Compare · Charles
A free, native Charles alternative for Mac.
Charles is a cross-platform debugging proxy written in Java, sold as a licence after a 30-day trial. Cloak Proxy is a native Mac app with the same core tools, free, plus scripting, an API client, an MCP server and API testing. Here's how they compare, with a source for each fact about Charles, and when Charles is the better choice.
Checked on 13 October 2026 against Charles's own pages (the newer rows on 18 October 2026); Charles's buy page and tools list re-checked on 19 October 2026.
In short
- Price
- Cloak Proxy is free, with no paid tier and no account. Charles is USD $50 per licence for 1 to 4 users, with volume discounts, after a 30-day trial.
- Debugging tools
- Both have breakpoints, Map Local, Map Remote, Rewrite and throttling. Cloak Proxy adds JavaScript scripting, an API client with collections and an MCP server.
- Platforms
- Charles runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. Cloak Proxy is native Swift on the Mac, with a Linux beta; Windows is on the way.
Being fair
When to pick which.
Pick Charles if…
You need Windows, or a stable Linux release
Charles runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Cloak Proxy is on the Mac, and on Linux as a beta that hasn't had a stable release yet.
You capture on the iPhone itself
Charles has an iOS app that captures on the device, with no Mac in the loop. Cloak Proxy captures phones through your Mac; its iPad app isn't out yet.
You need a vendor licence
Cloak Proxy is notarized by Apple, but there's no paid support plan. Charles sells licences, including site licences.
Pick Cloak Proxy if…
You want a native Mac app
Cloak Proxy is written in Swift, follows light and dark mode, and has a command palette for everything (⇧⌘A).
You want scripting
Charles's tools list documents no scripting. Cloak Proxy runs onRequest and onResponse in JavaScript, with fetch, next to no-code Rewrite rules.
You want your Charles setup to come with you
Import Charles settings (Map Local, Rewrite and the other tools' rules) with Tools › Import Rules, and open Charles JSON sessions (.chlsj) like any capture.
Your AI agent should help
An MCP server with 133 tools and 7 agent skills, free, with credentials redacted before they reach the model. Charles has no official MCP server.
Feature by feature
Cloak Proxy and Charles.
| Feature | Cloak Proxy | Charles |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, no paid tier | $50 per user licence, 30-day trial |
| Platforms | macOS 14+; Linux beta | macOS, Windows, Linux, plus an iOS app |
| Built with | Native Swift | Java |
| Open source | No | No |
| Breakpoints | Yes | Yes |
| Map Local and Map Remote | Yes | Yes |
| Rewrite without code | Headers, query, URL, bodies and status | Rewrite tool |
| Scripting | JavaScript | None documented |
| Network throttling | Yes | Yes |
| API client with saved collections | Yes, 11 protocols, files you can keep in Git | Compose and repeat |
| MCP server for AI agents | 133 tools, free, read and write | None official |
| Apps that ignore the system proxy | App Capture per app (network extension), or DNS capture | Transparent mode with your own firewall rules |
| iOS Simulator and Android emulator setup | Both, one click | iOS Simulator |
| Checking traffic against your OpenAPI spec | Live, with coverage and CI exit codes | Not built in |
| HAR import and export | Yes | Yes |
| Only in Cloak ProxyLLM Inspector | Built in, free | Not built in |
| Only in Cloak ProxyAuthorization matrix | Built in, free; fails CI with cloakctl | Repeat by hand |
| Only in Cloak ProxyTrace Value | Built in, free | Not built in |
| Only in Cloak ProxyReplayable flows with values chained | Built in, free | Repeat by hand |
| Only in Cloak ProxyPrivacy Map | Built in, free | Not built in |
“Paid” means not in Charles's free trial or tier. Prices are list prices before tax and change over time; follow the sources for today's. Checked on 13 October 2026 against Charles's own pages (the newer rows on 18 October 2026); Charles's buy page and tools list re-checked on 19 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@subcloak.com and we'll fix it.
Sources
Charles:PricingToolsVersion history
Charles is a trademark of its owner. Subcloak isn't affiliated with it.
FAQ
Cloak Proxy or Charles?
Something else? Email hello@subcloak.com or book a call.
Can I import my Charles settings and sessions?
Yes. Tools › Import Rules brings in Charles settings, such as Map Local and Rewrite rules (Import Charles settings), and File › Open Session opens Charles JSON sessions (.chlsj) and HAR files (Import).
Is Cloak Proxy free after a trial, like Charles?
Cloak Proxy has no trial: it's free for life, with every feature included and no account. Charles offers a 30-day trial, then a licence at USD $50 per user for 1 to 4 users.
Does it decrypt HTTPS?
Yes. Install Cloak Proxy's certificate once (it's made on your Mac, unique to your install), then turn on SSL Proxying for an app or a host. Apple's own services are never decrypted.
Does Cloak Proxy run on Windows?
Not yet. Cloak Proxy runs on macOS 14 Sonoma or later, Apple silicon or Intel, and on Linux as a beta (a .deb, an RPM, an AppImage or a tarball). Windows is on the way: join the waitlist and we'll email you once when it's ready.
Is Cloak Proxy open source?
No, and neither is Charles. If you need an open-source proxy, look at mitmproxy (MIT) or HTTP Toolkit (AGPL-3.0). Cloak Proxy's in-app SDK, CloakProxyKit, is MIT-licensed.
Try it on your own traffic.
Free for life, macOS 14 Sonoma or later, Apple silicon or Intel; Linux in beta. No account, no sign-up.