Apache Traffic Server vs Tinyproxy
Apache Traffic Server
trafficserver.apache.orgTinyproxy
tinyproxy.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Apache Traffic Server | Tinyproxy |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Proxy Software | 9.0 (#2) | 7.2 (#30) |
| Spec score · Forward Proxy Software | 8.9 (#3) | 7.3 (#12) |
| Installation | The project distributes source tarballs and repository code rather than project-provided binary downloads; installation uses CMake. | 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. |
| Support | Users can seek help through the Users Mailing List or ASF Slack, and code questions through the developers discussion list. | The project directs users to GitHub issues for bugs or feature suggestions and identifies #tinyproxy on Libera.Chat as a developer community channel. |
| What it does | Apache Traffic Server is a fast, scalable and extensible HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 caching proxy. | Tinyproxy is a lightweight HTTP/HTTPS proxy daemon for POSIX operating systems. |
Plans
In their own words
Apache Traffic Server
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.
Tinyproxy
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.