Proxy locations

Europe

North America

South America

Asia

Africa

Oceania

See all locations

Network statusCareers

Back to blog

10 Best Proxy Providers in 2024

10 Best Proxy Providers in 2024

Yelyzaveta Nechytailo

2024-09-279 min read
Share

Need a reliable proxy provider but can’t choose which one fits your needs best? With so many companies appearing on the market offering the "best proxy servers", reading through hundreds of reviews and product descriptions to find your favorite gets extremely time-consuming. Thus, to save you some time and money, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best proxy providers in 2024. Read on to find a short overview of each.

Disclaimer: The analysis presented in this article relies on information current as of 2024/09/18. Before depending on any comparative data, all users are advised to confirm the most recent status of products and services. 

Best overall: Oxylabs

There isn't a universally agreed-upon "best" proxy provider, as business models, maintenance costs, and feature sets dictate orientation to a specific segment: entry, mid, or premium. 

However, some stand out by covering most expectations. Oxylabs stands out for its versatility, adhering to most data-gathering needs.

1. Oxylabs

Awarded the Best Overall Proxy Provider in 2022 and Best Proxy Performance in 2023 by Proxyway, Oxylabs is considered to be one of the best and most reliable proxy providers in the market. The company focuses on mid-range and enterprise clients and gives access to a huge proxy network of 102M+ IPs from almost every country in the world.

Most importantly, all Oxylabs’ proxies are ethically sourced, meaning you don’t have to worry about the legality of your scraping activities and buy reliable proxy servers, including proxies for enterprises.

Main features

  • Proxy types: residential, mobile, shared datacenter, dedicated datacenter, ISP, advanced proxy solution – Web Unblocker;

  • Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5;

  • Additional benefits: convenient dashboard, extensive documentation, integration with third-party software, free advanced geo-targeting, customizable proxy solutions;

  • Support: 24/7 professional support team available through live chat, dedicated account manager; 

  • Free trial: 7-day free trial available after contacting support.

Starting price

  • Residential Proxies: $8/GB with Pay as you go;

  • Datacenter Proxies: from $12/month;

  • Dedicated Datacenter Proxies: from $8.25/month;

  • Mobile Proxies: $9/GB with Pay as you go;

  • ISP Proxies: from $21/month;

  • Web Unblocker: from $75/month.

Pros

  • Recognized for outstanding performance and reliability.

  • Extensive global IP coverage.

  • Legally compliant, ethical proxy sourcing.

Cons

  • Premium pricing aligns with its high-quality services, potentially higher than basic options.

100M+ Residential Proxies available

Access the largest proxy pool to enhance your scraping activities.

2. Smartproxy

Smartproxy

Smartproxy is another well-known and trusted proxy provider currently rated at 4.4 out of 5 on G2. With 55M+ IPs and 195+ countries available for geo-targeting, the company ensures you can access any public data you need without restrictions.

One of the biggest benefits of Smartproxy is its cost-effective pricing. The provider stands somewhere between premium and cheap, meaning you can start using their proxies without the need for significant upfront investment.

Main features

  • Proxy types: residential, ISP, datacenter, dedicated datacenter, mobile proxies, Site Unblocker;

  • Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5;

  • Additional benefits: user-friendly documentation, convenient proxy management tools (e.g., browser extension), free advanced targeting;

  • Support: 24/7 tech support and dedicated account managers;

  • Free trial: no free trial available, 14-day money-back guarantee.

Starting price

  • Residential Proxies: $7/GB with Pay as you go;

  • Static (ISP) residential Proxies: from $12.5/month with Pay per IP;

  • Mobile Proxies: from $8/GB with Pay as you go;

  • Datacenter Proxies: $10/month with Pay per IP;

  • Dedicated Datacenter Proxies: from $7.5/month;

  • Site Unblocker: from$28/month.

Pros

  • Highly rated for customer satisfaction.

  • Large proxy server network with wide geographic reach.

  • Cost-effective entry points without sacrificing quality.

Cons

  • No free trial, opting instead for a money-back guarantee to encourage commitment.

3. Webshare

Webshare

Though a relatively new company in the industry, Webshare has already gained popularity and proved to be a reliable yet cost-effective proxy provider. By providing access to 30M+ IPs and focusing on speed and security, Webshare helps clients imitate organic user behavior and perform scraping activities block-free.

However, this provider is more suitable for small businesses as users have to do everything in self-service, and the products will most likely be non-customizable or scalable.

Main features

  • Proxy types: residential, static (ISP) residential, datacenter; 

  • Protocols: HTTP, SOCKS5;

  • Additional benefits: free proxy list with 10 IPs, API documentation and help center, fully customizable in self-service;

  • Support: customer support team available via email;

  • Free trial: a free plan with 10 IPs.

Starting price

  • Residential Proxies: from $7/month;

  • Static (ISP) residential Proxies: from $6/month;

  • Datacenter Proxies: from $2.99/month.

Pros

  • Affordable, offering great value for reliable service.

  • Prioritizes speed and security for efficient scraping.

  • Includes a free plan for easy testing of services.

Cons

  • Primarily self-service, ideal for users who prefer direct control but may not fit all scaling needs.

4. Bright Data

Bright Data

Another leading provider offering a bunch of proxy types, advanced features, and locations while ensuring exceptional performance and high success rates. Bright Data is also one of the largest providers, currently trusted by more than 20,000 customers worldwide.

Bright Data is more suitable for large-scale proxy users as their proxy services are quite expensive, with additional parameters, such as geo-location targeting, influencing the final price of their proxies.

Main features

  • Proxy types: residential, datacenter, mobile, ISP proxies;

  • Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5;

  • Additional benefits: third-party integrations, browser extension, user-friendly dashboard; 

  • Support: 24/7 live human support;

  • Free trial: 7-day free trial available.

Starting price

  • Residential Proxies: $8.4/GB with Pay as you go; 

  • Datacenter Proxies: $0.11/GB + $0.80/month per IP with Pay as you go;

  • ISP Proxies: $15/GB + $0.50/month per IP  with Pay as you go;

  • Mobile Proxies: $8.4/GB with Pay as you go;

  • Web Unlocker: $2.1/1K requests.

Pros

  • One of the largest IP pools with exceptional performance.

  • Offers a wide range of advanced proxy services and features.

Cons

  • Pricing may be higher, especially with additional features, making it best suited for large-scale users.

5. NetNut

NetNut

NetNut is a popular proxy provider known for its stable connectivity, high speed, and ability to access geo-restricted content across 200 countries. Getting started and managing your proxies with NetNut is easy; they have a comprehensive dashboard providing insightful user statistics and easy-to-use configurations.

Additionally, their support team is available through multiple channels, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, email, and live chat, so your issues and questions won’t ever be left unattended.

Main features

  • Proxy types: rotating residential, static residential, mobile, datacenter;

  • Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5;

  • Additional benefits: convenient dashboard, documentation;

  • Support: 24/7 support through multiple channels;

  • Free trial: 7-day free trial available.

Starting price

  • Rotating Residential Proxies: from $99/month;

  • Static Residential Proxies: from $99/month;

  • Mobile Proxies: from $99/month;

  • Datacenter Proxies: from $100/month;

  • Website Unblocker: from $20/month.

Pros

  • Known for stable connectivity and fast speeds.

  • Easy proxy management with a comprehensive dashboard.

  • Diverse support channels ensure prompt assistance.

Cons

  • Starting prices are on the higher end, reflecting its premium service quality and support.

6. MarsProxies

MarsProxies

MarsProxies is a rapidly emerging proxy provider offering residential, datacenter, ISP, and mobile proxies. Its proxy services cater to lone users and small to medium businesses seeking affordable yet reliable solutions for web scraping, social media automation, and market research.

Main features

  • Proxy types: residential, datacenter, ISP, mobile;

  • Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5;

  • Additional benefits: crypto payments, third-party integrations;

  • Support: 24/7 live support;

  • Free trial: no free trial available.

Starting price

  • Residential Proxies: from $3.49 per GB;

  • Datacenter Proxies: from $0.86 per proxy;

  • ISP Proxies: from $1.35 per proxy;

  • Mobile Proxies: from $2.83 per day.

Pros

  • Wide global IP coverage with city-level targeting.

  • Competitive pricing options with flexible one-day plans.

  • Non-expiring traffic.

Cons

  • Limited advanced customization compared to premium providers.

  • Mobile proxy options are relatively new and still expanding (UK and US only).

7. SOAX

SOAX

SOAX is a premium proxy service provider that focuses on high-quality residential and mobile proxies. It’s known for its commitment to privacy and ethically sourced IPs, making it an ideal choice for users who strongly emphasize compliance and security.

Main features

  • Proxy types: residential, datacenter, ISP, mobile, Web Unblocker;

  • Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5;

  • Additional benefits: dashboard, API access, customer success manager;

  • Support: 24/7 live support;

  • Free trial: 3-day free trial available.

Starting price

  • Residential Proxies: from $99/month for 15GB;

  • Mobile Proxies: from $99/month for 15GB;

  • ISP Proxies: from $99/month for 15GB;

  • Shared Datacenter Proxies: from $49/month for 75GB;

  • Dedicated Datacenter Proxies: from $12.5/month for 5 IPs;

  • Web Unblocker: $2.50/1K requests.

Pros

  • Large (155M) and diverse IP pool.

  • High focus on compliance and ethical IP sourcing.

  • Detailed targeting options.

  • Strong privacy and security features.

  • Great response times.

Cons

  • ISP proxies only in the US.

  • Usage-based pricing can be costly for large-scale operations.

8. IPRoyal

IPRoyal

IPRoyal is a versatile proxy provider known for offering premium proxy services at affordable prices. The service is well-suited for users who need reliable residential and datacenter proxies for larger-scale tasks at a lower cost.

Main features

  • Proxy types: residential, datacenter, ISP, mobile;

  • Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5;

  • Additional benefits: self-service dashboard, third-party integrations, documentation, API access;

  • Support: 24/7 live support;

  • Free trial: no free trial available; a corporate trial is possible after KYC.

Starting price

  • Residential Proxies: from $1.75 per GB;

  • Datacenter Proxies: from $1.39 per IP;

  • Mobile Proxies: from $117/month;

  • ISP Proxies: from $2.40 per IP.

Pros

  • Decent global IP coverage (34M IPs).

  • Affordable and flexible pricing options.

  • Reliable proxy performance.

  • Simple integration.

Cons

  • Limited mobile proxy offerings (7 countries).

  • A lack of more advanced features for a premium segment.

9. Rayobyte

Rayobyte

Rayobyte, formerly Blazing SEO, is a well-established American proxy provider known for its strong datacenter offerings and focus on transparent business practices. The company offers a variety of proxy types, including residential, datacenter, and mobile proxies.

Main features

  • Proxy types: residential, datacenter, ISP, mobile, Web Unblocker;

  • Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5;

  • Additional benefits: dedicated account manager, API access, data usage analytics with a dashboard, documentation;

  • Support: 24/7 live support;

  • Free trial: free trial available.

Starting price

  • Residential Proxies: from $1/GB;

  • Mobile Proxies: from $50/month;

  • ISP Proxies: from $4.60 per IP;

  • Static Data Center IPs: from $1 per IP;

  • Rotating Data Center IPs: from $0.45/GB;

  • Web Unblocker: from $5/GB.

Pros

  • Ethically sourced proxies.

  • Diverse datacenter proxies options.

  • Reliable performance.

Cons

  • Higher starting prices compared to many competitors.

  • Entry-level plans may not be as flexible for smaller businesses.

10. Nimbleway

Nimbleway

Last but not least, Nimbleway is a new player in the premium proxy market, offering residential proxies. The service offers an AI-driven optimization engine that enhances proxy performance. The overall positioning is that of a cutting-edge service with lots to come in the future. So stay tuned.

Main features

  • Proxy types: residential;

  • Protocols: HTTP;

  • Additional benefits: API access, dashboard, documentation, dedicated account managers;

  • Support: 24/7 live support;

  • Free trial: free trial available.

Starting price

  • Residential Proxies: $8/GB with Pay-as-you-go.

Pros

  • Focus on cutting-edge tech.

  • AI optimization for IP selection with every request.

  • Impressive 0.25s response time.

Cons

  • So far, limited location options and protocols.

  • Performance may not be as robust as higher-tier providers.

Proxy providers compared 

Starting price Proxy types Protocols Support Trial
Oxylabs Residential: $8/GB Residential, mobile, shared and dedicated datacenter, ISP, Web Unblocker HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 24/7 live support 7-day free trial after contacting support
Smartproxy Residential: $7/GB Residential, static residential, mobile, shared and dedicated datacenter, Site Unblocker HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 24/7 live support No free trial available, 14-day money-back guarantee
Webshare Residential: $7/month. Residential, static (ISP) residential, shared and dedicated datacenter HTTP, SOCKS5 Available via email Free plan with 10 IPs
Bright Data Residential: $8.4/GB Residential, ISP, shared and dedicated datacenter, mobile, Web Unlocker HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 24/7 live support 7-day free trial
NetNut Rotating residential: $99/month Rotating residential, static residential, shared and dedicated datacenter, mobile, Website Unblocker HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 24/7 live support 7-day free trial
MarsProxies Residential: $3.49/GB Residential, ISP, dedicated datacenter, mobile HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 24/7 live support Not available
SOAX Residential: $99/month Residential, ISP, shared and dedicated datacenter, mobile, Web Unblocker HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 24/7 live support 3-day free trial
IPRoyal Residential: $1.75/GB Residential, ISP, dedicated datacenter, mobile HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 24/7 live support no free trial; a corporate trial is possible after KYC
Rayobyte Residential: $1/GB Residential, ISP, dedicated datacenter, mobile, Web Unblocker HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 24/7 live support Free 50MB with Residential IPs.
Nimbleway Residential: $8/GB Residential HTTP 24/7 live support Available through sales

Criteria for best proxy providers

Now that we’ve looked at some examples of trustworthy proxy providers let’s highlight vital aspects you need to consider when making your final choice.

  • Proxy pool size and locations: A large IP pool and an extensive list of countries for location targeting mean fewer issues and access to more precise, location-specific data. Moreover, a big network ensures a higher level of anonymity and, thus, more secure web scraping. 

  • Additional benefits: In addition to offering high-quality proxies, good providers also enrich their service with a range of advanced features and helpful tools. These include various protocols, such as SOCKS and HTTP, third-party integrations, automatic proxy rotation, documentation and quick start guides, etc.

  • Customer support: Since it’s not uncommon to sometimes encounter issues during public data gathering, having a professional support team available 24/7 is essential. A huge advantage is when a provider also offers dedicated account managers. By staying in constant contact, they can provide immediate help tailored to your specific needs.

  • Pricing: All proxy providers have differences when it comes to pricing. They have various plans, structures, purchase processes, and free trial/refund policies. Therefore, when deciding on the provider of your choice, consider your budget and project requirements. Evaluate whether the selected proxy provider has any ‘hidden fees’ for scaling your operations or adding new functionality.

  • Ethics and reputation: A good reputation and compliance with various rules and regulations related to web scraping are indications of a trustworthy proxy provider. Before signing up for a free trial or subscribing to a plan, always check customer reviews on such platforms as G2 and Trustpilot as well as research whether the company’s proxies are ethically-sourced.

Choosing the right proxy type

When choosing the right proxy type for your needs, it's essential to understand the distinct advantages and use cases of each option.

Residential Proxy servers are ideal for tasks that require high anonymity and legitimacy, as they route your requests through real residential IPs making them less likely to be detected or blocked by targeted websites. 

Shared Datacenter Proxies offer a cost-effective solution for those needing fast and reliable internet access for general browsing, bulk tasks, or geo-blocking circumvention. However, since these cheap proxies share IP addresses among multiple users, they may not be suitable for highly sensitive operations.

Dedicated Datacenter Proxy servers provide exclusive IP usage, ensuring a private and secure connection. These are particularly beneficial for businesses that require stable and fast connections for SEO monitoring, website testing, or competitive analysis without the risk of being blacklisted.

Mobile Proxies route traffic through mobile devices, providing high anonymity and enabling access to mobile-specific content. They are valuable for app testing and mobile marketing research.

ISP Proxies are a great choice to avoid getting blocked because websites do not want to limit traffic coming from a well-known ASN.

Wrapping up

This article briefly overviewed the ten best proxy providers in 2024 and described some important criteria to consider when deciding between different services. We hope the information provided was helpful. However, if you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@oxylabs.io or via the live chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best proxy service provider?

There isn't a universally agreed-upon "best" proxy provider. The best proxy provider choice depends on your business needs, budget, and personal preferences. In general, reliable proxy providers have large IP pools, a wide range of advanced features and tools, 24/7 customer support, fair pricing, and a positive reputation in the market. For example, Oxylabs is one of the providers that hits all the marks and has a range of products for different needs.

What is the fastest proxy provider?

When identifying the "fastest" proxy provider, the answer can vary depending on the specific use case, network infrastructure, and server location. Speed also depends on outside factors like network quality and proxy type.

While many providers offer competitive speeds, it's important to consider a provider like Oxylabs. This provider consistently focuses on optimizing performance, scalability, and stability across its proxy solutions, ensuring high-speed access for diverse data-gathering needs. Ultimately, testing various providers and finding the right fit for your use case is key.

What is the safest proxy service?

Determining the "safest" proxy service largely depends on how the provider manages data security, privacy, and compliance. The safest services typically offer robust encryption, transparent data handling policies, and strong infrastructure to prevent misuse.

While many providers claim to offer secure proxies, Oxylabs stands out for its commitment to ethical usage, compliance with legal standards, and advanced security protocols. This makes it a reliable option for businesses that prioritize both safety and privacy in their data-gathering efforts. Ultimately, reviewing a provider's security features and reputation is crucial in making the right choice.

What is the most used proxy service?

It’s hard to name just one most used proxy service as every trustworthy proxy provider has a huge list of loyal customers who find their services to be exceptional. Some of the most popular proxy providers in 2024 include Oxylabs, Smartproxy, Webshare, Bright Data, and NetNut.

Which proxies are safe?

Proxies that come from legitimate sources are considered to be safe. When choosing your proxies, look for reputable providers with a focus on security and privacy and stay away from free proxy servers as their sources are usually unknown.

How do I find a good proxy?

To find good proxy servers, research reliable proxy providers with good reputation, ethics, and commitment to providing value to their clients. Consider such factors as proxy types, targeting options, proxy network size, additional features and tools, customer service, and pricing. This way, you can find the best proxy server that is aligned with your goals and needs. 

Are proxy servers illegal?

No, proxy servers themselves are not illegal. They are legitimate tools used for privacy enhancement, security measures, and content access across different regions. However, the legality depends on how proxy servers are used. Employing proxies for illegal activities or accessing content in violation of copyright laws can lead to legal consequences. It's crucial to use proxies ethically and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Which type of proxy is the best?

The best type of proxy depends on your specific needs. For example, Residential Proxies are better for high anonymity and legitimate data scraping or market research. On the other hand, Shared Datacenter Proxies would be a more cost-effective solution for general browsing needs. In other words, you need to evaluate your requirements regarding anonymity, speed, security, and budget to choose the most suitable proxy type.

What is the difference between a proxy and a VPN?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary for your internet requests, hiding your IP address for specific applications or browsers. It's useful for bypassing geo-restrictions but doesn't encrypt your connection, similar to proxy browsers. A VPN server, on the other hand, encrypts all your internet traffic, offering a secure tunnel for your entire online activity and providing more comprehensive privacy and security. The main difference lies in the level of security and scope, with VPNs (virtual private networks) offering broader protection.

About the author

Yelyzaveta Nechytailo

Senior Content Manager

Yelyzaveta Nechytailo is a Senior Content Manager at Oxylabs. After working as a writer in fashion, e-commerce, and media, she decided to switch her career path and immerse in the fascinating world of tech. And believe it or not, she absolutely loves it! On weekends, you’ll probably find Yelyzaveta enjoying a cup of matcha at a cozy coffee shop, scrolling through social media, or binge-watching investigative TV series.

All information on Oxylabs Blog is provided on an "as is" basis and for informational purposes only. We make no representation and disclaim all liability with respect to your use of any information contained on Oxylabs Blog or any third-party websites that may be linked therein. Before engaging in scraping activities of any kind you should consult your legal advisors and carefully read the particular website's terms of service or receive a scraping license.

Related articles

Get the latest news from data gathering world

I’m interested