10 Best Free Proxy Servers in 2024: Safe & Fast

Most free proxy server options are slow, unreliable, and have serious security risks that can expose you to hackers and other online threats. Many of them aren’t reliable for accessing restricted sites, streaming, and staying connected without interruptions.

To help you find the free proxy servers that actually work, my team and I tested over 40 services. I focused on each proxy’s speed, uptime, ability to access sites, and privacy and security features. Based on those tests, I've shortlisted the best 10 free proxy servers.

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Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

10 Best Free Proxies in 2024 — Full Analysis

1. CyberGhost — The Safest Free Proxy With a Strict No-Logs Policy

While most free proxies collect user data, CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy. Based in Romania, a country known for its strong privacy laws, it never stores or tracks your online activities. Plus, it uses RAM-only servers, which means your data isn’t stored on a hard drive and gets wiped after each session.

I tested all 4 proxy locations and detected no DNS or IP leaks

Another strength of CyberGhost is its WebRTC leak protection. It blocks any communication that could expose your real IP address. It also filters out malicious content and uses encrypted HTTPS for an added layer of security. If you’re familiar with its VPN service, the features might seem limited, but this is still great for a proxy.

CyberGhost’s free proxy only covers 4 countries: Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, and the US. However, it gives you unlimited bandwidth and decent performance. Our speeds went from 410.58 Mbps to 400.40 Mbps — it lowered our speeds by only 3%, making it excellent for buffer-free streaming.

Its user-friendly browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox make it easy to secure your web activity in just a few clicks. This is a bit limiting, as it only protects you on a browser level. However, most apps, including WhatsApp and Telegram, offer web versions that you can use with CyberGhost to add a layer of privacy.

2. IPRoyal — A Large Proxy Pool with Global Coverage to Safely Access Sites Anywhere

IPRoyal has a massive pool of 6,800+ free proxies, making it possible to access many sites from anywhere. I like how it updates its server list every 10 minutes and offers a range of proxy types, like HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS.

I like that it covers almost every US country and multiple cities

It lets you connect to as many proxies as you want simultaneously. I liked that I could change my IP via the dashboard with one click. Lots of other services I tested made me reconfigure my device’s proxy settings each time I needed a new IP. Plus, IPRoyal's live chat and email support are available around the clock, which is quite uncommon for a free service. I usually got answers to my questions within a few minutes.

Unfortunately, during my tests IPRoyal's speeds weren’t good enough for gaming and torrenting. It slowed me down by 84% from 414.95 Mbps to 67.15 Mbps. It's also not as secure as CyberGhost because it monitors your online behavior to prevent its proxies from being used for illegal activities.

3. 4everproxy — A Proxy Browser You Can Use on Your Mobile Device Without Installing Additional Software

4everproxy functions as either a free web proxy or a proxy-based browser. It allows you to access your favorite sites through another server without having to configure anything. You also don’t need to install an app or a browser extension, which is especially handy when you're on the go or lack storage on your device.

You can block cookies directly from 4everproxy’s interface

At the time of my testing, it offered 12 servers and 22 IP locations, which isn’t much compared to some others on this list. With 1Gbps connections, the service is fast enough for the usual online activities like streaming Netflix and torrenting. If you don’t mind your speeds being slightly slower, you can choose a server and IP address in different locations to add a layer of privacy.

I liked that 4everproxy doesn’t require you to sign up, but be mindful that it logs your data for seven days. If you’re concerned about staying private while you use the web, CyberGhost is a better option.

4. ProxySite — Includes Custom Presets for Simulating Devices and Browsers

ProxySite offers an emulator to make it look like you’re visiting sites with a certain device or browser. I love that it’s free and non-technical, without any special configurations. Each of its proxies blocks JavaScript to speed up loading times, and I liked that it lets you delete cookies from sites you've visited.

You can also set up a custom referrer for a detailed analysis

The server selection could be better — there are only 20 servers in the US and 18 in the EU. I also didn’t like that it doesn’t show the exact country where the servers are located. This made things especially difficult using European locations, since there are so many different countries and languages.

Be aware, it also admits to logging your data for 14 days and selling it to third parties. This is how it keeps its service free. On the plus side, you don't need to create an account to use most features.

5. Fresh Proxy List — One of the Most Feature-Rich Proxy Lists

Fresh Proxy List offers a list of proxy servers and browser-based web proxies, so you can choose based on your needs (e.g., gaming and torrenting). You can sort servers by speed, uptime, and response time in milliseconds. I also liked being able to categorize proxies by three anonymity levels: low, medium, and high.

I found many different sorting options on the list of proxy servers

The service supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 options. At the time of my testing, it offered over 2,500 proxies from more than 130 countries. This means there’s a high chance you’ll find those that work for your needs.

I found city-level servers, which are handy if you need a local connection. I liked being able to filter proxies by country to quickly find the one I needed. Unfortunately, if you have any issues, it doesn't have 24/7 customer support.

6. Webshare — Rotating Proxies to Minimize Your Chances of Being Blocked

Webshare rotates its proxies, so every request you make uses a different IP address. This minimizes the likelihood of your IP getting blocklisted when you access your favorite sites. It also prevents leaks, so my real IP address stayed hidden while I tested it.

I had fast speeds and solid uptime during my tests. Both HTTP and SOCKS proxies are available, whether you need advanced settings or just a proxy to browse the web. There’s also the option to get a fresh IP by simply clicking on Replace.

However, it offers a limited choice of locations, requires sign-up, and lacks dedicated support. The free version offers only 10 IPs and caps bandwidth at 1 GB per month. Because of this, I found that it’s only suitable for short-term use or less bandwidth-intensive tasks.

7. Spys.one — A Good Selection of SOCKS5 Proxies to Keep You Safe While Torrenting

Spys.one offers many SOCKS5 proxy servers, which are particularly helpful for torrenting. They can keep your IP address hidden while handling large amounts of data. It also provides Squid proxy servers, useful for speeding up web page loading times by caching repeated content.

It covers 175+ countries, which is more than most other proxies I tested. You can connect to those closest to you for the best speeds. While you can filter the list by location, there are no other sorting options. You also can't export the list for quick reference later. This makes it a little hard to find certain proxy types, since you have to scroll by hand.

8. Geonode — Proxies With Low Latency for Gaming Without Lag

Geonode provides many low-latency proxies designed for fast response times while gaming. At the time of my testing, there were 4,891 proxies across 121 countries. Many of its proxies had ping under 100ms and up to 100% uptime. For the best speeds, I recommend using the SOCKS5 protocol.

You can filter the server list by country, speed, and uptime. The list can be exported in multiple formats like JSON, TXT, and CSV, so you can save it to your device. The free service performed well in my tests, but I don’t recommend its paid residential proxies. They’re much slower, and the locations displayed by Geonode didn't match when I tested their IP addresses.

9. ProxyScrape — Free Proxies with up to 100% Uptime to Avoid Interruptions

ProxyScrape refreshes its servers almost every minute for maximum uptime. Many free proxy list sites only update on an hourly basis. During my testing, I used multiple servers for 3 hours with no downtime. It even has free web scraping tools if you’re trying to collect proxy data, though its most powerful scraping offerings are reserved only for paid members.

There are between 2,000 to 3,000 free proxy servers in 125+ countries to reliably access the sites you need. I found a selection of HTTP, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 proxies. Unfortunately, ProxyScrape lacks the option to select a city-level server. I liked that you can choose from different anonymity levels, but that feature is only available on its HTTP proxies.

10. hide.me — Encrypted Proxy With 3 Country Options

In addition to its free VPN offering, hide.me has a solid proxy that I liked for its ability to encrypt pages. While it doesn’t encrypt your entire connection, encrypting the URLs you visit gives you a small layer of privacy with your new IP address. If you want full encryption, its free VPN works well and adds much more security. Plus, it’s better at safely accessing sites from anywhere.

It has proxy IPs in the Netherlands, Germany, and Finland, which isn’t a huge selection. However, I had no interruptions regardless of which location I used. To test it, I used each proxy to visit a DNS leak test website. The testing tool only detected the proxy IP in the country I picked instead of my real one.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How to Set Up a Free Proxy Server on Your Devices

If you prefer using system-level proxies instead of a proxy browser or extension, you need to configure it in your device’s settings. The process is similar for most devices. The first step is to find a proxy server and port from a free provider. Some proxies may also require login credentials. Then follow these steps:

Free Proxy Setup on Android:

1. Go to your device’s settings and click on Connections. Tap Mobile networks.
2. Click on Access Point Names and tap on the APN you’re currently using.
3. Enter the IP address and port of the free proxy server. After saving, you may have to turn mobile data off and on again. Opening the browser may also prompt you to enter your proxy username and password.

   Not all proxies will require you to enter a username and password

Free Proxy Setup on macOS:

1. Open Safari and go to the preferences menu, then click Advanced.
2. Click on Change Settings next to where it says Proxies.
3. Enter the IP address and port for your proxy, then click OK. That’s it!

Free Proxy Setup on Windows 11:

1. Go to Settings > Network > Proxy.
2. Under Manual Proxy Setup, turn the setting on and enter the proxy IP and port.
3. Click Save. That’s it!

Tips on Choosing the Best Free Proxy Server

I've used the following criteria to determine the best free proxy servers available today. These tips will guide you to make an informed decision.

• 100% free plan. It's essential to ensure that the proxy server is genuinely free. Some might lure you in with a free tag, only to ask for payment after a trial period or offer limited functionality that makes them less useful.
• Large proxy pool. A larger selection gives you more IPs to choose from, increasing the odds of finding a reliable and fast connection. Check a proxy’s listings to find services with a broad range of available servers and locations.
• Type of proxy. To find the right proxy for your needs, look for different types like HTTPS or SOCKS. While SOCKS is great for torrenting and web scraping, HTTPS is better for web browsing and streaming.
• Uptime. You want a server that won’t go down, so look for proxies that can prove they have solid uptimes with a real-time connectivity report.
• Bandwidth caps. Some free proxies limit the amount of data you can use. Prioritize those that offer unlimited bandwidth or at least a generous data allowance.
• Strong data privacy. I examined their privacy policies and included proxies that are transparent about what they collect and how they use it. While zero logging is ideal, most proxies record some data (unlike a paid VPN).
• Speed. I tested dozens of proxies and shortlisted those that loaded pages and downloaded data fast. Keep in mind that all free proxies will reduce your speed, so don’t expect them to match the performance of your baseline connection or a premium VPN.

How to Stay Safe While Using a Free Proxy Server

While free proxy servers give you a quick way to use the web with a new IP, they come with significant security risks. Prioritize your online safety by following these tips.

1. Choose reputable providers. Opt for well-known proxy servers. Providers with a positive reputation are usually more secure.
2. Inspect privacy policies. Carefully review the privacy policy of the proxy server. You don't want to use a proxy that isn’t straightforward about how your data is used.
3. Use HTTPS proxies. Whenever possible, use HTTPS proxies. These encrypt your data, making it harder for hackers to access your information or compromise your connection.
4. Avoid sensitive transactions. Refrain from using free proxies for online banking or shopping to minimize the risk of your data being stolen. Don’t share anything personal while you use proxies.
5. Use a firewall and antivirus. With a robust firewall and antivirus software, you’ll stay much safer from hackers and malware while you use a proxy server.
6. Update everything. Keep your operating system, browser, and any security software up to date to protect against vulnerable or unsafe free proxy servers.
7. Consider a VPN. If possible, use a VPN instead. Top VPNs are much more private and secure because they encrypt your entire connection and never log any personal data.

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Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on the Best Free Proxy Servers

Are free proxy servers legal?

Yes, using free proxy servers is generally legal. However, some free proxy servers might be operated with nefarious intent, such as capturing your data. Be cautious and only use tried and tested proxy servers that are safe to use.

Keep in mind that all your activities while using a proxy must comply with local laws. Also make sure you're not breaching any terms of service on services you use or using proxies to get around location blocks. Misuse of proxies can lead to legal consequences, and I don’t condone using them for anything illegal.

Why is my proxy not responding, and how do I fix it?

There are various reasons, like server overload or incorrect settings. Switching to a reliable free proxy service with over 98% uptime is the best option. However, you can check the server address and port configurations. If you aren’t sure what settings to use, try clearing your browser cache and trying again with the default configuration. that doesn't work, try a different server or restart your device.

Are there any alternatives to using a free proxy?

Yes, there are alternatives. Tor and free VPNs are options, but the safest and most reliable one is using a high-quality VPN with a money-back guarantee. Premium VPNs give you better speed, security, and reliability, and allow buffer-free streaming from anywhere.

Is a VPN better than a proxy?

Yes, a VPN generally has more advantages than a proxy. They encrypt your entire internet connection, whereas most free proxies aren’t encrypted or only offer limited privacy. Some providers offer both a VPN and a proxy, so you can get both with one subscription and compare for yourself. If you're concerned about privacy and security, a VPN with end-to-end encryption is a better option. It also lets you safely access your favorite sites from anywhere.

Can I use a proxy on my gaming console?

Yes, but it might be challenging to set it up. You'll usually have to manually configure your network settings to use a proxy. Also, a proxy might increase your latency, which could cause lag. A more straightforward solution is using a VPN-enabled router to cover all devices on your network.

Conclusion

Using free proxies can expose you to hackers, and you never know what dishonest proxy providers might do with your browsing data. However, after meticulous and extensive testing, I’ve managed to compile a list of the safest and most reliable free proxy servers.

While the proxies I selected are among the best free choices available, they do have their limitations. For example, some are relatively slow, and others log your data. I listed the pros and cons of each free proxy I listed so you can make an informed choice.