Side by side
Charles vs ProxyBoy
Both stand on web debugging proxies. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial iPhoneLinuxMac+1
Charles offers detailed traffic inspection alongside request editing, replay, and network simulation. It is paid software with a 30-day trial, and buyers should review the computer and major-version limits on licenses.
Visit Charles Free plan Windows
Pick ProxyBoy if you need a free Windows tool for debugging HTTP traffic and want built-in traffic rules, editing, or optional AI analysis. Look elsewhere for a production-ready proxy, reverse proxy mode, or first-class HTTP/2 support.
Visit ProxyBoyThe facts
| Charles | ProxyBoy | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | 1–4 User Licenses: $50 per license, paid once | Not published |
| Plans published | 6 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | charlesproxy.com | github.com |
| On web debugging proxies | #17 of 27 | #21 of 27 |
Charles: what it does well
- Inspects HTTP and HTTPS requests, responses, and headers.
- Breakpoints allow interception and editing.
- Simulates slower connections with throttling and latency.
- Captured traffic stays on the user’s computer.
What to know first
- No free plan is listed.
- A license generally covers one computer at a time.
- The license applies to a major version and its updates.
ProxyBoy: what it does well
- Free to use, with an MIT license.
- Inspect and modify requests and responses, including WebSocket traffic.
- Supports GraphQL, protobuf, and gRPC inspection.
- Can chain upstream HTTP or SOCKS5 proxies.
- Creates and stores its HTTPS inspection certificate locally.
What to know first
- Windows 10 or 11 is required.
- The maker says it is not production-ready.
- No reverse proxy mode or first-class HTTP/2 support.
- The AI assistant requires a GitHub Copilot subscription.
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