Proxies offer numerous advantages; however, what do you do if you can’t directly use them with an app or a platform you need? Proxy clients are the answer. What are they, how do they help you connect to proxies when it seems impossible, and what are their other pros? Read further to learn more.

What is a proxy client?

A proxy client is a software or an app that routes internet traffic via a specified proxy server. Depending on the app or settings, it may perform other functions, such as caching or content filtering.

Advantages of proxy clients

Proxies are an excellent tool for web scraping or managing several accounts. However, not all apps and platforms provide native support for proxy usage, and some restrictions like government-imposed security measures or geo-based limits may be in place. Proxy clients make it possible to use proxies in those situations – they connect unconnectable things. However, the advantages of proxy clients are so tempting that you may want to use them even with proxy-friendly apps. Pros of proxy clients include:

• Enhanced privacy and anonymity

The main advantage of proxy clients regarding security is that your real IP remains hidden. Websites and apps have fewer opportunities to track down your activity or use that information to, for example, offer you personalized content. Also, hidden IP leaves fewer opportunities for fraudsters to connect to your device or hack your internal network. Also, some proxy clients provide encryption, so even if intercepted, your data is ciphered and unreadable to third parties. Together with proxies themselves, proxy clients form a powerful bond that guards your anonymity and security.

• Effective content filtering

Proxy clients may serve as content filters, allowing you to control your network connections. This is especially handy if you are a parent or company manager and want to control the resources other users visit. Content filtering also provides additional protection from malware, spyware, spam, and viruses.

• Improved performance

Some proxy clients offer a caching feature so that you don’t have to waste time loading frequently visited pages again and again. Also, some clients can compress data before sending it, saving bandwidth. This feature is worth special attention if you rely on a slow network connection. Proxy clients also come in handy when you need to manage proxies for a large network of computers.

• Traffic monitoring

The majority of proxy clients distribute traffic across multiple connections to prevent overloading and latency. Some apps offer other significant features—they log user activity, conduct security audits, and analyze performance. This helps further improve safety and increase productivity.

• Minimal requirements in terms of hardware and software

Proxy clients work fine with any average device and don’t call for extra storage capacity or RAM. It’s also easy to find a proxy client that suits your needs and works with web browsers, apps, and other platforms on different gadgets, making them convenient and versatile.

Best proxy clients so far

• ProxyCap

ProxyCap is a popular app due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and broad functionality. It works with Windows OS and MacOS and supports HTTP(S), SOCKS4/5, and Shadowsocks protocols.

In the app, you can create custom rules so that only selected apps will route traffic through a proxy server when the rest of the programs connect to the Internet directly. You can set what apps use proxies based on criteria such as destination IP address, ports, and domains. It allows you to control proxy usage and change rules as your needs change. ProxyCap works fine with various apps, including instant messengers, web browsers, email, and gaming clients. You can monitor your connection status all the time and review logs, so if there are any troubles, you will notice and fix them right away. The app also comes with a built-in proxy checker.

Also, the app provides native support for the SSH protocol, so you can use SSH servers as proxy servers. ProxyCap will remain popular in 2025, as it provides many features that will be in demand, such as support of IPv6 and both TCP and UDP protocols, proxy chains, and single sign-on.

Another feature worth noting is DNS leak protection. ProxyCap routes DNS queries through the proxy server, helping you maintain anonymity.

One more important detail is that ProxyCap offers a 30-day free trial, so you can test the app and see whether it suits you. Then, prices start at $30 per license.

On this page, you can find a step-by-step tutorial on configuring ProxyCap on your device.

• FoxyProxy

FoxyProxy is an extension for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers. However, you can configure it in other browsers, too. It supports the most used protocols – HTTP(S) and SOCKS4/5. FoxyProxy doesn’t offer a bulk load of configuration options. Instead, it simplifies things and uses browser-based controls that you can synchronize with other browser settings. You can create numerous profiles for different proxies within a single interface and switch between proxy servers by toggling a toolbar icon. You can adjust the settings so the extension automatically switches proxies based on URLs or traffic types. You can create different rules and specify when to use proxies and when not. The extension also makes it possible to monitor which app uses which proxy. The simplicity and functionality of FoxyProxy also are its key advantages. Besides, the extension is free.

Here you go if you are looking for a detailed guide on configuring FoxyProxy.

• Proxifier

Proxifier is another well-known proxy client. It is designed to work on Windows OS and MacOS and handles HTTP(S) and SOCKS4/5 protocols. It also provides support for IPv6 traffic. This proxy client protects your sensitive data by encrypting traffic and offering you DNS leak protection. Also, you can remotely manage connections to numerous computers from one device. These facts make Proxifier a perfect choice for businesses. It also allows you to create rules and set what apps should use proxies. You can configure Proxifier to switch to backup proxies if a connection fails. A traffic monitoring feature is also available so that you can control your logs. Besides its efficacity, Proxifier has a user-friendly interface that makes it fast and easy to configure settings. On top of that, the app is lightweight and won’t take up too much space on your device.

You can start a free 30-day trial of Proxifier to see if it is what you need. Prices start at $39.95 per license.

If you want to try Proxifier, use this step-by-step tutorial to configure the proxy client.

• Postern

Postern is a mobile proxy client. It comes as an app and works on Android. At the same time, it offers a broad range of features, such as encryption, connection status monitoring, and DNS leak protection. With Postern, you can specify what apps should use proxies while others will connect to the Net directly. The app will automatically detect and configure proxies for supported configuration, saving you time. The good thing is that you can add as many rules and proxies as you want. Moreover, Postern supports many protocols- besides classic HTTP(S) and SOCKS4/5, it also deals with SSH Tunnel, Shadowsocks, and GFW.press.  

Postern also can serve you as a sniffer. You can collect and analyze data packets with this app.

Postern is free to download, and we have also prepared a detailed manual on how to use it.

• Shadowrocket

Shadowrocket is an exclusively designed iOS proxy client app. Like other proxy clients, it allows users to create custom rules, choose what traffic to route via a proxy server, and provide data usage statistics.

On the other hand, Shadowrocket gives its users a lot of freedom, as they can set numerous settings on their own. For example, you can configure DNS settings, and the app also supports the use of custom DNS servers. You can also select from numerous server locations to enhance speed. The app allows you to export and import configuration files, which makes it easier to adjust settings if you share them or change a device. Some versions of Shadowrocket also provide an ad-blocking feature.

Furthermore, Shadowrocket supports many protocols, including HTTP(S), SOCKS5, Shadowsocks, Vmess, and Trojan.

Shadowrocket has a free and a paid version. If this proxy client is what you need, here is a step-by-step manual on configuring it.

A little more about proxy clients

Proxies are a useful tool, but you must use them responsibly and avoid breaking laws. Pay attention to the regulations of your country or company. DataImpulse is not responsible for conducting any prohibited activity.

You should also choose a proxy client carefully, considering your use case. It’s also essential to adjust settings wisely while using proxy clients. Misplaced choices or configurations may lead to bottlenecks and latency.  

What about DataImpulse?

At DataImpulse, we also use proxy clients. Our proxies are universal, so you can easily configure to use them with any proxy client of your choice. You can find HTTP(S) and SOCKS5 proxies suitable for all popular proxy clients. Additionally, you get legally-sourced proxies that aren’t associated with harmful activities like sending spam. On top of that, you have our 24/7 support, and our human managers are ready to help you.

To sum up

Proxy clients allow you to get the most out of proxies, even with apps that don’t have native support for them. There are numerous options available for different operation systems. Most proxy clients today provide various functions, such as creating custom rules or traffic monitoring. However, some clients offer you even more – for example, encryption or IPv6 support. You need to carefully analyze your use case, define your needs, and choose the most suitable proxy client. In this case, you will benefit from using one. It’s also important to have good proxies. DataImpulse is ready to help you with that. Write to us at [email protected] or use the “Try now” button in the top-right corner of the screen to get reliable proxies at a fair price.