1
Also covers linux, open source, and privacy · same kind of open-source project
Configure Ubuntu’s Uncomplicated Firewall through Gufw, a graphical firewall interface.
Alternatives
The Best Howdy Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives1 free · 11 open source
Looking for something like Howdy? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 1 are free or have a free plan and 11 are open source.
Add face-based authentication to Linux using Howdy, which works with built-in infrared emitters and cameras.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestiongufwConfigure Ubuntu’s Uncomplicated Firewall through Gufw, a…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 | gufw | — | Yes | Linux |
| 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 | OpenSnitch | — | Yes | Linux |
All Howdy 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 linux, open source, and python · same kind of open-source project
Control outgoing network connections on Linux with OpenSnitch, an interactive application firewall.
11
OverSight
objective-see.org/products/oversight.htmlAlso covers privacy
Get alerts when an app accesses a Mac microphone or camera with OverSight.
12
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.
13
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.
14
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.
15
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.
16
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.
17
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.
18
Freenet
freenet.orgAlso covers linux and privacy
Freenet offers peer-to-peer apps that operate without company control or dedicated servers, according to the project site.
19
Hyphanet
hyphanet.orgAlso covers linux and privacy
Hyphanet provides information and downloads for a project focused on protecting internet privacy.
20
OnionHop
onionhop.deAlso covers linux and privacy
OnionHop routes desktop traffic through Tor, with proxy and system-wide VPN modes, bridges, split tunneling, and a kill switch.
21
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.
22
ShuffleStacks
shufflecake.netAlso covers linux and privacy
Shufflecake is a Linux tool for creating multiple hidden filesystems with plausible deniability.
23
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.
24
Collision
flathub.org/apps/dev.geopjr.CollisionAlso covers linux and privacy
Collision checks file hashes on Linux, with installation available through Flathub.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
macOS Privacy Guide24 alternativesLinux Hardening24 alternativesYubikey Full Disk Encryption24 alternativesW Block24 alternativesHow to Secure a Linux Server24 alternativesSurfer Protocol24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Howdy?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Howdy are gufw, macapt, and Surfer Protocol.
Is there a free alternative to Howdy?
Yes. W Block is free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Howdy?
Yes: gufw, 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