Charles Proxy is a popular web debugging proxy tool that allows developers to monitor, intercept, and analyze HTTP and HTTPS traffic. With its comprehensive features, including SSL proxying, throttling, and breakpoints, Charles Proxy has become an essential tool for web developers and testers. However, there are several alternatives and competitors to Charles Proxy that offer similar or even better options for web development and testing. In this article, we will explore the 10 best Charles Proxy alternatives and competitors in 2024, discussing their key features, performance, and overall value.

1. Fiddler

Fiddler is a widely-used web debugging proxy tool that offers features similar to Charles Proxy. With its ability to capture and analyze HTTP and HTTPS traffic, Fiddler provides developers with useful insights into web application performance and security. The platform also offers additional features like session manipulation, response tampering, and automation scripting. Fiddler is available on multiple platforms and supports various browsers, making it a convenient choice for web developers.

2. Burp Suite

Burp Suite is a powerful web application security testing tool that includes a proxy module for analyzing HTTP and HTTPS traffic. With its advanced features like active scanning, vulnerability detection, and exploit testing, Burp Suite is an excellent option for developers and security testers. The platform also offers a user-friendly interface and supports multiple browsers and operating systems. Burp Suite is a comprehensive alternative to Charles Proxy that provides advanced functionalities for web application security.

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3. OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) is a free and open-source web application security testing tool that includes a proxy module. With its ability to intercept and modify HTTP and HTTPS requests and responses, OWASP ZAP provides developers with a robust testing environment. The platform also offers features like vulnerability scanning, automatic pentesting, and scripting. OWASP ZAP's open-source nature allows for customization and community support, making it a popular choice for web application security testing.

4. mitmproxy

mitmproxy is a free and open-source man-in-the-middle proxy tool that allows developers to intercept and analyze HTTP and HTTPS traffic. With its extensive features like SSL decryption, interception and modification of requests and responses, and scriptability, mitmproxy provides developers with a powerful tool for web development and testing. The platform also offers a user-friendly interface and supports multiple operating systems and devices. mitmproxy's open-source nature allows for customization and community support, making it a compelling alternative to Charles Proxy.

5. Proxyman

Proxyman is a modern macOS-based web debugging proxy tool that includes advanced features for analyzing HTTP and HTTPS traffic. With its user-friendly interface, real-time traffic inspector, and breakpoints, Proxyman provides developers with an efficient workflow for web development and testing. The platform also offers additional features like server mocking, request and response editing, and scripting. Proxyman is an excellent option for macOS users looking for a comprehensive and intuitive web debugging proxy tool.

6. Telerik Fiddler Everywhere

Telerik Fiddler Everywhere is a cross-platform web debugging proxy tool that offers similar features to Fiddler. With its ability to capture and analyze HTTP and HTTPS traffic, Telerik Fiddler Everywhere provides developers with a comprehensive tool for web development and testing. The platform also offers additional features like performance profiling, API testing, and automation scripting. Telerik Fiddler Everywhere supports multiple platforms and browsers, making it a versatile alternative to Charles Proxy.

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7. HTTP Toolkit

HTTP Toolkit is a lightweight web debugging proxy tool that offers real-time traffic inspection and manipulation. With its ability to intercept and modify HTTP and HTTPS requests and responses, HTTP Toolkit provides developers with useful insights into web application behavior. The platform also offers additional features like scriptability and request replaying. HTTP Toolkit's lightweight nature and user-friendly interface make it a convenient option for web developers.

8. Postman

Postman is a popular API testing tool that includes a proxy module for analyzing HTTP and HTTPS traffic. With its comprehensive features like request and response editing, testing collections, and mock servers, Postman provides developers with a robust tool for API development and testing. The platform also offers a user-friendly interface and supports multiple operating systems and devices. Postman is an excellent option for developers looking for an API-focused alternative to Charles Proxy.

9. Zapier

Zapier is a web automation tool that includes a webhook feature for analyzing HTTP and HTTPS traffic. With its ability to capture and send data between web applications, Zapier provides developers with a powerful tool for automating web workflows. The platform also offers additional features like task automation, workflow building, and app integration. Zapier's focus on automation and integration makes it a unique alternative to Charles Proxy for web developers.

10. Wireshark

Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analyzer that allows developers to capture and analyze network traffic, including HTTP and HTTPS. With its extensive features like packet inspection, filtering, and protocol decoding, Wireshark provides developers with a powerful tool for network analysis. The platform also supports multiple operating systems and devices, making it a versatile option for developers. While Wireshark may not offer the same level of web-specific features as other alternatives, its powerful network analysis capabilities make it a strong competitor to Charles Proxy.

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In conclusion, while Charles Proxy is a popular web debugging proxy tool for web development and testing, there are several alternatives and competitors that offer similar or even better options in 2024. Whether you prefer the comprehensive features of Fiddler and Burp Suite, the open-source nature of OWASP ZAP and mitmproxy, the intuitive interface of Proxyman and Telerik Fiddler Everywhere, or the unique focus of HTTP Toolkit, Postman, Zapier, and Wireshark, these Charles Proxy alternatives provide a range of options to suit different preferences and needs. Consider factors such as traffic analysis capabilities, additional features, platform compatibility, and pricing when choosing the best Charles Proxy alternative for your web development and testing needs.