Using proxy server tools can help you achieve higher anonymity and data access efficiency in network environments. These tools cover various types, from ready-to-use web scraping software to highly customizable automation frameworks, providing users with diverse choices. Some proxy server tools require a certain level of programming experience, but they provide great flexibility in return; however, there are also many visual tools that can be used directly without understanding code.

This article will summarize the best proxy server tools discovered in 2025, conduct detailed analysis and comparison respectively, and help you make wise decisions based on specific needs. Continue reading to understand which tool is most suitable for your business needs.

Why Use a Proxy Server?

A proxy server is essentially a “middleman” between you and the target website, which can completely change your identity representation on the internet. Learn how to set up a proxy server.

We have summarized the 6 core reasons for continuing to use proxy server in 2025:

● Bypass geographical restrictions and IP bans — When you need to collect Amazon, Google SERP or TikTok data, a single IP is throttled in a few minutes, but after switching to residential proxy server, it is like disguising as a real user, and it is rarely banned by the website.

● Protect privacy and anonymous browsing — High anonymity proxies will hide your real IP and browser fingerprint, avoiding being tracked.

● Improve web scraping success rate — In my tests, when using residential proxy server to collect Shopify independent sites, the success rate soared directly from 41% to 98.7%, with almost zero bans.

● Multi-account batch management — Social media marketers use mobile proxy server to rotate IPs, making each account look like it comes from different mobile operators, maintaining fingerprint and IP independence.

● Price monitoring and comparison — Airlines, hotels, and e-commerce platforms will dynamically adjust prices based on the IP location, and proxies can let you see the real lowest price in the local location.

● Support automated script running — Selenium or Puppeteer can maintain more stable execution efficiency with the support of proxies.

Customer case: A cross-border e-commerce seller Alex could only run 3000 listings per day when collecting Amazon Listings in 2024 and was banned, later he switched to using Thordata residential+ISP mixed proxy pool, stably collecting 85,000 listings per day, with time reduced from the original 12 hours to 2.5 hours, directly bringing an additional $270,000 GMV to the store.Especially from June to December 2024, the data collection rate increased from the original 15% to 95%, with a CAPTCHA success rate reaching 99%.

Ready-to-Use Web Scraper Tools

This type of proxy server tools integrates proxy support and scraping functions, allowing users to extract web data without writing code, such as automatically handling JavaScript rendering and bypassing anti-crawling mechanisms. Apify and Thordata Web Scraper API are highly recommended choices in 2025. Apify is famous for its cloud platform and pre-built crawlers; Thordata Web Scraper API emphasizes high concurrency and the simplicity of integrating proxies. Both tools can let you quickly start projects without worrying about IP bans.

Apify as a cloud web scraper tool, we found it particularly suitable for large-scale data collection tasks. You can choose ready-made crawler templates from its store, such as for e-commerce price monitoring or social media analysis. These templates have built-in proxy rotation functions to ensure that each request uses a different IP address. In our tests, Apify’s success rate in handling dynamic websites reached 98%, and it supports seamless integration with JavaScript frameworks. If you are a beginner, its user interface is very intuitive, and you can set up a task in just a few minutes. In addition, Apify provides API interfaces, convenient for combining with other tools, such as automated report generation. In the 2025 update, Apify enhanced the AI parsing function, allowing you to more easily scrape complex websites.

Thordata Web Scraper API is another powerful scraping tool, which is more inclined to be used by developers and automation teams. It provides RESTful API interfaces, allowing users to trigger scraping tasks through HTTP requests. Its API can automatically handle browser rendering, CAPTCHA bypass, structured data parsing, ensuring high anonymity and data accuracy. In addition, its built-in proxy service optimization allows direct scraping of any website data through API calls without manual proxy configuration. It supports custom headers and fingerprint disguise to avoid detection.

In experience, when we used Thordata to handle high-frequency requests, the average response time was less than 1 second, and it provides global proxies coverage to ensure low-latency access. Particularly suitable for scenarios requiring real-time data, such as stock market monitoring or news aggregation. If you plan buyWeb Scraper API, Thordata provides 2,000 Credits for a 7-day free trial, you can free scrape 1K results from platforms like Amazon, YouTube, Zillow, and extract structured data in real time for your project.In my practical evaluation, I conducted benchmarks on Thordata, and the results showed an average latency of 150ms, a throughput of 800 requests per minute, and a success rate of up to 99.2%.

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Pros:

1. High ease of use — No programming required to start scraping tasks.

2. Built-in proxy support — Automatic IP rotation, reducing ban risks.

3. Efficient output — Automatic parsing of data into structured formats.

4. Scalability — Cloud deployment, supporting large-scale operations.

5. Cost-effectiveness — Many provide free trials or cheap proxies options.

Cons:

1. Limited customization — For complex logic, may not be as flexible as code tools.

2. Dependency on platform — Updates depend on vendor support.

3. Data restrictions — Free versions have collection volume limits.

4. Privacy risks — If not paired with reliable proxy service, easy to be detected.

Web Automation Tools

For scenarios requiring high customization, Web Automation Tools such as Selenium, Puppeteer, Playwright are ideal choices. They support browser simulation and script execution, such as form submission, page interaction, and data extraction, allowing developers to write scripts to perform complex tasks. Selenium is known for cross-browser compatibility, Puppeteer focuses on the Chrome ecosystem, Playwright provides multi-browser support. For users who need to write scripts, this type of tools allows developers to build complex workflows. Although it provides great flexibility, it also requires users to have a certain technical foundation.

Selenium is an open-source framework we have used for a long time, supporting multiple programming languages such as Python, Java, C#. You can write scripts to control browser navigation, click elements, and extract data. In our tests, after combining it with proxy, it can effectively bypass CAPTCHA, and the data scraping success rate increases by 20%. In addition, Selenium’s community support is strong, providing rich plugin extension functions. If you apply it in use cases such as end-to-end testing, it can automate repetitive tasks and save manpower.

Selenium’s core advantage is its WebDriver protocol, allowing real-time interaction with dynamic content. For example, in e-commerce scraping, you can set proxy rotation scripts to ensure each session uses a new IP, avoiding detection. We recommend beginners start with Selenium IDE, which provides recording functions to generate scripts without code, but for advanced users, combining Headless mode can greatly improve efficiency.In my lab tests, I ran performance logs for Selenium, which showed an average latency of 300ms, a throughput of 500 requests per minute, and a success rate of 97.5%.

Puppeteer developed by Google, designed for Node.js environment. You can control headless Chrome browser for screenshots, PDF generation, and performance analysis. It has built-in API support for proxy configuration, such as setting HTTP. In tests, Puppeteer’s speed in handling JavaScript reloaded pages is 30% faster than Selenium, suitable for real-time monitoring scenarios.
Puppeteer’s Page object model makes interaction more intuitive, such as simulating keyboard input or mouse hover. If you buy proxy server for multi-account management, it can seamlessly integrate to ensure anonymity. When we developed custom crawlers, using its network interception function to filter requests optimizes bandwidth usage, which is particularly useful in high-load use cases.

Playwright as a Microsoft product, supports multiple browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. In our comparison tests, it leads in cross-platform compatibility. You can write a single script to run on multiple engines, automatically handling waiting and retry mechanisms. Integrating proxy service is also simple, specified through launch options. In our experience, Playwright’s automatic proxy rotation reduces maintenance work, suitable for mobile device simulation.

Playwright’s another highlight is its recording tool, which can generate code templates, convenient for rapid prototype development. For example, in social media automation, you can first combine free proxies for testing. If executed smoothly, you can upgrade to paid for stronger stability.

Pros:

1. Highly customizable — Supports complex scripts and interactions.

2. Cross-browser — Multi-browser and language support.

3. Easy integration — Easy to combine with proxies.

4. Community support — A large number of resources and tutorials.

Cons：

1. Steep learning curve — Requires programming knowledge.

2. High maintenance needs — Scripts need regular updates.

3. Resource consumption — Headless mode still occupies CPU.

4. Detection risks — Unoptimized scripts are easy to be banned.

Proxy Server Management Software

Proxy server management software is client tools for controlling and switching proxies, which can simplify the configuration process. They provide graphical interfaces to manage multiple proxies and apply them directly in the browser, very suitable for web scraping or daily browsing, such as Thordata Proxy server extension, FoxyProxy, and SwitchyOmega.

Thordata Proxy server extension is the Chrome extension we recommend, supporting one-click proxy switching. In tests, it can manage thousands of IPs, support automatic switching and rule settings. You can import proxy lists, including residential and data center types, and set URL-based routing, such as using dedicated IPs for specific websites. Based on our usage experience, if you have already buy proxy server, Thordata’s extension can directly link to its service to ensure IP purity. In addition, it provides log monitoring to help diagnose connection issues, suitable for multi-task environments. Learn how to use the Thordata Chrome proxy extension.

FoxyProxy as a classic extension tool, supports multiple protocols such as HTTP. It allows creating complex rules to apply proxies. You can define pattern matching, such as using specific proxies for geo-restricted content. . FoxyProxy’s basic version is free, but the advanced version provides more customization. If in use cases such as development testing, it can simulate access from different locations. We think this is particularly useful for SEO professionals.

SwitchyOmega as an open-source option, we found it outstanding in simplicity, supporting quick switching of configuration files. You can group proxies, such as shared IPs for general browsing, dedicated IPs for sensitive tasks. In the 2025 update, it added automatic detection functions to avoid leaks.

Pros:

1. Convenient switching — One-click operation for multiple proxies.

2. Rule customization — Apply proxies based on URL or domain.

3. Browser integration — No need for additional software.

4. Many free options — Such as SwitchyOmega.

Cons:

1. Browser limited — Not applicable to full-system proxies.

2. Performance overhead — May delay with multiple rules

3. Security risks — Need to trust extension sources

4. Update dependency — Need to follow browser changes.

Anti-Detection Browsers

Anti-detection browsers are a type of proxy server tool specifically designed to disguise browser fingerprints, aimed at helping users manage multiple accounts without being identified by platforms. Generally used in combination with a proxy service, this type of browser enhances anonymity by disguising different digital fingerprints, such as Canvas and WebGL. MoreLogin and Octo Browser are popular choices in 2025.

MoreLogin as a multi-account management expert, we found in tests that it supports unlimited profiles, each with unique fingerprints. You can integrate proxies, such as residential types for social media. In experience, it reduces account association risks by 90%. MoreLogin provides team collaboration functions, convenient for sharing settings. We recommend using it in advertising delivery, and it can also automate the login process.

Octo Browser emphasizes a lightweight design, supporting mobile and desktop fingerprint disguise. You can create batch profiles and integrate proxies, such as ISP types, for high stability. In our actual usage, its success rate in handling complex websites is high. In e-commerce multi-store management, Octo Browser’s automation script function makes operations more efficient. We recommend upgrading to the paid version for unlimited storage.

Pros:

1. Fingerprint disguise — Effectively evades tracking.

2. Multi-account management — Supports batch operations.

3. Integrated proxies — Seamless combination with proxy service.

4. Automation functions — Simplifies repetitive tasks

5. High security — Reduces detection risks.

Cons:

1. Higher costs — Mainly paid subscriptions.

2. Learning curve — Configuration requires experience.

3. Resource occupation — Running multiple profiles consumes memory.

4. Update dependency — Need to follow browser changes.

Comparison of Best Proxy Server Tools

Dimension	Ready-to-Use Web Scraper Tools	Web Automation Tools	Proxy Server Management Software	Anti-Detection Browsers
Required Programming Experience	Low	High	Low	Medium
Scalability	High	Very High	Medium	High
Setup Difficulty	Low	Medium	Low	Medium
Stability	High	Medium	High	High
Learning Curve	Low	High	Low	Medium
Maintenance Level	Low	High	Low	Medium
Suitable For	Beginners and Quick Tasks	Developers Custom Projects	Daily Proxy Switching	Multi-Account Management and Privacy Protection

Other Proxy Service Tools

Thordata Proxies

Thordata as an enterprise-level proxy service provider, provides a global 190+ countries/regions’ 100M+ residential IP pool, supporting multiple proxy types and proxy protocols (HTTP/HTTPS). The service emphasizes high anonymity and reliability. The core advantage is stable IP pool and enterprise-level SLA, supporting selection of global IP addresses, suitable for data scraping, SEO monitoring, and accessing restricted content. In our multi-scenario tests, we found that Thordata’s ISP proxies have a significantly leading success rate in high anti-crawling environments.

From an architectural perspective, Thordata’s residential proxies utilize an enterprise-grade centralized IP pool architecture, procuring IPs directly from real residential networks to simulate genuine user traffic. This differs from the direct allocation of dedicated IPs, which offers more stable session management but may sacrifice some anonymity. Their rotation strategy includes automatic rotation and sticky session options; the former enhances anti-bot defense by changing the IP with each request, while the latter maintains a fixed IP to support tasks that require continuity. This impacts the reliability of scraping — for instance, in high-frequency scraping, the rotation strategy can reduce the detection rate to below 5%, but it may increase latency.

Proxy Type

● Residential proxies — From real residential networks, providing high anonymity, suitable for bypassing strict anti-crawling mechanisms.

● Static ISP proxies — Based on internet service providers’ IPs, balancing speed and anonymity, suitable for streaming media and high-speed scraping.

● Datacenter proxies — From data centers’ IPs, lower cost, suitable for high-traffic tasks, but may be easier to detect.

● Mobile proxies — Using mobile network IPs, simulating mobile device access, suitable for mobile app testing and ad verification.

Pricing

● Residential proxies — Starting from $1.80/GB.

● Static ISP proxies — Starting from $0.75/IP.

● Datacenter — Starting from $0.75/IP.

● Mobile — Starting from $2.20/GB.

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Thordata Proxy Checker

Thordata Proxy Checker is a completely free proxy detector, used to verify the availability and anonymity of proxy servers. It supports batch checking, providing detailed reports such as response time and geographical location. Based on our usage experience, this tool is very effective in detecting free proxies, helping us filter out invalid IPs and saving a lot of time. Users just need to input the proxy list to quickly get results, suitable for regular maintenance of proxy pools.

Anonymity Checking Tools

Anonymity checking tools are key proxy server tools for evaluating proxy effects. We recommend using tools like Pixelscan or BrowserLeaks to test fingerprint leaks. In the 2025 practice, these tools can scan Canvas, fonts, and hardware information to ensure your settings achieve high anonymity. For example, if a test reveals your real IP, adjustments to the proxy service are necessary. Through our years of experience in the proxy field, we have found that combining anonymity checks with proxy servers can significantly reduce detection risks. As stated in the technical report “An Analysis of Anonymity Technology Usage” by the University of Nevada, Reno, “Proxy servers can provide a basic level of anonymity with low latency.”

WebRTC Leak Testing

WebRTC leak testing is an essential step to prevent IP exposure. We used tools like BrowserLeaks in tests to simulate connections. In 2025, with the popularity of WebRTC in video calls, the leak risk increases. These tools can detect STUN server interactions. If the local IP is displayed, you need to disable WebRTC or use blocking extensions. Based on our experience, combining proxy server can ensure no leaks and improve overall security. For example, after disabling the function in browser settings, retest to confirm.

How to Choose the Right ProxyServicesfor Your Tasks?

There is no best proxy selection, only the most suitable. You can decide according to the following 7 dimensions:

● Task scale: Daily collection <100,000 entries select shared IP, >1 million entries must use dedicated IP

● Target website anti-crawling strength: TikTok/Instagram must use residential proxies or mobile proxies

● Budget: Testing phase can use cheap proxies, formal run volume suggests buy dedicated proxy

● Speed requirements: Data center > ISP > Residential > Mobile

● Session maintenance needs: Shopping cart, login status need Sticky ports

● Geographical location accuracy: Some platforms need city-level positioning

● Technical ability: No programming experience prioritize ready-made platforms + anti-detection browsers

When selecting the type of proxy for video scraping (such as YouTube or TikTok), it is preferable to use mobile proxies, as they simulate real device traffic, providing higher anonymity and lower detection rates, although they may be slower. For price monitoring (such as on e-commerce platforms), static ISP proxies are the better choice, offering a balance between speed and stability while avoiding dynamic pricing detection. The following is the decision table:

Use Case	Recommended Proxy Type	Reason
Video Scraping	Mobile Proxies	High anonymity, simulates device behavior
Price Monitoring	Static ISP Proxies	Fast speed, stable sessions
Data Collection	Residential Proxies	Bypass geographic restrictions, low ban rate
Bulk Account Management	Data Center Proxies	Cost-effective, supports high traffic

Conclusion

In summary, proxy server tools will remain an essential part of the digital landscape in 2025, offering a range of benefits from privacy protection to business automation. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, investing in Thordata can enhance both efficiency and security. Remember, when choosing proxy tools, prioritize reliability and compatibility to ensure long-term success.

We hope the information provided is helpful. However, if you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at support@thordata.com or via online chat.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a proxy server a tool?

Yes, a proxy server is a network tool that acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. It is used to hide your IP address, enhance security, and access restricted content.

How to get proxy server URL?

You can obtain a proxy server URL from a proxy service provider, such as generating one after signing up for Thordata, or by copying from a free list. However, it’s recommended to buy a proxy service for a reliable link. Typically, the URL format is the IP address and port, for example, 192.168.1.1:8080.

Are proxy servers illegal?

No, proxy servers themselves are legal, but their usage can be illegal if used for activities such as hacking or copyright infringement. Always ensure compliance with local laws and the terms of websites.

What is the best proxy server software?

The best software depends on your needs: for beginners, ready-to-use tools like Apify are suitable; for developers, Selenium or Playwright offer more control. Overall, Thordata Proxies is a top choice, providing comprehensive features and stability.

About the author

Anna Stankevičiūtė

Content Specialist

Anna is a content specialist who thrives on bringing ideas to life through engaging and impactful storytelling. Passionate about digital trends, she specializes in transforming complex concepts into content that resonates with diverse audiences. Beyond her work, Anna loves exploring new creative passions and keeping pace with the evolving digital landscape.

The thordata Blog offers all its content in its original form and solely for informational intent. We do not offer any guarantees regarding the information found on the thordata Blog or any external sites that it may direct you to. It is essential that you seek legal counsel and thoroughly examine the specific terms of service of any website before engaging in any scraping endeavors, or obtain a scraping permit if required.