GlassWire vs SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
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.
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) delivers comprehensive, real-time insight into network health, performance, and availability. It helps IT professionals quickly identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot issues, and ensure optimal network operation across complex environments. Built on the SolarWinds Orion Platform, NPM integrates seamlessly with other SolarWinds tools, offering customizable dashboards, alerts, and reporting to streamline network management and reduce downtime.
- 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
- Comprehensive real-time visibility across heterogeneous networks
- Deep integration with SolarWinds Orion and NetFlow Analyzer
- Highly customizable alerts and dashboards
- Scalable for small to large enterprise environments
- Free tier limits network history to just 24 hours
- Windows and Android only, no Mac or Linux support
- Advanced threat detection features require Premium
- Higher cost compared to basic open-source monitoring tools
- Steeper learning curve for advanced configuration
- Primarily web-based; limited native mobile app functionality
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSolarWinds NPM offers enterprise‑grade, deep network monitoring at a higher cost and complexity, while GlassWire provides a lightweight, inexpensive visual monitor and firewall for home or small‑business use.
Key differences
- •Pricing model – SolarWinds is a paid subscription; GlassWire has a free tier and low‑cost premium.
- •Scope of monitoring – SolarWinds covers multi‑vendor, whole‑network devices; GlassWire monitors only the host PC and its connections.
- •Integration ecosystem – SolarWinds integrates with Orion and NetFlow Analyzer; GlassWire offers no native integrations.
- •Ease of use – GlassWire’s visual UI is beginner‑friendly; SolarWinds has a steeper learning curve for advanced setup.
Pricing & value
GlassWire offers a freemium model and $2.99/mo premium; SolarWinds requires a paid subscription with higher cost.
Ease of use / learning curve
GlassWire provides visual graphs and simple firewall prompts; SolarWinds is noted for a steeper learning curve.
Features & depth
SolarWinds monitors device health, NetFlow/sFlow/J‑Flow, deep packet inspection, and capacity planning; GlassWire is limited to host‑level traffic and basic threat alerts.
Integrations & ecosystem
SolarWinds integrates natively with Orion Platform and NetFlow Traffic Analyzer; GlassWire has no listed integrations.
Support
SolarWinds provides 24/7 phone, email, and live‑chat support; GlassWire offers community support and premium‑only dedicated support.
Scalability
SolarWinds is designed for small to large enterprises across heterogeneous networks; GlassWire targets home users and small businesses.
Security & privacy
SolarWinds offers deep packet inspection and network path analysis; GlassWire includes a personal firewall and malware detection. Both provide security but in different layers.
Choose GlassWire if…
Home users or small businesses wanting simple visual traffic monitoring with a built‑in firewall.
Choose SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor if…
Enterprise network admins needing comprehensive, multi‑vendor monitoring and capacity planning.
Common questions
Which tool is cheaper for a small office?
GlassWire offers a free tier and a $2.99/month premium plan, while SolarWinds requires a paid subscription with higher cost.
Can SolarWinds monitor routers from multiple vendors?
Yes, it supports multi‑vendor environments including Cisco, Juniper, HP, and more.
Does GlassWire integrate with other network management platforms?
No integrations are listed; GlassWire operates as a standalone desktop application.