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Tinyproxy

tinyproxy.github.io

Free plan macOSLinuxSelf-hosted
Visit tinyproxy.github.io
Spec score 7.3 #12 of 25 in Forward Proxy Software

What it is

Tinyproxy is a free, open-source HTTP/HTTPS proxy daemon for POSIX systems, available for Linux, macOS, and self-hosted deployments. It is aimed at embedded installations and small networks where larger proxy servers consume too many resources. The project reports memory use of about 2 MB with glibc, while CPU load rises linearly as simultaneous connections increase. Tinyproxy forwards HTTPS through CONNECT without changing traffic; administrators can limit CONNECT by port or disable it. It can operate as a transparent proxy or reverse-proxy front end. Rules filter websites by URL or domain, although URL filtering works only for plain HTTP. Upstream HTTP, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 proxies can be selected by site. Client access can be limited by address or subnet, with HTTP Basic Authentication available. Header controls do not affect HTTPS. Source compilation is required, with packages or ports listed for several systems.

Spec sheet

What it does
Tinyproxy is a lightweight HTTP/HTTPS proxy daemon for POSIX operating systems.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
Support
The project directs users to GitHub issues for bugs or feature suggestions and identifies #tinyproxy on Libera.Chat as a developer community channel.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
Access controls
Administrators can restrict client access by address or subnet and configure HTTP Basic Authentication.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Filtering
It supports filtering websites by URL or domain using configurable rules; URL filtering works only for plain HTTP.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
HTTPS forwarding
It forwards HTTPS connections through CONNECT without modifying traffic, and its documentation says CONNECT can be restricted by port or disabled.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
Installation
Tinyproxy is distributed as source code that must be compiled, and the project lists packages or ports for Linux distributions, BSD systems, and Mac OS X.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
Intended use
The project describes it as suited to embedded deployments and small networks where larger proxies use too many resources.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
Privacy controls
It can allow or block selected HTTP headers, but the project notes these controls do not affect HTTPS connections.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
Proxy modes
It can be configured as a transparent proxy or as a reverse proxy front end for websites.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
Resource use
The project says memory use tends to be around 2 MB with glibc and CPU load increases linearly with simultaneous connections.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
Security guidance
The project recommends running Tinyproxy as a regular restricted user and says it can run without special privileges with suitable file ownership and a port above 1024.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io
Security support
The security policy lists version 1.11.x as supported and directs vulnerability reports to a public GitHub issue or a maintainer contacted through IRC for private reports.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Upstream proxies
Its configuration supports upstream HTTP, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 proxies, with rules that can select an upstream by site.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io

Plans and prices

Tinyproxy Free Source code distributed under GNU GPL version 2 or above Read 4 Oct 2026 · tinyproxy.github.io

Every Tinyproxy plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source under GNU GPL version 2 or above
  • Uses about 2 MB memory with glibc
  • Supports transparent and reverse-proxy modes
  • Offers HTTP, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 upstreams
  • Provides address, subnet, and Basic Authentication controls

Limits

  • Source code must be compiled
  • URL filtering works only for plain HTTP
  • Header controls do not affect HTTPS connections
  • CPU load rises linearly with simultaneous connections

Who it suits

Tinyproxy suits administrators of embedded deployments, small networks, and self-hosted POSIX systems who need configurable proxying. It also fits users who can compile source code and manage access rules.

Verdict

Tinyproxy focuses on low-resource proxying with broad routing, filtering, and access controls. Its source-based installation and HTTPS limitations matter when planning deployment.

Where Specifiction places it

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