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| PacketStream | Proxy-Cheap | IPRoyal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Price | $ · Budget | $ · Budget | $$ · Mid |
| Best for | Cheapest bandwidth-based residential | Entry-level, ISP + residential | Sneaker copping, small-mid affiliate teams |
| Category | Proxies (Residential, Mobile) | Proxies (Residential, Mobile) | Proxies (Residential, Mobile) |
| Visit → | Visit → | Visit → |
Overall, IPRoyal scores highest at 8.6/10 — best for sneaker copping, small-mid affiliate teams. That said, the right choice depends on your budget and workflow; read the breakdowns below.
PacketStream pioneered the peer-to-peer bandwidth-sharing residential model, which keeps prices among the lowest in the market. Performance and pool freshness can't match premium providers, but for cost-sensitive tasks that tolerate some variability, it's remarkably cheap.
Verdict: The budget-of-budget option; fine for low-stakes tasks, not for critical operations.
Proxy-Cheap lives up to its name, offering ISP, residential, mobile, and datacenter proxies at entry-level prices. It's a practical option for buyers who need working proxies on a tight budget and don't require an enterprise pool.
Verdict: A sensible budget pick for buyers who need affordable, working proxies without frills.
IPRoyal built a following in the sneaker and social-automation communities and expanded into a full proxy provider. Its 'Royal Residential' pool, pay-as-you-go bandwidth that doesn't expire, and approachable pricing make it a favorite for small and mid-size affiliate teams.
Verdict: Great value for small-to-mid affiliate teams, especially with non-expiring bandwidth.