How to Create Proxies + Best Proxy Options

In 2025, privacy, security, and unrestricted access are must-haves — and knowing how to create a proxy or build your own proxy server gives you full control. This guide shows you the essentials of proxy types, server setup, and IP management, plus the best ready-made proxy options if you’d rather skip the DIY work.

​What is a proxy server?

​A ​proxy server​ functions as an intermediary between your device and the internet. When you request access to a website or online service, the proxy server receives this request, forwards it on your behalf, and then returns the response. This process masks your original IP address with the proxy’s IP, providing anonymity and additional layers of security.​

​Key benefits of using a proxy server include:​

• Anonymity: Hides your real IP to protect personal identity or business operations, useful for managing multiple accounts or competitive research.
• Bypassing Restrictions: Access geo-blocked or censored content by routing traffic through proxies in different regions.
• Content Filtering: Blocks malicious or unwanted content before it reaches your device.
• Performance Optimization: Caches frequently accessed content to reduce latency and bandwidth usage.

​Why build your own proxy server?

​While many commercial proxy services exist, creating your own proxy server offers distinct advantages:​

• Full Control: Customize configurations, access controls, and security settings tailored to your requirements.
• Cost Efficiency: Avoid recurring fees associated with third-party proxy providers, especially at scale.
• Scalability: Manage multiple proxies and IPs dynamically, adapting to changing demands.
• Enhanced Security: Implement strict authentication, encryption, and monitoring to safeguard your infrastructure.​

​Types of proxies and their use cases

​Before learning ​how to create proxies​, it’s essential to understand the different proxy types and their typical applications:​

​Choosing the right proxy type depends on your goals. For example, web scraping often benefits from rotating elite proxies to avoid detection, while simple content filtering may only require transparent proxies.

Proxy options to simplify your setup

Building proxies from scratch takes time, technical skill, and constant upkeep. If you’d rather skip server management, ready-made proxy services give you instant, reliable access with no headaches. Here are three trusted options worth considering:

1. NodeMaven – Scalable proxy infrastructure that’s easy to set up and built for high performance.
2. Bright Data – A leading provider with global coverage and advanced features for web scraping and data collection.
3. Smartproxy – A large residential and datacenter proxy pool with intuitive management tools and competitive pricing.

​Choosing one of these services can save you significant time and effort, ensuring a smoother and more effective proxy experience.​

​How to create a proxy server: Step-by-step technical guide

​Building your own proxy server involves selecting the right environment, installing proxy software, configuring it properly, and securing the setup. Below is a detailed walkthrough.​

​1. Selecting the server environment

​Your proxy server’s foundation is the hardware or virtual machine it runs on. Consider:​

• Cloud VPS Providers: Platforms like AWS, DigitalOcean, or Google Cloud offer scalable virtual servers with global data centers. For example, DigitalOcean droplets start at $5/month with 1GB RAM and 25GB SSD, suitable for small proxy servers.
• Dedicated On-Premises Hardware: For maximum control and privacy, use a physical server or repurpose an old PC.
• Operating System: Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or CentOS are preferred for their stability, security, and extensive community support.

​2. Choosing proxy server software

​Several open-source proxy server applications are available, each with unique strengths:​

• Squid: A powerful HTTP/HTTPS proxy with advanced caching and access control features. Ideal for large-scale deployments.
• 3proxy: Lightweight, supports multiple protocols including SOCKS and HTTP.
• TinyProxy: Minimalist HTTP proxy suitable for small-scale or embedded use.
• Shadowsocks: A secure SOCKS5 proxy designed to circumvent censorship with encryption.

​3. Installing and configuring proxy software

​Example: Installing Squid on Ubuntu​

​sudo apt update

sudo apt install squid

​Edit the configuration file ​/etc/squid/squid.conf​ to:​

• Define allowed client IP ranges using Access Control Lists (ACLs).
• Set the listening port (default 3128).
• Configure caching parameters to optimize performance.
• Enable authentication mechanisms (basic or digest) to restrict access.

​Sample ACL snippet:

​acl localnet src 192.168.1.0/24

http_access allow localnet

http_access deny all

​Restart Squid to apply changes:​

​sudo systemctl restart squid

4. Creating multiple proxy instances

​To manage multiple proxies on a single server (useful for IP rotation or user segmentation):​

• Run multiple instances of your proxy software on different ports.
• Assign unique IP addresses via IP aliasing or multiple network interfaces.
• Configure separate ACLs and authentication for each instance.

​For example, Squid can be run with different config files specifying distinct ports and IP bindings.​

​5. Securing your proxy server

​Security is paramount to prevent unauthorized use and data breaches:​

• Authentication: Implement username/password or token-based authentication.
• Firewall Rules: Restrict access to trusted IP addresses or networks.
• Encryption: Use SSL/TLS tunnels (e.g., via stunnel or built-in support) to secure data in transit.
• Regular Updates: Keep your OS and proxy software patched against vulnerabilities.
• Logging and Monitoring: Track usage patterns and detect suspicious activity.

​6. Testing your proxy server

​Verify your proxy’s functionality and anonymity:​

Use Pixelscan’s IP checker to confirm IP masking.

Test connectivity with command-line tools:

curl -x http://username:password@proxy_ip:port https://api.ipify.org

Monitor logs (/var/log/squid/access.log) for errors or unauthorized attempts.

​How to create proxies: Managing proxy IPs and rotation

​Creating proxies is not just about server setup; managing the IP addresses your proxies use is equally critical.​

​Methods to obtain proxy IPs

• Static IPs from Your ISP: Request additional IP addresses for your server. This can be costly and limited.
• Cloud Provider IP Pools: Deploy multiple VPS instances or use IP aliasing to assign multiple IPs to one server.
• Purchasing IPs: Acquire residential or datacenter IPs from reputable vendors for diverse geographic coverage.
• Dynamic IP Rotation: Automate IP switching using scripts or proxy management platforms to reduce detection risk.

​Effective proxy management practices

• Authentication per Proxy: Assign unique credentials to control and monitor usage.
• Load Balancing: Distribute traffic evenly to prevent overload and maintain performance.
• Monitoring Metrics: Track bandwidth, latency, uptime, and error rates to optimize proxy health.

​Practical applications and case studies

1. Bypassing Geo-Restrictions – Proxies in different countries unlock region-specific content, like Hulu or Netflix US, and help businesses test localized ads.
2. Enhancing Privacy in Web Scraping – Rotating multiple proxies prevents IP bans, keeping tools like price monitors running without interruption.
3. Secure Remote Access – Routing traffic through your proxy on public Wi-Fi protects sensitive data, especially when combined with SSL/TLS encryption.