httpmon vs mitmproxy
The Best Open-Source
mitmproxy Alternative
Same open-source MITM proxy idea, but Go instead of Python. Better TUI, built-in gRPC decoding, no pip install.
Why switch from mitmproxy to httpmon?
mitmproxy is solid, but it drags in the Python ecosystem — pip, virtualenvs, dependency conflicts. Its console UI is functional but dated. httpmon is a single Go binary with vim navigation, built-in gRPC/Protobuf decoding, and features like diff view and MCP that you'd otherwise need plugins for.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | httpmon | mitmproxy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (MIT) | Free (MIT) |
| Language | Go (single binary) | Python (requires runtime) |
| Installation | brew install / single binary | pip install + dependencies |
| TUI interface | ✅ Built-in terminal UI | ⚠️ mitmweb (browser) or basic console |
| Vim keybindings | ✅ Full vim navigation | ❌ Custom keybindings |
| gRPC decoding | ✅ Built-in | ⚠️ Plugin required (protobuf) |
| Protobuf decoding | ✅ Built-in | ⚠️ Plugin required |
| HTTPS interception | ✅ Auto CA certs | ✅ Manual CA install |
| HAR export | ✅ | ✅ |
| Scripting | ✅ JavaScript hooks | ✅ Python addons |
| Network throttling | ✅ Built-in presets | ❌ Not built-in |
| MCP server (AI) | ✅ --mcp flag | ❌ |
| Diff view | ✅ Side-by-side | ❌ |
| Map Local | ✅ | ⚠️ Via scripting |
| Copy as cURL | ✅ Single keystroke | ✅ |
| Process identification | ✅ Shows origin process | ❌ |
| Startup time | Instant | 2-5 seconds (Python) |
| Binary size | ~15 MB | ~50 MB + Python runtime |
What makes httpmon different
No Python dependency
Single Go binary. No pip install, no virtualenv, no dependency version conflicts. Download it and it runs.
Better terminal UI
mitmproxy's console works but it's clunky. httpmon has vim navigation, color-coded flows, real-time filtering, and a detail inspector that actually feels like a TUI app.
gRPC & Protobuf built in
gRPC, gRPC-Web, and Protobuf decoding without plugins. Point at your .proto files for field names, or get raw wire format decoding automatically.
Batteries included
Diff view, MCP server, network throttling presets, map local, process identification. With mitmproxy you'd need plugins or scripts for most of these.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How is httpmon different from mitmproxy?
Both are open-source MITM proxies. httpmon is Go (single binary, no dependencies), mitmproxy is Python (needs pip, runtime, virtualenv). httpmon also ships with vim navigation, gRPC/gRPC-Web/Protobuf decoding, diff view, throttling, and an MCP server — stuff you'd need mitmproxy plugins for.
Does httpmon require Python like mitmproxy?
No Python, no pip, no virtualenvs. Single Go binary. brew install kostyay/tap/httpmon or download from GitHub.
Is httpmon easier to use than mitmproxy?
The terminal UI is more opinionated — color-coded flows, vim navigation, real-time filtering, built-in detail inspector. mitmproxy's console mode is powerful but has a steeper learning curve.
Does httpmon decode gRPC and Protobuf without plugins?
Built in. gRPC, gRPC-Web, and Protobuf all work without installing anything extra. mitmproxy needs the protobuf content view addon configured separately.
Can I use httpmon for scripting like mitmproxy addons?
httpmon uses JavaScript — onRequest() and onResponse() hooks. Simpler than mitmproxy's Python addon system for common tasks like injecting headers or rewriting responses.