3proxy.ru

What It Is

3proxy is not a commercial proxy/VPN service in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a “small, free, cross-platform proxy server suite.” It supports environments such as Windows, Linux/Unix, BSD, macOS, and Solaris, and can be used to self-host HTTP, SOCKS, FTP, mail proxies, as well as TCP/UDP port mapping services. The text clearly notes that some antivirus software may identify it as a PUA or Trojan-like component, but the project states that it does not perform any functions beyond those declared.

Core Capabilities

In terms of protocols, 3proxy covers HTTP proxy, HTTPS, FTP, SOCKSv4/SOCKSv4.5/SOCKSv5, and also includes components such as POP3, SMTP, FTP proxy, DNS caching proxy, and TCP/UDP port mapper. Newer versions also mention tlspr SNI proxy, SSLPlugin, HAProxy v1 proxy protocol, TLS-related capabilities, and proxy chaining. Its focus is not on providing residential, mobile, or data center IP pools, but on allowing users to build their own proxy gateway on their own servers.

For control features, 3proxy supports access control, bandwidth limiting, daily/weekly/monthly traffic quotas, connection redirection, proxy chaining, log rotation, and logging via ODBC and syslog. The text also mentions connection limits, connection rate limits, Linux zero-copy, IPv6 improvements, and preliminary RADIUS support, indicating that it is more of a system-level tool.

Pricing and Licensing

3proxy is described as FreeWare and can be used under GNU/GPL or its own license. Since version 0.6, it has adopted a BSD-like license and is compatible with various licensing models such as LGPL and Apache License. Commercial support requires contacting the team by email. The page does not disclose fixed pricing, plans, payment methods, or SLA details.

Pros and Cons

Its strengths are that it is lightweight, free, cross-platform, and supports a broad range of protocols. It is suitable for users who need fine-grained access control, speed limits, traffic quotas, and logging. Its limitations are also clear: it is not a ready-to-use proxy IP service, and it does not disclose any IP pool, country coverage, anonymity level, or hosted nodes. Deployment, configuration, and security maintenance all require technical expertise.

Who It’s For and Access from China

3proxy is suitable for system administrators, developers, internal network gateway maintainers, and teams that need to self-host SOCKS/HTTP proxies, port mapping, or proxy chains. It is not suitable for users who simply want to buy ready-made residential proxies, mobile proxies, or a VPN. Access from mainland China is not specified in the text and should be considered unknown. If direct access is unavailable, users may consider mirrors, GitHub, Docker, or alternatives such as Squid, Dante, Privoxy, and HAProxy.