Proxies or VPNs? We often hear this question as companies and individual internet users contemplate between the two, desperately trying to choose a better option for their needs. Although proxies and VPNs have their fair share of similarities, they also contain quite a few differences that make them unique solutions.
Choosing between a proxy and a VPN isn’t easy, but it’s much simpler once you understand the primary functions of these tools. That’s why we made sure to cover all the essentials regarding proxies and VPNs and, hopefully, help you decide which solution is better for you.
Let’s get started.
Proxies and VPNs explained
Firstly, it’s essential to explain what proxies and VPNs are.
A proxy server is a unique software tool that acts as an intermediary between the end user and the internet. Traditionally, end users connect to the websites they browse directly via their IP address, which can cause plenty of security and privacy issues.
However, with a proxy, the internet traffic flows through the proxy, which masks the user’s IP address before reaching the requested internet address or the end user. Therefore, we can say that proxies stand as a security gateway between internet users and the World Wide Web. Domain hosts can’t access the user’s actual IP address and thus can’t cause any harm.
Moving on to the VPN, it’s a software solution that equips its users with an entirely different IP address when browsing the internet. All VPNs work similarly – they redirect the internet traffic from the users’ IP addresses to special servers run by VPN hosts.
As a result, people using VPNs are safer since no one can get their hands on the users’ real IP addresses. Moreover, VPNs encrypt all the users’ data, so others can’t make sense of it even if, by some miracle, they manage to access it.
The main features of proxies and VPNs
As you can see, proxies and VPNs have a similar primary purpose – to protect internet users from cybercriminal activities and provide them with more privacy. Nevertheless, proxy servers and VPN tools have some unique elements as well. Here’s a brief overview of the main features you can expect when using proxies and VPNs.
The primary attributes of a proxy server are:
- Internet access control: When using a proxy, you can decide which websites users on the same network can access. That’s especially helpful for company executives trying to limit the list of websites their employees can browse during working hours.
- Internet traffic balance: When too many users connect to the same network, the internet traffic can quickly become unbalanced and unreliable. Use a proxy to ensure all users receive access to a balanced network.
- Access to geo-restricted content: Since proxies mask your real IP address, you can use them to access geo-restricted content that’s otherwise unavailable in your country or region. You can go here to find out more on how proxy servers can be used to prevent geo-blocking.
The key features of a VPN tool include:
- IP address and protocol encryption: VPNs are primarily designed for public networks. As such, they allow users to send and receive information while providing them with IP addresses and protocol encryption.
- Two-factor authentication: A good VPN solution has two-factor authentication that will ensure no unauthorized people get access to someone’s sensitive online information.
- Access to geo-restricted content: Like proxies, VPNs also allow internet users to change their access location and thus enjoy geo-blocked content from the comfort of their homes.
Proxies and VPNs: Main use cases
Now, since you know more about the core features of proxies and VPNs, it’s time to say something about the main use cases of these two solutions.
A VPN is mainly used for personal purposes. These tools secure personal anonymity and security, which allows individual internet users to hide their true identity and keep their online data safe when using the internet.
On the other hand, a proxy server has slightly different purposes. Although proxies can also be used for individual purposes, they’re more common as an internet safety solution among companies and organizations. That’s because proxies can do much more than secure online anonymity – they optimize internet traffic flow, control who can access which websites, and save network bandwidth.
With that said, some of the industries that can benefit from proxy use the most are:
- SEO;
- Market research;
- Advertising geo-testing;
- Data mining;
- Mobile app testing.
Final thoughts
It’s safe to say both proxies and VPNs have their strengths and weaknesses. However, you’re undoubtedly interested in determining when a proxy is a better option than a VPN.
Proxies are the perfect solution if you’re struggling to keep up with how your employees use the internet or you can’t seem to provide everyone with a stable and reliable internet connection. They’ll ensure your employees stay focused on their tasks and are secure online.
