1
Also covers linux, open source, and privacy · same kind of open-source project
Add face-based authentication to Linux using Howdy, which works with built-in infrared emitters and cameras.
Alternatives
The Best gufw Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives2 free · 12 open source
Looking for something like gufw? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 2 are free or have a free plan and 12 are open source.
Configure Ubuntu’s Uncomplicated Firewall through Gufw, a graphical firewall interface.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionHowdyAdd face-based authentication to Linux using Howdy, which…Free or freemium optionW BlockBlock ads in Safari on Apple devices with wBlock, an…Another optionmacaptProcess macOS and iOS disk images or live machines with…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Howdy | — | Yes | Linux, Windows |
| 2 | macapt | — | Yes | Windows, macOS |
| 3 | Surfer Protocol | — | Yes | — |
| 4 | Yubikey Full Disk Encryption | — | Yes | Linux |
| 5 | Googerteller | — | Yes | Linux |
| 6 | USBGuard | — | Yes | Linux |
| 7 | macOS Privacy Guide | — | Yes | macOS |
| 8 | W Block | Free | Yes | iOS, macOS |
| 9 | Santa | — | Yes | macOS |
| 10 | Mistborn | — | Yes | Web |
All gufw alternatives
2
Also covers open source, privacy, and python · same kind of open-source project
Process macOS and iOS disk images or live machines with mac_apt to extract forensic data and metadata.
3
Also covers open source, privacy, and python · same kind of open-source project
Export personal data with Surfer Protocol, an open-source framework with a desktop app and Python SDK.
4
Also covers linux, open source, and privacy · same kind of open-source project
Use a YubiKey challenge-response at system startup to open a LUKS-encrypted disk volume.
5
Also covers linux, open source, and privacy · same kind of open-source project
Hear when a computer sends requests to Google with Googerteller, which provides audible feedback about browsing activity.
6
Also covers linux, open source, and privacy · same kind of open-source project
Set USB device authorization rules with USBGuard, a framework for controlling device access.
7
Also covers open source and privacy · same kind of open-source project
This community guide collects recommendations for improving security and privacy on macOS.
8
Also covers open source and privacy · same kind of open-source project · free
Block ads in Safari on Apple devices with wBlock, an open-source blocker that includes lists, scripts, and styles.
9
Also covers open source and privacy · same kind of open-source project
Authorize binary execution and file access on macOS with Santa, a system extension and policy tool.
10
Also covers privacy · same kind of open-source project
Mistborn provides a self-hosted virtual private cloud with a web interface, firewall, WireGuard VPN, Pi-hole, DNSCrypt, and IP filtering.
11
Also covers linux, open source, and python · same kind of open-source project
Control outgoing network connections on Linux with OpenSnitch, an interactive application firewall.
12
WhoAmI Project
owerdogan.github.io/whoami-projectAlso covers linux and privacy
Use the WhoAmI Project to configure enhanced privacy and anonymity for Debian- or Arch-based Linux distributions.
13
Disroot
disroot.org/en/services/emailAlso covers privacy
Disroot provides secure email accounts that can be accessed through desktop email clients or its webmail interface.
14
Lockdown Privacy
lockdownprivacy.comAlso covers privacy
Lockdown Privacy offers an open-source firewall for blocking trackers, ads, and badware in apps on iPhone and iPad.
15
LuLu
objective-see.org/products/lulu.htmlAlso covers privacy
Monitor and control outgoing network connections on macOS with LuLu, a free, open-source firewall.
16
OPNsense
opnsense.orgAlso covers privacy
OPNsense provides open-source firewall and routing software, with project documentation and support information on its site.
17
How to Secure a Linux Server
github.com/imthenachoman/How-To-Secure-A-Linux…Also covers linux and privacy · same kind of open-source project
Follow this evolving guide for steps and configuration examples to secure a Linux server.
18
Bubblewrap
github.com/containers/bubblewrapAlso covers linux and privacy · same kind of open-source project
Bubblewrap provides low-level, unprivileged sandboxing for Flatpak and similar software projects.
19
Web
github.com/freenet/webAlso covers privacy · same kind of open-source project
This repository contains the source code for the Freenet website, including its main Hugo-generated site.
20
Gas Mask
github.com/2ndalpha/gasmaskAlso covers privacy · same kind of open-source project
Edit and switch between hosts files on macOS with Gas Mask, a hosts file manager.
21
ClashMac
github.com/666OS/ClashMacAlso covers privacy · same kind of open-source project
Manage proxy connections on macOS with ClashMac, a native client that includes traffic routing views.
22
Linux Hardening
madaidans-insecurities.github.io/guides/linux-…Also covers linux and privacy
Follow this Linux hardening guide for steps to improve the security of a Linux system.
23
Also covers privacy
uBlock Origin Lite by Raymond Hill is an App Store content blocker for iPhone, iPad and Mac with declarative filtering.
24
Also covers privacy · free
Free, open-source ad blocker for Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
wBlock24 alternativesuBO Lite Safari24 alternativesmacOS Privacy Guide24 alternativesLinux Hardening24 alternativesYubikey Full Disk Encryption24 alternativesW Block24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to gufw?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to gufw are Howdy, macapt, and Surfer Protocol.
Is there a free alternative to gufw?
Yes. W Block and wBlock are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to gufw?
Yes: Howdy, macapt, Surfer Protocol, and Yubikey Full Disk Encryption.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative