Rockxy vs Charles Proxy vs Proxyman

Rockxy is an open-source, native macOS HTTP/HTTPS debugging proxy that includes HTTPS interception, breakpoints, JavaScript scripting, and diff view at no cost. It also ships a built-in MCP server for Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and Zed — auditable under AGPL-3.0. Charles Proxy is a $50 Java-based cross-platform tool. Proxyman is a native macOS freemium app that paywalls advanced features like scripting and breakpoints.

Last updated: March 2026

Only comparing Rockxy vs Proxyman? Open the shorter guide. | Want the full alternative map? Open the curated hub.

Best for Rockxy

Developers who want a free, open-source native macOS proxy with auditable code, no telemetry, and advanced debugging features included.

Best for Charles Proxy

Teams that need a mature cross-platform debugging proxy and are comfortable with a commercial Java-based tool.

Best for Proxyman

macOS developers who want a polished native UI and accept a freemium model for advanced features.

Rockxy privacy policy Why Rockxy is open source How Rockxy handles HTTPS interception Rockxy software development lifecycle

At a Glance

Charles Proxy Proxyman Rockxy
Platform Java (cross-platform) Native macOS Native macOS
License Commercial Proprietary AGPL-3.0 (open source)
Price $50 one-time Free + $69/yr Free
Open Source
Telemetry Unknown Yes None
Built-in MCP server for AI assistants Commercial AGPL-3.0 source-visible

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature Charles Proxy Proxyman Rockxy
Core
HTTP Capture
HTTPS Interception
WebSocket
GraphQL Limited
Advanced
Breakpoints Paid only
JavaScript Scripting Paid only
Map Local Paid only
Map Remote
Request Replay
Diff View
Integration
HAR Export
cURL Export
Session Files .chls .proxyman .rockxysession
AI Integration
MCP Server Commercial
Claude Desktop compatible Commercial
Cursor / Windsurf / Zed Commercial
Local-only (stdio, no cloud) Unclear Yes
Source-visible MCP code AGPL-3.0
Privacy & Security
Open Source
Telemetry Unknown Yes None
Cloud Dependency None Optional sync None

When to Choose Each

Charles Proxy

  • + You need Windows or Linux support
  • + Your team already has Charles licenses
  • + You rely on its extensive documentation
  • − Java UI feels dated on macOS
  • − No scripting support
  • − $50 license fee

Proxyman

  • + Mature native macOS ecosystem
  • + iOS simulator integration
  • + Large existing user community
  • − Advanced features behind paywall
  • − Closed source
  • − Collects telemetry

Rockxy

  • + All features included, no paywall
  • + Open source — audit the code yourself
  • + Zero telemetry, no cloud, runs locally
  • + Built-in diff view and scripting
  • − macOS first — Windows and Linux planned
  • − Newer project, smaller community

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rockxy a free alternative to Charles Proxy?
Yes. Rockxy is open source (AGPL-3.0) and includes HTTPS interception, breakpoints, JavaScript scripting, and request modification at no cost. Charles Proxy requires a $50 one-time license after a 30-day trial.
What is the difference between Rockxy and Proxyman?
Both are native macOS HTTP/HTTPS debugging proxies built with Swift. Rockxy is open source with all features included in the free version. Proxyman uses a freemium model where breakpoints, scripting, and Map Local require a paid license. Rockxy has zero telemetry and runs entirely on your Mac.
Does Rockxy have an MCP server for Claude Desktop and other AI assistants?
Yes. Rockxy ships a built-in MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that runs locally over stdio. You can connect Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and Zed to your captured traffic and ask questions about requests in natural language, generate tests from real responses, and get payload explanations. The MCP server is AGPL-3.0 and auditable on GitHub. Proxyman also ships an MCP server, but it is closed-source and commercial. Charles Proxy does not have native MCP support.
Is Rockxy really free?
Yes. Rockxy is free and open source under the AGPL-3.0 license. You can download the source, build it yourself, and use it without paying anything.
Does Rockxy work on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs?
Yes. Rockxy is built with SwiftUI and AppKit, ships as a signed universal macOS app, and runs on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. On Apple Silicon, it runs natively without Rosetta translation.
Can Rockxy replace Charles Proxy?
For macOS developers, yes. Rockxy supports HTTP/HTTPS interception, breakpoints, Map Local, Map Remote, request replay, JavaScript scripting, and HAR export. Charles Proxy's main advantage is cross-platform support today. Rockxy is macOS-first, with Windows and Linux support planned.
Does Rockxy support HTTPS interception?
Yes. Rockxy generates a local root CA certificate, installs it to your macOS Keychain with one click, and creates per-host TLS certificates on the fly using P-256 ECDSA keys via the swift-certificates library.
Is Charles Proxy free?
No. Charles Proxy offers a 30-day trial with session time limits. After that, a single-user license costs $50. There is no free tier.
Is Proxyman free?
Proxyman has a free tier that covers basic traffic inspection. However, advanced features like breakpoints, scripting, Map Local, and Map Remote require a paid license starting at $69/year for individuals.

Try Rockxy

Open source, native macOS, all features included. Download and start debugging in under a minute.

Download for macOS Star on GitHub