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Head-to-head · Proxy Software

Squid vs 3proxy

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Squid #2 in Proxy Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 1 features Visit Squid
3proxy #5 in Proxy Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 1 features Visit 3proxy

Squid 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 scoreSquid · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth

Squid scores higher on our rubric for proxy software: 9.1 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

Squid is the better fit for self-hosted caching and reverse proxying. 3proxy is the better fit for free self-hosted multi-protocol proxy servers.

  • Squid fits best

    Self-hosted caching and reverse proxying

  • 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 Squid 9.1/10 Visit ↗ 3proxy 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.5
Ranking #2 in Proxy Software #5 in Proxy Software
Best for Self-hosted caching and reverse proxying Free self-hosted multi-protocol proxy servers
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted Self-hosted
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Squid 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
  • Caches HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and gopher objects in memory or on disk
  • Supports reverse-proxy acceleration, cache peering, and load balancing
  • Includes ACLs, SSL, logging, purging, and cache restoration
  • 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 deployment and administration
  • Focused on caching rather than rotating proxy access
  • Does not provide a vendor-managed cloud service
  • Requires self-hosting and administrator-led configuration
  • Does not provide a hosted proxy network or location targeting
  • Includes no AI-assisted features
Our verdict

Squid is open-source, self-hosted proxy caching software for web clients, content delivery environments, network operators, websites, and organizations managing web traffic. It caches and reuses frequently requested HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and…

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. SquidProxy Software 9.1Free plan
  2. 3proxyProxy Software 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Squid — where it wins

    • Caches HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and gopher objects in memory or on disk
    • Supports reverse-proxy acceleration, cache peering, and load balancing
    • Includes ACLs, SSL, logging, purging, and cache restoration

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires self-hosted deployment and administration
    • Focused on caching rather than rotating proxy access
    • Does not provide a vendor-managed cloud service

  • 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
  • Squid9.1/10 · Free plan

    A focused open-source choice for caching, reverse proxying, and traffic control.

    Visit SquidFull 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