VPN vs. Proxy: Which One Is the Best Option for You? 

A VPN and a proxy offer privacy and protection. Even though both are considered excellent options, they aren’t the same. They work differently in terms of functionality but are, in fact, different. In this post, we present the advantages so that you can decide on the best fit for your needs. And if you’re looking to get the best VPN, check the difference between Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN.

Proxy

Both choices will work fine if you like your IP address blocked. A VPN adds an extra dose of security, such as securing a safe Wi-Fi connection. A proxy is a barrier between your device and the site you see. It will conceal the address and make it seem to be accessed from another place. 

Therefore, this allows you to access sites that are banned in your location. However, a proxy will work only for a specific site. It won’t be used for any action you perform on your device.

You can choose between private and public proxy, depending on your needs. A public proxy is free to use, so you don’t have to subscribe. Due to this, the proxy might be busy with too many users simultaneously and might slow down the traffic. A private proxy provides a reliable connection, and you need to pay for it. 

In which cases is it better to use a proxy? When you want to reduce the bandwidth when surfing the internet. Also, a proxy can be used to conceal your location and access websites that are restricted in your country. It will also hide your IP address so that you remain anonymous on the internet.

Despite concealing your activity, it will allow you to pass specific restrictions. Therefore, the proxy might be an excellent choice for businesses. If you perform some kind of research or web scraping, a proxy allows you to remain anonymous and don’t get blocked. In addition, you don’t need to install special software to use the proxy. You can select a suitable option on the proxy store.

VPN

A VPN works similarly to a proxy. It will take over the traffic and mask the IP address. The VPN delivers additional protection, such as encrypted information. In addition, one of the differences between a VPN and a proxy is the scope of service. The VPN provides protection for any traffic performed on your device, while a proxy works only for specific applications and browsers. 

A VPN is excellent when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network and avoid the risks associated with it. Also, many use it to access content restricted in their location. In addition, it is a good choice if you live in a country where the internet is censored and there is online tracking of activity. 

However, there are a few drawbacks. Unlike a proxy where you can pick free providers, you need to pay if you want to have a VPN. In addition, it will take some time for the system to process the information resulting in reduced speed. Also, some VPNs might provide better security than others. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right one.

Residential VPN

Whenever you need to get a mix of regular VPN and proxy features – the best choice is a residential VPN. It works like a standard VPN, but all data will travel not directly to your device but via an IP with some other location. As a result, you get the usual VPN benefits, but in a way, that is similar to proxies. It hides your IP, but in a specific, unique way.

Whenever you use a residential VPN, it switches your IP address, so it becomes impossible to trace your current physical location. You can choose from a vast number of different locations. As a result, you can get access to any kind of content that is originally restricted in your current location. For example, you can use it to watch films, listen to limited music, play games, or just for casual browsing on restricted websites.

So, a residential VPN is best to use while you are traveling or would like to access some information or data that is restricted in your current location. It can also grant you decent protection while using public Wi-Fi networks.

As well as a regular VPN, a residential VPN will protect all types of traffic that run through your device and not only on a single browser or application, as it usually happens with proxies.

Most residential VPNs provide military-grade encryption. Unfortunately, in most cases, the process of such encryption requires some time. As a result, a slight speed decrease might occur when you use a residential VPN. Still, you can easily switch your current virtual location in residential VPN options to achieve a higher speed.

Final thoughts

Choosing between a proxy and a VPN depends on your specific needs. A proxy is suitable for entertainment, such as getting restricted movies or series in your area. A virtual private network offers protection when being connected to unsecured public Wi-Fi.