Hello Dev, are you looking for the best proxy servers to use? Proxy servers can help you bypass geographical restrictions, avoid censorship, and protect your online privacy. In this article, we’ve gathered the top 10 proxy servers that you should consider. Let’s dive in and explore them.
What is a proxy server?
Before we start, let’s briefly explain what a proxy server is. A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. Whenever you make a request to access a website or any online resource, the request first goes to the proxy server. The proxy server then forwards the request to the website, receives the response, and sends it back to your device. This process helps hide your IP address, location, and other identifying information from the websites you visit.
How does a proxy server work?
When you connect to a proxy server, your device sends its requests to the proxy server instead of directly to the intended server. The proxy server then sends the request on your behalf, using its own IP address instead of yours. The response from the intended server is sent back to the proxy server, which then forwards it to your device.
A proxy server can be used for different purposes, such as:
- Bypassing internet censorship and geographical restrictions
- Protecting your online privacy and anonymity
- Improving your online security by blocking malicious websites
- Faster browsing speed by caching frequently accessed content
What are the types of proxy servers?
Proxy servers can be categorized based on different criteria. Here are the main types of proxy servers:
Type of proxy server |
Description |
|---|---|
HTTP proxy |
Only handles HTTP traffic |
HTTPS proxy |
Handles encrypted HTTPS traffic |
SOCKS proxy |
Handles various protocols, including TCP, UDP, and ICMP |
Transparent proxy |
Doesn’t modify your requests and reveals your IP address |
Anonymous proxy |
Modifies your requests and hides your IP address |
Elite proxy |
Highly anonymous proxy that doesn’t reveal any information |
The top 10 proxy servers you should know
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular VPN provider that offers a wide range of servers worldwide. It also has a SOCKS5 proxy that you can use separately from its VPN. NordVPN’s proxy server supports various protocols and offers high-speed connections. It also has a no-logs policy and uses strong encryption to protect your traffic.
If you’re looking for a reliable proxy server that comes with a VPN, NordVPN is definitely worth considering.
2. ProxySite.com
ProxySite.com is a free web proxy that allows you to access blocked websites and browse anonymously. It supports HTTPS encryption and doesn’t require any installation or configuration. You can also choose from different server locations and IP addresses.
The downside of using a free proxy service like ProxySite.com is that it may not be as secure and reliable as paid options.
3. VPNBook
VPNBook is a free VPN service that also offers a free web proxy. Its proxy server supports HTTP and HTTPS traffic and comes with a no-logs policy. VPNBook’s proxy server can be used for bypassing censorship and accessing geo-restricted content.
However, keep in mind that free services like VPNBook may not be as fast or reliable as paid alternatives.
4. HideMyAss
HideMyAss is a popular VPN provider that also offers a proxy server service. Its proxy service supports HTTP and HTTPS traffic and offers servers in multiple countries. HideMyAss also has a no-logs policy and uses strong encryption to protect your data.
The downside of HideMyAss’s proxy server is that it’s not available separately from its VPN service.
5. Squid
Squid is a popular open-source proxy server software that you can install on your own server. It supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and other protocols and can be used for caching frequently accessed content. Squid also supports authentication, access control, and SSL interception.
If you’re looking for a reliable and customizable proxy server solution, Squid is definitely worth checking out.
6. Shadowsocks
Shadowsocks is an open-source proxy server software that helps you bypass internet censorship and access blocked content. It uses strong encryption and supports multiple protocols, including SSR, HTTP, SOCKS5, and others. Shadowsocks can be used on various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
However, setting up Shadowsocks can be more complex than using other proxy server solutions.
7. Tor
Tor is a free and open-source software that helps you browse the web anonymously. It uses a network of volunteer-operated servers to route your traffic through different nodes, making it difficult to trace. Tor can be used for accessing blocked websites and protecting your online privacy and security.
The downside of using Tor is that it can be slower than other proxy server solutions and may not be suitable for streaming or downloading large files.
8. OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a popular VPN protocol that can also be used as a proxy server. It uses SSL/TLS encryption and can be configured to work with different ports and protocols. OpenVPN also supports various platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
If you’re already using OpenVPN for your VPN connections, you can easily configure it to work as a proxy server.
9. Privoxy
Privoxy is a free and open-source proxy server software that can be used for filtering and modifying web page content. It supports HTTP and HTTPS traffic and can be used for blocking ads, removing cookies, and enhancing online privacy. Privoxy also comes with advanced configuration options and can be used along with other proxy server solutions.
10. Charles
Charles is a popular web debugging proxy server software that can be used for analyzing HTTP and HTTPS traffic. It supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can be used for debugging and testing web applications. Charles also has advanced features, such as SSL proxying, breakpoints, and autorepeat, that can help you troubleshoot web issues.
FAQs about proxy servers
1. Are proxy servers legal?
Yes, proxy servers are legal in most countries. However, using them for illegal purposes, such as hacking or cybercrime, is not allowed.
2. Can proxy servers be traced?
Yes, proxy servers can be traced if their logs are not properly deleted. Using highly anonymous or no-logs proxy servers can help protect your online privacy.
3. Do proxy servers slow down internet speed?
Using a proxy server can slow down your internet speed, as the traffic has to go through an extra server. However, using a high-speed and nearby proxy server can help minimize the slowdown.
4. Do I need a VPN if I use a proxy server?
A VPN can provide stronger and more comprehensive online security and privacy than a proxy server. However, using both a VPN and a proxy server can provide extra layers of protection and anonymity.
5. Can I use a proxy server on my mobile device?
Yes, you can use a proxy server on your mobile device by configuring the proxy settings in your device’s network settings or using a VPN that offers a proxy server option.
That’s it for our guide to the top 10 proxy servers! We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out.