Athena: Firewall DNS AdBlocker vs NetGuard
Side-by-side comparison of two open source alternatives
Athena: Firewall DNS AdBlocker
Athena Firewall combines powerful DNS-based ad blocking with complete network control. Block ads, trackers, and unwanted connections across all apps. Works with Root, Shizuku, or VPN mode - choose what fits your device. ✓ DNS ad & tracker blocking ✓ Custom & pre-made blocklists ✓ Per-app firewall rules ✓ Root, Shizuku & VPN modes ✓ Network monitor & kill switch ✓ Material 3 design 🚫 DNS AD BLOCKING & FILTERING Stop ads and trackers before they load with powerful DNS filtering. Block ads in apps, games, and browsers system-wide. - DNS-based ad & tracker blocking - Pre-made blocklists (AdGuard, Steven Black, more) - Custom blocklists - add your own URLs - Auto-update blocklists daily - Custom DNS servers (Cloudflare, Quad9, AdGuard DNS, custom) - Block specific domains manually - Allow/block by IP address - DNS request logging - See every DNS query in real-time 🔥 FIREWALL - THREE POWERFUL MODES Choose the mode that works for YOUR device: ROOT MODE (Rooted devices) - Direct iptables firewall control - Most powerful option - System-level blocking - Maximum control SHIZUKU MODE (No root needed) - Advanced features without rooting - Enhanced firewall capabilities - Works with Shizuku app - Power user features VPN MODE (Any device) - Works on stock Android - Local VPN only (no external servers) - No root or Shizuku needed - Privacy-focused 🔒 PER-APP NETWORK CONTROL Control exactly which apps can access the internet. Block apps individually or by category. - Block apps from WiFi or mobile data - Separate rules for WiFi/data - Whitelist or blacklist mode - System app control - Show offline apps - Track install source - Real-time connection monitoring - Connection logs per app - See app permissions Perfect for stopping background data usage, preventing tracking, and saving battery. 📊 ADVANCED MONITORING Watch your network activity in real-time with comprehensive logging and monitoring. - Status bar network monitor - Real-time connection logs - DNS query logs - Per-app connection history - See which domains apps contact - Export logs for analysis - Live traffic statistics - Bandwidth usage tracking 📡 NETWORK SECURITY FEATURES - Kill switch block all traffic when firewall stops - Allow local network IPs (for printers, smart home) - Block specific IP addresses - Screen protection bypass - VPN slot functions - Auto-start on boot - Background protection 🎨 MODERN MATERIAL 3 DESIGN - Material You dynamic colors - AMOLED dark theme (true black) - Clean, intuitive interface - Smooth animations - Tablet optimized - Multi-language support 🌐 CUSTOM DNS CONTROL Take full control of your DNS for privacy and speed. - Custom DNS servers (DoH coming soon) - Popular DNS providers built-in: - Custom DNS IPs - DNS leak protection - Encrypted DNS queries (roadmap) - Change DNS per network 🛡️ PRIVACY & OPEN SOURCE - 100% open-source (GPL) - No data collection - No analytics or tracking - No ads anywhere - Community-driven 🔧 POWER USER FEATURES - Import/export blocklists - Backup/restore settings - Root OR non-root operation - Shizuku integration - Detailed logging - Custom filtering rules - Advanced DNS options - Developer options ⚡ LIGHTWEIGHT & EFFICIENT - Minimal battery drain - Low memory footprint - Runs efficiently in background - Optimized for performance - No bloat - focused features 📱 PERFECT FOR: - Blocking ads in apps & games - Stopping trackers & analytics - Reducing mobile data usage - Privacy-conscious users - Parents controlling kid's devices - Developers & security researchers - Users who want DNS control - Anyone wanting network visibility - Rooted AND non-rooted devices 🎯 USE CASES Stop App Tracking: Block analytics and trackers in all apps Save Mobile Data: Block ads = less data used Parent Controls: Block inappropriate domains Gaming: Block ads in free games Privacy:Stop apps phoning home Security Research: Monitor all connections Custom Blocking: Block specific domains/IPs
NetGuard
NetGuard provides simple and advanced ways to block access to the internet - no root required.Applications and addresses can individually be allowed or denied access to your Wi-Fi and/or mobile connection.Blocking access to the internet can help:reduce your data usagesave your batteryincrease your privacyFeatures:Simple to useNo root required100% open sourceNo calling homeNo tracking or analyticsNo advertisementsActively developed and supportedAndroid 5.1 and later supportedIPv4/IPv6 TCP/UDP supportedTethering supportedOptionally allow when screen onOptionally block when roamingOptionally block system applicationsOptionally notify when an application accesses the internetOptionally record network usage per application per addressMaterial design theme with light and dark themePRO features:Log all outgoing traffic; search and filter access attempts; export PCAP files to analyze trafficAllow/block individual addresses per applicationNew application notifications; configure NetGuard directly from the notificationDisplay network speed graph in a status bar notificationSelect from five additional themes in both light and dark versionThere is no other no-root firewall offering all these features.If you have a question or problem, you can send an e-mail to marcel+netguard@faircode.euIf you like to help people less fluent in English, you can help translate NetGuard in your languageIf you like to test new features, you can participate in the test programAll required permissions are described here
| Feature | Athena: Firewall DNS AdBlocker | NetGuard |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0-only | GPL-3.0-only |
| Install sources | F-DroidGitHub | F-DroidGitHubIzzyOnDroid |
| Categories | Password ManagerFirewallBrowser | Password ManagerVPNFirewallDev ToolsBrowser |
| Features | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Website | ||
| Source code |