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Best Forward Proxy Software 2026
When client traffic needs to pass through a proxy on its way to services, compare tools by how they can be deployed and the traffic they can handle. Proxy protocols and concurrent connections describe core dimensions, while SSL inspection, user authentication, and web filtering add further controls to consider. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing can help frame costs alongside those capabilities. 3proxy, Squid, and Cloudflare Gateway are among the options, with mitmproxy and Prisma Access also listed. Think about the traffic controls and deployment choices your environment requires, then use the listed comparison points to assess fit.
mitmproxy
mitmproxy suits people who need to inspect, change, record, or replay proxy traffic, including traffic from Android apps.
WebWindowsMac+3Privoxy
Privoxy suits people seeking privacy controls, access rules, or fine-grained control of web traffic.
WindowsMacLinux+1WinGate
WinGate suits Windows organizations that need gateway, proxy, traffic inspection, and access-control functions.
Windows3proxy
3proxy suits users who need a self-hosted proxy with configurable access controls, logging and protocol support.
WindowsMacLinux+1Traffic Server is intended for enterprises, internet service providers, backbone providers, and large intranets.
Harmony SASE suits organizations seeking a managed platform for internet access, private access, SaaS security, and SD-WAN.
Prisma Access suits organizations seeking security controls for remote and branch users, applications, and devices.
It is aimed at enterprise, government, and K-12 organizations seeking a security platform spanning web access, private application access, and data protection.
Squid suits administrators who want to run a configurable caching proxy themselves, manage access and requests, or connect multiple caches.
It suits administrators of small networks, embedded systems, and self-hosted POSIX environments.
It is aimed at IT teams managing endpoint and server deployment, patching, assets, and policies across complex environments.
SafeSquid suits organizations that need web access policies, HTTPS inspection, malware scanning, or upload controls.
Menlo positions Browser SSE for enterprises and governments seeking browser-based web, SaaS, access, and data-loss controls.