12 Best Proxy Server Software in 2025: Free & Fast Options

Proxy Server Software helps protect your privacy, speed up your internet, and keep your online connections safe. It works like a middle layer between your device and the websites you visit, hiding your real IP address and managing data traffic efficiently. 

There are more people and businesses using proxy server software to browse safely, control network access, and reach restricted content without risk. Therefore, 9Proxy will introduce the 12 best Proxy Server Software in 2025, including both free and fast options for you to find the right solution that meets your needs and enjoy the web with confidence.

What Is Proxy Server Software?

Proxy Server Software acts as a middle gateway between your device and the internet. When you visit a website, the proxy receives your request, forwards it to the destination, and then returns the response to you. 

This process hides your real IP address, helps protect your privacy, filters traffic for better security, and can store (cache) data to make future browsing faster. Unlike a VPN, which encrypts all internet activity, Proxy Server Software works only for specific browsers or applications. It is lighter, faster, and ideal for users or businesses that need flexible network control, secure access, and improved online performance without the heavy encryption of a full VPN.

How Do Proxy Servers Work?

Proxy servers work using a simple forwarding process. When your computer sends a request to a website, the proxy server receives it first, checks the request details, and can modify them if needed, usually by replacing your IP address with its own. It then forwards the request to the destination website. The website sends the response back to the proxy, and the proxy finally delivers that response to your device.

This process brings several key benefits:

• IP Masking: Hides your real IP address and shows the proxy’s address instead.
• Caching: Saves frequently visited web content locally to make future visits faster.
• Request Filtering: Blocks unwanted or harmful traffic before it reaches your network.
• Access Control: Lets organizations manage which websites users can access.
• Traffic Compression: Compresses data before sending it, helping improve connection speed.

12 Best Proxy Server Software in 2025

Below is a comparison of the best proxy server software options available in 2025. Each tool is evaluated based on its speed, anonymity, support for Windows, and best use cases.

This table highlights the most popular proxy server software in 2025, each designed for different needs. Open-source tools like Squid and HAProxy remain industry favorites for their performance and flexibility, while Windows-friendly options such as CCProxy and WinGate offer easy setup for non-technical users.

1. Squid is a powerful open-source caching proxy that improves browsing speed and reduces bandwidth by storing frequently visited pages. It supports both forward and reverse proxy modes, making it ideal for businesses and ISPs.
2. Privoxy is a privacy-focused proxy that filters ads, blocks trackers, and controls web access. It’s open-source, customizable, and perfect for users who value security over caching.
3. CCProxy offers a simple Windows proxy server software solution supporting HTTP, FTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5. It’s easy to set up and great for small to medium networks needing user control and bandwidth management.
4. FreeProxy is a lightweight, free tool for basic proxy needs on Windows. It’s suitable for personal or small office use and runs well on older systems.
5. Traefik is a modern reverse proxy built for cloud and containerized environments. It automatically configures itself, supports multiple protocols, and includes SSL management with Let’s Encrypt, making it ideal for developers.
6. HAProxy is a high-speed load balancer and proxy known for handling heavy traffic efficiently. It’s perfect for enterprises needing high availability and security in web applications.
7. Proxifier lets all applications use proxy connections, even those without built-in support. It’s flexible, works with SOCKS5 and HTTPS proxies, and is great for gaming, streaming, and development.
8. AnalogX Proxy is a small, free Windows proxy for simple local use. It consumes few resources and works well for testing or education, but lacks modern security features.
9. WinGate is a full-featured Windows proxy server software with support for multiple protocols, bandwidth control, and monitoring tools. It’s ideal for corporate networks that need strict policy control and detailed logging.
10. Varnish is a high-performance web accelerator that speeds up content delivery through advanced caching. It’s widely used by media and e-commerce sites for its impressive speed and flexibility.
11. Glype is a free, web-based proxy for local servers. It’s easy to deploy and good for internal networks, though it receives few updates and suits low-risk environments.
12. FreeCap enables SOCKS5 routing for individual applications, making it useful for developers or testers needing app-level proxy control.

Each of these 12 tools offers unique strengths. Open-source software delivers cost savings and flexibility, while enterprise options provide better security and management. For users who need both speed and reliability, 9Proxy offers high-quality residential proxies with trusted performance for all online operations.

Best Free Proxy Server Software

Free proxy server software is a great choice for individuals and small businesses looking to save costs while gaining privacy and control. Open-source tools like Squid, Privoxy, HAProxy, and Traefik offer professional-level features without licensing fees, supported by active developer communities and regular security reviews.

However, free tools come with trade-offs. They often lack dedicated customer support, rely on community help, and may receive slower security updates than paid versions. Performance tuning is limited, which can reduce speed and efficiency. Users also need technical knowledge to handle setup and maintenance.

Free proxy software works best for developers testing configurations, schools teaching networking, or users with simple privacy needs. It’s ideal for learning and light use, but businesses or advanced users requiring stronger security and faster performance should consider upgrading to paid solutions.

Best Anonymous Proxy Software

Anonymous proxy software hides your identity by replacing your IP address with the proxy server’s, stopping websites from tracking you. Elite proxies and SOCKS5 offer top anonymity with secure authentication and protocol support.

Top tools include Privoxy for advanced HTTP filtering, HAProxy for load-balanced anonymous connections, and WinGate for IP rotation. Traefik suits cloud-based anonymity, and combining proxies with Tor adds another layer of protection against tracking.

To stay hidden, use strict header filtering, rotate IPs frequently, and create proxy chains that route traffic through multiple servers. This setup makes user tracking and traffic analysis nearly impossible.

Fastest Proxy Software

Proxy speed depends on bandwidth, server power, caching, and distance to the backend. High-performance tools focus on fast request handling with minimal resource use.

Varnish is the fastest proxy server software, using advanced caching for ultra-low latency. HAProxy follows closely with optimized load balancing and efficient processing. Traefik achieves impressive speed through Go-based architecture and async processing.

Caching and compression improve performance further, cutting response times by up to 80%. Benchmarks show Varnish reducing delays by 70–85%, while HAProxy improves speed by 40–60%, making them ideal for businesses needing quick, reliable network performance.

Why You Need Proxy Software?

Proxy server software helps solve many modern internet challenges with different features and uses. Many people use it for privacy protection, avoiding ISP tracking and targeted ads. Network administrators use proxies to save bandwidth and monitor user activity. Developers rely on them for testing, API integration, and simulating access from different locations. Organizations also use proxies to apply security policies and control access.

Here are the main reasons why organizations deploy proxy server software:

• Privacy Protection: Hide your IP address and browsing history from websites, ISPs, and network monitors.
• Bypassing Restrictions: Access blocked or region-limited content and get around firewalls.
• Performance Optimization: Cache frequently used content to save bandwidth and improve loading speed.
• Network Control: Enforce company policies and monitor internet activity.
• Security Enhancement: Block malicious sites, phishing, and unauthorized access.
• Cost Reduction: Lower bandwidth costs through caching and data compression.
• Compatibility Support: Use SOCKS5 routing for apps that don’t have built-in proxy support.

Proxy Server Software: Common Use Cases

Proxy server software is used in different environments, each with unique goals. Understanding these use cases helps you choose the right solution.

Home users

Access streaming services in other regions, improve browsing speed through caching, and protect family privacy. Parents can block inappropriate sites, while privacy-focused users prevent third-party tracking.

Businesses 

Monitor employee internet use, enforce company policies, and control bandwidth. Enterprise setups use authentication, encryption, and traffic inspection to prevent data leaks and ensure compliance.

Developers 

Web scraping, API testing, and simulating user access from different regions. By routing requests through various IPs, they can test app behavior, regional features, and scalability under multiple connections.

How to Select the Right Proxy Server Software?

Choosing the right proxy server software depends on your goals, network size, and budget. Checking the right features helps you get good speed, strong security, and easy management.

Top Features to Look For in Proxy Server Software

When selecting your tool, users should check for the following features:

• Speed and Performance: Choose a proxy that responds quickly, even with heavy traffic. Features like caching and data compression help save bandwidth and make websites load faster. 
• Anonymous IP Masking: Good proxies hide your real IP address and connection details. Make sure your proxy removes headers like User-Agent or Referer to avoid tracking.
• Setup and Configuration: Proxies with a graphical interface (GUI) are easier for beginners. If you’re more technical, command-line tools (CLI) offer more control. Templates and mobile apps make setup and remote management faster.
  Encryption Support: Look for HTTPS, SSL, or TLS 1.3 support to keep data safe. Some proxies offer full end-to-end encryption between the client and the proxy for extra protection.
• Logging and Filtering: Logging helps you track network activity and find issues. Filtering blocks harmful or unwanted sites and helps enforce company rules or security policies.

Security Considerations & Risks

Even the best proxy software can be misused if not configured properly. Watch out for:

Misconfiguration 

This is the biggest risk in proxy setups. Wrong settings on transparent proxies can expose your real IP, while missing encryption leaves data visible to others. Giving administrators too many permissions can lead to traffic tampering or stolen credentials.

Data Leaks 

It happens when proxy servers store sensitive data, such as passwords or tokens, without encryption. Logs that aren’t protected can be accessed by attackers. Some free proxy providers even collect and sell user data, putting privacy at risk. Always review a proxy vendor’s data and privacy policies.

Free Proxy Risks 

Many free services sell user bandwidth or inject malicious code into traffic. They often log browsing activity despite claiming anonymity and may be hacked due to poor maintenance, leaving user data exposed.

Following good security practices ensures your proxy setup remains private and safe.

How to Set Up Proxy Server Software on Windows

Setting up proxy server software for Windows is quite easy once you know your goal. You can configure it system-wide, use third-party apps for advanced control, or apply proxies to specific applications.

Manual Setup (System-Wide Configuration)

Use this method if you want all browser traffic on your Windows system to pass through a proxy.

• Step 1: Open Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy.
• Step 2: Under Manual proxy setup, toggle “Use a proxy server” to On.
• Step 3: Enter your proxy IP address and port number (commonly 8080 or 3128).
• Step 4: Click Save, then restart your browser.

Advanced Option:
You can also right-click your network connection → Properties → Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) → Properties → Advanced → Connections tab to configure proxies for dial-up or VPN connections.

Once done, any app using Windows proxy settings will automatically route through your chosen proxy server.

Using Third-Party Proxy Applications (for More Control)

Third-party proxy server software like CCProxy, Squid, or HAProxy offers more flexibility than Windows’ default settings.

• Step 1: Download and install your preferred proxy tool 
• Step 2: Extract it to a folder, for example: C:\Program Files\Squid.
• Step 3: Open the configuration file (usually .conf format) with Notepad or a text editor.
• Step 4: Set up the proxy port (8080 by default), bandwidth limits, and access control lists.
• Step 5: Enable user authentication if you want to restrict proxy access.
• Step 6: (Optional) Create a Windows scheduled task to start the proxy automatically at boot.
• Step 7: Test the setup, open Command Prompt, and type netstat -ano to check if your proxy is active on the chosen port.

App-Specific or Browser Proxy Setup (Granular Control)

If you only need proxy settings for a few applications, configure them directly within the app.

For Browsers:

• Firefox: Go to Settings → General → Network Settings → Manual proxy configuration. Enter your proxy’s IP and port. Repeat the same for HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5 to ensure all traffic routes through the proxy.
• Chrome: Go to Settings → Advanced → System → Open proxy settings (this opens Windows’ proxy settings automatically).

For Applications (e.g., Spotify, Scraping Tools, etc.):

• Use Proxifier to automatically route all app traffic through your proxy server.
• This eliminates the need to configure each application separately.

Testing Your Proxy Connection

After setup, verify that your proxy works correctly:

• Step 1: Open your browser and visit https://whatismyipaddress.com to check your current IP.
• Step 2: If the IP shown is your proxy’s, the configuration is successful.
• Step 3: You can also run Command Prompt → type ping or curl commands through the proxy to confirm connectivity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Proxy Server Software in 2025 can significantly improve your privacy, speed, and network control. Whether you prefer free proxy server software for light use or fast, enterprise-grade solutions like HAProxy and WinGate, understanding your goals is key.

If you need reliable, high-performance residential proxies, explore 9Proxy for our products, which are trusted by thousands of users worldwide. With the right proxy, your online experience becomes faster, safer, and smarter.