Comparison
How Trace compares to other network debugging tools. An honest look at features, trade-offs, and when each tool makes sense.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Trace | Charles | Proxyman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS/iPadOS | macOS/Windows/Linux | macOS/iOS |
| On-device capture | |||
| Requires desktop app | Optional | ||
| TLS MITM | |||
| WebSocket support | |||
| Request modification | |||
| HAR export | |||
| PCAP export | |||
| Scripting | JavaScript | Java | Python/JS |
| Privacy | On-device | Local | Local/Cloud |
| Open source | |||
| Pricing | Free | $50 | Free/$99 |
| macOS features | |||
| Works with VPNs | Varies |
* Feature details and pricing accurate as of January 2026. Check official websites for latest information.
Key differences
On-device vs desktop tools
Trace: Runs entirely on your iOS device. No desktop app required. Perfect for debugging on-the-go or when you don't have access to a computer.
Charles/Proxyman: Desktop-first with powerful features like advanced filtering, batch operations, and integration with development workflows. Proxyman also offers an iOS app.
When to choose: Use Trace for mobile-only debugging. Use Charles/Proxyman when you need desktop features or cross-platform support.
Open source vs proprietary
Trace: Fully open source (MIT license). Audit the code, verify security claims, contribute features, or fork for custom needs.
Charles/Proxyman: Proprietary software with commercial support, regular updates, and mature feature sets built over many years.
When to choose: Use Trace if transparency and customization matter. Use Charles/Proxyman for established enterprise support.
Privacy architecture
Trace: All processing happens on-device. Zero telemetry, no cloud services, no analytics. Data never leaves your device.
Charles: Local-only processing. No cloud features means complete data control.
Proxyman: Offers both local and optional cloud features for team collaboration. Cloud features are opt-in.
Feature maturity
Trace: Newer tool (launched 2024) with core features stable but still building advanced capabilities. Active development and community contributions.
Charles: Mature tool (launched 2002) with extensive features, plugins, and documentation. Industry standard for many teams.
Proxyman: Modern tool (launched 2018) with polished UI and active development. Good balance of maturity and modern design.
When to use each tool
Choose Trace when:
Choose Charles when:
Choose Proxyman when:
The right tool for the job
All three tools are excellent choices for network debugging. Your best option depends on your workflow, platform requirements, and priorities. Many developers use multiple tools for different scenarios.