Charles
Charles is a web proxy and HTTP monitor for viewing traffic sent and received by browsers and other internet applications configured to use it.
What Charles is
Charles is a web proxy and HTTP monitor for viewing traffic sent and received by browsers and other internet applications configured to use it. It records requests and responses, including HTTP and SSL/HTTPS headers, cookies and caching information. SSL Proxying allows developers to examine HTTPS session contents by placing Charles between an application and its destination. Users can repeat or edit requests and set breakpoints to intercept and change requests or responses. Charles can replay traffic, mock responses, inspect WebSockets and chain proxies; bandwidth throttling and added latency simulate slower connections. It displays JSON, JSON-RPC and SOAP in a simplified tree format and supports Flash Remoting AMF0 and AMF3. The iOS app captures HTTP and HTTPS traffic, supports SSL Proxying, and can share requests or sessions with desktop Charles. Captured data is stored on the user's computer, and Charles says it has no access to it. The software is paid, with a 30-day trial and no free plan. A license covers one computer at a time, with a second allowed when the same person uses both installations.
Good
- Inspects HTTP and HTTPS requests, responses and related details.
- Supports request editing, breakpoints and traffic replay.
- Can simulate slower connections with throttling and added latency.
- Captured traffic stays on the user's computer, according to Charles.
- Includes a 30-day trial.
Watch out
- No free plan.
- A user license covers one computer at a time, with a limited exception.
- License applies to the purchased major version; later upgrades may cost extra.
Who it suits
Charles suits developers who need to inspect or alter web traffic from applications configured to use a proxy. Its iOS app and desktop sharing can help those working with traffic from iOS devices.
Verdict
Charles offers detailed traffic inspection and request controls across supported desktop platforms, with an iOS app for capture and sharing. Review its license scope and major-version upgrade terms before purchasing.
Plans and prices
From Charles's own pricing page, checked 20 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 User Licenses | $50, paid once | 1-4 users · License valid for the current major version and its updates |
| 10+ User Licenses | $30, paid once | 10+ licenses · valid for current major version and updates before next major version · USD $30 / license (40% discount) |
| 5+ User Licenses | $40, paid once | 5+ licenses · valid for current major version and updates before next major version · USD $40 / license (20% discount) |
| 1–4 User Licenses | $50, paid once | 1–4 licenses · valid for current major version and updates before next major version · USD $50 / license |
| Site License | $400, paid once | Use on any computer at one site · valid for current major version and updates before next major version · USD $400 |
| Multi-Site License | $700, paid once | Use on any computer at multiple sites · valid for current major version and updates before next major version · USD $700 |
The facts
Each one read from Charles's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Formats and protocols
- Charles natively supports JSON, JSON-RPC, and SOAP in a simplified tree format, and supports Flash Remoting AMF0 and AMF3.checked 4 Oct 2026
- HTTPS debugging
- SSL Proxying lets Charles act as a man-in-the-middle for HTTP/SSL communication so users can debug HTTPS session contents.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License scope
- A user license allows use on one computer at a time, with a second computer allowed when the same person uses both installations; site licenses cover a site and multi-site licenses cover multiple sites.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Network simulation
- Bandwidth throttling and added latency simulate slower internet connections.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Charles is developed by XK72, and its EULA identifies XK72 Limited at an Auckland, New Zealand address.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy and data handling
- Charles captures traffic only while recording is enabled and stores captured data on the user's computer; the developers say they do not have access to it.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Charles is a web proxy and HTTP monitor that runs on your computer and records and displays data sent and received by browsers or other internet applications configured to use it.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Request controls
- Users can repeat and edit requests and set breakpoints to intercept and edit requests or responses.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to the documentation and invites them to contact support if documentation does not resolve their issue.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Traffic inspection
- Charles lets developers view HTTP and SSL/HTTPS requests, responses, headers, cookies, and caching information.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Updates
- A paid license applies to the major version purchased and its updates before the next major version; an upgrade to the next major version is free if released within three months of purchase, otherwise the upgrade fee is 40% of the original fee.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Update telemetry
- Charles periodically contacts a developer-controlled server to check for updates, sending operating system and Charles version information that is kept in aggregate without personally identifying information.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Auckland, New Zealandchecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- iOS capabilities
- The iOS app captures HTTP and HTTPS traffic, supports SSL Proxying, and can share individual requests or sessions with desktop Charles.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- The desktop application is offered for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and Charles also has an iOS app for capturing traffic on the device.checked 4 Oct 2026
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