Proxy vs VPN: Which is Better for Privacy and Security?

What Is a Proxy?

A proxy server is a middleman standing between a website you’re accessing and your device. A proxy hides your original IP address, so the website you’re visiting sees your traffic as if it were coming from a different IP. Therefore, the target website doesn’t see any of the information about you that an original IP address reveals, such as location and Internet Service Provider (ISP).

A proxy server works on an application level. This means that it only routes your internet traffic coming from one application.

There are many different types of proxies:

• Residential proxies come from ISPs and are real IP addresses. They are more expensive and slower but target websites don’t tend to block them, since they are real user’s IP addresses.
• Datacenter proxies come from data centers around the world. They are faster and cheaper, but websites can identify them as datacenter IP addresses and may block them.
• HTTP proxy server routes all your traffic through HTTP servers. These proxies add an extra security layer to your servers as they can detect and block suspicious data, such as spyware.
• HTTPS proxy servers are similar to HTTP proxies but they focus on a different protocol - HTTPS.
• SOCKS5 proxy - SOCKS is an internet protocol. SOCKS5 is its latest edition. SOCKS5 proxy server cannot interpret web data so it’s mainly used to run communication with sites with a firewall or limited regular client access.

Common Proxy Use Cases

Proxy servers help bypass geographical blocks. For example, some content may not be available in your country, but using a proxy from a different location will make that content available to you.

Moreover, connecting to a proxy server helps shield your identity. Each IP address carries certain information, such as location (sometimes even to the street level) and internet service provider. Using a proxy IP protects user identity.

Proxy Advantages

Simple automation tasks can be carried out faster using proxies. Some proxy server types can offer a faster IP address, so depending on the complexity of your tasks, you can get things done quickly.

You can also change IP addresses for every request you send, if you wish. Moreover, if one IP gets blocked, you can set up the system to pick another proxy and carry on with the task.

Proxy prices may vary depending on their type, but most proxies aren’t too expensive. So if you only need a few proxies, you can get away without spending too much money on them.

Proxy Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of most proxy servers (with an exception of HTTPS proxies) is that they don’t encrypt internet traffic, they only shield the original IP address. Moreover, most proxy servers don’t offer any protection against potential security risks, such as data leaks.

Using a free proxy server is also risky since these IPs can be slow if used by multiple people at the same time. They can also already be blocked by other users and simply won’t work.

Last but not least, proxy integration may be quite difficult for those who’ve never done it before. Setting up a VPN service for the first time is much more intuitive.

What Is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure connection between you and the internet. All the traffic coming out of your device is routed through a remote server and via an encrypted digital tunnel. A VPN client hides your IP address but contrary to a proxy, a VPN does it on an operating system level, so all of your traffic is secured.

Using a VPN connection means that not even your ISP can see what you’re doing online. All they can see is that you’re connected to a VPN server. So you’re protected from website tracking, hackers, and other kinds of surveillance.

Common VPN Use Cases

Connecting to a VPN server provides full anonymity online and protects your privacy. You can then surf online safely and securely use public Wi-Fi, which may otherwise be risky.

Another common reason for using VPN services is the ability to access geo-blocked content. It’s not a secret that video streaming platforms offer different content across countries. Using a VPN can help you access content that otherwise wouldn’t be available from your original location.

VPN Advantages

VPN servers create military-grade encryption. You can rest assured your internet traffic is secured if you’re connected to a VPN.

Moreover, a VPN protects all the traffic coming out from your device, unlike proxies that work on an application level. You can just turn on the VPN once and not think about it again until you turn off your device.

VPN Disadvantages

VPN connections have some downsides. For example, slower speed due to encryption. Moreover, VPNs work on OS level, which means you can’t use a VPN for a single application, which may be required for some tasks.

VPN services are also more expensive compared to proxy servers, and prices can greatly vary depending on a VPN provider.

When to Use a Proxy vs a VPN

Whether to use a proxy IP address or a VPN can depend on the situation. The best situations to use a proxy are when you need to bypass region restrictions for casual browsing, or when privacy isn't a top priority.

Meanwhile, the best situations to use a VPN connection include streaming geo-blocked content, for example on Netflix or Hulu. You should also always use a VPN for security on public Wi-Fi.

And if you’re a journalist or an activist and your job requires full anonymity and privacy, then you should also choose a VPN over a proxy server because the VPN encrypts your internet traffic and provides better protection online.

Can You Use a Proxy and VPN Together?

Technically, you can use a proxy server and a VPN client together. However, it can be difficult to configure this combination correctly and your internet connection might become slower.

Connecting to both a proxy server and a VPN doesn’t really create any benefits. It’s better to choose one tool depending on what you intend to do online and how much protection you require.

How to Choose Between a Proxy and VPN

When you’re choosing between a proxy server and a VPN, here are the main factors to consider:

• Purpose - depending on your goal you may need either more speed or more security. Deciding on this will suggest which tool is best for your case - a proxy server, if you need more speed and a large number of IPs, and a VPN if you prioritize security.
• Budget - VPNs are more expensive per IP than proxies, so consider how much you can invest in your security online.
• The level of anonymity needed - VPN will provide a higher level of anonymity compared to proxy servers. Proxies only shield your IP address, while a VPN client encrypts all traffic.
• Geographic location - some niche geographic areas can only be available via a proxy server.

Conclusion

Comparing proxy vs VPN side-by-side shows that these tools will both provide protection online but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your goal choose one solution that will be the best for your case.

If you prefer speed and have a more restricted budget, you may want to consider connecting to the internet via proxy servers. Meanwhile, VPN services will cost you more and work slower but they can offer a higher level of security by encrypting all of your online traffic.