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Head-to-head · Proxy Software

Apache Traffic Server vs 3proxy

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Apache Traffic Server #1 in Proxy Software 9.3/10 Open source ✓ 0 of 1 features Visit Apache ATS
3proxy #5 in Proxy Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 1 features Visit 3proxy

Apache Traffic Server leads on 0 checks, 3proxy on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreApache Traffic Server · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly 3proxy

Apache Traffic Server scores higher on our rubric for proxy software: 9.3 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.

Apache Traffic Server is the better fit for self-hosted web caching and proxy infrastructure. 3proxy is the better fit for free self-hosted multi-protocol proxy servers.

  • Apache Traffic Server fits best

    Self-hosted web caching and proxy infrastructure

  • 3proxy fits best

    Free self-hosted multi-protocol proxy servers

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Apache Traffic Server 9.3/10 Visit ↗ 3proxy 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.5
Ranking #1 in Proxy Software #5 in Proxy Software
Best for Self-hosted web caching and proxy infrastructure Free self-hosted multi-protocol proxy servers
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Open source Free plan
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted Self-hosted
Platforms macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Docs
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Apache Traffic Server 0/1 · 3proxy 0/1
API access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Proxy networks Not checked yet HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, SOCKS4.5, SOCKS5, FTP, POP3, SMTP, IMAP, DNS, TCP, UDP
IP rotation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported protocols Not checked yet HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, SOCKS4.5, SOCKS5, FTP, TCP, UDP
Countries covered Not checked yet Not checked yet
Concurrent sessions Not checked yet Not checked yet
Included bandwidth Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Supports HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 in forward and reverse proxy deployments
  • Combines response caching, TLS termination, WebSockets, and rate limiting
  • Plugin API extends HTTP processing and protocol capabilities
  • Supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS, FTP, mail, DNS, TCP and UDP proxying
  • Adds ACLs, authentication, filtering, traffic limits and proxy chaining
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and self-hosted deployments
Cons
  • Requires self-hosted installation and administrator-managed configuration
  • Platform coverage is listed for Linux and macOS
  • Rate limiting is provided through a plugin rather than a single built-in policy feature
  • Requires self-hosting and administrator-led configuration
  • Does not provide a hosted proxy network or location targeting
  • Includes no AI-assisted features
Our verdict

Apache Traffic Server is open-source proxy software for organizations that need to operate their own HTTP infrastructure. It supports HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2, forward and reverse proxy deployments, response caching, TLS termination, WebSocket…

Read the review →

3proxy is a free, open-source proxy server for administrators who need to route and control network traffic through self-hosted gateways. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux and self-hosted deployments, and can operate as a standalone…

Read the review →
  1. Apache Traffic ServerProxy Software 9.3Open source
  2. 3proxyProxy Software 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Apache Traffic Server — where it wins

    • Supports HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 in forward and reverse proxy deployments
    • Combines response caching, TLS termination, WebSockets, and rate limiting
    • Plugin API extends HTTP processing and protocol capabilities

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires self-hosted installation and administrator-managed configuration
    • Platform coverage is listed for Linux and macOS
    • Rate limiting is provided through a plugin rather than a single built-in policy feature

  • 3proxy — where it wins

    • Supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS, FTP, mail, DNS, TCP and UDP proxying
    • Adds ACLs, authentication, filtering, traffic limits and proxy chaining
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and self-hosted deployments

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires self-hosting and administrator-led configuration
    • Does not provide a hosted proxy network or location targeting
    • Includes no AI-assisted features
  • Apache Traffic Server9.3/10 · Open source

    A self-hosted proxy for caching, TLS termination, traffic control, and extensibility.

    Visit Apache ATSFull verdict →
  • 3proxy8.5/10 · Free plan

    A flexible self-hosted proxy server for administrators managing many protocols and traffic rules.

    Visit 3proxyFull verdict →

More comparisons

All proxy software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update