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Head-to-head · Proxy Software

Squid vs Privoxy

  • 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
Privoxy #3 in Proxy Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 1 features Visit Privoxy

Squid leads on 0 checks, Privoxy 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 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

Squid is the better fit for self-hosted caching and reverse proxying. Privoxy is the better fit for filtering and privacy-oriented proxying.

  • Squid fits best

    Self-hosted caching and reverse proxying

  • Privoxy fits best

    Filtering and privacy-oriented proxying

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 ↗ Privoxy 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.7
Ranking #2 in Proxy Software #3 in Proxy Software
Best for Self-hosted caching and reverse proxying Filtering and privacy-oriented proxying
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 Community, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Squid 0/1 · Privoxy 0/1
API access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Proxy networks Not checked yet Not checked yet
IP rotation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported protocols Not checked yet Not checked yet
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
  • Filters URLs, headers, HTML, cookies, and tracking behavior
  • Supports HTTPS inspection, custom regex filters, and rule tracing
  • Can serve multiple clients and chain with other proxies
Cons
  • Requires self-hosted deployment and administration
  • Focused on caching rather than rotating proxy access
  • Does not provide a vendor-managed cloud service
  • Text-based configuration can require more technical effort
  • It is a proxy rather than a browser extension
  • Its focus is filtering, not proxy pool management
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 →

Privoxy is a free, open-source, non-caching web proxy for people who want detailed control over web requests and content. It sits between browsers and web servers, filtering ads and unwanted material while modifying pages, headers, and…

Read the review →
  1. SquidProxy Software 9.1Free plan
  2. PrivoxyProxy Software 8.7Free 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

  • Privoxy — where it wins

    • Filters URLs, headers, HTML, cookies, and tracking behavior
    • Supports HTTPS inspection, custom regex filters, and rule tracing
    • Can serve multiple clients and chain with other proxies

    Where it doesn't

    • Text-based configuration can require more technical effort
    • It is a proxy rather than a browser extension
    • Its focus is filtering, not proxy pool management

More comparisons

All proxy software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update