Despite how much data I use a month, I never really thought twice about monitoring where my data goes. I have uncapped WiFi and spend most of my time at home when I use the internet, so it’s never really been an issue to watch every single megabyte. When I downloaded GlassWire to review though, that mentality changed. It’s actually interesting to see where all the data goes, especially from a privacy point of view.
GlassWire, in a nutshell, monitors your data usage, and tells you which app uses how much of your data and how often. You’re probably thinking, “There’s plenty apps out there that do this, how is GlassWire any different?”. Turns out, there are several major ways. Let’s get down to business.
Why GlassWire?
GlassWire is focused on your privacy, and not just a service that provides some data tools. Like VPN’s, you would be surprised at how many apps capture your data and sell it to third parties. Apps like GlassWire can easily build up a profile based on the apps and services you use and profit off it. Fortunately, it doesn’t, and it makes that very clear:
A lot of these data usage apps not only track every app you use, but they store your info along with personally identifiable information. Imagine if their database was hacked…Our app has no ability to access the network at all and your data never goes to our servers so we could never see it even if we wanted to.
I never really thought twice at the possibility that such an app could collect my info and build up a profile of my preferences to sell to advertisers. I suppose it happens all the time without us knowing, but it’s good knowing that GlassWire isn’t such an app, particularly as it has access to sensitive information.
Another really strong point about Glasswire that appealed to me was the gorgeous user interface. I mean, I’m not a picky user or anything, but this app immediately got my attention and pulled me in. You’ll see what I’m referring to shortly.
Features and Content
The main screen of the app lists your apps according to how much data they consume. Above it is a line graph that plots your data usage per day or hour, depending on the scale that you choose. It gets really handy here as it lists your WiFi and cellular usage differently. It’s a really convenient way of showing how you’re using up your megabytes.
I never knew that I used Snapchat so much and that it used so much data!
You can also choose a simpler view that tracks your monthly usage, and still shows the portion between cellular and WiFi. What’s nice here is that you can view the apps ranked according to WiFi usage and cellular usage.
There’s also a data plan option that alerts you of your usage and when you’re about to reach your cap. And to add to the already appetizing interface, you can choose different themes that feature different colours and tones. You aren’t easily going to find this level of customization elsewhere. There are a few themes that have to be purchased if you want to use them, but this is a fair offer considering half of them are free.
You may have noticed that there aren’t any adverts! I am using the normal Play Store version and it struck me after some time how there aren’t adverts to be seen anywhere in the app. I have tried several other data management apps and all of them but this one had really annoying adverts. Maybe my connection wasn’t quite right or the adverts will appear in later version, but this really appealed to me.
GlassWire also sets up a notification card that has your data usage on it. At first I thought I was going to disable this (you can easily in settings), but it has become a neat part of my phone and I quite like it there.
You can also click on apps within the list to view when their connections take place, as well as what permissions they have on your phone. You can consider GlassWire to be a maintenance tool as well in some places.
Conclusion
Not only is the Android version of GlassWire an attractive app in a visual sense, it’s also attractive in a functional and privacy sense. You ought to try it out if you’re seeking such an app – you can’t go wrong!
There’s also a desktop version that you ought to check out.