GlassWire vs Obkio
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
Obkio is a network performance monitoring platform built to catch intermittent network problems through continuous, agent-based monitoring across LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, MPLS, and VPN environments. It provides real-time dashboards, SNMP device monitoring with fast 30-second polling, visual traceroute diagnostics, and VoIP/UC monitoring with Mean Opinion Score (MOS) measurements. Deployment options include software agents for Windows, Linux, VMware, and Hyper-V, as well as hardware appliances, making it adaptable for single offices or multi-site enterprise networks. Obkio offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required and holds strong review ratings on G2, Capterra, and GetApp.
- 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
- Strong focus on intermittent issues that other tools often miss
- Flexible deployment across software agents and hardware appliances
- Highly rated on G2, Capterra, and GetApp
- Scales from single offices to multi-site enterprise networks
- Free tier limits network history to just 24 hours
- Windows and Android only, no Mac or Linux support
- Advanced threat detection features require Premium
- Pricing isn't published, requiring a sales conversation
- Aimed more at IT teams than individual or hobbyist users
- Full feature set (SD-WAN, VoIP MOS, appliances) may be more than small networks need
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to GlassWire
View all →Windows tool for controlling, monitoring and limiting per-application internet bandwidth.
Next-generation firewall appliances with AI-powered threat protection and zero trust access.
Alternatives to Obkio
View all →Auto-discovering network monitoring platform tracking performance across 450+ device types.
Real-time network visibility and performance monitoring for IT pros.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataObkio is a enterprise‑grade, cloud‑based network monitor for IT teams needing deep, multi‑site visibility; GlassWire is a low‑cost desktop app for home or small‑business users who want simple visual traffic monitoring and a built‑in firewall.
Key differences
- •Deployment model: Obkio is SaaS/agent‑based for distributed networks; GlassWire is a local desktop app.
- •Target audience: Obkio serves IT teams managing LAN/WAN/SD‑WAN; GlassWire targets home users and small businesses.
- •Feature depth: Obkio offers SNMP polling, VoIP MOS, visual traceroute, and appliance options; GlassWire provides basic traffic graphs, firewall, and limited threat alerts.
- •Pricing structure: Obkio requires a sales quote (no published price); GlassWire offers a freemium tier with a $2.99/mo premium option.
- •Scalability: Obkio scales from single office to multi‑site enterprises; GlassWire is limited to a single device per install.
Pricing & value
GlassWire has a free tier and a clear $2.99/month premium price; Obkio’s pricing is undisclosed and requires a sales conversation.
Ease of use / learning curve
GlassWire is a lightweight desktop app with visual graphs; Obkio involves deploying agents or appliances and configuring cloud dashboards.
Features & depth
Obkio provides SNMP monitoring, VoIP MOS, visual traceroute, and multi‑environment coverage; GlassWire focuses on basic traffic visualization and firewall.
Integrations & ecosystem
Obkio supports integration with VMware, Hyper‑V, and hardware appliances; GlassWire lists no API or integration capabilities.
Scalability
Obkio scales from single offices to enterprise‑wide networks; GlassWire is limited to a single desktop device.
Support
GlassWire offers community and premium dedicated support; Obkio’s support details are not specified.
Security & privacy
GlassWire includes built‑in firewall and threat detection; Obkio’s security features are not detailed.
Choose GlassWire if…
Home users or small businesses wanting simple visual monitoring and a personal firewall.
Choose Obkio if…
Enterprises or IT teams needing multi‑site, deep network performance monitoring.
Common questions
What is the cost to get started?
GlassWire offers a free tier and premium at $2.99 per month; Obkio requires contacting sales for a quote.
Can the tool monitor multiple remote sites?
Yes, Obkio monitors LAN, WAN, SD‑WAN, MPLS, and VPN across many sites; GlassWire monitors only the local device.
Does the product include a firewall?
GlassWire includes an ask‑to‑connect personal firewall; Obkio does not mention a firewall feature.