Rockxy vs Charles Proxy vs Proxyman

Rockxy is a native macOS HTTP/HTTPS debugging proxy with public source, local-first traffic handling, and the core workflow most developers expect from Charles Proxy or Proxyman. This page compares native UX, pricing, trust model, and day-to-day debugging tools so you can choose with less guesswork.

Last updated: April 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 an open-source native macOS proxy (AGPL-3.0) with auditable code, an open-source codebase, and a free open-core build — plus Pro licenses available for extended capacity.

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 prefer Proxyman's specific tier structure and feature set.

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 + Pro from $39
Open Source
Telemetry Unknown Yes None
AI assistant integration (MCP) Paid add-on Built-in, AGPL-3.0
Developer Setup Hub Included

Detailed Feature Comparison

Every feature listed on the Rockxy pricing page, compared one-to-one. The Rockxy column shows free + Pro values where pricing differs. Third-party capabilities are described from public documentation; verify with the vendor for a purchasing decision.

Feature Charles Proxy Proxyman Rockxy
01 Key features
Native macOS app Java (cross-platform)
Open core: self-build and self-run AGPL-3.0
Local capture history Session-bound Free: limited / Paid: unlimited 1,000 free / 100,000 Pro
Inspection workspace tabs Unlimited Paid for multi-session 8 free / unlimited Pro
Favorite domains Paid only 5 free / unlimited Pro
HTTP traffic
HTTPS traffic
WebSocket (WS/WSS) traffic
GraphQL traffic Limited
AI and MCP assistance Commercial add-on Built-in, AGPL-3.0
Developer Setup Hub Included
Node.js, Ruby, Python, Go, Docker, and client guides External docs External docs In-app
iOS device debugging Separate paid app Separate iOS VPN app Included
02 Inspect and preview
Preview JSON
Preview query parameters
Preview form URL-encoded data
Preview cookies
Preview GraphQL details Limited
Preview WebSocket frames
Custom previewer tabs Included
Preview JWT Via paid plugin Included
03 Advanced debugging tools
Multiple filters and filter rules Paid for advanced
Breakpoint editor Paid only
Map Local Paid only
Map Remote
JavaScript scripting Paid only
Diff view Included
Active rules per tool Unlimited Paid for >3 10 free / unlimited Pro
Enabled scripts Not applicable Paid only 10 free / unlimited Pro
iOS Simulator debugging Manual setup Included
1-click capture from Android Emulator Manual setup Manual setup Coming soon
Automated setup for iOS device and Simulator Partial Included
Network conditions
Protobuf inspector Legacy plugin Paid only Included: heuristic decode
04 Import and export
Native session format .chls .proxyman .rockxysession
HAR import
HAR export
Copy URL, cURL, JSON, HAR, and raw
GitHub Gist share Included
Swagger and OpenAPI export Paid only Coming soon
Import SSL proxying settings from Charles, Proxyman, and HTTP Toolkit Included
Export logs Included
05 Advanced settings
Root CA generate, trust, and export
Create your own filters
Root CA management and trust diagnostics Manual
Upstream proxy: HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5 Free: HTTP/HTTPS, 3 bypass entries Pro: SOCKS5, auth, unlimited bypass entries

Rockxy values mirror the pricing page. Rows with Free/Pro differences show the pricing limits. Remaining "Coming soon" items have an active GitHub milestone. Competitor cells reflect the vendor's publicly documented capabilities at the time of writing and may change.

When to Choose Each

Charles Proxy

  • + You need Windows or Linux support
  • + Your team already has Charles licenses
  • + You rely on its extensive documentation

Proxyman

  • + Mature native macOS ecosystem
  • + iOS simulator integration
  • + Large existing user community

Rockxy

  • + All features included, no paywall
  • + Open source — audit the code yourself
  • + Local-first, no cloud, runs on your Mac
  • + Built-in diff view and scripting
  • + iOS device and Simulator debugging
  • − macOS first — Windows and Linux planned
  • − Newer project, smaller community

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rockxy an open-source alternative to Charles Proxy?
Yes. Rockxy is open source under AGPL-3.0; the open-core build includes HTTPS interception, breakpoints, JavaScript scripting, and request modification at no charge. Pro licenses are available for extended capacity. Charles Proxy is a commercial product — verify current pricing and trial terms with the vendor.
What is the difference between Rockxy and Proxyman?
Both are native macOS HTTP/HTTPS debugging proxies built with Swift. Rockxy is open source under AGPL-3.0; the open-core build includes HTTPS interception, breakpoints, scripting, and request modification, and Pro licenses are available for extended capacity. Proxyman is a commercial product with its own tier structure — refer to their pricing page for current details. Rockxy 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 offers an MCP integration as part of its product — refer to their documentation for current details.
Is Rockxy free to use?
The open-source core is free under AGPL-3.0 — you can download the source, build it yourself, and use it at no charge. Pro licenses (Pro Standard and Pro Personal) are optional one-time purchases for extended capacity; see the pricing page.
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.
How can I evaluate Charles Proxy and Proxyman pricing?
Charles Proxy and Proxyman are commercial products with their own tier structures and pricing. Refer to each vendor's pricing page for current details and trial terms. The Rockxy pricing page lists Rockxy's open-core (free under AGPL-3.0) and Pro license options.

Try Rockxy

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

Download for macOS Star on GitHub