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# Portmaster 1.0 Release Marks it as a Solid Open-Source Application Firewall for Privacy-Focused Users
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/portmaster-1-release/
- Published: 2022-10-31T10:09:16.000Z
- Updated: 2022-10-31T10:32:26.000Z
- Description: Portmaster is an all-in-one open-source privacy tool that you probably need. Give it a try!
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: Privacy 🛡️, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

Portmaster by [Safing](https://safing.io/?ref=itsfoss.com) is a free and open-source application firewall that aims to automate the process of protecting the privacy of its users.

**It allows you to monitor network activity, add custom connection rules for applications, and more.**

We tested it during the alpha stage, and came to the conclusion that it had good potential to act as a viable alternative to [GlassWire](https://www.glasswire.com/?ref=itsfoss.com). Of course, it may not be a replacement, but it can be one in the near future:

[Portmaster: A GlassWire Alternative for Linux to Monitor & Secure Network ConnectionsAn open source GUI tool for monitoring network to the tiny details. Consider it an alternative to the popular Glasswire app.![](https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cropped-Logo-redsigned-without-name-270x270.png)It's FOSSAnkush Das![](https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/safing-portmaster.jpg)](https://itsfoss.com/portmaster/)

With the release of Portmaster 1.0, we can recommend everyone to give it a try.

💡

Portmaster 1.0 is a stable release suitable for every user.

## 🆕 Portmaster 1.0: What's New?

![portmaster 1.0](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2022/10/Portmaster_1.0.png)

Considering this is Portmaster's first stable release, there could be room for improvement.

However, some of the features that it brings with it include:

- **Easy navigation to monitor app network connections**
- **Secure DNS by default**
- **Automatic blocking of trackers & malware**

### Automatic Blocking Of Trackers & Malware

![portmaster 1.0 filter lists](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2022/10/Portmaster_1.0_Filter_Lists.png)

Portmaster lets you automatically block various trackers and malware by using well-known filter lists from the likes of [AdAway](https://adaway.org/?ref=itsfoss.com), [abuse.ch](https://abuse.ch/?ref=itsfoss.com), [AdGuard](https://adguard.com/?ref=itsfoss.com), and a few of their curated lists.

### Side-Dash Menu

![portmaster 1.0 side dash menu](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2022/10/Portmaster_1.0_Side_Dash.png)

The presence of sidebar menu in Portmaster makes things easy, meaning it acts as a quick switcher between apps and settings.

![portmaster side-dash](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2022/10/portmaster-1-0-screenshot.png)

It also shows key information regarding apps that are using the network. 

Additionally, suppose you are using their [paid SPN service](https://safing.io/spn/?ref=itsfoss.com) (or Portmaster Unlimited). In that case, you can use the Side-Dash to see which countries each app connects to, alongside the number of identities in use.

![portmaster 1.0 country identity details](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2022/10/Portmaster_1.0_Country_Details.png)

### Other Features

![allow or block connections](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2022/10/manually-allow-ord-block-connections.png)

In addition to the key highlights, it also gives you some powerful abilities that include:

- **Choose your favorite DNS-over-TLS provider, like Cloudflare, Quad9, AdGuard, etc., to encrypt DNS requests.**
- **Allow/Block specific websites or applications.**
- **Specify if you do not want your apps to connect to specific countries.**
- **Block all p2p connections.**

## 📥 Download Portmaster 1.0

Portmaster is currently only available for Windows and Linux, with no news on the release of a macOS version.

They plan to support mobile platforms in the future as well.

You can visit its official [downloads page](https://safing.io/download/?ref=itsfoss.com) to get started for Linux (.deb/.rpm packages) and Windows.

Explore more about the project on its [GitHub page](https://github.com/safing/portmaster/?ref=itsfoss.com).

[Portmaster 1.0](https://safing.io/download/?ref=itsfoss.com)

## 💭 My Thoughts

Portmaster aims to succeed in a space where GlassWire is a very well-known name. It is easy to use and offers an intuitive experience.

**But, GlassWire is not open-source and does not have a client for Linux.**

With further refinements, I think it would be an impressive addition to every privacy-conscious computer user.

Of course, a free and open-source alternative to any proprietary tool is a good thing, as it enables more users to try it out. 

And, Portmaster is something that helps you monitor your network connections and automate your privacy protections, I think you should take it for a spin! 😊

*💬 Is Portmaster a good application firewall for your use-case? What do you think about it?*