Top 7 browser proxy extensions

Proxy Helper

Using proxy extensions is an effective method to modify your IP address. This is beneficial for anonymous browsing, circumventing geolocation-based restrictions, and conducting automated tasks that involve sending numerous requests to a web resource.

This review will cover the seven most popular add-ons suitable for these tasks and demonstrate how to configure a proxy using them in browsers.

Proxy SwitchyOmega

The extension is available in the add-on stores for Firefox and Google Chrome, making it a popular choice among advanced users. Its flexible settings transform the web browser into a robust environment suitable for tasks such as mass account registrations, mailings, and managing bookings for airlines and hotels.

Additionally, the extension caters to users with basic needs, such as changing IP addresses to bypass blocks or enhancing security on public networks.

Main features

Proxy SwitchyOmega allows users to establish rules for automatically changing IP addresses. Its user-friendly interface enables direct browser connection to network gateways installed on the system, facilitating IP address switching as needed. Users can set a default gateway and utilize hotkeys for various tasks, such as activating or deactivating proxy server access. The extension supports PAC scripts, automating most network connection management processes.

Additionally, Proxy SwitchyOmega includes logging features, allowing users to review reports on the number of unsuccessful requests in the open tab.

To effectively use Proxy SwitchyOmega, it's essential to understand the different types of profiles that can be created, which can also be exported and imported within the settings:

• “Proxy Profile”: this is used to route traffic through a specific IP address.
• “Switch Profile”: alters connection settings based on predefined rules.
• “PAC Profile”: utilizes automatic proxy configuration files to determine suitable connections for specific URLs.
• “Virtual Profile”: lacks fixed settings but can adopt the settings of any other profile, allowing one virtual profile to replace several regular ones.

The program interface is organized into several tabs, with the first being “Settings”. This tab allows customization of the extension to fit user needs and includes three subsections:

• “Interface”: configures notifications, hotkeys, and the tab refresh feature after changing the proxy and setting the default profile.
• “General”: enables the failed request report function and adjusts the frequency of updating online rule lists and PAC scripts.
• “Import/Export”: facilitates the creation of a backup and the import, export, and restoration of profiles via a URL link.

The “Profiles” tab displays all user-created profiles and includes default profiles without settings. Clicking the “New profile…” button directs the user to the profile settings menu.

Lastly, the “Actions” tab is where users save or cancel the settings they have applied.

Advantages and disadvantages of Proxy SwitchyOmega

Pros	Cons
+ Automatic proxy server switching + Personalization: hotkeys, autosave, notifications + Ability to restore profiles from a backup, as well as export and import + Supports several types of network proxies with different capabilities + Built-in guide for new users, activated on the first launch of the extension + No advertisements	− English-only interface and lack of localization − No options for standard proxy list configuration (only when creating PAC-profiles) − Not available in the Opera browser store

The plugin's versatility makes it suitable for a range of tasks, from basic anonymous internet browsing to conducting mass mailings and other activities that necessitate frequent IP address changes to avoid blocks and captchas.

To fully utilize this extension's capabilities, users need specific knowledge, such as how to set up rules or PAC scripts. However, for those simply looking to mask their real IP address, creating a “Proxy Profile” suffices. This single function of the addon is enough to achieve basic anonymity online.

How to use Proxy SwitchyOmega

The Proxy SwitchyOmega extension provides multiple proxy setup options thanks to its variety of proxy profiles. This article includes straightforward instructions for setting up a proxy, requiring no special skills.

Best Proxy Switcher

The next extension, Best Proxy Switcher, offers a more limited set of functions, but these are sufficient for basic use. It includes a selection of free public proxies, and users also have the option to create their own configurations.

Main features

The plugin offers a range of useful functions that enhance its convenience and efficiency. Users can download proxy lists from files on their computer or add them manually. Keyboard shortcuts are available to accelerate operations.

For newcomers, there is a detailed training guide that assists in quickly mastering the add-on's features. The main functions are accessible from the main menu, which appears when you click on the extension icon. This menu serves as a central workspace for managing all of the extension's capabilities simultaneously.

With its simplicity and streamlined interface, the extension is ideal for users without prior experience, enabling them to bypass internet blocks and surf the web anonymously.

Advantages and disadvantages of Best Proxy Switcher

Pros	Cons
+ Simple interface with intuitive controls + Quick activation and deactivation using keyboard shortcuts + Ability to import large volumes of proxies from files + Supports correct input format hints	− Manual process of switching IP addresses − Proxy catalog rarely updates and often includes non-working or dead addresses − Not available in the Opera browser store

The extension is well-suited for basic tasks such as visiting blocked sites, ensuring secure internet access, and maintaining network anonymity.

How to Use Best Proxy Switcher

1. To add proxies, navigate to the “Import Proxy List” window found in the expanded control menu.

   

2. Follow the prompts to input the connection data.

   

3. For an automated approach, use the “Import from file” option. Clicking this will open a window where you can select a file from your PC that contains a pool of IP addresses.

   

4. Once saved, the added proxies will appear under the first menu item.

   

5. To activate the extension, choose one of the proxies. Use our checker to verify the settings by ensuring the IP addresses in the checker match those in the extension.

   

6. To disable it, access the main menu and select the option indicated in the screenshot. To switch proxies, return to the user settings section.

Proxy Switcher and Manager

The Proxy Switcher & Manager extension is versatile, featuring multiple working modes to accommodate various needs. It is compatible with Google Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browsers, making it a flexible tool for different user preferences.

Main features

The main features of each mode in which the Proxy Switcher & Manager extension can operate are:

• “Direct” retains the original IP address, even if changes are made at the system level.
• “Auto Detect” automatically connects to a proxy that was previously used on this network, such as at home or in the office.
• “System Proxy” utilizes the system's IP address for web browsing.
• “Manual Proxy” allows for manual configuration by the user.
• “PAC Script” connects to the network according to specifications set in the PAC file.

Thanks to the variability of Proxy Switcher and Manager, the add-on proves useful for a variety of tasks such as testing, mass data collection, mailing, and bypassing geo-blocks. Its capability to distinguish between system and browser proxies enables convenient simultaneous use of applications and a web browser from different IP addresses.

Proxy Switcher also offers extensive customization options. Users can set up notifications to receive error messages and can change the color scheme of the tabs to easily distinguish between operating modes. Additionally, the extension supports two types of proxies:

• A backup proxy that is activated when the main one fails;
• A default proxy is activated when the browser is opened.

The extension also supports the import and export of settings and includes a support and FAQ section to address any issues that may arise.

Advantages and disadvantages of Proxy Switcher and Manager

Pros	Cons
+ A variety of working modes and easy selection are needed in the working window + Customization options and notification settings + Convenient realization of automation through proxy detection scripts + Intuitive interface with easy controls and a knowledge base for learning functionality	− Proxies only load partially − No localization - all functionality in English only

The extension is ideal for those who need to swiftly switch between different IP addresses. This capability is crucial for protecting privacy, bypassing geographic restrictions, and performing automated actions without encountering captchas or blocks.

How to use Proxy Switcher & Manager

The simplest method to utilize Proxy Switcher & Manager with a proxy is to set it up in “Manual Proxy” mode. This article offers step-by-step instructions on how to configure it accordingly.

FoxyProxy

The extension features two main menus:

• The main window for managing previously configured proxies;
• A panel for performing basic settings.

Given its extensive functionality, Foxy Proxy can be utilized in complex scenarios that require automatic changing of IP addresses.

Main features

One of the standout features of the extension is the ability to configure proxies for individual tabs based on pre-set URLs, enabling precise control over connections for each site. Additionally, the extension supports operation in incognito mode, allowing users to browse from different IP addresses and enhance their anonymity.

The extension also includes a function to block specific domains from using proxy servers, preventing unwanted connections. Proxy switching can be automated using custom templates that activate based on user settings.

For enhanced privacy, the extension offers the option to disable WebRTC, helping prevent real IP address leaks through this technology. The built-in request logging feature allows for analyzing the connection history from a specific IP, aiding in error detection and resolution. All these functionalities are conveniently located in the control panel, simplifying the setup process.

Foxy Proxy also allows for extensive customization. Users can change the theme, set up convenient keyboard shortcuts, and easily identify the required proxy with visual identifiers like a country flag and a color mark.

Moreover, Foxy Proxy includes a location checker and tests for evaluating configured proxy change templates, available during the proxy configuration creation process.

Advantages and disadvantages of FoxyProxy

Pros

Cons

+ Automatic switching templates, adding exclusions, and other advanced functionalities + Settings for synchronization, creating backup copies of proxy profiles and templates + Management of WebRTC technology directly within the extension, eliminating the need for a separate extension for deactivation + Customization of the external appearance of the extension + Ability to set hotkeys + Uploading and downloading proxy lists for data exchange between devices or users

− Disrupted interface − Lack of localization for additional materials − Not all features are adapted for browsers other than Firefox, for example, log storage is not available in Chrome

Considering the advantages and limitations of the FoxyProxy extension, it is recommended for accessing sites that are blocked in the user's actual region, creating and managing multiple accounts, conducting mailings, and ensuring anonymous Internet access.

How to use FoxyProxy

To configure a proxy in FoxyProxy, follow our instructions. The interface is consistent across all browsers, so the setup process will be the same. Management is conducted through a convenient menu that appears after clicking on the extension icon.

SmartProxy

The SmartProxy extension is designed for the efficient management of large pools of IP addresses. Its standout feature, the “Smart Proxy”, automates the selection and connection to the appropriate proxy server based on predefined rules. This functionality offers flexible proxy management across various resources, simplifying the process for users without requiring deep technical knowledge or the creation of PAC scripts.

Main features

To effectively use SmartProxy, you should familiarize yourself with the two main types of profiles available for configuration within the extension:

• “Smart Rules”: by default, the proxy is not used in this profile until a specific rule is set by the user. You need to specify a list of sites for which traffic should be routed through the proxy. Any sites not included in this list will be accessed using the user's real IP address.
• “Always Enabled with Bypass Rules”: in this profile, traffic is routed through the proxy for all sites except those explicitly listed as exceptions by the user.

Profiles are configured through the extension’s settings menu, where SmartProxy provides a user-friendly interface that allows for quick and easy rule setting, even for those without specialized knowledge.

Additional features of this plugin significantly enhance its functionality. For instance, users can subscribe to various lists of proxy servers from third-party services. These lists are automatically updated, ensuring that connections remain relevant and reliable.

The plugin also supports the creation of backup copies of settings, enabling users to save all current configurations. Both full and partial backups can be created, and settings can be restored from a local file as needed.

A particularly notable feature is the ability to change IP addresses even in incognito mode, which enhances anonymity while browsing the internet.

Advantages and disadvantages of SmartProxy

Pros	Cons
+ A variety of extension indicators that promptly inform the user about the connection status + Ability to set advanced connection parameters + Functions for managing IP-address pools + Intuitive and user-friendly interface that ensures easy navigation + Ability to integrate subscriptions to proxy lists	− SmartProxy mode only works in Firefox

How to use SmartProxy

1. Click on the add-on icon to open the control menu and go to “Settings”, as indicated in the screenshot.

   

2. Navigate to the “Proxy servers” category and click the “Add Server” button to open the data entry window.

   

3. Fill in the required fields with the current data. Save the changes.

   

4. After saving, you will automatically return to the “Proxy servers” section, where you can see the IP address you just configured. Confirm the changes by saving again.

   

5. For the proxy to be operational, it needs to be linked to a specific profile. Click on “Add new Smart profile” to create one.

   

6. Choose the type of smart profile you need. For this example, select “Smart Proxy” and click “Continue”.

   

7. Name your profile for easy future identification and link it to the proxy you configured earlier, as shown in the screenshot.

   

8. In the “Rules” section, choose “Add Rule” to set the proxy for a single site, or “Add Multiple Rules” to apply the proxy across multiple hosts. For this example, select “Add Rule”.

   

9. Configure the rule. Set it up so that the proxy linked to this profile only affects the original google.com domain and its subdomains like docs.google.com and photos.google.com. Save your settings by clicking the “Save” button.

   

10. You’ll now see the name of your smart profile listed in the extension’s drop-down menu. To use it, simply click on it. Select “Direct” to revert to using your real IP address.

    

Proxy Helper

The Proxy Helper extension offers three primary functions designed to assist with various tasks:

• Setting up a main server: this allows for configuring a primary proxy server that can be used for all connections or tailored to specific protocols;
• Loading proxy configuration files: users can load proxy settings via a URL, manually, or from files stored on their computer;
• Defining rules to exclude sites: this function enables users to specify certain websites that should not use the proxy.

All these features are accessible through a unified interface that opens in a new browser tab, making it straightforward to manage.

Advantages and disadvantages of Proxy Helper

Pros	Cons
+ Ability to use configuration files for proxies + Setting up a backup server in case the main IP addresses fail + Quick switching to system connection settings + Minimalist interface, not cluttered with details, easy to navigate	− Inability to work with proxy lists − Only available for Google Chrome users

Proxy Helper is an ideal tool if you need to proxy the entire browser while excluding a few selected sites. The extension is also well-suited for those who require the use of a PAC script, thanks to its convenient implementation of this feature.

How to use Proxy Helper

To set up a proxy, follow this simple guide for the Proxy Helper extension.

FireX

FireX Proxy is one of the simplest and most accessible extensions available, offering basic functionality for proxying internet traffic. Its key features include:

• Websites function: allows users to configure whitelists;
• Premium subscription: offers built-in proxy extensions with unlimited traffic;
• Server filtering: enables filtering of added servers by protocol or required country.

FireX is exclusively compatible with the Google Chrome browser.

Advantages and disadvantages of FireX

Pros	Cons
+ Supports all protocols + Intuitive interface with a simple and clear design + Ability to select multiple sites to visit via proxy	− Cannot import a list of IP addresses − Proxy activation and deactivation only in manual mode

This tool is particularly useful for individual users who need to bypass blocking and enhance online security, as it lacks functions for work automation.

How to use FireX

1. After installing the plugin, locate the “+” icon and click on it.

   

2. Check the box to select the desired protocol, then fill in the fields below with the current data provided by your proxy provider. Use the “Add” button to save the settings.

   

3. If you only need to use proxies for specific sites, navigate to the “Websites” tab. In the window below, enter the site's name and then toggle the “Use blacklist” switch to activate it.

   

4. Continue to add the required number of proxies following this method. You will see a list of them on the program’s home page. Use the “Apply” and “Off” buttons to activate and deactivate the proxies, respectively.

   

Finally, let's review a comparison of all 7 extensions in the provided table.

Extension	Proxy SwitchyOmega	Best Proxy Switcher	Proxy Switcher and Manager	FoxyProxy	SmartProxy	Proxy Helper	FireX
Proxy lists	-	+	-	+	+	-	-
PAC scripts	+	-	+	+	-	+	-
Exclusions and whitelists	+	-	+	+	+	+	+
Hotkeys	+	+	-	+	-	-	-
Backup copies	+	-	+	+	+	-	-
Customization	-	-	+	+	-	-	-
Available in Google Chrome	+	+	+	+	+	+	+
Available in Mozilla Firefox	+	+	+	+	+	-	-
Available in Opera	-	-	+	-	+	-	-