SOAX is a premium proxy provider that has established itself as a trusted name in the residential and mobile proxy space since its founding in 2019. With access to over 191 million residential and mobile IPs across 195+ countries, SOAX delivers ethically sourced, clean proxies suited for a wide range of professional use cases.
What sets SOAX apart is its granular geo-targeting capabilities, allowing users to filter proxies by country, region, city, and even ISP. The platform supports residential, mobile, datacenter, and ISP proxies, making it a one-stop solution for web scraping, ad verification, market research, SEO monitoring, brand protection, and social media management. SOAX’s real-time IP rotation engine lets users configure custom rotation intervals or maintain sticky sessions for up to 24 hours, offering fine-grained control over session behavior.
The dashboard is clean, intuitive, and designed for both technical and non-technical users. SOAX also provides a robust API for seamless integration with scraping frameworks and automation tools. Pricing starts at approximately 6.99 USD/GB for residential proxies on entry plans, scaling down significantly with higher commitments. While SOAX excels in IP quality, ethical sourcing, and ease of use, its mid-to-premium pricing and relatively smaller feature ecosystem (compared to full-stack platforms like Bright Data) have prompted many users to explore alternatives.
Best SOAX competitors and alternatives in 2026
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the 10 best SOAX competitors and alternatives in 2026, complete with descriptions, key features, pricing, and pros and cons.
1. Bright Data
Bright Data is the industry’s largest and most feature-rich proxy and data collection platform. Originally launched as Luminati Networks, it rebranded to Bright Data and has since evolved far beyond a simple proxy provider into a full-stack web data platform. It serves Fortune 500 companies, major e-commerce brands, and large-scale data teams that require enterprise-grade infrastructure with maximum reliability. Bright Data’s ecosystem includes not just proxies but also ready-made datasets, scraping browsers, and unblocker tools — making it a comprehensive solution for any data collection pipeline.
Key Features:
- 72+ million residential IPs across every country, with targeting down to ZIP code and ASN level
- Web Unlocker that automatically handles CAPTCHAs, fingerprinting, and anti-bot systems
- Built-in Scraping Browser with full JavaScript rendering for dynamic pages
- SERP API for structured search engine results collection
- Ready-made datasets marketplace for instant access to pre-collected data
- Supports residential, datacenter, ISP, and mobile proxy types
- Real-time network performance dashboard and usage analytics
- SOC 2 Type II certified with full GDPR and CCPA compliance
Pricing: Residential proxies start at approximately 8.40 USD/GB (pay-as-you-go); committed plans scale down to ~5.04 USD/GB. Free trial available.
Pros:
- Largest and most reliable proxy network in the industry
- Unmatched geo-targeting precision — country, state, city, ZIP, and ASN
- Full-stack platform eliminates the need for third-party scraping tools
- 99%+ success rates on most target websites
- 24/7 dedicated support with onboarding assistance for enterprise clients
Cons:
- Most expensive provider on this list — entry cost is high
- Dashboard and tooling have a steep learning curve for beginners
- KYC and compliance onboarding process can take time
- Overkill and cost-prohibitive for small or casual use cases
2. Decodo
Decodo is a rebranded and repositioned product line closely tied to Smartproxy’s proven infrastructure. It represents Smartproxy’s effort to offer a more streamlined, value-driven proxy experience under a distinct brand identity. Decodo inherits Smartproxy’s massive IP pool and network reliability while focusing on delivering a simplified, cost-effective experience for scraping professionals, SEO specialists, and data teams who want strong performance without enterprise-level complexity or pricing.
Key Features:
- 65+ million residential IPs leveraging Smartproxy’s global network
- 195+ country coverage with city-level and state-level targeting
- Built-in Web Scraping API with automatic parsing
- SERP Scraping API for structured search engine data
- Rotating and sticky session support (up to 30 minutes)
- HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5 protocol support
- No-code scraping tools for non-technical users
- Free trial available for new users
Pricing: Residential proxies start at approximately 3.50 USD/GB; datacenter proxies from ~0.50 USD/IP. Free trial available.
Pros:
- Excellent value — one of the best price-to-quality ratios in the market
- Backed by Smartproxy’s mature, battle-tested infrastructure
- Integrated scraping and SERP APIs reduce tool sprawl
- Easy onboarding with minimal configuration required
- Free trial lowers the barrier to entry
Cons:
- Brand identity is still evolving, which can cause confusion with Smartproxy
- Mobile proxy coverage is limited
- Enterprise features trail behind Bright Data and Oxylabs
- Some users report occasional IP quality inconsistencies in niche geos
3. Oxylabs
Oxylabs is a premium, enterprise-focused proxy and web intelligence provider widely regarded as Bright Data’s closest direct competitor. Headquartered in Lithuania, Oxylabs serves large corporations, data analytics firms, and cybersecurity teams that demand maximum uptime, scale, and compliance. Its product lineup extends well beyond proxies into AI-powered scraping tools, structured data delivery, and real-time web intelligence — making it a serious contender for organizations with demanding data collection needs.
Key Features:
- 100+ million residential IPs — one of the largest pools in the industry
- 99.95% uptime SLA backed by enterprise service agreements
- Web Scraper API with automatic anti-bot bypass and JavaScript rendering
- Dedicated SERP API and E-Commerce Scraper API for structured output
- AI-powered Adaptive Parser for automatic data structuring
- City-level and state-level geo-targeting across 195+ countries
- Supports residential, datacenter, ISP, and mobile proxy types
- 24/7 dedicated account management and technical support
Pricing: Residential proxies start at approximately 8.00 USD/GB; committed plans scale to ~5.00 USD/GB. Enterprise custom pricing available.
Pros:
- Massive IP pool with exceptional diversity and rotation quality
- Enterprise-grade uptime and reliability with formal SLA
- Best-in-class documentation, tutorials, and developer resources
- AI-powered tools for intelligent data extraction
- Strong ethical sourcing and full regulatory compliance
Cons:
- Premium pricing — minimum monthly spend is around 300 USD
- Sales-driven trial process can be slow for individual users
- Feature complexity is excessive for small-scale projects
- Mobile proxy availability trails behind Bright Data
4. IPRoyal
IPRoyal is a budget-friendly proxy provider that has gained rapid popularity among cost-conscious users, freelancers, and small teams. Its standout differentiator is the non-expiring traffic model — bandwidth purchased never expires, which is unique in an industry dominated by monthly commitments. While IPRoyal’s IP pool and feature set are more modest than enterprise providers, its aggressive pricing and simplicity make it an excellent entry point for users who need reliable proxies without breaking the bank. Key Features:
- 2+ million residential IPs across 195+ countries with city-level targeting
- Non-expiring residential traffic — purchased bandwidth never expires
- Supports HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5 protocols
- Sticky sessions up to 24 hours for session-dependent tasks
- Dedicated datacenter, ISP, and sneaker proxies available
- Simple API for programmatic proxy management
- Instant activation with no KYC process
- Pay-as-you-go model starting from 1 GB
Pricing: Residential proxies start at approximately 1.75 USD/GB (pay-as-you-go, non-expiring); datacenter proxies from ~1.39 USD/proxy. Pros:
- Among the cheapest residential proxy options available
- Non-expiring traffic is a major cost-saving advantage
- Clean, beginner-friendly dashboard and setup process
- SOCKS5 support across all proxy types
- No minimum commitment — buy as little as 1 GB
Cons:
- Significantly smaller IP pool limits diversity and rotation quality
- Success rates drop on heavily protected target sites
- No built-in scraping APIs, unblocker tools, or browser solutions
- Customer support is less responsive than enterprise alternatives
- Limited advanced features for power users
5. Proxy-Cheap
Proxy-Cheap is a budget-oriented proxy provider that has steadily built a loyal user base by delivering solid residential, datacenter, and mobile proxies at some of the lowest prices in the market. As the name suggests, affordability is the core promise — but Proxy-Cheap doesn’t cut corners on essentials. It offers a respectable residential IP pool across 130+ countries, and like IPRoyal, it features a non-expiring bandwidth model on residential proxies, meaning purchased traffic never goes to waste. Proxy-Cheap is particularly popular among freelancers, small-scale scrapers, social media managers, and users in emerging markets who need dependable proxies without premium pricing. The platform keeps things straightforward with a clean dashboard, simple authentication options, and no complex onboarding.
Key Features:
- 6+ million residential IPs across 130+ countries
- Non-expiring residential bandwidth — purchased traffic never expires
- Residential, datacenter, mobile, and ISP proxy types available
- Country-level and city-level geo-targeting
- HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5 protocol support
- Rotating and sticky sessions (up to 60 minutes)
- Simple dashboard with API access for programmatic management
- IP and username/password authentication supported
- No minimum commitment — start from as little as 1 GB
- Instant activation with no KYC requirements
Pricing: Residential proxies start at approximately 3.49 USD/GB (pay-as-you-go, non-expiring); datacenter proxies from ~1.00 USD/proxy/month; mobile proxies available at competitive rates.
Pros:
- Highly affordable with non-expiring traffic — excellent for budget-conscious users
- Broader IP pool (6M+) than similarly priced competitors like IPRoyal
- Supports all major proxy types including mobile and ISP
- Clean, no-frills interface that’s easy to navigate
- SOCKS5 support across proxy types
- No forced subscriptions or minimum monthly spend
- Consistently positive user reviews on Trustpilot and G2
Cons:
- No built-in scraping APIs, unblocker tools, or browser-based solutions
- Geo-targeting granularity doesn’t match Bright Data or Oxylabs
- Speed and success rates can be inconsistent on heavily protected sites
6. GeoSurf
GeoSurf is a niche-focused proxy provider that has built its reputation primarily in the ad verification, brand protection, and digital media space. Unlike general-purpose providers, GeoSurf tailors its product experience toward marketing teams, advertising agencies, and publishers who need to verify ad placements, check localized content, and monitor brand compliance across global markets. Its proprietary browser toolbar for manual geo-testing remains a unique differentiator in the market.
Key Features:
- 3.5+ million residential IPs across 130+ countries
- Proprietary browser extension for real-time geo-testing and ad verification
- City-level geo-targeting with focus on major advertising markets
- Dedicated residential and datacenter proxy pools
- Built-in compliance tools for ad verification workflows
- Sticky sessions and rotating sessions with configurable intervals
- API access for integration with ad-tech platforms
- Trusted by major global advertising and media companies
Pricing: Plans start at approximately 6.00 USD/GB for residential proxies; custom enterprise pricing available.
Pros:
- Purpose-built for ad verification and brand protection use cases
- Browser extension provides a unique manual testing experience
- Strong reputation and trust within the advertising industry
- Reliable city-level targeting in key commercial markets
- Dedicated account management for enterprise clients
Cons:
- Smaller IP pool limits suitability for large-scale scraping
- Higher per-GB cost relative to newer competitors
- Feature set is narrow — not ideal for general web scraping
- Dashboard and UX feel dated compared to modern platforms
- Limited protocol support (primarily HTTP/HTTPS)
7. Storm Proxies
Storm Proxies occupies a unique position in the market as one of the few providers offering unlimited bandwidth on select proxy plans. It is designed for users who have consistent, predictable proxy needs and want to avoid the complexity of per-GB billing entirely. Storm Proxies keeps things deliberately simple — no advanced APIs, no scraping tools, no complex dashboards. It’s a straightforward, plug-and-play proxy service best suited for small-scale operations, hobbyists, and users running basic automation.
Key Features:
- Unlimited bandwidth on rotating residential and datacenter plans
- ~70,000 rotating residential IPs
- Rotating proxies with automatic IP change every 3–15 minutes
- Dedicated and shared datacenter proxies available
- Back-connect rotating proxy gateway for simple integration
- Instant setup with no configuration complexity
- Port-based proxy access — one port per connection
- Flat monthly pricing with no per-GB metering
Pricing: Rotating residential proxies start at approximately 19.00 USD/month for 5 ports with unlimited bandwidth.
Pros:
- Unlimited bandwidth eliminates overage concerns entirely
- Simplest pricing model on this list — flat monthly fee
- No metering, no tracking, no surprise bills
- Quick setup suitable for non-technical users
- Affordable for low-port, high-bandwidth use cases
Cons:
- Extremely small IP pool — one of the smallest among all providers
- Limited to US and EU geo-targeting on most plans
- No API, no dashboard analytics, no scraping tools
- Speed and reliability are inconsistent under heavy load
- Not suitable for geo-sensitive or large-scale operations
8. InstantProxies
InstantProxies is a bare-bones, datacenter-only proxy provider focused exclusively on delivering cheap, dedicated private proxies. It targets users who need basic IP masking for straightforward tasks — social media management, light automation, or accessing geo-restricted content — without any need for residential IPs or advanced scraping infrastructure. InstantProxies prioritizes simplicity and cost above all else, making it the most stripped-down option on this list.
Key Features:
- Dedicated private datacenter proxies with exclusive-use IPs
- Unlimited bandwidth included on all plans
- Instant activation — proxies are ready within minutes of purchase
- HTTP and HTTPS protocol support
- Monthly auto-replacement of underperforming proxies
- Up to 10 Gbps connection speeds on datacenter infrastructure
- IP authentication and username/password authentication supported
- Plans scale from 10 to 500+ proxies
Pricing: Private datacenter proxies start at approximately 1.00 USD/proxy/month (e.g., 10 proxies for ~10 USD/month).
Pros:
- Extremely affordable for dedicated datacenter proxies
- Unlimited bandwidth on every plan
- Instant activation with zero setup friction
- Flat, predictable pricing — no per-GB costs
- Decent speeds for basic, non-scraping tasks
Cons:
- Datacenter proxies only — no residential, mobile, or ISP options
- Very limited locations (primarily US-based)
- High block rates on modern, bot-protected websites
- No API, no dashboard, no analytics, no scraping tools
- Minimal documentation and limited customer support
9. Webshare
Webshare is a developer-friendly proxy provider known for its generous free tier and competitive pricing. It has become a popular choice among developers, startups, and small teams who want to experiment with proxies before committing financially. Webshare offers both datacenter and residential proxies through a clean, API-first platform that integrates smoothly into automated workflows. While it lacks the scale and advanced tooling of enterprise providers, its accessibility and free entry point make it a compelling starting option.
Key Features:
- Free tier with 10 proxies — no credit card required
- Datacenter and residential proxy pools available
- Full REST API for programmatic proxy management and rotation
- HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5 protocol support
- Auto-replacement of non-functional proxies
- Proxy list export in multiple formats (API, CSV, TXT)
- Country-level geo-targeting on paid plans
- Built-in proxy checker and performance monitoring tools
Pricing: Free tier available (10 proxies); paid datacenter plans start at approximately 5.20 USD/month; residential proxies from ~2.00 USD/GB.
Pros:
- Best free tier in the proxy market — great for testing and prototyping
- Developer-friendly API with clear documentation
- Competitive residential pricing at ~2.00 USD/GB
- SOCKS5 support across all proxy types
- Simple, clean interface with no unnecessary complexity
Cons:
- Free-tier proxies are heavily shared and frequently blocked
- Residential IP pool is smaller than premium competitors
- Limited geo-targeting granularity on lower plans
- No scraping APIs, unblocker tools, or browser-based solutions
- Support options are limited on free and entry plans
10. Geonode
Geonode is a flexible, pay-as-you-go proxy provider that has gained traction among users who want residential proxy access without rigid monthly contracts. It appeals to freelancers, small agencies, and developers who need on-demand proxy access with transparent pricing. Geonode also stands out by offering a free residential proxy tier with limited bandwidth — a rarity in the residential proxy space — making it an attractive option for users who want to test before investing.
Key Features:
- 10+ million residential IPs across 195+ countries
- Free tier with limited residential proxy bandwidth
- Flexible pay-as-you-go pricing with no forced monthly commitment
- Sticky sessions up to 60 minutes for session-dependent workflows
- Country-level and city-level geo-targeting
- HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5 protocol support
- API access for automated proxy management
- Rotating and static session modes available
Pricing: Residential proxies start at approximately 4.00 USD/GB; a free plan with limited traffic is available.
Pros:
- True pay-as-you-go model — no subscriptions or minimum spend required
- Free residential proxy tier is rare and valuable for testing
- Sticky sessions up to 60 minutes suit account management tasks
- Clean API and straightforward integration
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Cons:
- Smaller IP pool limits rotation diversity on large-scale operations
- Scraping APIs and advanced tools are not as mature as competitors
- Speed and success rates vary significantly by geo-location
- Documentation and support are still maturing
- Feature set is basic compared to full-stack platforms
Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | Starting Price (Residential) | IP Pool Size | Free Tier/Trial | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Data | ~8.40 USD/GB | 72M+ | Free trial | Enterprise-scale data collection |
| Smartproxy | ~4.00 USD/GB | 65M+ | 14-day refund | Mid-range balance of price & quality |
| Oxylabs | ~8.00 USD/GB | 100M+ | Limited trial | Enterprise reliability & AI tools |
| IPRoyal | ~1.75 USD/GB | 2M+ | No | Budget users & non-expiring traffic |
| GeoSurf | ~6.00 USD/GB | 3.5M+ | No | Ad verification & brand protection |
| Storm Proxies | ~19 USD/mo (unlimited) | 70K+ | No | Unlimited bandwidth on a flat fee |
| InstantProxies | ~1.00 USD/proxy/mo | DC only | No | Cheap dedicated datacenter proxies |
| Webshare | ~2.00 USD/GB | Moderate | Yes (10 free) | Developers & free-tier testing |
| Decodo | ~3.50 USD/GB | 65M+ | Free trial | Value-driven scraping professionals |
| Geonode | ~4.00 USD/GB | 10M+ | Yes (limited) | Flexible pay-as-you-go access |
Conclusion
The proxy market in 2026 is more competitive and diverse than ever, offering solutions for every budget, use case, and scale. SOAX remains a strong choice with its ethically sourced IP pool, flexible session control, and intuitive platform — but it’s far from the only option worth considering.
For enterprise-scale operations demanding maximum reliability, the largest IP pools, and full-stack data collection ecosystems, Bright Data and Oxylabs stand in a league of their own, albeit at premium price points. If you’re looking for the best mid-range balance of price, performance, and built-in tooling, Smartproxy and its sibling brand Decodo consistently deliver outstanding value.
Budget-conscious users are better served than ever before. IPRoyal and Proxy-Cheap both offer non-expiring residential bandwidth at prices under 3.50 USD/GB, while Webshare and Geonode provide rare free tiers that let you test before committing a single dollar. For niche use cases, GeoSurf remains the go-to for ad verification, Storm Proxies appeals to those who want unlimited bandwidth on a flat fee, and InstantProxies serves users who simply need cheap, dedicated datacenter IPs.
Ultimately, the right SOAX alternative depends on your specific priorities — whether that’s price, pool size, geo-targeting depth, scraping tooling, or protocol support. We recommend testing two or three providers using free trials or small pay-as-you-go purchases before committing to a long-term plan. The landscape evolves rapidly, and the best proxy provider for your needs today may shift as these companies continue to innovate and compete.
