancer is generally considered a good tool for those needing detailed network management and traffic control. Its features are well-received by users who require fine-grained control over their network usage. However, some users might find it too advanced for simple needs.

Why this product is good

  • NetBalancer is a network traffic control and monitoring tool that allows users to manage their internet bandwidth with ease. Users appreciate its ability to prioritize certain applications, monitor real-time data, and set bandwidth limits. The software's intuitive interface and robust functionality make it a popular choice for both personal and professional use.

Recommended for

    Individuals or businesses needing to manage and monitor network traffic effectively. It's suitable for IT professionals, network administrators, and users with multiple applications or devices that need specific bandwidth allocations.

NetBalancer videos

NetBalancer 9.15.3.2276 Lifetime Activation Code

More videos:

  • Review - Block Programs for Using Internet With NetBalancer 9.4.1 Unlimited trial
  • Tutorial - NetBalancer, how to use, monitor all your internet data through NetBalancer

AFWall+ videos

Optimize Your Android - Control app connectivity with AFWall+

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to NetBalancer and AFWall+)
Monitoring Tools
67 67%
33% 33
Network Monitoring
77 77%
23% 23
Security & Privacy
0 0%
100% 100
Cyber Security
70 70%
30% 30

User comments

Share your experience with using NetBalancer and AFWall+. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, AFWall+ should be more popular than NetBalancer. It has been mentiond 7 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

NetBalancer mentions (2)

  • Is there "something" for the cinnamon desktop environment that shows total download speed?
    On windows I have installed a program called NetBalancer. The paid version allows you to limit bandwidth usage of any application. With the free version all you can do is monitor, but I found it very useful. I could at least know why sometimes my internet was slow, most of the time was because windows was updating, or another application. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • I am a fully-synced Dogecoin Node: How can I focus my uploads towards others here who want to also be a Dogecoin Node?
    I am going to be playing around with a couple different tools such as Net Balancer that I found and see which one is the easiest to use. This way Ill be able to stay connected 100% of the time and not have to disable my Dogecoin Core network to upload a large file of my own. Source: about 4 years ago

AFWall+ mentions (7)

  • F-Droid, Keyboard Libraries, and Choosing a Browser
    I considered what many others have done: installing Gboard and using Graphene's settings to deny it network access, potentially even going the extra step of using a root firewall like AFWall (something I plan on looking into later regardless) but I was curious to see if I could do without. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Is it possible to route all traffic through tor on LineageOS?
    AFWall+ can also do that. It needs root though. Source: over 2 years ago
  • AfWall needs new developer. Someone please fork it.
    Https://github.com/ukanth/afwall/ It is a IPtables frontend but it is not updated often, last update was on May 21, 2021. Source: about 3 years ago
  • PrivacyGuides on Afwall+ and rooting.
    "Android Firewall+ (AFWall+) is an advanced iptables editor (GUI) for Android. It provides fine-grained control over which Android apps are Allowed to access the network." https://github.com/ukanth/afwall. Source: over 3 years ago
  • How to block a (local) IP address?
    Can I block using iptables on Android (I'm rooted)? Source: over 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing NetBalancer and AFWall+, you can also consider the following products

NetLimiter - NetLimiter is an ultimate Internet traffic control and monitoring tool designed for Windows.

NetGuard - NetGuard

NetSpeedMonitor - NetSpeedMonitor is a lightweight Network Monitoring Toolbar for your Windows Taskbar

GlassWire - Visualize network activity in detail, get notified when new apps access the network, look out for...

FreeMeter - Monitor network bandwidth (C#.NET 2k/XP+). Desktop and Systray graph.

NoRoot Firewall - Firewall WITHOUT ROOT.