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SPECIFICTION
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Charles

charlesproxy.com

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Spec score 8.6 #8 of 27 in Web Debugging Proxies

What it is

Charles is a web proxy and HTTP monitor for developers who need to inspect traffic from browsers and other internet applications configured to use it. While recording is enabled, it captures and displays HTTP and SSL/HTTPS requests and responses, including headers, cookies, and caching information. SSL Proxying lets users examine HTTPS session contents. They can repeat or edit requests, intercept requests or responses with breakpoints, replay traffic, mock responses, inspect WebSockets, and chain proxies. Bandwidth throttling and added latency simulate slower connections. Charles presents JSON, JSON-RPC, and SOAP in a simplified tree format and supports Flash Remoting AMF0 and AMF3. Its iOS app captures HTTP and HTTPS traffic and can share requests or sessions with desktop Charles. Captured data is stored on the user's computer; Charles says its developers cannot access it. The software runs on iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. There is no free plan; a 30-day trial is available. Individual licenses start at $30, paid once for 10+ users, while 1–4 licenses cost $50 as a one-time purchase.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Charles is a web proxy and HTTP monitor that runs on your computer and records and displays data sent and received by browsers or other internet applications configured to use it.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Platforms
The desktop application is offered for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and Charles also has an iOS app for capturing traffic on the device.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Support
The maker directs users to the documentation and invites them to contact support if documentation does not resolve their issue.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Headquarters
Auckland, New ZealandRead 28 Sep 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Formats and protocols
Charles natively supports JSON, JSON-RPC, and SOAP in a simplified tree format, and supports Flash Remoting AMF0 and AMF3.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
HTTPS debugging
SSL Proxying lets Charles act as a man-in-the-middle for HTTP/SSL communication so users can debug HTTPS session contents.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
iOS capabilities
The iOS app captures HTTP and HTTPS traffic, supports SSL Proxying, and can share individual requests or sessions with desktop Charles.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
License scope
A user license allows use on one computer at a time, with a second computer allowed when the same person uses both installations; site licenses cover a site and multi-site licenses cover multiple sites.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Network simulation
Bandwidth throttling and added latency simulate slower internet connections.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Organization
Charles is developed by XK72, and its EULA identifies XK72 Limited at an Auckland, New Zealand address.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Privacy and data handling
Charles captures traffic only while recording is enabled and stores captured data on the user's computer; the developers say they do not have access to it.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Request controls
Users can repeat and edit requests and set breakpoints to intercept and edit requests or responses.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Traffic inspection
Charles lets developers view HTTP and SSL/HTTPS requests, responses, headers, cookies, and caching information.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Update telemetry
Charles periodically contacts a developer-controlled server to check for updates, sending operating system and Charles version information that is kept in aggregate without personally identifying information.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Updates
A paid license applies to the major version purchased and its updates before the next major version; an upgrade to the next major version is free if released within three months of purchase, otherwise the upgrade fee is 40% of the original fee.Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com

Plans and prices

1-4 User Licenses $50, paid once License valid for the current major version and its updates 1-4 users Read 20 Sep 2026 · charlesproxy.com
10+ User Licenses $30, paid once USD $30 / license (40% discount) 10+ licenses · valid for current major version and updates before next major version Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
5+ User Licenses $40, paid once USD $40 / license (20% discount) 5+ licenses · valid for current major version and updates before next major version Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
1–4 User Licenses $50, paid once USD $50 / license 1–4 licenses · valid for current major version and updates before next major version Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Site License $400, paid once USD $400 Use on any computer at one site · valid for current major version and updates before next major version Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com
Multi-Site License $700, paid once USD $700 Use on any computer at multiple sites · valid for current major version and updates before next major version Read 4 Oct 2026 · charlesproxy.com

Every Charles plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Inspects HTTP and SSL/HTTPS requests and responses.
  • Supports request editing, breakpoints, and traffic replay.
  • Simulates bandwidth limits and added latency.
  • iOS app can share sessions with desktop Charles.

Limits

  • No free plan; paid license required.
  • A user license covers one computer at a time.
  • Next-major-version upgrades may cost 40% of the original fee.

Who it suits

Charles suits developers who need to inspect, modify, or replay application traffic, including HTTPS sessions. Its individual, site, and multi-site license options address different deployment needs.

Verdict

Charles combines detailed traffic inspection with controls for changing and replaying requests. Check the license scope and next-major-version upgrade terms when choosing a purchase option.

Where Specifiction places it

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