Imagine trying to visit a website, but someone keeps checking who you are and where you’re coming from. Annoying, right? That’s where proxy services step in – they act like a personal middleman for your internet traffic. Just like a mail forwarding service that sends letters on your behalf, proxies let you browse, gather data, or manage multiple accounts without revealing your true identity.
For businesses, reliable proxies are crucial for tasks like web scraping, ad verification, market research, or running multiple social media accounts. Individuals benefit too, whether it’s protecting their online privacy or accessing content that’s blocked in certain regions.
But with so many providers out there, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we review 11 top proxy services, breaking down what they offer. We focus on key factors like pricing, proxy types, pool size, server locations, and customer support, so you can find the service that fits your needs perfectly.
Quick List: Top Proxy Providers at a Glance
If you only have a minute of your time and want to know the ideal providers fast, here’s all you need to know:
- Oxylabs – enterprise-grade network with huge IP pool and rich targeting options
- Decodo – broad coverage, friendly for mid-sized users
- Webshare – simple UI, good for users who want a low-hassle proxy solution
- Bright Data – premium, feature-rich proxy and web data toolkit
- NetNut – strong performance with direct ISP connections
- MarsProxies – smaller provider with good reliability
- Rayobyte – flexible plans and good support
- SOAX – fine-grained targeting and rotation control
- IPRoyal – cost-competitive and solid for moderate usage
- Nimbleway – emerging option, focused on flexibility
- ScraperAPI – API-first proxy + scraping tool hybrid
Top Proxy Providers: Detailed Overview
1. Oxylabs
Oxylabs is an enterprise-grade proxy and data-collection platform built for large-scale, high-reliability operations. It combines a mature infrastructure with strong customer support and a full range of proxy types – residential, datacenter, mobile, and ISP. Known for its precision targeting (country, city, ASN/ISP) and stability, Oxylabs is a preferred choice for businesses that depend on consistent, large-volume data extraction.
Beyond proxies, Oxylabs provides an ecosystem of scraping tools such as the Web Scraping API, Web Unblocker, and Unblocking Browser, all designed to streamline data collection. Clients benefit from advanced rotation logic, persistent sessions, and professional-grade service-level agreements (SLAs), supported by 24/7 live chat, email assistance, and dedicated account management.
Best use cases
Ideal for enterprise-scale web scraping data-focused diverse needs, such as price monitoring, ad verification, and market intelligence operations – everything that demands precision, compliance, and stability.
Pros:
- Very large and diverse IP pool
- Strong targeting and filtering options
- Good reputation, mature infrastructure
- Integrated Web Scraper API offerings
Cons:
- Might be overkill for lightweight or hobby uses
2. Decodo
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) strikes an effective balance between affordability and functionality. It’s popular among developers, marketers, and mid-sized teams who want robust proxies without the cost of enterprise providers. Its intuitive dashboard simplifies setup, while offering flexible targeting by country, city, and sometimes ISP.
The platform provides residential, mobile, and datacenter proxies with scalable plans that can adapt to both small and growing operations. Decodo’s customer support team – via live chat, email, and ticketing – is responsive, and the documentation makes integration smooth for non-enterprise users.
Best use cases
A strong choice for cost-conscious professionals engaging in data collection, social media automation, and data scraping tasks.
Pros:
- Strong balance of cost and features
- Scalable plans
- Good user interface & ease of use
- Decent targeting capabilities
Cons:
- May not match enterprise-level throughput or stability
- Some advanced features are gated to higher tiers
3. Webshare
Webshare focuses on accessibility and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners or smaller teams. It provides rotating and static residential proxies along with datacenter options through an intuitive dashboard that prioritizes clarity and speed of setup. Pricing is transparent, and getting started requires minimal technical experience.
Its network spans most global regions with basic country-level targeting and simple rotation controls. Webshare emphasizes simple onboarding as well – with their support being handled mainly through documentation and tickets.
Best use cases
Suitable for smaller-scale web scraping, lightweight automation, or privacy-focused browsing where simplicity and low cost are priorities.
Pros:
- Very user-friendly and accessible
- Lower entry cost for small users
- Decent IP coverage
- Simple dashboard and setup
Cons:
- Less sophisticated targeting or feature depth
- Support is limited (no live chat)
- Not ideal for very large-scale, high-throughput use
4. Bright Data
Bright Data is a heavyweight in the proxy and web data ecosystem. Its network includes residential, mobile, datacenter, and ISP proxies with precision targeting at country, city, ASN, and ISP levels.
The platform extends beyond simple proxy access with advanced tools such as automated web scraping APIs, browser automation, and data collection pipelines. Support is enterprise-grade – 24/7 availability and dedicated account managers.
Best use cases
Best for large-scale scraping projects where control and compliance assurance are essential.
Pros:
- Large and diverse IP pool
- Advanced targeting, session controls, integrated scraping tools
- Strong reputation and enterprise presence
Cons:
- One of the more expensive options
- Complexity and steep learning curve for beginners
5. NetNut
NetNut emphasizes performance and stability through direct ISP connections, which help reduce blocks and CAPTCHAs during data extraction. Its infrastructure is engineered for speed and reliability. The company provides rotating and static residential proxies, datacenter IPs, and dedicated IP options for persistent sessions.
Geo-targeting and session management are built in, allowing users to configure workflows efficiently. Support is handled via email and a ticketing system, with well-documented setup instructions to streamline deployment.
Best use cases
Ideal for users who prioritize consistent speed in large-scale scraping projects.
Pros:
- Strong performance, reliable IPs
- Direct ISP connectivity helps reduce flags
- Good scalability and enterprise fit
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to simpler providers
- Complexity for new users
6. MarsProxies
MarsProxies caters to users seeking affordable, rotating residential proxies without sacrificing quality. The platform is simple to set up and maintain, with options for country-level targeting and rotation control. Its smaller IP pool is balanced by ethical sourcing and clean traffic.
The focus is on accessibility – straightforward pricing, stable connections, and essential documentation for quick configuration.
Best use cases
Great for smaller-scale web scraping, market research, or automation projects that need rotating proxies but not enterprise-level infrastructure.
Pros:
- Good cost-to-feature ratio for mid users
- Rotating residential proxies suitable for many scraping tasks
Cons:
- Smaller pool compared to larger players
- Not ideal for high-volume, high-stakes scraping
7. Rayobyte
Rayobyte stands out for its flexibility and customizable proxy plans. It offers residential, datacenter, and rotating options that can be tailored to a client’s specific requirements – a useful advantage for businesses with unique workflows.
The company’s global coverage includes major regions with targeting by country and city. Its customer support is responsive and focuses on helping users find optimal configurations for their use cases, while documentation covers most integration needs.
Best use cases
Best for users who need mixed proxy types or customized solutions instead of standard pre-packaged plans.
Pros:
- Flexible and customizable plans
- Good mix of proxy types
Cons:
- Smaller scale than top providers
- Less ambitious feature set
8. SOAX
SOAX combines user-friendly design with robust proxy control, offering rotating and static residential, mobile, and datacenter proxies. Its IPs are ethically sourced, and users can configure targeting by country, city, ISP, or ASN. The dashboard makes managing sessions and rotations intuitive, even for large projects.
Support is available via email and tickets, plus its documentation is clear and detailed.
Best use cases
Suitable for professional-scale scraping, localized data collection, and projects requiring both affordability and fine control over rotation and session settings.
Pros:
- User-friendly dashboard
- Decent pricing for what you get
- Support for multiple proxy types
Cons:
- Pool size smaller compared to top giants
- Advanced features may require higher tiers
9. IPRoyal
IPRoyal offers a broad selection of proxy types: residential, datacenter, and mobile, with customizable rotation and sticky session options. It’s especially favored for social media automation where stable, long-lived sessions are key.
Its network spans numerous countries with targeting down to the city level, and the platform supports adjustable rotation intervals. Customer service includes live chat, email, and a ticket system, backed by developer-friendly documentation.
Best use cases
Excellent for managing multiple online accounts, performing medium-scale scraping, or any specific use case requiring session persistence and flexible rotation.
Pros:
- Wide variety of proxy types
- Flexible plans for smaller to medium users
Cons:
- Pricing may look less favorable when scaling
- Some advanced features may require deeper technical setup
10. Nimbleway
Nimbleway (also known as Nimble) integrates proxy infrastructure with scraping automation to simplify data collection. Instead of only offering IPs, it provides a full stack that manages sessions, concurrency, and rotation automatically. This makes it attractive to teams seeking efficiency without juggling multiple tools.
The service includes residential and datacenter proxies with targeting by city, session control, and dynamic rotation. Support and documentation focus on practical workflow integration, catering to developers who value reduced operational overhead.
Best use cases
Best for teams that want to streamline proxy management and scraping within a single automated platform.
Pros:
- Advanced features (sticky sessions, concurrency) built in
- Good for users who want one tool rather than many
Cons:
- Less transparent proxy-only metrics
- Some features limited to higher tiers
11. ScraperAPI
ScraperAPI removes the complexity of proxy management entirely by offering a simple API endpoint that handles IP rotation, headers, and rendering automatically. Users only need to send a request and receive the processed page, making it a “no-maintenance” solution for developers.
Support is offered via email and tickets, with well-documented guides for integration and troubleshooting.
Best use cases
Perfect for developers or small teams who prefer a ready-to-use API for scraping instead of managing proxy infrastructure manually.
Pros:
- Easy to integrate via API
- Good for developers and small teams
Cons:
- Less control over low-level proxy parameters
- Not ideal if you just want raw proxy access without scraping features
Free Proxy Providers vs Paid Proxies
If you’ve ever searched online for free proxies, you’ve probably come across dozens of websites offering lists of public proxy servers. While they might seem tempting, completely free proxy servers come with serious drawbacks.
First, there are security risks – many free proxies don’t provide encryption, meaning your data could be intercepted by third parties or even malicious operators. There are also privacy concerns, as some free proxies log user activity or sell browsing data to advertisers. Performance is another major issue: free proxies are usually slow, overloaded, and frequently offline.
Other problems include blacklisted IP addresses that fail on major websites and no customer support when things go wrong. For personal browsing they might work occasionally, but they’re completely unreliable for business or automation.
That said, some reputable providers do offer safe, limited free options for testing. For example, Oxylabs provides free datacenter IPs as part of their trial program, letting you test reliability and performance before committing. So, while “free proxies” are generally risky, trying a free plan from a trusted provider is the smart way to go.
Key Features to Look for in a Proxy Provider
Choosing a proxy provider can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors makes the decision much simpler.
Start with IP pool size and rotation capabilities. A large IP address pool reduces the risk of bans and blocks, while strong rotation ensures your requests always come from fresh, diverse addresses. If your work spans multiple regions, geographic diversity becomes essential – it lets you access location-specific data or content seamlessly.
Next, pay attention to proxy types. Residential, datacenter, ISP, and mobile proxies each have their strengths, and the top providers give you access to several options so you can match the right one to every task. You’ll also want flexible authentication methods (such as user/password or IP whitelisting) for easier setup and tighter security. Session control is another must-have – it allows you to hold the same IP when needed, perfect for account logins or long-running sessions.
Performance matters too. Look for high bandwidth, low latency, and uptime above 99%, especially if you rely on continuous data operations. For developers, API access and integration options make automation and scaling far easier.
Finally, don’t overlook ethical sourcing and compliance. Reputable providers obtain IPs with user consent and adhere to privacy laws, ensuring your data collection stays transparent and responsible. A trustworthy provider doesn’t just offer great performance – it also protects your brand’s integrity.
Tips on Choosing the Right Proxy Provider
Finding the right proxy service starts with one question: What do you actually need it for? A setup for web scraping looks very different from one built for SEO monitoring, ad verification, or social media management.
Once your goal is clear, factor in your budget and pricing model. Some providers charge by data volume, others by IP count or monthly subscription. Think about which structure aligns best with your usage patterns. Also, check that your target locations are covered – there’s no point paying for access if geo-targeting in your preferred locations are not included.
From a technical standpoint, look for API support, browser extensions, or scraping tool integrations that fit your workflow. Whenever possible, take advantage of free trials or money-back guarantees so you can test performance before committing.
It also helps to read real user reviews and testimonials – they often reveal how reliable a provider truly is under daily load. And never skip the compliance check: make sure IPs are ethically sourced and the provider’s reputation is legally sound, especially if you’re handling customer or business data.
Finally, think long-term. Can the provider scale with you as your data needs grow? Comparing not just price, but overall value, support, and reliability, will help you choose a partner that grows alongside your business.
Common Use Cases for Proxy Providers
Proxies power far more than anonymous browsing – they’re the backbone of countless digital operations.
One of the most popular applications is web scraping and data collection, allowing businesses to gather public data from multiple sources at scale without being blocked. SEO specialists use proxies to track rankings, verify ads, and analyze competitors in different regions. In ad verification, proxies ensure campaigns display correctly worldwide and help prevent fraud or other illegal activity.
E-commerce teams rely on proxies for price monitoring and comparison, gathering accurate pricing across global marketplaces. Meanwhile, marketers and social media managers use them to safely run multiple accounts, schedule posts, and monitor engagement. Market researchers tap into global insights through region-specific connections, while brand protection teams uncover counterfeit sellers or unauthorized resellers.
And beyond business, proxies also help with accessing geo-restricted content and testing – letting developers or QA teams preview websites, apps, and ads exactly as they appear to users in other locations.
Wrapping up
If you’re looking for enterprise-grade reliability, Oxylabs and Decodo stand out. For smaller teams or individual projects, options like Webshare, SOAX, or IPRoyal offer excellent value and flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between residential and datacenter proxies?
Residential proxies use IP addresses assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to real residential devices (like home routers or smartphones). They make your traffic appear as if it’s coming from a real user device, which helps avoid detection and blocking on websites.
Datacenter proxies, on the other hand, come from data centers and are not tied to ISPs or real users. They’re typically faster and cheaper but easier for websites to identify and block because they originate from known server locations.
In short, residential proxies are more anonymous, harder to detect, slower, more expensive. On the other hand, datacenter proxies are faster, cheaper, but easier to flag or block.
How much do proxy providers cost?
The cost of proxy services varies depending on the provider, the number of IPs, speed, location coverage, and bandwidth limits.
Entry-level proxy plans can start at just a few dollars per month on average, while premium or large-scale solutions can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars monthly. Many providers offer flexible pricing models, such as pay-per-GB, monthly subscriptions, or custom enterprise plans.
It’s best to compare proxy server providers based on your specific needs, like reliability, speed, and geo-targeting, rather than just the price alone.
How do I choose between different proxy providers?
Ultimately, the ideal proxy provider depends on your goals, scale, and budget.
Before making a decision, revisit your specific needs – whether that’s speed, location targeting, or pricing structure. Evaluate the providers that align with your requirements and take advantage of their free trials to see how they perform in practice.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is finding a provider that offers trust, transparency, and technical performance suited to what you’re building.
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