Are you unable to watch your favorite content due to geo-restrictions?
Many people value the need to browse the web anonymously and access restricted content. I’ve looked for many ways to expand my web browsing range, and I’ve been impressed by proxy sites.
Proxy sites and free proxy servers can help you have a freer and safer Internet experience.
In this article, I will recommend the 6 best proxy sites and 5 best free proxy sites. Proxy sites can meet your needs if you want to unblock restricted websites, protect your online activities, or get faster Internet speeds.
What are Proxy Sites/Proxy Servers?
Proxy sites are similar to VPNs because they are intermediaries between your device and the internet.
When you want to access a website, your request goes through a proxy server rather than connecting directly.
How do Proxy websites work?
- Intermediary role: Proxy sites between you and the web page you want to visit.
- IP Address Masking: When you use a proxy, it hides your real IP address. This means the websites you visit can only see the proxy’s IP, not yours.
Benefits of using proxy sites:
- Anonymous: Proxy websites help you keep your online activities private by hiding your real IP address.
- Bypass Restrictions: Proxy sites can help you access websites blocked by your school, workplace, or country.
- Enhanced security: Since your real IP address is hidden, hackers cannot target you with IP-based attacks.
Overall, proxy sites are convenient tools for maintaining privacy, accessing restricted content, and increasing online security.
6 Best Proxy Sites in 2024
1. MarsProxies
MarsProxies is a highly-rated proxy service website.
It offers affordable, flexible plans and a large number of IP addresses. Whether you’re looking to purchase the latest Nike releases or compare prices on Amazon, MarsProxies has you covered.
Pros:
- Easily access Netflix content.
- Optimized for online shopping and getting limited edition sneakers.
- Easy to set up
- 24/7 support hotline
Cons:
- Opaque privacy policy
- No free trial
- Lack of browser extensions and mobile device support.
Details:
Number of IP addresses: 500,000
Number of countries: 186
Supported protocols: HTTPS, SOCKS5
If you are looking for a reliable proxy website, MarsProxies is a good choice. It excels in many other areas.
2. IPRoyal
IPRoyal is a multi-purpose proxy service website based in the United Arab Emirates.
It includes data centers, sneakers, residential, and 3G/4G/5G mobile proxies. With over 8 million IPs, it is one of the most popular proxy sites on the market. They also provide a free proxy IP list that is updated every ten minutes.
Pros:
- Provide various types of agency services
- Live chat and email support is available 24/7.
- A large number of free proxy IPs.
Cons:
- Proxy can be slow
Details:
Sneaker Agency: $1/month
Data Center Agent: $1.39/month
Number of Countries 195
Protocols Supported HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5
Number of IP addresses: More than 8 million
IPRoyal is the first choice among free proxy websites due to its wide range of services and many free IPs.
Although it’s not the fastest option, its other advantages are worth considering.
3. Oxylabs
Oxylabs is a powerful proxy site for data center clients and web scraping needs.
With over 100 million IP addresses, Oxylabs is one of the largest proxy sites. While not ideal for individual users, its wide range of products and services are ideal for business users who need to scrape various data points from the web.
Pros:
- Over 100 million IP addresses for maximum anonymity.
- Offers numerous articles and guides.
- Keep your data safe.
- One-week free trial.
Cons:
- Extension for Chrome only.
- The setup process can be complex and time-consuming.
- Noticeable speed loss was observed in local testing.
- Expensive
Details:
Number of IP addresses: 100,000,000
Number of countries: 195
Supported protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5
For those looking for a reliable proxy website or free proxy server for business purposes, Oxylabs’ IP pool and strong privacy features are worth trying.
Although Oxylabs may not be the best choice for casual users due to its complicated setup and high price, if anonymity and a broad range of IP addresses are your top priorities, it is worth considering.
Tip: If you want to unblock various websites securely, use LightningX VPN. It connects to over 2,000 servers worldwide, with unlimited bandwidth and speed, and strong security such as Shadowsocks, Vless, and WireGuard.
Free Download LightningX VPN to enjoy a 7-day free trial and a 30-day no-reason refund!
4. ScraperAPI
ScraperAPI is a specialized proxy service for developers and companies involved in heavy web scraping tasks.
With a massive pool of over 40 million IPs, ScraperAPI excels at providing a seamless scraping experience. This API-based proxy intelligently routes requests and supports automatic retries.
Pros:
- Ideal for developers and companies focused on data extraction
- More than 40 million IPs
- Smart routing minimizes the chance of being blocked.
Cons:
- Complex operation
Details:
Number of IP addresses: 40,000,000
Target audience: Developers and companies involved in web scraping.
If you are looking for a proxy site, a free proxy server, or a free web proxy for web scraping, ScraperAPI is an option worth considering.
5. Storm Proxies
Storm Proxies is a proxy service with high-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth.
Storm Proxies strike a good balance between performance, price, and consumer-friendly features. It is based in the UAE and targets both casual users and business customers.
Pros:
- Fast download and upload speeds
- Affordable
- Specializing in Representation for Sneakers and Ticketmaster Drops
- No restrictions on data usage
Cons:
- Limited proxy locations and IP addresses
- Lack of support for mobile agents
Details:
Number of IP addresses: 70,000
Number of countries: not specified
Supported protocols: HTTP
If you’re looking for a free proxy server, proxy website, or free web proxy, Storm Proxies may not offer a free option, but offers excellent value with its fast speeds and dedicated proxies.
6. Hide.me
Hide.me is a Malaysia-based proxy and VPN provider known for its advanced encryption and user-friendly interface.
Although it’s not as widely recognized as competitors like HMA or ScraperAPI, Hide.me already has some name recognition in the proxy and VPN industry.
It offers a variety of protocols and multiple server locations, making it a good choice for bypassing geo-restrictions and ensuring privacy.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: Clean and easy-to-navigate interface.
- Including protocols such as SOCKS, PPTP, and L2TP.
Cons:
- Not suitable for HD streaming or large-scale web scraping.
- No auto-hide function
Details:
24-month plan: $2.59/month
Server Locations: Multiple locations to bypass geo-restrictions.
Supported protocols: SOCKS, PPTP, L2TP.
If you are looking for a reliable proxy website and free web proxy to bypass geo-restrictions and ensure your online privacy, Hide.me is a good choice.
While it’s not the best choice for HD streaming or large-scale web scraping, its advanced encryption and user-friendly interface make it a great choice for everyday use.
5 Best Free Proxy Sites
Here are 5 of the best free proxy websites. If your budget is limited, you may consider the following:
1. 4everproxy
4everproxy is a free web proxy with no speed limits. It offers 11 server locations in 9 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and more. You can stream YouTube content and seamlessly switch to other streaming media like Netflix.
Related: 5 Best YouTube Proxies (Reliable, Stable, Affordable)
2. ProxFree
ProxFree helps you bypass Internet restrictions. It has servers in the US and UK, allowing you to change your IP location easily.
3. CroxyProxy
CroxyProxy offers free proxy services that support a variety of websites, including video hosting sites, social networks, and email services. You get unlimited access to Netflix, YouTube, and Discord.
4. Hidester Web Proxy
Hidester allows you to access YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat without geo-blocking or firewall filtering. Its free servers are located across the US and Europe and are ad-free.
5. KProxy
KProxy offers a free version with 10 public servers in different countries. It supports YouTube but not Netflix. KProxy also offers browser extensions for Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
The above free proxy websites provide needs for different readers. They are proxy websites that are free or offer a free version.
How Do I Choose a Web Proxy?
After understanding the 6 proxy sites and 5 free proxy servers above, you may have some questions: How should I choose a proxy website?
Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
1. Know the speed limits
Most proxy websites may slow down your internet speed because they use older protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5.
2. Extra features
Reviewing proxy site reviews, don’t just focus on connection speed. Consider what additional features they offer. for example:
- Internal browser extension
- Unlimited devices
- Large IP pool package discount
A good proxy service focuses more on its functionality and use cases than raw speed.
3. Check whether the proxy server is valid
The best way to find out if a free proxy server is right for you is to try one. Check that the site you need is accessible and that the configuration is simple. Many agency services offer free trials or pay-as-you-go options.
4. Short-term subscription
Consider starting with a short-term subscription or a pay-as-you-go plan. This lets you see if the service meets your needs without paying a large upfront fee.
With these tips, you can find an agency that fits your needs and budget. Whether you are looking for an unblocked proxy, a reliable proxy website, or a free proxy server, these guides will help you make an informed decision.
FAQs about Free Web Proxy
1. Are free proxies safe?
Free proxies can provide anonymity but often lack the security measures of premium services. Therefore, free proxy websites are not completely safe.
It is crucial to choose a reputable provider and review their privacy policy.
2. Are proxy sites illegal?
The legality of using a web proxy depends on how you use it. For example, if you are traveling abroad and want to access paid content from your home country, it is legal to use a web proxy or VPN to change your IP address back to your home country.
However, before using a proxy website or VPN to bypass geo-restrictions, be sure to read the terms and conditions of the service you want to access.
3. Proxy vs. VPN: what is the difference?
Both proxies and VPNs can change your IP address, but VPNs generally offer greater security and privacy due to their encryption capabilities. A VPN is a better choice if you need strong security and privacy protection. Don’t forget to try LightningX VPN.
