Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Surge for Mac VS Tests.ws

Compare Surge for Mac VS Tests.ws and see what are their differences

Surge for Mac logo Surge for Mac

Advanced Web Debugging Proxy for Mac & iOS

Tests.ws logo Tests.ws

WebSocket Proxy is a browser based extension for testing and debugging. Monitor, inspect, and modify WebSocket traffic in real-time.
  • Surge for Mac Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-03
  • Tests.ws Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-03-30
  • Tests.ws Find websocket proxy tab in devtools
    Find websocket proxy tab in devtools //
    2025-04-14
  • Tests.ws Monitor messages and data
    Monitor messages and data //
    2025-04-14
  • Tests.ws Use javascript  to modify data on a fly
    Use javascript to modify data on a fly //
    2025-04-14

WebSocket Proxy is a powerful browser extension for testing and debugging WebSocket connections. It lets you monitor, inspect, and modify WebSocket traffic in real time - right from your browser. Ideal for developers, QA engineers, and anyone working with WebSocket APIs.

Surge for Mac

$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
-

Tests.ws

Website
tests.ws
$ Details
free
Platforms
Google Chrome
Release Date
2025 February

Surge for Mac features and specs

  • Comprehensive Network Debugging
    Surge for Mac provides advanced network debugging features, including HTTP/HTTPS proxy, capture and analysis of network traffic, and robust filtering options. This makes it easy to diagnose and fix network issues.
  • Rule-based Configuration
    Surge supports complex, rule-based configurations, which are highly customizable. This allows for precise control over network behavior, aiding in development, testing, and deployment scenarios.
  • API Request Analysis
    The tool provides detailed insights into API requests and responses, helping developers and testers to understand and optimize backend API communications.
  • Advanced Proxy Capabilities
    Surge offers robust proxy capabilities, including support for SOCKS5, HTTP CONNECT, and rewrite rules, making it versatile for various network environments and use cases.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Surge boasts a user-friendly interface which simplifies the process of setting up and managing complex network configurations, making it accessible even for users who are not network experts.
  • Automation and Scripting Support
    The platform supports automation and scripting, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and integrate Surge into their workflows using JavaScript.

Possible disadvantages of Surge for Mac

  • Cost
    Surge for Mac is a paid software, which can be relatively costly compared to some other network debugging tools or open-source alternatives.
  • Learning Curve
    Due to its advanced features and capabilities, there can be a steep learning curve for new users. Understanding all of its functions and configurations may require some time and effort.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running Surge, particularly with extensive network traffic analysis and debugging features enabled, can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting the overall performance of your Mac.
  • Overwhelming for Simple Use Cases
    For users with simpler needs, the extensive features of Surge may be overwhelming. In such cases, a more straightforward tool might be a better fit.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain applications and services, which may require troubleshooting or alternative configurations to resolve.

Tests.ws features and specs

  • Real-time traffic monitoring
    View live WebSocket messages as they are sent and received.
  • Message editing
    Modify WebSocket messages directly in the UI and resend them using injected JavaScript. Perfect for testing custom scenarios, error handling, or backend responses.

Analysis of Surge for Mac

Overall verdict

  • Surge for Mac is considered an excellent tool for those who need advanced network management and debugging capabilities. It is particularly well-regarded in the developer community for its reliability and feature-rich platform.

Why this product is good

  • Surge for Mac is praised for its powerful networking tools that cater specifically to developers and IT professionals. It offers a robust suite of functionalities including HTTP/S Proxy, Traffic Monitoring, and Local DNS Mapping, which are highly beneficial for testing and debugging purposes. The user interface is also designed to be intuitive, allowing for efficient management of network configurations.

Recommended for

    Surge is highly recommended for software developers, network administrators, and IT professionals who require comprehensive and reliable tools for network testing, debugging, and configuration management.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Surge for Mac and Tests.ws)
Developer Tools
92 92%
8% 8
Proxy
90 90%
10% 10
Tool
100 100%
0% 0
Testing
0 0%
100% 100

Questions and Answers

As answered by people managing Surge for Mac and Tests.ws.

What makes your product unique?

Tests.ws's answer:

Websocket Proxy provides browser-native tools specifically tailored for modern WebSocket workflows. Unlike traditional debugging tools, it integrates directly into the browser, offering real-time insights and control over WebSocket traffic with zero setup. It's lightweight, developer-focused, and designed to feel like a natural extension of your dev tools.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Tests.ws's answer:

Because WebSockets Proxy is purpose-built for WebSocket debugging. While most dev tools treat WebSockets as a side feature, we put it front and center. With a clean UI, message editing/resending via JavaScript, and upcoming features like a built-in client, it's the most focused and intuitive tool for real-time app developers.

How would you describe your primary audience?

Tests.ws's answer:

Developers, QA engineers, and tech teams who work with real-time web apps using WebSocket connections. Especially useful for those building chat apps, live dashboards, games, or collaborative tools.

What's the story behind your product?

Tests.ws's answer:

Websocket Proxy was born out of frustration with clunky, generic network tools that barely support WebSockets. Honestly, I was just too lazy to set up Burp Suite for quick checks. I needed something simple, fast, and browser-native, so I built it. What started as a side project to speed up internal debugging turned into a tool I realized others needed too.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

Tests.ws's answer:

JavaScript / TypeScript, WebExtension APIs, Chrome DevTools Protocol, Vite for bundling, TailwindCSS (for UI), WebSocket protocol (obviously ๐Ÿ™‚)

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

Tests.ws's answer:

While we're still early in our journey, Websocket Proxy already has 77 users in just the first couple of months. Many of them are developers from early-stage startups, QA engineers, and real-time app builders. One of them even reached out with a feature request - which is now in development. We're building based on real feedback from real users.

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Surge for Mac and Tests.ws, you can also consider the following products

Charles Proxy - HTTP proxy / HTTP monitor / Reverse Proxy

Burp Suite - Burp Suite is an integrated platform for performing security testing of web applications.

Proxyman.io - Proxyman is a high-performance macOS app, which enables developers to view HTTP/HTTPS requests from apps and domains.

HTTP Toolkit - Beautiful, cross-platform & open-source tools to debug, test & build with HTTP(S). One-click setup for browsers, servers, Android, CLI tools, scripts and more.

Weer - A HTTP protocol debugger with Chrome DevTools frontend interface

Zed Attack Proxy - The Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) is an easy to use integrated penetration testing tool for finding...