Dante

Dante is a SOCKS server and client for network connectivity, including forward and reverse proxy use. Its server supports SOCKS 4 and SOCKS 5 and provides access controls, logging, session management, and resource controls. Authentication options include username/password and GSS-API for SOCKS 5; the status page also lists Kerberos authentication and strong encryption. The client library supports multiple proxy protocols, and listed protocols include SOCKS 4, SOCKS 5, HTTP CONNECT, and UPnP. The free plan includes the server and client, complete source code, and a BSD/CMU-type license. Dante is listed for Linux and self-hosted use, and its client supports cross-compilation to Android. Optional commercial modules add bandwidth control, LDAP authorization, or redirects. They are licensed per external server IP address and cost EUR 400 for Bandwidth, EUR 1000 for LDAP, and EUR 400 for Redirect. The product page lists compatibility with Bloomberg clients. Commercial support ranges from email to 24/7 phone support; contract prices are available by contacting sales.

Dante combines SOCKS server and client capabilities with access controls and several authentication options. The core plan is free, while bandwidth, LDAP, and redirect modules have separate listed prices.

Dante suits users who need SOCKS proxy connectivity and server-side controls, including those deploying on Linux or self-hosting. Its optional modules may suit deployments needing bandwidth control, LDAP authorization, or redirects.

Overview

Dante is a SOCKS server and client for people who need to provide network connectivity through forward or reverse proxies. It suits Linux and self-hosted deployments that benefit from source code and server-side controls. Its core costs nothing, while some useful management capabilities require paid modules.

Key features

The server supports SOCKS 4 and SOCKS 5, and the supported protocol list also includes HTTP CONNECT and UPnP. That range gives Dante a role in proxy setups that need more than a SOCKS endpoint. The client library supports multiple proxy protocols.

Access controls, extensive logging, session management, and resource controls give administrators several ways to govern server use. SOCKS 5 authentication supports username and password as well as GSS-API; Kerberos authentication and strong encryption are also described. LDAP and Active Directory authorization are available through a paid module, and Dante lists compatibility with Bloomberg clients.

Bandwidth control, LDAP authorization, and redirect are commercial modules, each licensed per external server IP address. This lets a deployment add specific capabilities, though costs can grow as the number of externally addressed servers increases. The latest public release is Dante 1.4.4, released on 2024-12-15. Version 1.4.4 includes a security fix for a problem affecting some configurations in versions 1.4.0–1.4.3; the roadmap says there are no outstanding security patches for 1.4.4.

Pricing

The Dante plan is free and includes a SOCKS server and client, complete source code, and a BSD/CMU-type license. There is no free trial because the core plan is free. That makes the main software accessible for ongoing use, while bandwidth control, LDAP authorization, and redirect carry separate charges.

The module prices are EUR 400 for Bandwidth, EUR 1000 for LDAP, and EUR 400 for Redirect. Each is licensed per external server IP address, so deployments with multiple external IPs should account for repeat licensing. Commercial support ranges from email to 24/7 phone support; contract prices are available by contacting sales. A previous version receives support for at least one year after a new release, with additional support licensing required after end of life.

Platforms

Dante is listed for Android, Linux, and self-hosted use. Its SOCKS client supports cross-compilation to Android. Dante 1.4 compiles on OS X, but both client and server have problems there; server issues can close sessions prematurely. That makes macOS a poor fit where reliable sessions matter.

Who it's for

Dante is best suited to administrators and developers who want a free, source-available SOCKS server and client for Linux or self-hosted environments, particularly when access rules, logging, sessions, or resource controls matter. It is less suitable for teams that need LDAP authorization or bandwidth control without module costs, or for macOS deployments that depend on stable sessions.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free core includes the server, client, and complete source code, so users can build around the main proxy functionality without a subscription.
• Pros: Access controls, logging, session management, and resource controls give administrators practical ways to manage server use.
• Cons: Bandwidth, LDAP, and redirect modules are separately priced per external server IP, which can add cost across larger deployments.
• Cons: OS X client and server problems, including premature session closure, limit its suitability for macOS.

Alternatives

Proxy Software is the broader category to browse when Dante's server-and-client focus does not match the need.

Webshare is a better fit for readers seeking a managed proxy service with Android, iOS, web, and desktop platform coverage and a free plan that includes 10 proxies and 1 GB of monthly bandwidth.

HProxy may suit buyers looking for per-IP IPv6 or IPv4 proxy plans, including unlimited bandwidth and port speeds up to 1 Gbps on its IPv6 plan.

IPRoyal is an option for readers seeking residential or ISP proxies, with residential pricing starting at $1.75 a month from $1.75/GB and coverage in 195 countries.

Proxy-Cheap is another paid service option, with residential plans that include monthly data allotments.

ProxyEmpire may fit readers seeking rotating residential proxies with pay-as-you-go or starter plans.

FoxyProxy is worth considering for readers who want a freemium option across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Proxiware is an option for readers seeking paid residential proxy plans with unused data rollover while the subscription remains active.

FalconProxy may suit readers looking for a paid proxy service with a free trial and plans priced by device.

Verdict

Choose Dante if you want a free, source-available SOCKS server and client with meaningful server controls for Linux or self-hosted use. Its main appeal is combining that core with access control, logging, session, and resource management; look elsewhere if your deployment needs macOS reliability or requires its paid bandwidth and LDAP modules across many external server IPs.