Pros of NetGuard

• Simpler and more focused on network traffic control
• Lighter on system resources
• More user-friendly interface for managing app-specific rules

Cons of NetGuard

• Limited to network traffic filtering
• Lacks advanced privacy features like DNS-over-HTTPS and Tor integration
• No built-in ad-blocking capabilities

Code Comparison

NetGuard (Java):

@Override
public void handleMessage(Message msg) {
    try {
        switch (msg.what) {
            case MSG_PACKET:
                log((Packet) msg.obj);
                break;

InviZible (Kotlin):

override fun onStartCommand(intent: Intent?, flags: Int, startId: Int): Int {
    when (intent?.action) {
        ServiceAction.START.name -> startService()
        ServiceAction.STOP.name -> stopService()
    }
    return START_STICKY
}

NetGuard focuses on packet-level filtering, while InviZible offers a broader range of privacy-enhancing features. NetGuard's code is primarily in Java, dealing with individual network packets, whereas InviZible uses Kotlin and manages various privacy services. InviZible provides more comprehensive privacy protection but may be more complex for average users compared to NetGuard's straightforward approach to network control.

Pros of AFWall+

• Focuses specifically on firewall functionality, providing granular control over app network access
• Offers a user-friendly interface for managing firewall rules
• Supports both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic control

Cons of AFWall+

• Limited to firewall functionality, lacking additional privacy features
• Requires root access, which may not be available or desired on all devices
• May have a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with firewall concepts

Code Comparison

AFWall+ (Java):

private void applyRules(final Context ctx) {
    if (G.hasRoot()) {
        List<String> cmds = new ArrayList<String>();
        cmds.add(ctx.getFilesDir().getAbsolutePath() + "/afwallstart.sh");
        applyRulesWithRoot(cmds);
    }
}

InviZible (Kotlin):

private fun startModules() {
    if (isRootAvailable) {
        ModulesStatus.getInstance().isFixTTL = true
        if (ModulesStatus.getInstance().isIptablesRulesUpdateRequested) {
            updateIptablesRules()
        }
        startDNSCrypt()
        startTorModule()
        startITPDModule()
    }
}

Both projects utilize root access for applying network rules, but InviZible incorporates multiple privacy-enhancing modules beyond basic firewall functionality.

Pros of Orbot

• Longer development history and larger community support
• Official Tor Project endorsement, ensuring adherence to Tor standards
• More comprehensive documentation and user guides

Cons of Orbot

• Limited to Tor network, while InviZible offers additional protocols
• May have higher resource consumption on mobile devices
• Less customization options for advanced users

Code Comparison

Orbot (Java):

@Override
protected void onResume() {
    super.onResume();
    refreshViews();
    mDataService.registerStatusCallback(mStatusUpdateHandler);
}

InviZible (Kotlin):

override fun onResume() {
    super.onResume()
    updateUI()
    registerReceiver(vpnStateReceiver, IntentFilter(VpnService.SERVICE_INTERFACE))
}

Both projects use similar lifecycle methods, but InviZible's code is more concise due to Kotlin's syntax. Orbot focuses on updating status through a callback, while InviZible registers a broadcast receiver for VPN state changes.

Pros of PowerTunnel-Android

• Lightweight and focused on DNS-over-HTTPS implementation
• Simple user interface, making it easy for non-technical users
• Supports custom DNS servers and DNS caching

Cons of PowerTunnel-Android

• Limited features compared to InviZible's comprehensive privacy toolkit
• Less advanced traffic routing options
• Fewer customization options for advanced users

Code Comparison

PowerTunnel-Android:

override fun onStartCommand(intent: Intent?, flags: Int, startId: Int): Int {
    startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, createNotification())
    return START_STICKY
}

InviZible:

override fun onStartCommand(intent: Intent?, flags: Int, startId: Int): Int {
    super.onStartCommand(intent, flags, startId)
    startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, getNotification())
    return START_STICKY
}

Both projects use similar code structure for starting their services, but InviZible's implementation is more extensive, reflecting its broader feature set.

PowerTunnel-Android focuses on providing a straightforward DNS-over-HTTPS solution, making it ideal for users who primarily need DNS encryption. InviZible, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive privacy toolkit with additional features like Tor integration and advanced traffic routing, catering to users who require more extensive privacy protection and customization options.

Pros of Shizuku

• Provides a powerful API for app developers to access system APIs without root
• Offers better battery life and performance compared to traditional root methods
• Supports a wide range of Android versions and devices

Cons of Shizuku

• Requires more technical knowledge to set up and use effectively
• Limited to specific use cases and may not provide comprehensive privacy protection

Code Comparison

InviZible (DNS filtering):

public void onDnsRequestReceived(byte[] message, InetAddress address, int port) {
    DnsMessage dnsMsg = new DnsMessage(message);
    String domain = dnsMsg.getQuestion().name.toString();
    if (blocklist.contains(domain)) {
        sendBlockedResponse(dnsMsg, address, port);
    } else {
        forwardDnsRequest(message, address, port);
    }
}

Shizuku (API access):

public class MyService extends IMyAidlInterface.Stub {
    @Override
    public void doSomething() throws RemoteException {
        // Perform privileged operation using Shizuku
        ShizukuBinderWrapper.transact(ServiceManager.getService("power"), 
            IPowerManager.TRANSACTION_reboot, data, reply, 0);
    }
}

The code snippets demonstrate the different focus areas of the two projects. InviZible concentrates on network-level privacy protection, while Shizuku provides a framework for accessing system APIs with elevated privileges.