GlassWire vs WhatsUp Gold
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.
WhatsUp Gold delivers real‑time visibility into network devices, servers, and applications across hybrid IT environments. It combines automatic discovery, customizable dashboards, and robust alerting to help IT teams quickly identify and resolve performance issues. The solution supports both cloud‑based SaaS and self‑hosted deployments, offering detailed reporting, capacity planning, and integration with popular ITSM and collaboration tools. It is designed for enterprises, MSPs, and internal IT departments that need a single pane of glass for infrastructure health.
- 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 auto‑discovery across heterogeneous environments
- Highly customizable dashboards and alerts
- Broad integration ecosystem with ITSM and collaboration tools
- Flexible deployment options (cloud or on‑premise)
- 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 can be high for small teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced configuration
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to desktop/web UI
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 WhatsUp Gold
View all →Real-time network visibility and performance monitoring for IT pros.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataWhatsUp Gold is a full‑featured, enterprise‑grade network monitoring platform with broad integrations and flexible deployment, while GlassWire is a lightweight, visual monitor/firewall aimed at homes and small businesses.
Key differences
- •Deployment model: WhatsUp Gold offers SaaS or on‑premises; GlassWire is only a desktop app.
- •Target audience & scale: WhatsUp Gold serves enterprises/MSPs; GlassWire targets home users and small businesses.
- •Integration ecosystem: WhatsUp Gold integrates with ServiceNow, Slack, Teams, Splunk; GlassWire has no listed integrations.
- •Pricing structure: WhatsUp Gold is paid subscription (price not specified); GlassWire uses a freemium model with a low‑cost premium tier.
- •Feature depth: WhatsUp Gold provides auto‑discovery, capacity planning, SLA reporting; GlassWire focuses on visual traffic, firewall, basic threat alerts.
Pricing & value
GlassWire offers a free tier and a $2.99/mo premium option; WhatsUp Gold is paid subscription with unspecified cost.
Ease of use / learning curve
GlassWire is described as visual and lightweight; WhatsUp Gold has a steeper learning curve for advanced configuration.
Features & depth
WhatsUp Gold includes auto‑discovery, SLA reporting, capacity planning, and extensive alerts; GlassWire provides basic monitoring and firewall.
Integrations & ecosystem
WhatsUp Gold integrates with ServiceNow, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Splunk; GlassWire lists no integrations.
Scalability
WhatsUp Gold targets enterprises and MSPs, supporting large heterogeneous environments; GlassWire is limited to single‑desktop use.
Support
WhatsUp Gold offers 24/7 email, phone, live chat; GlassWire provides community support and premium dedicated support.
Security & privacy
GlassWire includes a built‑in personal firewall and threat detection; WhatsUp Gold does not list firewall capabilities.
Choose GlassWire if…
Home users or small businesses wanting a free/low‑cost visual monitor with built‑in firewall.
Choose WhatsUp Gold if…
Enterprises or MSPs needing enterprise‑scale monitoring, integrations, and on‑prem/cloud deployment.
Common questions
Can I try WhatsUp Gold for free?
Pricing is listed as paid subscription; no free tier is mentioned in the provided facts.
Does GlassWire work on macOS or Linux?
No; GlassWire is only available for Windows and Android per the facts.
Which tool offers more integrations with ITSM platforms?
WhatsUp Gold integrates with ServiceNow and other ITSM tools; GlassWire lists no integrations.