10 Best Free Proxy Servers in 2024 — Safe and Fast
- Pro Tip: A VPN Provides More Benefits Than a Proxy
- Best Free Proxies in 2024 — Full Analysis
- Quick Comparison Table of the Best Free Proxies
- How To Set Up a Free Proxy Server on Your Devices
- How To Stay Safe While Using a Free Proxy Server
- Tips on Choosing the Best Free Proxy Server
- FAQs on the Best Free Proxy Servers
- Conclusion
Most free proxy server options are slow, unreliable, and have serious security risks that can expose you to hackers and other online threats. Only the best free web proxies can access popular websites, and be used for streaming and gaming without interruptions.
To help you find the free proxy servers that actually work, my team and I tested over 40 services. We focused on each proxy's speed, uptime, ability to access sites, and privacy and security features. I've shortlisted the best free proxy servers based on these tests.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free Proxy Servers in 2024
- CyberGhost — Doesn’t track or store your data or online activity, so you can protect your privacy using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and X (formerly Twitter) at school, work, and elsewhere.
- IPRoyal — Offers over 6,000 free IP addresses to make it extremely hard for websites using advanced technology to detect or blocklist it.
- 4everproxy — Can be used as a web browser without complicated configurations, even if you’re a beginner.
- ProxySite — Lets you emulate different devices and browsers so you can access sites restricted to specific operating systems.
- Fresh Proxy List — Provides proxies with lots of filtering options, so you can easily find the best one for your needs.
Pro Tip: A VPN Provides More Benefits Than a Proxy
While there are a couple of decent free proxy providers, they all have limitations. For example, my team and I found no free proxy that worked well with popular streaming sites like Netflix. Plus, most slow down your speed or admit to logging data. Some proxies must be manually set up on devices.
A VPN is a secure and reliable alternative to proxies. These clever tools can safely access streaming platforms from anywhere and be used for gaming without additional lag. VPNs hide your real IP addresses and encrypt your connection, keeping your online activity and identity private. Some high-quality VPNs even offer secure proxies. Best of all, they’re straightforward to use and install.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Best Free Proxies in 2024 — Full Analysis
1. CyberGhost — The Most Secure Free Proxy With a Verified Privacy Policy
While most free proxies collect user data, CyberGhost follows a strict no-logs policy and is headquartered in Romania, a country known for its strong privacy laws. The VPN also uses RAM-only servers, which means your data gets wiped after each session.
Another strength is its WebRTC leak protection, which blocks any communication that could expose your real IP address. CyberGhost's free proxy also filters out malicious content and uses encrypted HTTPS.
You can add it to your Chrome and Firefox browser as an extension or an addon and connect to it in under 2 minutes. CyberGhost’s free proxy offers 4 locations, Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, and the US.
One minor con is that the proxy only protects you on a browser level. However, during tests, CyberChost proxy worked well with everyday apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube, Facebook, etc., by using the web versions on your browser.
Try CyberGhost proxy servers >>
2. IPRoyal — A Large Proxy Pool With Global Coverage to Safely Access Sites Anywhere
IPRoyal is one of the most popular proxy lists that features a massive pool of 6,800+ free proxies. It also updates its server list every 10 minutes and offers a range of proxy types, like HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS.
You can set up the proxies automatically or manually based on your Windows version and proxy settings, and connect to as many proxies as you want simultaneously. I could change my IP via the dashboard with one click.
I appreciate that IPRoyal's live chat and email support are available around the clock, which is uncommon for a free service. During testing, I usually got answers to my questions within a few minutes.
Unfortunately, it logs sensitive data, such as your government-issued ID. Plus, it actively monitors your online behavior to prevent its proxies from being used for illegal activities.
3. 4everproxy — A Proxy Browser You Can Use on Your Mobile Device Without Installing Additional Software
4everproxy functions as either a free web proxy or a proxy-based browser. It allows you to access your favorite sites through another server without having to configure anything. You also don’t need to install an app or a browser extension.
It offers 12 servers and 22 IP locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. With 1Gbps connections, the service is fast enough for most online activities like watching YouTube. 4everproxy also allows you to encrypt your data.
4everproxy doesn’t require you to sign up, but be mindful that it logs your IP address and the timestamps of when you connect to and disconnect from its servers. A VPN with a verified no-logs policy would be a better option for protecting your online privacy.
4. ProxySite — Includes Custom Presets for Simulating Devices and Browsers
ProxySite offers an emulator that makes it look like you're visiting sites with a certain device or browser. It’s also the only proxy on this list with dedicated proxies for popular sites like Google, Facebook, YouTube, Reddit, Imgur, and X. Each of its proxies blocks JavaScript to speed up loading times, and lets you delete cookies from sites you've visited.
On the downside, there are only 20 servers in the US and 20 in the EU, and it doesn't show the exact country where the servers are located. I found using European locations difficult since there are so many different countries and languages.
ProxySite also admits to logging your data for 14 days to detect abuse and support real-time monitoring to prevent future incidents. However, you don't need to create an account to use most features.
5. Fresh Proxy List — One of the Most Feature-Rich Proxy Lists
Fresh Proxy List offers an extensive list of proxy servers with multiple sorting options, so you can choose based on your specific requirements, like speed, uptime, and ping. I also liked being able to categorize proxies by three anonymity levels: low, medium, and high.
The service supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 options. At the time of my testing, it offered over 2,900 proxies from more than 130 countries. This means there’s a high chance you’ll find those that work for your needs.
It also offers city-level servers, which are handy if you need a local connection. Unfortunately, not all these proxies support data-intensive tasks like streaming, torrenting, etc., so you will have to test out these proxies individually.
6. Webshare — A Chrome Extension To Connect To Free Proxies Instantly
Webshare’s Chrome extension allows you to connect to free proxies with a single click without any manual setup. You get 10 free proxies, and can connect to them manually via your account dashboard.
Additionally, it updates its proxy list to remove any defunct ones so that all the free proxies are working. Both HTTP and SOCKS proxies are available, whether you need advanced settings or just a proxy to browse the web. Paid users can also get a fresh IP by simply clicking on Replace.
Webshare does require sign-up and limits bandwidth to 1GB per month for all proxies combined. Despite this, it’s a good choice for short-term use or low-bandwidth tasks.
7. Spys.one — A Good Selection of SOCKS5 Proxies To Keep You Safe While Torrenting
Spys.one's many SOCKS5 proxies make it an ideal choice for P2P activities. The proxies can keep your IP address hidden from others in the torrent swarm while downloading files. It also provides multiple HTTPS/SSL and anonymous proxies, and you can filter proxies based on the ports they use.
You can choose city-level proxies to find one near you for the best speeds. Spys.one covers 182 countries, which is more than most other proxies. However, you can't export the list for quick reference later. This makes it a little hard to find certain proxy types since you have to scroll.
8. Geonode — Proxies With Low Latency To Play Competitive Games Without Lag
Geonode offers over 6,500 proxies you can filter by ping, speeds, uptime, etc. You can also categorize proxies based on their protocols, such as HTTPS and SOCKS5. During testing, many of its proxies had pings under 100ms and good uptimes, ideal for smooth gameplay. For the best speeds, I recommend using the SOCKS5 protocol.
You can export the complete or filtered proxy list in multiple formats, like JSON, TXT, and CSV, to save it to your device. The free service performed well in my tests, but I’d love to see city-level servers added to the free catalog. That way, you could easily pick a nearby server for the fastest speeds.
9. ProxyScrape — Free Proxies with up to 100% Uptime To Avoid Interruptions
ProxyScrape refreshes its servers almost every minute for maximum uptime. Many free proxy list sites only update on an hourly basis. In our 4-hour test, we experienced no downtime while using multiple servers. At the time of our tests, it had 1124 proxies worldwide.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t support HTTPS proxies, which makes it harder for attackers to intercept your data by adding an extra layer of protection. However, I did find a selection of HTTP, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 proxies. There's no option to select a proxy server at the city level, but ProxyScrape offers coverage in over 145 countries within its free proxy catalog.
10. hide.me — Encrypted Proxy With 5 Country Options
In addition to a free VPN offering, hide.me has a solid proxy with servers in the US, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, and The Netherlands. While it doesn’t encrypt your entire connection, encrypting the URLs you visit gives you a small layer of privacy with your new IP address. If you want full encryption, its free VPN works well and adds more security. Plus, it’s better at safely accessing sites from anywhere.
During our tests, I did not find any IP/DNS leaks using hide.me proxy servers. Although the server selection is limited, I experienced no interruptions regardless of the location I used. However, switching to its free VPN or premium version would be a more reliable alternative to its proxy.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Comparison Table of the Best Free Proxies
How To Set Up a Free Proxy Server on Your Devices
If you prefer using system-level proxies instead of a proxy browser or extension, you need to configure it in your device’s settings. The process is similar for most devices. The first step is to find a proxy server and port from a free provider. Some proxies may also require login credentials. Then follow these steps:
Free Proxy Setup on Android
- Go to your device’s settings and click on Connections. Tap Mobile networks.
- Click on Access Point Names and tap on the APN you’re currently using,such as Safaricom in Kenya or Vodafone in the UK.
- Enter the IP address and port of the free proxy server. After saving, you may have to turn mobile data off and on again. Opening the browser may also prompt you to enter your proxy username and password.
Free Proxy Setup on iOS
- Open the WiFi settings, and click the blue info icon next to the network you’re currently connected to
- Scroll down to the HTTP proxy (iOS only supports this proxy) and click on Configure Proxy.
- Enter the URL for automatic settings or add the proxy details by clicking on Manual.
- Click on Save, and your proxy will be connected.
Free Proxy Setup on Windows 11
- Click the start button, then go to Settings > Network > Proxy.
- Under Manual Proxy Setup, turn the setting on and enter the proxy IP and port.
- Click Save. That’s it.
How To Stay Safe While Using a Free Proxy Server
While free proxy servers give you a quick way to use the web with a new IP, they come with significant security risks. Prioritize your online safety by following these tips.
- Choose reputable providers. Opt for well-known proxy servers. Providers with a positive reputation are usually more secure.
- Inspect privacy policies. Carefully review the privacy policy of the proxy server. You don't want to use a proxy that isn’t straightforward about how your data is used.
- Use HTTPS proxies. Whenever possible, use HTTPS proxies. These encrypt your data, making it harder for hackers to access your information or compromise your connection.
- Avoid sensitive transactions. Refrain from using free proxies for online banking or shopping to minimize the risk of your data being stolen. Don’t share anything personal while you use proxies.
- Use a firewall and antivirus. With a robust firewall and reliable antivirus software, you’ll stay much safer from hackers and malware while you use a proxy server.
- Update everything. Keep your operating system, browser, and any security software up to date to protect against vulnerable or unsafe free proxy servers.
- Use a VPN. Although proxies are good options, they are very unreliable. In addition, they rarely support streaming or torrenting. VPNs have better security, can assign IP addresses from servers worldwide, and safely access content from anywhere.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Tips on Choosing the Best Free Proxy Server
I've used the following criteria to determine the best free proxy servers available today. These tips will guide you to make an informed decision.
- 100% free plan. It's essential to ensure that the proxy server is genuinely free. Some might lure you in with a free tag, only to ask for payment after a trial period or offer limited functionality that makes them less useful.
- Large proxy pool. A larger selection gives you more IPs to choose from, increasing the odds of finding a reliable and fast connection. Check a proxy’s listings to find services with a broad range of available servers and locations.
- Type of proxy. To find the right proxy for your needs, look for different types like HTTPS or SOCKS. While SOCKS is great for torrenting and web scraping, HTTPS is better for web browsing and streaming.
- Uptime. You want a server that won’t go down, so look for proxies that can prove they have solid uptimes with a real-time connectivity report.
- Bandwidth caps. Some free proxies limit the amount of data you can use. Prioritize those that offer unlimited bandwidth or at least a generous data allowance.
- Strong data privacy. I examined their privacy policies and included proxies that are transparent about what they collect and how they use it. While zero logging is ideal, most proxies record some data (unlike a paid VPN).
- Speed. I tested dozens of proxies and shortlisted those that loaded pages and downloaded data fast. Keep in mind that all free proxies will reduce your speed, so don’t expect them to match the performance of your baseline connection.
Best VPNs for Staying Safe While Changing Your IP Address in 2024
- ExpressVPN — Comes with advanced security features, including rotating IPs and military-grade encryption. This makes it virtually impossible for anyone to see what you're doing online. You can try it risk-free for 30 days.
- CyberGhost — Privacy-friendly option with 11,690 servers in 100 countries and specialized servers for secure streaming, torrenting, and gaming from anywhere.
- Private Internet Access — Offers an integrated SOCKS5 proxy for torrenting, giving you increased security without compromising your speed.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
FAQs on the Best Free Proxy Servers
Are free proxy servers legal?
Yes, using free proxy servers is generally legal. However, some free proxy servers might be operated with nefarious intent, such as capturing your data. Be cautious and only use tried and tested proxy servers that are safe to use. Keep in mind that all your activities while using a proxy must still comply with local laws.
Why is my proxy not responding, and how do I fix it?
There are various reasons, like server overload or incorrect settings. Switching to a reliable free proxy service with over 98% uptime is the best option. However, you can also check the server address and port configurations. If you aren’t sure what settings to use, try clearing your browser cache and using the default configuration. If that doesn't work, consider switching to a different server or restarting your device.
Are there any alternatives to using a free proxy?
Yes, there are alternatives. Tor and free VPNs are options, but the safest and most reliable alternative is using a high-quality VPN with a money-back guarantee. Premium VPNs give you better speed, security, and reliability. They also have multiple servers to assign IP addresses worldwide for safe access to popular streaming services from anywhere.
Is a VPN better than a proxy?
Yes, a VPN generally has more advantages than a proxy. They encrypt your entire internet connection, whereas most free proxies aren’t encrypted or only offer limited privacy. Some providers offer both a VPN and a proxy, so you can get both with one subscription and compare for yourself. If you're concerned about privacy and security, a VPN with strong encryption and a verified no-logs policy is a better option.
Can I use a proxy on my gaming console?
Yes, but it might be challenging to set it up. You'll usually have to manually configure your network settings to use a proxy. Also, a proxy might increase your latency, which could cause lag.
Conclusion
Free proxies can compromise your online security, as you never know what dishonest proxy providers might do with your browsing data. However, after meticulous and extensive testing, I’ve compiled a list of safe and reliable free proxy servers.
While the proxies I selected are among the best free choices available, they do have their limitations. For example, not all proxies are optimized for data-intensive tasks, so always choose a proxy that meets your requirements.
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Your IP Address:
Your Location:
Your Internet Provider:
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 61% off.
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