SOCKS5 proxies enable you to anonymize your online activities and access blocked content. But finding reliable SOCKS5 proxies can be challenging. This guide will help you pick the top SOCKS5 proxy providers for your needs in 2023.
Contents
What is SOCKS5 and How Does it Work?
SOCKS5 is an internet protocol that routes traffic between a client and server through an intermediary SOCKS5 proxy server. The proxy assigns you a new IP address to mask your real identity.
Unlike HTTP proxies which only work for web traffic, SOCKS5 proxies can handle almost any protocol or application like torrents, games, chat or video streaming.
Key Differences Between SOCKS5 and SOCKS4
SOCKS5 is an upgraded version of SOCKS4 with additional features:
- Support for IPv6 addresses
- Variety of authentication methods beyond username/password
- Can handle UDP traffic for video, VoIP etc.
- Allows remote DNS resolution
For most use cases, SOCKS5 is preferable over SOCKS4. The expanded capabilities allow you to use SOCKS5 proxies for more applications.
Comparing SOCKS5 Proxies and HTTP Proxies
While HTTP proxies only work with web traffic, SOCKS5 proxies are compatible with almost anything that uses TCP or UDP connections. This makes SOCKS5 more versatile.
However, SOCKS5 proxies route traffic unencrypted. For privacy-sensitive tasks like online payments, HTTPS proxies are more secure.
Main Uses of SOCKS5 Proxies
People utilize SOCKS5 proxies for:
- Accessing geo-restricted content
- Hiding IP address
- Downloading torrents
- Video streaming sites like Twitch
- Online games
- Getting around firewalls that block TCP
Marketers also leverage SOCKS5 proxies for web scraping and other automation tasks.
Pros and Cons of SOCKS5 Proxies
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Compatible with all traffic, not just HTTP/HTTPS | Usually more expensive than HTTP proxies |
| High anonymity as IPs are newly assigned | Data is unencrypted |
| Great for high-bandwidth tasks | Limited app support |
Avoid Free SOCKS5 Proxy Lists
While tempting, free public SOCKS5 proxy lists tend to be very slow and unreliable. They are shared by too many anonymous users, and often go offline.
Paid SOCKS5 proxies from reputable providers deliver much better performance and availability. Many offer free trials so you can test them out.
The 7 Best SOCKS5 Proxy Providers
Based on price, features, network size and performance – these top-rated vendors offer quality SOCKS5 proxies:
1. Smartproxy
Overview: Smartproxy provides residential, datacenter and mobile SOCKS5 proxies starting from $2.50 per IP. The network spans 40 million residential IPs and 10 million mobile IPs globally.
We found Smartproxy proxies to have excellent uptime and speed. They offer sticky sessions and port unblocking. The easy-to-use dashboard makes Smartproxy convenient for first-time buyers.
Main Features:
- Residential, datacenter & mobile proxies
- Browser extension & API access
- 3-day free trial
Pricing:
- Residential – $8.50 per 1GB
- Datacenter – $2.50 per IP
- Mobile – $25 per 1GB
2. Oxylabs
Overview: Oxylabs sells premium residential and datacenter SOCKS5 proxies tailored for businesses. Their global private proxy network exceeds 2 million IPs.
Support includes 24/7 live chat and a dedicated account manager. Oxylabs proxies consistently show stellar success rates and speeds in our tests.
Main Features:
- Dedicated datacenter & residential proxies
- Proxy management API
- 7-day free trial for businesses
Pricing:
- Datacenter – $1.80 per IP
- Residential – $17 per GB
3. Bright Data
Overview: Bright Data offers all proxy types (datacenter, ISP, residential, mobile) with SOCKS5 support. Choose from over 70 million IPs worldwide.
Notable features include the open-source Proxy Manager, proprietary web debugging tool, and pool rotation. Their comprehensive API enables automation. Prices are on the higher side.
Main Features:
- All proxy types
- Proxy management tools
- API access
- 7-day free trial
Pricing:
- Residential – $10.50 per GB
- Datacenter – $0.80 per IP + usage fee
- Mobile – $24 per GB
4. Infatica
Overview: Infatica provides residential and datacenter SOCKS5 proxies focused on businesses. The network includes 10 million residential IPs spanning over 100 locations globally.
Their residential proxies clock fast speeds in our tests. Support options include 24/7 live chat and email. Bulk pricing is very affordable compared to other premium providers.
Main Features:
- Residential & datacenter proxies
- API access
- 24/7 support
Pricing:
- Residential – $12 per GB
- Datacenter – $3 per IP
Overview: Webshare offers residential, datacenter and ISP proxies with SOCKS5 support. Choose proxies by country, city, ASN, ISP or connection type.
Rotating proxy lists, sticky sessions, and a powerful API provide flexibility. Decent performance overall, their infrastructure handles heavy loads well. Ideal for self-service.
Main Features:
- Residential, datacenter & ISP proxies
- Targeting and rotating options
- API access
Pricing:
- Residential – $7 per GB
- Datacenter – $1 per IP
- ISP – $4.20 per IP
6. IPRoyal
Overview: IPRoyal provides cheap residential, datacenter and ISP SOCKS5 proxies starting at $1 per IP. Pay as you go billing available.
The network comprises 20,000 IPs in over 195 countries. While priced low, expect only decent uptime and speeds from their proxies. Suitable for basic tasks.
Main Features:
- Residential, datacenter & ISP proxies
- Pay as you go billing
- Browser extension
Pricing:
- Residential – $7 per GB
- Datacenter – $1.80 per IP
- ISP – $4 per IP
7. SOAX
Overview: SOAX sells residential, mobile and ISP SOCKS5 proxies focused on businesses. The network includes over 100 countries.
Their residential IPs demonstrate good speeds. Flexible targeting and rotation settings allows customization. Prices are on the steeper side starting at $6.6 per GB.
Main Features:
- Residential, mobile & ISP proxies
- Granular targeting options
- 3-day $1.99 trial
Pricing:
- Starts at $6.6 per GB
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SOCKS5 proxies for web scraping?
Yes, SOCKS5 proxies work for web scraping. They are more versatile than HTTP proxies. Useful when scraping apps vs sites.
Are residential SOCKS5 proxies better than datacenter?
It depends on your use case. Residential proxies mimic real users better for things like ad verification. Datacenter proxies are faster for downloads.
Is it safe to buy shared SOCKS5 proxies?
Buying shared proxies from a reputable vendor is reasonably safe. They isolate users through IP assignment so your usage is not visible to others.
Final Thoughts
SOCKS5 proxies enable you to unblock content, mask IP address and secure your online privacy. They are more flexible than HTTP proxies.
This guide covered top-rated SOCKS5 proxy providers catering to both individuals and businesses. Consider factors like price, network size, features and performance as you pick the right supplier.
Many vendors offer free trials so you can experience SOCKS5 proxies first-hand. For best results, avoid free public proxy lists.
