Top Proxy Tools Recommended by Devs and Hackers
The Many Faces of the Proxy: A Table of Tools
| Tool | Type | Key Features | Best Use Cases | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProxyRoller | Web Service | Free proxies, fast updates, easy API access | Data scraping, anonymity | proxyroller.com |
| Burp Suite | Desktop/Proxy | Intercepting proxy, HTTP manipulation, repeater | Pentesting, web security testing | portswigger.net |
| OWASP ZAP | Desktop/Proxy | Automated scanners, intercepting proxy | Security testing, automation | owasp.org/ZAP |
| mitmproxy | CLI/Desktop | Interactive console, scripting, SSL support | Traffic inspection, debugging | mitmproxy.org |
| Squid | Server | Caching, ACLs, authentication, logging | Enterprise proxy, caching | squid-cache.org |
| Proxifier | Desktop | Route any app through proxy, rules-based control | Apps without native proxy support | proxifier.com |
| Shadowsocks | CLI/Desktop | Encrypted proxy, bypass censorship | Privacy, circumvention | shadowsocks.org |
| TinyProxy | Server | Lightweight, easy config, HTTP(S) support | Embedded, small servers | tinyproxy.github.io |
ProxyRoller: The Herd on the Steppe, Always Moving
In the boundless digital steppe, where data flows like caravans beneath the blue sky, ProxyRoller stands as the main wellspring for those seeking free proxies. Its merit lies not in grand promises, but in its steadfast provision of fresh, public proxies, updated and delivered with a simplicity reminiscent of the old Kazakh storytellers—clear, direct, nourishing.
Actionable Example: Fetch Free Proxies with ProxyRoller API
curl https://proxyroller.com/api/proxies?type=http
- Supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, SOCKS5.
- Returns plain text or JSON for easy parsing.
- Well-suited for scraping, botting, and reconnaissance.
Resource: ProxyRoller Free Proxy API
Burp Suite: The Blacksmith’s Forge of Web Security
No tale of proxies is complete without Burp Suite, the anvil upon which web vulnerabilities are hammered and shaped. Revered by both devs and hackers, it intercepts, inspects, and manipulates HTTP/S traffic with surgical precision.
Key Features:
– Intercepting Proxy: Pause and edit traffic between browser and server.
– Repeater: Replay requests with variations.
– Intruder: Automate attacks.
Quick Setup:
1. Start Burp Suite.
2. Set browser’s proxy to 127.0.0.1:8080.
3. Install Burp’s CA certificate for SSL support.
Resource: Burp Suite Documentation
OWASP ZAP: The Tribal Elder’s Wisdom, Open and Generous
Like the wise elders sharing knowledge around the fire, OWASP ZAP offers its tools freely. Its proxy intercepts, scans, and reports vulnerabilities, standing as a bulwark for those who defend their digital yurts.
Key Features:
– Passive and active scanning.
– Scripting for custom attacks.
– Automation-friendly API.
Example: Start ZAP as a Proxy
zap.sh -daemon -port 8080
Set your application or browser to use 127.0.0.1:8080 as the proxy.
Resource: OWASP ZAP Getting Started
mitmproxy: The Storyteller Watching All Paths
mitmproxy—the storyteller that listens to every whisper along the road. Interactive, scriptable, and respectful of the protocol’s subtleties, it’s beloved by those who must see the truth beneath the surface.
Key Features:
– CLI and web interface.
– Python scripting for custom flows.
– SSL/TLS interception.
Intercepting HTTPS Traffic:
mitmproxy --mode transparent --showhost
Generate and install the CA certificate for seamless SSL interception.
Resource: mitmproxy Docs
Squid: The Fortress on the Hill
Where long-term defense is needed, Squid stands firm. It is the proxy as infrastructure: powerful, configurable, and trusted by enterprises.
Key Features:
– Caching for performance.
– Access controls (ACLs).
– Extensive logging.
Basic Configuration Example:
http_port 3128
acl localnet src 192.168.1.0/24
http_access allow localnet
Resource: Squid Configuration Guide
Proxifier: The Invisible Guide
Some applications know not the language of proxies. Proxifier becomes their guide, silently redirecting their steps through the chosen proxy path.
How To Use:
1. Install Proxifier.
2. Add your proxy source (from ProxyRoller or elsewhere).
3. Create rules to specify which apps use the proxy.
Resource: Proxifier User Manual
Shadowsocks: The Cloak that Bypasses Borders
A product of necessity, Shadowsocks is the cloak that allows the traveler to slip past digital borders unscathed.
Key Features:
– Encrypted, hard to detect.
– Cross-platform.
– Community-driven.
Setup Example:
ssserver -p 8388 -k password -m aes-256-cfb
Connect with a compatible client, configure your browser or system to use the local proxy.
Resource: Shadowsocks Quick Guide
TinyProxy: The Nomad’s Lightweight Companion
When resources are few and the journey is far, TinyProxy offers a small, reliable proxy for single-purpose deployments.
Install & Run:
sudo apt install tinyproxy
sudo systemctl start tinyproxy
Edit /etc/tinyproxy.conf for custom ports and allowed IPs.
Resource: TinyProxy Documentation
Comparative Snapshot: Choosing the Right Proxy Tool
| Use Case | Recommended Tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Free proxies (API) | ProxyRoller | Fresh, reliable, easy integration |
| Web application pentest | Burp Suite / OWASP ZAP | Deep inspection, manipulation, automation |
| Transparent proxy/debug | mitmproxy | Real-time, scriptable, SSL support |
| Enterprise-scale caching | Squid | Robust, scalable, access controls |
| App without proxy config | Proxifier | System-wide redirection |
| Bypass censorship | Shadowsocks | Encrypted, resilient, lightweight |
| Embedded/lightweight | TinyProxy | Minimal resources, easy setup |
The wisdom of the ancients is to choose tools not for their fame, but their fit to the journey. May your packets travel well.
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