Have you ever been unable to access a website and wondered if there might be a more clever way to get around it? Or perhaps you would prefer to browse privately. Both proxies and VPNs can be useful, but it can be difficult to decide which one to use and why.
With just the essentials and no technical jargon, this guide will help you make the best decision.
What Is a Proxy?
A proxy is like someone who speaks on your behalf. When you try to visit a website, the proxy makes the request instead of you. The site responds and the proxy hands the answer back to you. From the website’s point of view, it was the proxy that visited, not you.
This helps mask your IP address, which is useful if you’re trying to look like you’re browsing from another country or want to be anonymous. Proxies are fast and easy to use for things like checking location restricted sites or running simple automated tasks.
But remember, most proxies don’t encrypt your connection, anyone watching could still see what you’re doing.
What Is a VPN?
VPNs take it to the next level. Like a proxy, it encrypts your entire internet connection and hides your IP address. So everything you send and receive online is garbled and unreadable.
Using public Wi-Fi at a café to check your bank account? Without a VPN you’re vulnerable. With a VPN your connection is secured, even your internet provider can’t snoop.
It covers all your devices apps and browsers in the background, so you don’t have to configure each one individually.
Key Differences Between VPNs and Proxies
Despite their similarities they have different functions. Here’s a comparison.
Encryption and Privacy
All of your internet traffic is encrypted by a VPN, protecting your privacy. A proxy does not secure your online activity; it only conceals your IP address.
Speed
Since proxies don’t employ encryption, they are typically faster. If privacy is important, VPNs are worth the slower speed.
Coverage
VPNs safeguard all of your online activity across all apps. Only the programs or browsers you have configured can use proxies.
Applications
For fast tasks, such as getting around location blocks, use a proxy. When you require complete security, such as when using public Wi-Fi or managing sensitive data, use a VPN.
Still unsure which one is for you? Check out our full guide on proxy vs VPN to see more use cases and comparisons.
When to Use a Proxy
Sometimes you just need a proxy. Let’s say you want to test a website from a different location or view a video that’s only available in another country. For that, proxies work.
They’re also good for light scraping, monitoring and multi-accounting websites where speed is key and encryption isn’t necessary.
Proxy servers don’t hide your activities from network monitors, so don’t do anything private while using one.
When to Use a VPN
When privacy can’t be compromised, VPNs are better. A VPN is better if you want to browse without being tracked, send work emails from a public place or log into personal accounts.
It’s also good if you want to protect all your online activity no matter the app you’re using, try to get around firewalls or access content that’s restricted. Everything on your device is covered by one connection, no extra actions needed.
Final Thoughts
Both proxies and VPNs have their uses. For small tasks, proxies are useful when you want something quick and easy. VPNs provide complete security if you require privacy in every way.
Consider what is most important to you first.
Do you require security, speed, or a combination of the two? Knowing that makes it much simpler to decide between the two.
