Side by side
Charles vs ProxyHawk
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 AndroidiPhoneMac
ProxyHawk combines local traffic inspection with request tools and API response monitoring. Check the free-plan limits and macOS requirement first; apps using certificate pinning refuse connections unless pinning is disabled in a debug build or bypassed in a test environment.
Visit ProxyHawkThe facts
| Charles | ProxyHawk | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | 1–4 User Licenses: $50 per license, paid once | Yearly: ₹3,750 a year |
| Plans published | 6 | 7 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | charlesproxy.com | proxyhawk.io |
| On web debugging proxies | #17 of 27 | #13 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.
ProxyHawk: what it does well
- Captures traffic from iPhone, Android, simulators, and Mac apps
- Capture and display happen locally on the Mac
- API Guard can alert through Slack and email
- Includes request editing, replay, and response mocking
- Shared-session links expire after seven days
What to know first
- Requires macOS 13 or later
- No Windows or Linux version
- Free plan caps capture at 500 requests per day
- Free plan excludes SSL/TLS decryption and advanced tools
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