The Best Proxy Sites To Protect Your Online Privacy

Protecting your privacy when you’re online is a big deal. That’s why there are so many privacy-focused solutions, such as VPNs. An alternative way to take control of your privacy and get around content blocks is to use a proxy.

Whether you’re looking to stay anonymous, keep your data secure, or access content from another part of the world, proxies are a handy tool to know about. Setting one up is easy, it’s choosing the right one (for you) that can be difficult.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about proxies, what to look for when choosing one, and list some of the top proxy sites out there — and don’t worry about budgeting for this; while paid proxies are more secure and reliable, we’ve also found some free proxy sites that you can consider.

How to Pick a Proxy Site

Choosing the right proxy site can make or break your experience, especially if you rely on it for important things like privacy or speed. Since not all proxy websites are created equal, it’s vital to have some sort of guideline to follow to ensure the highest quality.

Following are some key factors to consider and why they matter. We kept these in mind when choosing our list of the top proxy sites further down the page:

Speed

One of the most important aspects of any proxy service (for most people) is its speed. Slow proxies can make a browsing session essentially pointless, especially if you’re streaming or working on a task that must be completed on time. Look for proxy sites optimized for fast connections or offer features like caching, which stores frequently accessed data to reduce loading times. Paid proxies generally have the edge here because they’re less likely to be overloaded with users.

Reliability

Consistency is crucial when it comes to proxies. The top proxy sites are available whenever you need them, without frequent downtime or connection drops. This is particularly important for anyone using proxies for tasks like web scraping or automation. Check user reviews and uptime guarantees to get a sense of how dependable a proxy site really is.

Security

Not all proxies are secure. A trustworthy proxy should, at the very least, hide your IP address so that it’s not exposed. Even better are proxies that offer additional layers of protection, like HTTPS support to ensure that your data is encrypted. Be cautious of free proxies that don’t clearly outline their security measures since they could be logging or selling your data.

Cost

Free proxies might seem appealing, but they often come with limitations like slower speeds, intrusive ads, or a lack of security. Conversely, paid proxies typically offer better performance, more features, and stronger privacy protections. While it might be tempting to stick with free options, consider whether the trade-offs are worth it to you. A free proxy site can still be useful, but be smart about how you use it. If you frequently access banking details or other sensitive information, a paid proxy is a safer bet.

Server Locations

The more server locations a proxy service offers, the better your chances of bypassing geo-restrictions. If you want to access content available only in Japan, for example, you’ll need a proxy with servers located in Japan. This should be stated clearly on the proxy’s website.

Ease of Use

The best proxy server sites are simple to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy. Many of the top proxy sites offer browser extensions or step-by-step guides to help you get started quickly. If the process feels too complicated or confusing, it might not be the best fit, especially if you’re new to all of this.

List of the Best Proxy Sites

Keeping the above factors in mind, you’ll have a much easier time finding a proxy site that fits your needs. This is true no matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s speed or security or something in between. 

With those considerations, we’ve compiled this list of the best proxy server sites (free and paid) that you can dive into right now:

Smartproxy

Smartproxy offers residential, mobile, ISP, and datacenter proxies with over 55 million IPs across 195+ locations, including any city worldwide and all 50 US states. It’s great for anyone needing reliable (99.99% uptime) and fast connections, with residential proxies ranking highly in user tests for speed. The service supports HTTP(S) and SOCKS5 protocols and includes tools like an antidetect browser and extensions for Firefox and Chrome. It’s a solid option for quality without overspending—grab the free trial and enjoy the 14-day money-back guarantee. 24/7 support means you can reach out day or night for help.

Residential proxies start at $2.20/GB.

Pros:

• 24/7 support
• Worldwide city-specific IPs
• Free trial available

Cons:

• Not the cheapest option

See our Smartproxy server review for all the details.

Bright Data

Bright Data provides access to 72M+ rotating IPs from real-peer devices in 195 countries, with over 1M in key locations like China, Germany, the UK, and the US. They also offer 700,000+ static residential ISP proxies with a super stable 99.99% uptime and 0.7-second response time. This proxy site supports HTTP(S) and SOCKS5 protocols. Bright Data also includes flexible options like a pay-as-you-go plan. It’s a top-tier choice for powerful and scalable proxy solutions. This proxy site is free for a few days via ‘playground mode,’ which activates automatically upon signup. Then, residential proxies are $8.40/GB.

Pros:

• IPs in 195 countries
• ZIP-level targeting
• Pay-as-you-go option
• Start free without a card

Cons:

• Little documentation
• Expensive

ALSO READ: Smartproxy vs Bright Data

IPRoyal

IPRoyal offers 32M+ “ethically sourced” IPs across 195 countries, including over 1M in the US. Their dedicated residential proxies are exclusively yours, with options to target country, state, and city-level locations. You can choose rotating or sticky sessions (this keeps the same IP for up to 7 days), with a ~99.7% success rate and unlimited concurrent sessions. With no monthly commitment, this is a flexible and reliable proxy solution. Support is available over email and chat.

This website includes a handy pricing tool based on your usage. Residential proxies start at $1.75/GB.

Pros:

• Reasonably affordable
• Rotating or sticky sessions
• Low CAPTCHA rates for scraping

Cons:

• Relatively few IPs
• No phone support

Hide.me

Hide.me offers a free web proxy that lets you access any site by simply typing the URL into a box. You can choose servers in the Netherlands, Germany, or Finland, with advanced options like cookie control, URL encryption, script removal, and object removal. It’s simple, straightforward, and perfect for quick, anonymous browsing. This is a great proxy site for hiding your IP address when downloading files.

Pros:

• Straightforward; user-friendly
• Advanced options
• Free to use

Cons:

• Only a few proxy locations
• Limited to website traffic

VPNBook

VPNBook offers a free web proxy, meaning it’s a browser-based solution that requires no extra software. This proxy unblocks sites like Netflix and YouTube while securing your connection with 256-bit SSL encryption to bypass censorship and hide your IP address. Proxy servers are located in the US, UK, and Canada. As its name suggests, VPNBook also includes free VPNs—see our VPN vs Proxy article to see their differences.

Pros:

• Completely free to use
• Unblocks streaming sites

Cons:

• Very few locations
• Only works in a browser

Free vs. Paid Proxy Sites: What’s the Difference?

Free is easy and appealing and sometimes relevant. But it’s not always smart. The choice between paid and free proxies often boils down to your priorities. Before you jump into one of those free options above, let’s compare the two so you can decide what works best for you.

Free Proxies

A free proxy site can be useful for casual tasks like bypassing content blocks, but they’re generally not a great option for activities requiring speed or privacy.

Pros:

• They’re free. This is the most obvious benefit, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
• Straightforward to use. Many are easy to access without any signup or installation requirements.

Cons:

• Slower speeds. Free proxies are often crowded with users (because they’re free!). This can lead to much slower connections than you’re used to.
• Privacy risks. Many free proxy services log your activity or sell your data to third parties. They have to make money somehow.
• Limited features. Usually, free proxies don’t offer advanced options like multiple server locations or customer support.
• Ads and malware. Some free proxies flood your screen with annoying ads or expose you to malicious scripts.

Paid Proxies

You’d be wise to assume that paid proxies fix the pitfalls of the free ones. Meaning: paid proxies are a smart idea if you value speed, security, and reliability.

Pros:

• Faster speeds. The top proxy sites that cost usually allocate more resources which ensures smoother and quicker browsing.
• Better privacy. Many paid proxies don’t log your activity and include security features like encryption.
• Advanced features. Options like multiple server locations, rotating IPs, and dedicated support are often standard.
• Greater reliability. You’re less likely to experience downtime or interruptions with paid proxies.

Cons:

• They cost. While prices vary, some high-quality proxies can be expensive, depending on their features.
• Setup effort. Some paid proxies require more technical know-how to get started.

If you’re just exploring proxies for occasional use or non-critical browsing, free proxies like those listed above might do the trick. But if your needs involve regular use, accessing restricted content, or keeping your data safe (think financial transactions or sensitive file sharing), investing in a paid proxy is worth it. Consider how much you value performance and security when making your choice.

ALSO READ: How to Use Google Translate as a Free Proxy Service

What Is a Proxy?

If you’re new to using a proxy, the gist is that it acts like a middleman between your device and the websites you visit. Instead of your requests going straight to a website, they’re first routed through the proxy server. This setup hides your IP address, which is basically your identity on the internet. This means you’re provided some extra privacy (assuming you use a trusted proxy site).

For example, when you visit a search engine like Google, your real IP address is visible on Google’s side. They can tie your browsing habits to your IP address. A proxy introduces a new computer to the mix. It’s as if you’re telling another person in some other part of the world to access Google for you. In the end, you get the search results you were after and Google sees the proxy’s IP address instead of yours.

Why would you do this? Using top rated proxy sites is useful for several reasons. In addition to hiding your IP address, they let you maneuver around restrictions. If a website is blocked in your country, a proxy hosted in a supported country can help you access it because the traffic will appear to come from a permitted IP address. Or maybe your real IP address has been blocked for violating a website’s rules—a proxy essentially gives you a new address, lifting your IP ban. The best proxy sites cache popular websites for you, meaning you might even get a speed boost by using one.

Are Proxies Trustworthy?

The short answer is that proxies can be trustworthy if you choose the right one. The key is to avoid services with unclear policies or poor reputations. Stick with transparent, well-reviewed options and be mindful of the risks associated with proxies that prioritize profit over your privacy.

A trustworthy proxy provider will be transparent about how they handle your data. Reliable services clearly outline their privacy policies and explain whether they log your activity, collect your data, or share it with third parties. If these details are missing or vague, it’s a good idea to look elsewhere.

Some proxies, especially those with questionable reputations, may log sensitive information like your IP address or browsing history. In the worst cases, malicious proxies can intercept your data, which puts your personal details, passwords, and other private information at risk.

The best way to ensure a proxy is trustworthy is by doing the research. We covered this above, but let’s remember the important bits: look for services with strong user reviews and a reputation for security. Features like encryption, no-logging policies, and customer support are signs of a reliable provider. Avoid any proxy service that seems overly invasive or lacks clear information about how it works.

However, even with a reputable proxy site, trust also depends on what you’re using it for. Proxies are great for tasks like bypassing geo-restrictions or adding a layer of anonymity to your everyday browsing, but they don’t offer the same level of security as tools like VPNs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can proxy sites be used on mobile devices?

Most of the best proxy sites are mobile and tablet-friendly. Whether you need to get a browser-based proxy up and running or configure your phone network settings to route through a proxy server, the process is generally straightforward. The best proxy server sites even offer dedicated apps for Android and iOS that will simplify the process even further.

• What’s the difference between a shared proxy and a dedicated proxy?

A shared proxy is a server to which multiple users are simultaneously connected. These often come with a lower price tag, or even no cost at all, but their performance can suffer from overuse and limited bandwidth among several users. There can also be security issues with shared proxies. A dedicated proxy, on the other hand, is used by one user. Hence it is the best option because it is suitable for fast speed and other things most people are looking for. For any activity like streaming or web scraping, dedicated proxies are probably the best options.

• Can proxies help improve internet speed?

In some cases, yes. Many top-rated proxy sites use caching to store frequently accessed data, which can reduce load times for certain websites. However, if you’re using a slower proxy or one with high traffic, it might actually slow down your connection. Choosing one of the top proxy sites with fast servers and low latency is essential if speed is important to you.

• Are proxies useful for online gaming?

Proxies can be helpful for gaming if you’re trying to access games or servers restricted to specific regions. Just remember that you probably want to prioritize low latency to avoid lag. Some proxy server sites offer specialized gaming proxies aimed at allowing a smooth gaming experience.

• How do proxies handle cookies and trackers?

Proxies can filter cookies and trackers to some extent but it depends on their configuration. Some of the top proxy sites include built-in ad-blocking or tracker-blocking features. However, keep in mind that proxies don’t always offer the same level of protection as other tools like privacy-centered browsers, so additional measures may be needed for comprehensive protection. See our article on the differences between VPNs and proxies for more information.