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Charles
Auckland, New Zealand
What it is
Charles is a web proxy and HTTP monitor that records traffic from browsers and other internet applications configured to use it. It displays requests and responses, including HTTP and SSL/HTTPS headers, cookies, and caching information. SSL Proxying places Charles in the communication path so developers can inspect HTTPS session contents. Users can repeat or edit requests and set breakpoints to intercept and change requests or responses. Bandwidth throttling and added latency simulate slower connections. Charles presents JSON, JSON-RPC, and SOAP in a simplified tree format and supports Flash Remoting AMF0 and AMF3. Its iOS app captures HTTP and HTTPS traffic, supports SSL Proxying, and can share requests or sessions with desktop Charles. Captured data is stored on the user's computer; the developers say they cannot access it. Charles periodically checks for updates, sending operating system and Charles version information that is kept in aggregate without personally identifying information. There is no free plan, but a 30-day trial is available. A single-user license costs $50 USD once and covers one computer at a time, with a second allowed when the same person uses both installations.
For and against
For
- Displays requests, responses, headers, and cookies.
- SSL Proxying exposes HTTPS session contents.
- Supports request editing and breakpoints.
- Can simulate slower connections.
- Stores captured data on the user's computer.
Against
- No free plan; trial lasts 30 days.
- A single-user license costs $50 USD once.
- A license covers one computer at a time, with an exception.
- Next-major-version upgrades may carry a fee.
The verdict
Charles provides detailed traffic inspection and request controls, with an iOS app that can share captures with desktop Charles. Consider the paid license scope and major-version upgrade terms before buying.
Who it suits
Charles suits developers who need to inspect or change HTTP and HTTPS traffic from configured applications. Its iOS app may also suit users who want to capture mobile traffic and share it with desktop Charles.
Plans and prices
1-4 User Licenses
1-4 users
Read 20 Sep 2026 · charlesproxy.com
10+ User Licenses
10+ licenses · valid for current major version and updates before next major version
Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
5+ User Licenses
5+ licenses · valid for current major version and updates before next major version
Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
1–4 User Licenses
1–4 licenses · valid for current major version and updates before next major version
Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Site License
Use on any computer at one site · valid for current major version and updates before next major version
Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Multi-Site License
Use on any computer at multiple sites · valid for current major version and updates before next major version
Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
On the record
- Formats and protocols
- Charles natively supports JSON, JSON-RPC, and SOAP in a simplified tree format, and supports Flash Remoting AMF0 and AMF3.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- HTTPS debugging
- SSL Proxying lets Charles act as a man-in-the-middle for HTTP/SSL communication so users can debug HTTPS session contents.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- iOS capabilities
- The iOS app captures HTTP and HTTPS traffic, supports SSL Proxying, and can share individual requests or sessions with desktop Charles.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License scope
- A user license allows use on one computer at a time, with a second computer allowed when the same person uses both installations; site licenses cover a site and multi-site licenses cover multiple sites.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Network simulation
- Bandwidth throttling and added latency simulate slower internet connections.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Charles is developed by XK72, and its EULA identifies XK72 Limited at an Auckland, New Zealand address.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy and data handling
- Charles captures traffic only while recording is enabled and stores captured data on the user's computer; the developers say they do not have access to it.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Charles is a web proxy and HTTP monitor that runs on your computer and records and displays data sent and received by browsers or other internet applications configured to use it.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Request controls
- Users can repeat and edit requests and set breakpoints to intercept and edit requests or responses.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to the documentation and invites them to contact support if documentation does not resolve their issue.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Traffic inspection
- Charles lets developers view HTTP and SSL/HTTPS requests, responses, headers, cookies, and caching information.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Updates
- A paid license applies to the major version purchased and its updates before the next major version; an upgrade to the next major version is free if released within three months of purchase, otherwise the upgrade fee is 40% of the original fee.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Update telemetry
- Charles periodically contacts a developer-controlled server to check for updates, sending operating system and Charles version information that is kept in aggregate without personally identifying information.charlesproxy.com · read 4 Oct 2026
