Side by side

Apache Traffic Server vs Dante

Both stand on proxy software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Apache Traffic Server

Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+1

Apache 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.

Visit Apache Traffic Server

Dante provides a free SOCKS server and client with administrative controls and several protocol options. Account for separately priced modules if you need bandwidth control, LDAP authorization or redirects.

Visit Dante

The facts

	Apache Traffic Server	Dante
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Not published
Runs on	API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted	Android, Linux, Self-hosted
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	trafficserver.apache.org	inet.no
On proxy software	#2 of 34	#6 of 34

Apache Traffic Server: what it does well

Free and open source under Apache License 2.0.
Supports HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2.
Offers proxy, reverse proxy, and cache hierarchy deployments.
Plug-in APIs support custom behavior.
Includes SSL termination and client access controls.

What to know first

Self-hosted deployment requires managing the installation.
The listed stable release is 10.2.0; 9.2.15 is the LTS release.

Dante: what it does well

Free plan includes server, client and complete source code.
Supports SOCKS 4 and SOCKS 5.
Server includes logging and session management.
Client can be cross-compiled for Android.
LDAP module supports Active Directory authorization.

What to know first

Bandwidth, LDAP and redirect modules cost extra.
Modules are licensed per external server IP address.
macOS server issues can close sessions prematurely.

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