Proxy vs. VPN: How are VPNs and proxies different from each other?

Proxy servers and VPNs are excellent tools for secure content access, and both protect the user's identity. People commonly use the terms interchangeably because both of these services can accomplish tasks. But one protects your privacy, and the other does not. VPN and Proxy: What is the difference between them?

VPN and Proxy Definitions

Online services called proxies and VPNs redirect your Internet traffic through distant servers, thus hiding your IP address. But where a VPN encrypts and secures all your Internet traffic for added privacy and security, a proxy only works with a single app or service.

A VPN, like a proxy, will replace your IP address with the IP address of the VPN provider when you initially connect to the server. However, only a VPN will redirect your Internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, protecting your online activity.

For web surfing, a proxy works well, but it lacks the sophisticated features and degree of security of a VPN.

What is a proxy server, and how does it operate?

Proxy servers act as relays between your device and the website you are visiting. To get you to the host server, your traffic passes through an intermediary, a remote computer. To allow the website to see the proxy's IP, the web proxy server hides your original IP address (in some cases, other proxy users' computers are used for this purpose). But the proxy only redirects traffic from the app you set up your proxy with; it does not work at the application level. Your traffic is not encrypted by them.

Proxy servers mostly come in three types:

• Protocol HTTP. These are specific to web pages. An HTTP proxy server will redirect all your browser traffic if you configure it this way.

• socks proxy.  Although they still work only at the application level, these proxies are not limited to web traffic. Although they can handle any type of traffic, their popularity and often high load cause them to be slower than HTTP proxies.

• Transparent proxy server. Since most of the time their users are not aware of their existence, they are a different type of proxy. Parents or employers who want to monitor their children's Internet activity and restrict access to particular websites can install these proxies. They are used by hotels and cafes to authenticate users on public Wi-Fi, and business and home users can configure them to save bandwidth.

• Although not as private as a VPN, some services still offer private proxies. Rather, they assign a single, unique IP address to the customer. Although having a separate dedicated IP address may have some advantages, in the sense that it guarantees that the user can still be easily located,.

What is a virtual private network, and how does it operate?

Similar to a proxy, a VPN hides your IP address so that websites can't see it (for more information, see our article on how to change your IP location). However, it redirects all your traffic, whether originating from a background app or your browser, because it operates at the operating system level.

Your Internet and device traffic is encrypted by a VPN client. This means that the Internet service provider (ISP) can only see that you are connected to the VPN server; it can no longer see what you are doing online. Additionally, encryption protects you from government surveillance, website tracking, and any potential attackers or snoopers. Greater security and privacy online are offered by VPNs.

Choose a VPN and proxy service provider after doing your homework, as not all are created equal. Instead of providing you with greater privacy and security, shady providers have the ability to log users' private information, including IP addresses and DNS requests. Such providers should be avoided, because if their servers are compromised, they may provide this information to attackers or promotors.

NordVPN and other premium VPN service providers go to great lengths to protect your personal information and improve your online security. Offering the fastest speeds and latest features, NordVPN has 6300 servers spread across 111 countries. If you want to protect yourself from unscrupulous actors and keep your internet traffic secure, then this app is worth trying.

Proxy and VPN differ mainly

Here's a quick comparison of the two:

• VPNs encrypt your traffic; proxy servers do not. VPN services avoid attackers, government surveillance, and ISP tracking. Since proxies do not do this, sensitive data should never be handled with them.

• Because they work at the operating system level, VPNs redirect all of your traffic through the VPN server. Most proxies simply redirect traffic through a particular app or browser.

• Because VPNs must encrypt your private data, they can be slower than proxies. Still, there are ways to speed up your Internet connection and browsing.

• While many proxy servers are free, VPNs are usually paid (free VPN services have restrictions and often mine your data).

• While connections to proxy servers often drop, VPN connections are more reliable.

Is a VPN better than a proxy?

In fact, a VPN is better because it encrypts and routes your traffic through a secure VPN server, thus providing privacy and security. The proxy does not usually provide additional security; it routes your traffic through an intermediary server. And unlike proxies, VPNs secure all your traffic at the operating system level. The latter is undoubtedly going to win the proxy vs. VPN argument.

Read more: Proxy pools are what? Every Information You Could Have Wanted

Do VPN users even need a proxy?

Not necessary. Premium VPN services achieve much more than just proxying. For instant IP switching, you can use proxy extensions, but keep in mind that not all proxies are secure, and some may even collect your data.

I want to use a proxy and a VPN together.

Although configuring a proxy and VPN together can be laborious, it is possible. Since proxy servers will just add another middleman that will slow down your Internet connection without providing any real benefit, we also advise against it. When using both, it is better to alternate between them.

Should I use a free VPN or a free proxy?

Free proxy and VPN services may compromise your security and privacy. Developers may censor your data, attack you with adware, or spy on you in the background because they have to make money somehow.

Leading VPNs provide you with excellent encryption and invest in critical infrastructure. They provide you with the fastest VPN protocols, a large server base, round-the-clock customer service, and continuous service enhancements. We advise against free VPNs and proxies because a few dollars saved now may cost you a lot later.

the outcome

Because they both hide your IP address and route your traffic through a remote server, a VPN and a proxy are similar. However, in many ways, a VPN outperforms a proxy server. Of course, if you value your security and privacy, then you should use a VPN.