Feb 15, 2023

Proxy vs. VPN – All You Need to Know

You may have thought about utilizing a VPN or proxy server if you're concerned about your privacy online. Your internet connection's security is increased by both, but how exactly do they do this, and how are they different? Understanding the distinctions between VPNs and proxy servers can help you choose the best tool for the job if you're trying to increase your online privacy.  

What is a Proxy Server?  

Typically, when you browse the web, your computer makes a direct connection to a website and starts downloading pages for you to read. This procedure is simple to follow. The use of a residential proxy server, however, causes your computer to route all online traffic through the proxy first. Your request is forwarded to the target website by the residential proxies, which then downloads the data and return it to you.

Proxy servers allow users to get around content restrictions and surveillance by concealing IP addresses in this manner. Users can access geo-restricted content, for instance, by connecting to a US proxy server as a UK Netflix user to access US Netflix content. 

How Does a Proxy Server Work?

With the help of your browser, you can use a dedicated Residential Proxies server to access geographically restricted websites and pages. Your proxy connection is not encrypted, in contrast to a VPN. Additionally, it serves as a go-between for your system and the main server. As a result, an HTTP proxy gives you privacy and hides your identity from the website, but it never safeguards any important information.

What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

With a VPN, you may access public Wi-Fi hotspots securely while still protecting your online identity by obscuring your IP address. On the system level, VPNs function. This implies that all of your traffic, whether it originates from a browser or an app, is redirected by them. They additionally encrypt data travelling between your device and the internet.

The Internet Service Provider (ISP) can only tell that you are connected to a VPN server and not what you are doing online. Additionally, this encryption shields you from government monitoring, website tracking, and any cybercriminals who might attempt to watch the device you are using.

Why Use VPN Server?

Using a proxy server or VPN will help you achieve your objective of hiding your IP address. A free proxy will work if you're worried about browsing performance and only need to mask your IP address from one website or app.

On the other hand, using a VPN to access the internet is a preferable choice if you wish to keep your surfing activities secret from others. This is due to encryption: although proxy servers do not encrypt the data while you are online, VPNs do. This is crucial because using a VPN increases security when doing things like internet banking or shopping.

Even if the top VPN companies charge for their services, the protection they offer ensures that your most private and sensitive financial and personal information is hidden from any hostile actors.

A VPN encrypts your traffic and passes it through a secure VPN server, giving you more privacy and protection than a proxy. A proxy won't necessarily provide better security; it will only route your traffic through a middle server. Contrary to proxies, VPNs safeguard all of your traffic at the operating system level.

How Does A VPN Work?

The VPN client uses data encryption in its communications with the VPN server. This makes it easier for you to get the information or website you seek. While the VPN software conceals your identity from the website or web application you are using, the VPN hides the query from your network and Internet service provider (ISP).

When using any public Wi-Fi network improves your security. When using an unsecured network to send business emails or conduct online banking, VPN services are frequently utilized to protect your data. Additionally, it prevents hackers or your ISP from monitoring your internet activity and traffic.

The Difference between VPN and Proxy

• VPNs Encrypt Data

A proxy does not encrypt any of the data you send, whereas VPNs do. Data encryption provides you with added security for important transactions like online banking and shopping since it prevents thieves from spying on your credit card information or login passwords.

• Free Proxies Can Sometimes be Slower

Both VPNs and proxies have the potential to impede browsing speed based on how users reach them. Free proxy connections, however, can be slower (and less secure) due to limited setup options, a lack of infrastructure, and inadequate support. Although speeds differ between providers, VPNs are typically the speedier choice. 

• VPNs are Generally Paid

It is not a good idea to use free VPN services as they are limited with the features they offer and tend to mine the data of the user. Thus, users have to pay for VPN services, which in return can provide better data encryption and are safer. In comparison, most proxy servers are not paid, which means that VPNs be likely to be a more expensive but effective option. 

You can connect using unpaid VPNs. However, because paid services frequently give better data privacy, better secure connections, and more dependable performance, it is advised to choose a VPN service that charges a price. As many providers only use one VPN connection, known as the point-to-point tunneling protocol, the security of free VPN services may not be reliable (PTTP). On the other side, a commercial VPN service might provide users with more secure data encryption.  

Types of Proxies

• HTTP

These are designed for web-based traffic. Web traffic is forwarded through the remote proxy after the user inserts the proxy server into the configuration file of their web browser or uses a web browser if their browser does not allow proxies. This kind of proxy is used to access geographically restricted content, such as a video on the internet that may be blocked in your area.

• SOCKS5

Online games, file-sharing websites, and video streaming services can all be accessed with SOCKS5 proxies. However, using a SOCKS5 proxy to connect to an app could take longer. This is due to the possibility of slower infrastructure, fewer configuration settings, and lower support with free proxies.

• Transparent

Proxies are not only used to visit particular websites but they can also be employed in the reverse direction. In order to prevent or filter users' online content, for instance, certain businesses, schools, libraries, or even parents might choose to set up a transparent proxy. Unaware of it, you might have used a transparent proxy.

Conclusion: Is It Necessary To Use Both A Proxy Server And VPN?

If you currently use a VPN, you don't need to use a proxy server. Proxy servers serve the same purpose, but VPNs provide more and better capabilities. However,  Rain Proxy suggests that you can use a VPN to get around restrictions if your transparent proxy server is banning particular websites.

Whether you are looking for residential proxies, you can get in touch with Rain Proxy, as it is one of the leading proxy providers in the world.