Port Knocker vs Webview Kiosk
Side-by-side comparison of two open source alternatives
Port Knocker
A basic port knocker client. Also includes a widget and the ability to choose an application to launch after knocking.
Webview Kiosk
Webview Kiosk is a free and open-source Android application for secure, kiosk-style web browsing. It can function as digital signage, a kid-friendly restricted browser, an immersive web reader, an interactive sign-up form, a home assistant dashboard, or simply a wall clock. Designed for small businesses and device owners who are looking for a simple and standalone Kiosk solution. Key Features Core / Standalone - Lock Task Mode (Pin): prevent access to your device's home screen, apps and status bar - Secure Settings: configurations are protected by biometrics, device credentials or custom password - URL Filtering: use regular expressions to control web access through a URL blacklist and whitelist - Export/Import: backup and restore user settings in Base64 or JSON format - Local files: display an image, audio, video, or HTML file in kiosk mode from your device - Default Launcher: use as the home app and launch other apps in lock task mode (kiosk) Remote Management / Enterprise 1. MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) - Monitor events, update settings, execute commands and build custom automations using the API - Requires an MQTT broker (e.g. Mosquitto, EMQX, HiveMQ, or their HomeAssistant integrations) 2. UnifiedPush - Send commands and update settings via a decentralised push notification system - Requires a distributor application (e.g. sunup, ntfy, gCompat-UP) 3. Managed Configurations (App Restrictions) - For fully-managed (company-owned) devices, settings can be remotely configured via an MDM/EMM provider - Advanced users using a device policy controller (e.g. Test DPC or OwnDroid) can also enforce configurations locally For more details, visit https://webviewkiosk.nktnet.uk Permissions - INTERNET: for general web browsing - CAMERA: (optional) for use with web apps that requires photo/video capture - RECORD_AUDIO: (optional) for use with web apps that requires audio capture - MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS: for routing audio (microphone will not work without this) - ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION: (optional) for web apps that needs precise geolocation - ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION: (optional) for web apps that needs approximate geolocation - QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES: to find launchable apps, device owners and lock task packages - POST_NOTIFICATIONS: (optional) for lock task mode (kiosk) launches and MQTT - FOREGROUND_SERVICE: for persistent notification and management with lock task and MQTT - FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE: provides a return mechanism for opening apps in kiosk - USE_BIOMETRIC: replaces USE_FINGERPRINT from Android 9 onwards - USE_FINGERPRINT: use fingerprint hardware when accessing settings or unlocking kiosk - WAKE_LOCK: to optionally wake the screen when receiving MQTT commands - WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE: for downloading files in Android 9.0 (SDK 28) and below - API (Dhizuku): to request shared device owner privileges Contact Questions/Feature Requests - https://github.com/nktnet1/webview-kiosk/discussions Bugs/Issues - https://github.com/nktnet1/webview-kiosk/issues Other - support@webviewkiosk.nktnet.uk Alternatives - Fully Kiosk Browser Lockdown (feature-rich, but not a free kiosk solution) - Web Kiosk (FOSS, developed by Screenlite) - FreeKiosk (FOSS, developed by Rushb-fr)
| Feature | Port Knocker | Webview Kiosk |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | AGPL-3.0-or-later |
| Install sources | F-DroidGitHub | F-DroidGitHubIzzyOnDroid |
| Categories | Password ManagerBrowser | Password ManagerBrowser |
| Features | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking | Ad-FreeOpen SourceNo Tracking |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Website | ||
| Source code |