PETEPDeluderThick ClientComparisonAlternativesPenetration Testing
PETEP vs InterceptSuite: Free Java Tool vs Native GUI for Non-HTTP Testing
A fair comparison of PETEP (with Deluder) and InterceptSuite for pentesting non-HTTP thick clients: protocols, repeater, proxy-unaware apps, and cost.
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InterceptSuite Team
October 6, 2026·5 min read
Short answer: PETEP is a free, open-source Java tool for penetration testing of non-HTTP thick clients. It has a proxy, a repeater extension, and a companion called Deluder that hooks proxy-unaware applications. InterceptSuite is a paid native desktop app that adds DTLS and QUIC support and a SOCKS5-based workflow. If free and Java is fine, start with PETEP.
Last updated 6 October 2026. Details for PETEP come from its public documentation; check its repository for the latest.
Side by side
| PETEP (+ Deluder) | InterceptSuite | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence and price | Free, open source (GPLv3) | Paid, 7-day trial (pricing) |
| Runs on | Java 11 or later | Native app for Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Protocols | TCP and TLS, UDP, STARTTLS | TCP, TLS, DTLS 1.0/1.2, QUIC v1, UDP, STARTTLS |
| Repeater | Repeater extension | Replay, saved with the project |
| Proxy-unaware apps | Deluder hooks OpenSSL, GnuTLS, SChannel, WinSock and Linux sockets | Route through SOCKS5, or use ProxyBridge per process |
| Rules and scope | Interception rules | Rules per direction, Scope, TLS pass-through |
| Extending | Java extensions | Python extensions with decoded tabs |
| AI agents | Not documented | Optional local MCP server (off by default) |
When PETEP is the right choice
- You want a free tool and are comfortable with Java.
- You need to hook a specific process from inside (Deluder), for example an app that pins certificates or ignores system settings.
- You like its extension model and want everything open source.
Where people move to InterceptSuite
- DTLS and QUIC. At the time of writing we found no DTLS or QUIC support in PETEP. InterceptSuite handles both.
- One native app. No JVM to manage, with fast Proxy History search and a hex editor built in.
- Pinned apps. TLS pass-through relays chosen hosts untouched while you test the rest.
- Support and updates. A commercial product with signed updates and a sales route for team licences.
Using them together
They are not exclusive. Some testers use Deluder to get a stubborn app talking through a proxy, then work in the GUI they prefer.
Limits
InterceptSuite cannot intercept ECH connections, and QUIC v2 and DTLS 1.3 are not supported yet. See the compatibility matrix and the wider comparison, then try the trial.