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Portmaster VS NetLimiter

Compare Portmaster VS NetLimiter and see what are their differences

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Portmaster logo Portmaster

Is a Privacy Modular Privacy App which includes a "DNS over TLS" feature as well as an "Application Firewall".

NetLimiter logo NetLimiter

NetLimiter is an ultimate Internet traffic control and monitoring tool designed for Windows.
  • Portmaster Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-21
  • NetLimiter Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-15

Portmaster features and specs

  • Enhanced Privacy
    Portmaster offers comprehensive network monitoring and filtering, giving users control over data leaving their devices, therefore enhancing privacy by minimizing data leaks.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible even for users who are not technically inclined.
  • Open Source
    Portmaster is open-source, which means its code is publicly available for scrutiny, helping to build trust through transparency and community contributions.
  • Customizable
    Users have the ability to customize settings and filters according to their needs, allowing for a personalized security and privacy configuration.
  • Real-Time Protection
    Provides real-time monitoring and protection, ensuring that users are alerted to and can block unwanted connections as they occur.

Possible disadvantages of Portmaster

  • Potential System Impact
    Depending on system specifications and usage, the software may cause noticeable performance impacts due to its real-time monitoring capabilities.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, there is still a learning curve associated with understanding and effectively utilizing all features, particularly for non-tech-savvy users.
  • Limited Support Resources
    While it has community support, users may find professional support options limited compared to established commercial solutions.
  • Compatibility
    There may be compatibility issues with certain operating systems or network configurations, requiring additional troubleshooting.
  • False Positives
    As with many security solutions, there is a risk of false positives where legitimate connections are mistakenly blocked, potentially disrupting certain services.

NetLimiter features and specs

  • Bandwidth Limiting
    NetLimiter allows users to set precise upload and download speed limits for applications, providing better control over network usage.
  • Real-time Monitoring
    The software offers real-time monitoring of network traffic, allowing users to see which applications are consuming bandwidth.
  • Detailed Statistics
    NetLimiter provides detailed statistics and history of application bandwidth usage, helpful for analysis and optimization.
  • Custom Rules
    Users can create custom rules to prioritize or restrict network access for specific applications, improving overall network performance.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The software features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for both novice and advanced users.

Possible disadvantages of NetLimiter

  • Windows Only
    NetLimiter is only available for Windows, limiting its use for users who operate on macOS, Linux, or other operating systems.
  • Cost
    NetLimiter is a paid software with a trial version available, which may not be suitable for users looking for a free alternative.
  • Resource Usage
    The application can consume a noticeable amount of system resources, which might affect the performance of low-spec computers.
  • Limited to 64-bit Systems
    NetLimiter is only available for 64-bit versions of Windows, excluding users who are still running 32-bit systems.
  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, some advanced features and settings may require a learning curve for new users.

Analysis of Portmaster

Overall verdict

  • Portmaster is a good choice for individuals looking for a robust, privacy-focused network monitoring tool. Its open-source nature and user-centric design make it a reliable option for enhancing digital privacy and security.

Why this product is good

  • Portmaster is an open-source network monitoring and firewall tool developed by Safing. It provides users with the ability to monitor and control their network traffic, enhancing privacy and security. The application is user-friendly and offers features such as automatic profile-based configuration, DNS encryption, and the ability to block specific domains or services. As it is open-source, users can review its source code, ensuring greater transparency and trust.

Recommended for

    Portmaster is recommended for privacy-conscious users, tech enthusiasts interested in open-source software, people looking to enhance their network security, and anyone wanting greater control over their network traffic. It's suitable for both individuals and small organizations seeking to improve their digital privacy without requiring extensive technical expertise.

Analysis of NetLimiter

Overall verdict

  • Overall, NetLimiter is considered a good tool for users who need granular control over their network traffic. It has a user-friendly interface, provides comprehensive statistics, and is highly customizable, though it is primarily available for Windows.

Why this product is good

  • NetLimiter is a popular network management tool that allows users to monitor and control their internet traffic. It provides detailed insights into which applications are consuming bandwidth and offers features like traffic prioritization and bandwidth limiting, which helps in managing network resources efficiently.

Recommended for

    NetLimiter is particularly recommended for power users, network administrators, and gamers who need detailed control over their network usage. It's also beneficial for users with limited bandwidth or those looking to optimize their internet speed by controlling application access.

Portmaster videos

+ Add

The Portmaster is Out in Pre-Alpha! - Progress Update #3

NetLimiter videos

+ Add

Netlimiter 4: How to Download, Install & Use ( Review 2020 )

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Use NetLimiter 4 Control Internet Download and Upload Speed over Network
  • Tutorial - NETLIMITER - how to control bandwidth (play online games with stable ping) no lag! tagalog

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Portmaster and NetLimiter)

Portmaster

NetLimiter

Monitoring Tools
49 49%
Monitoring Tools
51% 51
Security & Privacy
100 100%
Security & Privacy
0% 0
Firewall
43 43%
Firewall
57% 57
Cyber Security
40 40%
Cyber Security
60% 60

User comments

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

Based on our record, Portmaster seems to be a lot more popular than NetLimiter. While we know about 58 links to Portmaster, we've tracked only 2 mentions of NetLimiter. 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.

Portmaster mentions (58)

  • Manjaro is a free and open source Linux operating system that emphasizes privacy
    Manjaro actually includes Portmaster [0] as a package [1], which is now being moved to "extra". [0] https://safing.io/portmaster [1] https://software.manjaro.org/package/portmaster-stub. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Google contacts sync foss alternative
    I get it, but running an outdated OS with no patching is height risk for security, consider the tradeoff. If I'm not mistaken W7 is not supported anymore, meaning you are exposed to vulnerabilities. Consider checking online guides on how to harden W10 or consider migrating to a modern Linux distribution, that can even run some Windows programs. It is true that has reliability issues. VMs are another option and... Source: over 2 years ago
  • What do you guys think of Chromium-based Browsers or whatever engine it is made out of?
    Wouldn't a software like PiHole or Safing Portmaster help in this regard than to rely on ublock origin? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Do I need a firewall?
    You could look at something like Portmaster https://safing.io/portmaster/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Is there a free and trustworthy Firewall
    You can also check Portmaster that is still on Alpha, but looks promising. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

NetLimiter mentions (2)

  • Steam.exe downloading while playing competitive
    Get Netlimiter and you can limit Steam and anything else you want to use practically no bandwidth. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Traffic Shaping on Big Sur
    On Windows, the classic tool to solve this problem is called NetLimiter, and it allows you to control bandwidth usage on a per-app basis. I used it back in my Win98 days and it was fantastic, and probably still is. Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Portmaster and NetLimiter, you can also consider the following products

TinyWall - Lightweight and non-intrusive firewall

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

simplewall - Simple tool to configure Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) which can configure network activity on...

Emsisoft Online Armor Firewall - Emsisoft Online Armor Firewall is a freemium online firewall protection system by the Emsisoft that is based on the own independent protection technology of the Emsisoft.

Little Snitch - Little Snitch is a firewall application that monitors and controls outbound internet traffic.

Windows 10 Firewall Control - Windows 10 Firewall Control: simple and exhaustive solution for applications network activity controlling and monitoring.

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