Free SOCKS4 Proxy List

Last updated: | Verified by GetFreeProxy Team

84.47.150.126 1080 socks4 🇷🇺Russia Elite Yes Yes 2.37s 85% View
8.148.23.165 8081 socks4 🇸🇬Singapore Elite Yes No 3.44s 10% View
47.237.2.245 80 socks4 🇸🇬Singapore Elite No No 3.48s 6% View
47.237.107.41 8081 socks4 🇸🇬Singapore Elite No No 3.46s 2% View
47.76.144.139 80 socks4 🇭🇰Hong Kong Elite No No 3.47s 2% View
47.91.115.179 10250 socks4 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates Elite No No 5.17s 2% View
47.91.115.179 8081 socks4 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates Elite No No 5.21s 2% View

Showing 7 of 7 available proxies

What is a SOCKS4 Proxy? Key Features & Limitations

Expert Analysis by GetFreeProxy Team | Updated August 2025

SOCKS4 is a Layer 5 protocol designed for routing TCP traffic through proxy servers, making it application-agnostic. While it's an older protocol, it remains useful for specific legacy applications and scenarios.

Key Features

  • • TCP traffic routing support
  • • Application-agnostic protocol
  • • Simple and lightweight
  • • Wide compatibility with older software

Important Limitations

  • • No UDP support (no gaming/streaming)
  • • No authentication methods
  • • IPv4 only (no IPv6 support)
  • • Client-side DNS resolution required

SOCKS4 vs. SOCKS5: When Should You Use SOCKS4?

Protocol Comparison by GetFreeProxy Team | Updated August 2025

Understanding the difference between SOCKS4 and SOCKS5 is crucial for choosing the right proxy for your needs. Here's an honest comparison:

Feature SOCKS4 SOCKS5
TCP Support ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
UDP Support ❌ No ✅ Yes
Authentication ❌ No ✅ Yes
IPv6 Support ❌ No ✅ Yes
DNS Resolution Client-side only Server-side available

When to use SOCKS4: You should only use a SOCKS4 proxy if you are using an older, legacy application that does not support the more advanced SOCKS5 protocol. For all modern applications, we recommend using SOCKS5 proxies instead.

Common Applications for SOCKS4 Proxies

Real-World Use Cases by GetFreeProxy Team | Updated August 2025

Based on our experience with thousands of users, SOCKS4 proxies are primarily used for these specific scenarios:

Legacy Software

  • Older IRC clients (pre-2000s software)
  • Vintage FTP applications
  • Legacy peer-to-peer clients

Specific Requirements

  • Applications that specifically require SOCKS4
  • Systems with SOCKS5 compatibility issues
  • Testing and educational purposes

Frequently Asked Questions about SOCKS4 Proxies

Why Can't I Connect to a Website Using its Domain Name?

SOCKS4 proxies don't resolve domain names themselves. Your application must send the IP address directly to the proxy. This is a common limitation that often causes connection issues with legacy applications. Consider using SOCKS4A (an extension) or upgrading to SOCKS5 for server-side DNS resolution.

Is SOCKS4 Good for Gaming or Streaming?

No. SOCKS4 lacks UDP support, making it unsuitable for most real-time entertainment applications. Games and streaming services typically require UDP for optimal performance. For gaming or streaming, use SOCKS5 proxies instead.

How is SOCKS4A Different from SOCKS4?

SOCKS4A is an extension of SOCKS4 that adds server-side DNS resolution capability. This means you can send domain names instead of IP addresses. While not all SOCKS4 proxies support SOCKS4A, it's a useful enhancement for legacy applications that need domain name support.

Explore Other Proxy Types

For modern applications and better functionality, consider these alternative proxy types:

SOCKS5 Proxies

Recommended upgrade with UDP support, authentication, and IPv6 compatibility

HTTP Proxies

Perfect for web browsing and HTTP-based applications

Elite Proxies

Highest anonymity level proxies for maximum privacy protection