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Best Forward Proxy Software in 2026
Forward proxy software routes client requests toward online services, with options to compare for traffic handling and control. Compared on deployment, proxy protocols, and concurrent connections, the entries also show whether they offer SSL inspection, user authentication, and web filtering. Check free-plan availability and paid-from pricing as part of the comparison. Cloudflare Gateway, mitmproxy, and 3proxy are among the products included, alongside Privoxy and Squid. Weigh the listed protocols and controls against the needs of your environment, including how you plan to deploy the proxy and manage access to web traffic.
- 25 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
3proxy
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+13proxy offers a wide set of proxy protocols, access controls and logging options at no cost.
- 2
Apache Traffic Server
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+1Apache Traffic Server combines caching, proxying, and layer 7 load balancing in a self-hosted server. Its deployment options and plug-in APIs suit organizations that need to tailor proxy behavior.
- 3
mitmproxy
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3mitmproxy provides multiple interfaces and proxy modes for inspecting, editing, recording, and replaying traffic.
- 4
Privoxy
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Privoxy offers configurable filtering and proxy controls at no cost, but it handles only HTTP and HTTPS proxying. It is not a malware-removal tool, and advanced features may need activation.
- 5
Cloudflare Gateway
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4 - 6
Squid
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Squid offers self-hosted caching, access controls, and multiple cache arrangements without a software charge.
- 7
Tinyproxy
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedTinyproxy offers several proxy modes, access controls, and upstream options in a free, lightweight daemon.
- 8
Check Point Harmony SASE
by Check Point Harmony SASEFree trial AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Harmony SASE brings several network and security functions under one management console, with integrations and agent support across listed systems.
- 9
- 10
Google Cloud Secret Manager
Free plan Web - 11
Prisma Access
by Prisma AccessFree trial AndroidAPIiPhone+4Choose Prisma Access if you need a cloud-delivered security service spanning remote and branch users, private apps, SaaS, web traffic, and network controls.
- 12
iboss Cloud
by iboss CloudPaid AndroidAPIExtension+5Choose iboss Cloud if your organization needs a broad Zero Trust SASE platform with tiered web, application, identity, and data protection controls.
- 13
SafeSquid Secure Web Gateway
Paid LinuxSelf-hostedWeb+1SafeSquid brings web controls, scanning, and upload restrictions together with several deployment options. Buyers should account for its annual subscription renewal requirement and request pricing.
- 14
Symantec IT Management Suite
Paid APILinuxMac+3Choose Symantec IT Management Suite if you need cloud-based management across Windows, macOS, and Linux with patching, deployment, and security controls.
- 15
Menlo Security Secure Web Gateway
Paid WebMenlo Browser SSE brings several browser and network security controls into a cloud-delivered service.
- 16
Cato Secure Web Gateway
Paid AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 17
Akamai Secure Internet Access Enterprise
Paid AndroidiPhoneMac+2 - 18
Cisco Secure Web Gateway
Paid AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 19
Zscaler Internet Access
Paid AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 20
Microsoft Entra Internet Access
Paid AndroidiPhoneMac+2 - 21
Microsoft Sentinel
Paid Web - 22
FortiProxy
Paid - 23
Lookout Secure Internet Access
Paid Web - 24
g3proxy
Paid Linux - 25
Skyhigh Secure Web Gateway
Paid Web
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price