The proxy versus VPN debate is about two different methods of accessing the internet anonymously. Both make it appear that you have established a connection through a different IP address by routing traffic through a remote server. This can be particularly important if you are concerned about the security of your personal data and your browsing habits.
These types of technology can accomplish similar things, but they operate in different ways. Knowing the difference can have serious implications for your online safety. This article will discuss the differences between VPNs and proxy servers and how to use them most effectively and who can benefit from them. Let’s examine how they compare to each other.
What do proxies do?
A proxy is a type of server that acts as an intermediary for data and Internet traffic. Redirect Internet traffic from an application to another location before routing it to its final destination. It hides your IP address to create the impression that the traffic is coming from somewhere else.
There are many types of proxies, each with their own characteristics. For example, a proxy may be what is referred to as “transparent”. With a transparent proxy, the connection between your computer and the Internet is intercepted. A proxy is software running on your network and allows you to request the display of a single page of the website. However, it is not delivered directly from the website server. However, since the experience you have with that site is exactly the same as the proxy being “transparent”, you may not be fully aware of its existence. However, the person who owns the server on which the transparent proxy runs can monitor your activity.
You will need to configure your browser to send requests directly to the proxy’s IP address. Sometimes, you may even ask for authentication details.
What do VPNs do?
VPN stands for virtual private network. A VPN works similar to a proxy. It also acts as an intermediary between internet data and traffic. The main distinction is how they use encryption. VPNs are typically safer than proxies because they also serve to hide your IP address, they also create an encryption connection between your computer and the server, which makes data theft nearly impossible. NordVPN (opens in a new tab) and ExpressVPN (opens in a new tab) are two examples of platforms that can do this.
Importantly, a VPN protects the entire system by redirecting and encrypting all internet traffic not just an app like in the case of a proxy.
A VPN can therefore act as a secure way to connect to the internet. The VPN software is available on a variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and desktops. One thing to keep in mind is that the VPN service provider is not an Internet Service Provider (ISP). To access the internet, you will need an ISP. Your VPN will work on the connection.
Choosing a proxy or VPN
Your individual requirements will determine whether you should use the VPN or the proxy. Let’s take video streaming as an example. To stream video content that is only available to US users, you can use a proxy server located in the US to access the streaming site. Some platforms, like SmartProxy (opens in a new tab) excel at this, but some providers, like Netflix, are starting to block proxy servers.
Proxies can be used to prevent users from being bombarded with unwanted advertisements or to block the acquisition of IP-specific information. Transparent proxy services can be beneficial for large companies. They can be used in schools to restrict access to malicious websites or by companies to stop the use of distracting social networks.
However, proxy services are not suitable for activities such as online banking and shopping. If your personal data is not secure, your security could be compromised. To safeguard your data you will need encryption. A VPN is therefore a superior alternative for those who wish to share sensitive information or participate in other activities where protecting their data is essential such as torrenting. They are especially useful when using public Wi-Fi.
VPN companies are also better at accessing geo-blocked content because they provide a higher level of anonymity and online security. A VPN is a good option when you want to access Netflix or Hulu from a different region.
One downside is that, due to the encryption process, the use of VPN VPNs can sometimes cause a noticeable drop in internet speed. There are many fast VPN applications to choose from, and the speeds are improving every day. Since data encryption takes a higher demand on your device’s resources, VPNs can also be a slightly more expensive option than proxy servers. There are many great free VPNs and affordable VPNs.
Conclusion
Proxies and VPNs have many similarities. They both use remote servers to hide your IP address and redirect traffic through it. The main difference between the two is encryption, which is why VPNs are far superior to proxy servers (opens in a new tab) when it comes to safe browsing, particularly on public Wi-Fi networks.
It is not easy to select the most suitable software when the choices are so many. To help you make the right choice, we’ve listed some of our favorite options. Check out our guides to the best VPN services and best proxy services (opens in new tab) of 2022.