What is the Difference Between Proxies and VPN?

The main purpose of using both proxy and VPN services is to hide the IP Address of the users or to prevent tracking bodies and individuals from identifying their location. For example, this may even be used to access certain sites that are not otherwise accessible in the user's country. A lot of VPN providers also provide proxy services apart from providing VPN services. You can also use many public proxy servers at little to no charge.

A question that has probably occurred to many individuals who have set out to use a proxy or a VPN is this: What is the difference between them? They do, in fact, perform very similar functions. However, the difference comes in as far as the processes that are involved and the consequences that are to be endured.

Proxy Servers

Proxy servers may communicate using either HTTP or SOCKS. The HTTP protocol can only deal with traffic that starts either with http:// or https://. This means that it can only be used to surf the web. However, since it is only dealing with HTTP requests, it is much faster than SOCKS proxies and VPN servers. The advantage of the HTTP proxy server is that it is usually free, so it is very cost-effective. Secondly, a proxy server can also hide one's IP address from all basic checks, which makes it acceptable for gaining access to geo-restricted websites. The disadvantage of using HTTP proxy servers is that they can only be used to access websites and those websites that use JavaScript or Flash can detect the individual's actual IP address. Furthermore, Internet traffic going through HTTP servers is usually not encrypted, which means the local monitoring bodies can see what the individual is doing. Also, every web browser has to be individually configured so that the proxy server can be used; it is usually supported by most browsers though.

If you're planning to use HTTP proxies, be sure to rely on a paid proxy provider such as BrightData. They provide fast proxies that will deliver your required data from the web in seconds. Additionally, these reliable proxies are way better than any freebie lists as they ensure your online safety.

SOCKS proxy servers don't interpret the network traffic, which means that they are more flexible. However, this also means that they will usually have to deal with more Internet traffic, which is likely to slow them down. This is the biggest advantage of SOCKS servers; they support all Internet traffic, including the use of torrents. It also leads to the biggest disadvantage, which is the slow performance. Like web proxies, each software component has to be individually configured, and it also has security issues, just like HTTP. Individuals who only want to hide their identity to download BitTorrents can use a SOCKS proxy server together with an SSL connection.

Proxy servers can deal with a lot of connections at the same time, so a lot of public proxy servers are now available. They are usually very unstable and may stop working without any warning. In addition to this, one cannot rely on them to provide a stable speed. It is also always a risk trusting owners of these public proxy servers with one's sensitive information.

To use private proxy networks, one usually has to pay a fee. They are reliable and provide support to their customers. In addition to this, these servers also offer customized software.

Web proxies are also available, which let users surf the Internet from their regular browsers anonymously, without having to download or install additional software or configure their devices.

VPN

Most VPN providers log certain users' activities (IP address assigned and time of connection) for at least 30 days. This is why most people who have even a basic awareness of VPNs are often looking for VPN servers that do not keep any logs. If, however, a VPN server or provider is keeping logs, then the individual's activities can be revealed to a certain extent when required by government agencies with a warrant.

In order to set up a VPN, one does usually have to download or install a VPN client. Also, users will have to configure the mobile device or computer through which browsing is to be carried out. However, this should not serve as a deterrent to those looking for such services, since only very basic computing skills and awareness are needed. Most Virtual Private Network providers also provide consumers with step-by-step manuals that contain all the details needed by users. Although some people might be a little reluctant initially to go through the process of setting up the VPN network, it also provides the assurance that all Internet activity is now going be safely routed through this VPN.

The only possible downside to using VPN servers is that they may appear to be a little expensive. Furthermore, the encryption process also taxes VPN servers. This means that if a server is facing a lot of heavy traffic, it may slow down your connectivity to the Internet.

We encourage our readers to explore the VPN services offered by Nord VPN to hide IP and protect your identity online.