Privoxy
Non-caching filtering web proxy that strips ads, trackers and unwanted headers.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Linux, macOS, Windows, Self-hosted
Is Privoxy free?
Yes, free and open source
- License:
- GNU GPLv2 or later
Checked on Privoxy's site Nov 8, 2026
Switch from Privoxy to
All 6
uBlock OriginOpen source
Pi-holeOpen source
AdGuard HomeOpen source
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 6
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Privoxy
Privoxy is a small web proxy whose job is filtering rather than caching. You point a browser, a whole device or a home network at it, and it rewrites traffic according to rules: blocking ad and tracker URLs, removing or changing HTTP headers and cookies, modifying page content and controlling which sites can be reached. Because it works at the proxy level it covers any app that can use a proxy, not just one browser, and it is often paired with Tor. It descends from the Internet Junkbuster and is free software under the GNU GPL, maintained by volunteers as an associated project of Software in the Public Interest. It runs on Linux, BSD, macOS and Windows. The catch is that most web traffic is now HTTPS, and Privoxy can only filter inside encrypted pages if you set up its optional HTTPS inspection with your own certificate, which takes care. Its rule files are also more manual to manage than a browser ad blocker's subscription lists.
Best for: Privacy-minded users who want to filter ads and headers for every app on a machine or network.
Privoxy pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from Privoxy's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Nov 8, 2026 | privoxy.org |
Pros and cons
What works
- Filters traffic for any app that can use a proxy
- Fine control over headers, cookies and page content
- Free software that pairs well with Tor
Why people leave
- Filtering HTTPS pages needs extra certificate setup
- Rules are managed by hand rather than through simple lists
- No built-in graphical interface for configuration
Privoxy vs uBlock Origin, Pi-hole and AdGuard Home
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Privoxy | uBlock Origin | Pi-hole | AdGuard Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Open source | Open source | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — | — | — |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app | Free app | Free app |
| Open source | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hostable | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows, Self-hosted | Browser extension, Android | Self-hosted, Linux | Self-hosted, Linux, Windows, macOS |
Top Privoxy alternatives
See all 6- 1uBlock Origin76.8
Filters inside HTTPS pages without certificate setup and uses maintained lists, for browser-only blocking.
- 2Pi-hole68.8
Blocks ads for every device on the network at the DNS level, with a web dashboard and no proxy settings to configure.
- 3AdGuard Home64.8
Network-wide DNS blocking with easy filter-list subscriptions and a friendlier web interface.
- 4
AdGuard57.5Desktop app that filters ads and trackers for every app on the computer, set up through a GUI instead of config files.
- 5
NextDNS55.9Blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level for every device, with no local proxy to run or maintain.
Why people left Privoxy
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Privoxy, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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Write a review of Privoxy
Privoxy: common questions
What is Privoxy?
Privoxy: Non-caching filtering web proxy that strips ads, trackers and unwanted headers. Best for privacy-minded users who want to filter ads and headers for every app on a machine or network. Available for Linux, macOS and Windows, and you can host it yourself.
Is Privoxy free?
Yes. Privoxy is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.
How much does Privoxy cost?
Privoxy is free and open source. Price: Free. Checked on Privoxy's own site, November 2026.
Is Privoxy open source?
Yes. You can also run it on your own server.
What platforms does Privoxy run on?
Privoxy is available for Linux, macOS, Windows and Self-hosted.
What are the best alternatives to Privoxy?
The highest-ranked Privoxy alternatives right now are uBlock Origin, Pi-hole and AdGuard Home. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Privoxy vs uBlock Origin: what's the difference?
Both Privoxy and uBlock Origin are free and open source. Only Privoxy runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. Only uBlock Origin runs on Browser extension and Android.