Privoxy
Self-HostedNon-caching web proxy with ad-blocking and privacy features
Overview
Privoxy is a lightweight, non-caching web proxy that filters unwanted content like ads, trackers, and malicious scripts. It enhances privacy by blocking tracking cookies, modifying HTTP headers to hide user data, and masking IP-related information. Supports HTTP/HTTPS traffic, integrates seamlessly with Tor for added anonymity, and allows granular configuration via text files for custom filtering rules. Deployable on Linux, Windows, macOS, or via Docker containers, it’s ideal for personal use or small networks to improve browsing speed and protect against surveillance.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
privoxy:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: privoxy
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Ad-blocking and content filtering
- Privacy enhancement via header modification
- Tor integration for anonymity
- Configurable custom rules
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Privoxy hard to install?
Privoxy is easy to install via package managers (e.g., apt, brew) or pre-built binaries for Windows/macOS. Docker images are also available for quick deployment. Basic setup works out of the box, but advanced customization (like custom filters) requires editing text files, which may be challenging for non-technical users.
? Is it a good alternative to HideMyAss Web Proxy?
Yes—Privoxy provides ad-blocking and privacy features similar to HideMyAss but is self-hosted, free, and open-source. Unlike HideMyAss (a cloud-based service), Privoxy gives full control over filtering rules without relying on third-party servers, making it ideal for users who value data sovereignty.
? Is it completely free?
Absolutely—Privoxy is licensed under the GNU GPL, so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute. There are no paid tiers or hidden costs; all features (ad-blocking, privacy tools, Tor integration) are available to everyone at no charge.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Privoxy
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (blocks ads/trackers)
- ⊕ Lightweight and resource-efficient
- ⊕ Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- ⊖ Manual text-file configuration for advanced use
- ⊖ No default graphical user interface
- ⊖ Limited to HTTP/HTTPS protocols