1Panel vs GlassWire

1Panel is a modern, open-source Linux server management panel and lightweight AI management platform, positioned as an open-source alternative to cPanel and Plesk. Through a web-based GUI it handles host monitoring, file management, database management, Docker container management, website deployment, and a curated app store of 187+ one-click applications.

GlassWire is a network monitoring and personal firewall application for Windows and Android that visualizes current and past network activity to help users spot malware, bandwidth hogs, and unfamiliar devices on their network. Its firewall includes an ask-to-connect mode that lets users approve or deny individual apps' network access, alongside a network time machine for reviewing historical connections. GlassWire also tracks data usage across devices and can alert users before they exceed set data limits, while its network scanner flags new or unknown devices joining a WiFi network. Over 53 million downloads have been recorded for the Windows and Android apps combined.

• Free open-source core edition with no functionality lock-in for basic use
• Large curated app store (187+ apps) for one-click installs
• Active, popular open-source project with strong GitHub traction
• Affordable Pro tier with perpetual license option

• Combines network monitoring and firewall in one lightweight app
• Very affordable premium pricing at $2.99/month
• Visual, easy-to-understand traffic graphs
• Available on both Windows and Android

• Advanced features (multi-node console, mobile apps, priority support) require paid Pro edition
• Primarily documented for Linux server administrators, less approachable for non-technical users
• Checkout for Pro edition routes through a third-party vendor (LXware) rather than 1Panel directly

• Free tier limits network history to just 24 hours
• Windows and Android only, no Mac or Linux support
• Advanced threat detection features require Premium