Side by side
| Rayobyte | Webshare | |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome extension | Yes | Yes |
| Antidetect browsers | Standard proxy settings | Standard proxy settings |
| Scraping libraries | Standard proxy URLs | Standard proxy URLs, samples in seven languages |
| Automation tools | Standard proxy URLs; Scraping API | Standard proxy URLs |
At the time of writing. See the Rayobyte Chrome extension and the Webshare Chrome extension.
Extensions
Both extensions route only your browser through the proxy for manual checks. Webshare's is a natural fit if you live on its free plan; Rayobyte's gives access to residential targeting down to ZIP. Use a separate browser profile and watch WebRTC leaks either way. See browser proxy settings.
Tools
Both use standard proxy formats, so they work in antidetect browsers, n8n and other automation tools, Python, Node.js, Scrapy, Puppeteer, Playwright, Selenium and cURL. See Webshare for automation tools.
A real-world example
A localization QA tester checks a client's checkout pages in eight countries every release. With Webshare's Chrome extension and a few static IPs, the tester can switch between fixed locations quickly. For two countries where the client's pricing varies by city, the tester switches to Rayobyte's extension with residential city targeting. A separate Chrome profile and WebRTC protection keep the tester's real location from leaking during checks.
Residential tip: Both sides of this comparison can be tested at no cost: Rayobyte has a free trial with no card, and Webshare has a permanent free plan with 10 datacenter proxies. See the Rayobyte Chrome extension.
Tips for browser proxy work
- Use a dedicated browser profile for proxy work.
- Turn the proxy off when finished to save bandwidth.
- Block WebRTC leaks. See WebRTC leaks and proxies.
- Set time zone and language to match the proxy location for accurate results.
Integrations beyond the browser
Both providers' proxies drop into automation platforms such as n8n and other tools that accept a proxy URL, plus scraping libraries in Python and Node.js, cURL scripts and antidetect browsers. Because both use standard formats, the same integration can switch providers by changing one setting.
Pros and cons for browser work
Rayobyte
- Extension with residential city and ZIP targeting.
- Works in antidetect browsers via standard settings.
Webshare
- Extension that pairs with its free plan.
- Cheap static IPs for repeated manual checks.
Budget tip: If the job only needs a fixed list of IPs, Webshare sells datacenter and static residential proxies by the IP, often for less than a per-GB plan would cost. More in the Webshare Chrome extension.
Bottom line
For quick fixed-location checks, Webshare is cheap and simple. For precise local checks, use Rayobyte's residential targeting.
Not sure this is the right proxy type for the job? The best proxies in 2026 guide compares residential, ISP, datacenter and mobile options, and our cheap proxies guide covers budget picks that still work.
Proxy tip: For a second opinion on hard targets, run the same test through Geonode residential proxies, which support sticky sessions up to 24 hours and ASN targeting. We compare the two in Rayobyte vs Geonode vs Webshare.
Key takeaways
- Both offer Chrome extensions for manual proxy work.
- Both work in any tool that accepts HTTP or SOCKS5 proxies.
- Rayobyte's extension gives residential access with fine targeting; Webshare's pairs with its free plan.
FAQ
Do both have Chrome extensions?
Yes.
Which works with antidetect browsers?
Both, through standard proxy settings.
Can I use them in n8n or Zapier-style tools?
Yes, wherever the tool accepts a proxy URL.
Do the extensions work in other browsers?
Both are built for Chrome and Chromium-based browsers; check each store for other browsers.
Will an extension proxy my whole computer?
No, only the browser's web traffic.
Can I switch locations quickly in the extension?
Both let you change proxies from the extension; for residential targeting, Rayobyte's options are finer.
Sources and further reading
Independent references that back up the points above, from standards bodies, governments, universities and non-profits. They open in a new tab.
- Chrome Extensions documentation (Google Chrome for Developers): Official documentation for building Chrome extensions.
- urllib.request documentation (Python Software Foundation): Python's standard library documentation, including ProxyHandler.
- WebRTC: Real-Time Communication in Browsers (W3C): The W3C WebRTC specification.
- Headless browser (Wikipedia): What a headless browser is and how it is used.
- RFC 1929: Username/Password Authentication for SOCKS V5 (IETF / RFC Editor): How SOCKS5 proxies check a username and password.
Editorial note: Proxy providers change their pools, features and prices often, so treat any figures here as typical ranges at the time of writing and confirm current terms with the provider before you buy.