Android security works a little differently than PC security, which means you don't need a firewall on your Android device like your PC does. Thanks to the power management functions of an Android phone, the traffic is not always open and you are unlikely to receive malicious communications from the Internet (or calling the Internet).
Yet more and more apps require internet connections in the background, and there are plenty of rogue apps out there, sending data about you that you'd rather keep private. Android firewalls are great for better controlling your phone's communications with the internet — blocking internet access to apps, blocking IP addresses, controlling bandwidth, and more.
Here are the best firewall apps for Android that you can use in 2018.
NetGuard
Working as a partial VPN, part application control firewall, NetGuard is an accessible way to keep tight control over your phone's internet connectivity. It has its own built-in VPN, which you need to enable before taking control of apps that have internet access and don't (or block web access to apps). It's very simple to use, with Wi-Fi and mobile data icons next to apps, letting you tap them instantly to toggle online connectivity on and off through both connections.
You can do a few other things, like block ads and accurately log your phone's connection to the internet in the background, but it's just as handy for those who like to keep things simple.
DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAYAFWall +
If you've rooted your phone, one of the benefits is that you can get really deep control over everything, including web traffic. As with other firewall apps, AFWall+ has the usual list of apps where you can see what apps are calling your home and act on them.
The good thing here is that it doesn't need to tunnel your connection through a VPN, but if you're connected to a VPN, it will still work just as well. The firewall is based on iptables, which means it works at a deeper layer of your Android OS to control internet traffic. It also means you get the same level of control as other firewalls, but maintain the highest internet speeds.
Also, as a sort of seal of approval, it's worth knowing that this is made by one of XDA's developers and has a good following from the 'knowledgeable'.
DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAYIt might not seem like many of the options above, but we're confident they're the best you can get. Once-popular firewalls, such as LostNet Firewall and NoRoot Firewall, have either disappeared or are no longer maintained, greatly reducing risk. These are your safest firewall bets in 2018
