"Working proxy sites" is one of the most searched proxy questions, because free proxies stop working constantly. Here's what you're actually getting.
Public free proxy lists
The IP:port lists you find online are mostly:
- misconfigured servers left open by accident,
- compromised devices, or
- honeypots run to collect traffic.
Risks: the operator can log everything you send; plain-HTTP pages can be altered (ads or malware injected); and even with HTTPS, the proxy sees which sites you visit. Never log in to accounts or enter payment details through a free public proxy.
Why they die so fast: owners fix the misconfiguration, or the IP gets blocked everywhere within hours. Test before using — see the proxy troubleshooting checks.
Web proxy sites
These are browser-based: you paste a URL and the site loads the page for you.
- Handy for a quick one-off look at a page.
- Often ad-heavy, break logins and JavaScript-heavy sites, and the operator can see everything you do through them.
Safer free and cheap options
- Free trials and free tiers from real providers — some offer a small number of free datacenter proxies or a trial allowance. Check each provider's profile in the directory for current terms.
- A reputable VPN if you just want privacy on public Wi-Fi.
- Tor Browser if you need anonymity and can live with slow speeds.
Please respect the rules of the network you're on (school, work) — getting around them can have real consequences.