Apache Traffic Server vs ProxyEmpire

Apache Traffic Server is a free, open-source caching proxy server for HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2. It stores frequently requested pages, images, and web service calls so they can be reused, with the stated aims of improving response time and reducing server load and bandwidth needs. It can also add keep-alive behavior, filter or anonymize requests, and balance traffic through a proxy layer. Deployment patterns include web proxy cache, reverse proxy, and cache hierarchy. As a layer 7 HTTP load balancer, it can choose next-hop servers using request attributes, weighted round robin, or URL consistent hashing. Plug-in APIs let teams add behavior such as changing headers, handling ESI requests, or implementing cache algorithms. Security options include client access controls and authentication, SSL termination, and SSL-based access control. It is self-hosted, with Linux and macOS listed as platforms. The project identifies enterprises, internet service providers, backbone providers, and large intranets as its intended audience. The listed stable release is 10.2.0; 9.2.15 is listed as the long-term support release.

ProxyEmpire sells proxy connections for business uses such as web scraping, marketing research, and e-commerce comparisons. Its listed networks include rotating and static residential, rotating and dedicated mobile, rotating datacenter, and unlimited residential proxies. Connection settings can keep the same IP, assign a new one for each request, or rotate on a custom schedule of up to two hours. The service advertises no concurrent session limit and bandwidth rollover. It supports HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5, and HTTP/2; compatible software must accept HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5 proxies authenticated with a username and password. ProxyEmpire offers an API, Chrome extension, and Android tool, with setup guides for more than 35 tools and apps, including 14 anti-detect browsers. The extension includes profile switching, bulk import and testing, WebRTC leak protection, a kill switch, status and bandwidth views, and image blocking. Pricing varies by network and plan: listed options include $7.00 per month for 1 GB of rotating residential traffic and $3.50 per month for one static residential proxy. The company advertises 24/7 human support.