When you need to access to all websites online or hide your real IP address, you may search “VPN proxy”, “proxy server” or “proxy service” on the search engine. Except for VPN service, most VPN providers also supply proxy service. Or you can use the free proxy servers. But lots of people who are using VPN or proxy service are wonder: what are the differences between them?
What is a Proxy Server?
The proxy server is like mediation between you and the Internet. Generally, in two cases, we will use the proxy server.
1, Proxy servers located on the local router and will authenticate users on the network. This kind of proxy usually is used as hotels or airports’ Wi-Fi hotspots. They do not require users to configure by themselves.
2, Web proxy settings are used on your browser, whether it is Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Safari. Your Web browsing will be mediated by the remote server. When using it, your IP address will be changed in the browser you set, but it will not be applied to your entire network connection. You can also set up a separate proxy for other applications, but only for each application. More importantly, the proxy server does not provide encryption protection.
You should know what a VPN is if you have read our article before.
Differences between proxy and VPN
Here you can learn more about proxies and VPN servers.
Access to the Internet
VPN: A VPN service enables you to access all block websites on the internet.
Proxy: A proxy server is unable to bypass the firewall, therefore, there are many restrictions on the use of the proxy server.
Anonymity
VPN: VPN providers can completely hide your real IP address, no one can steal your privacy information and peek at your internet traffic.
Proxy: The owner of the proxy server knows your real IP address and can monitor your traffic on non-HTTPS websites, so you are not totally anonymous.
Connection Speed
VPN: VPNs can provide fast even ultra-fast network connection speed to help you improve your online experience.
Proxy: However, when using a proxy server, continuous routing of traffic from your computer to the intermediate server can cause your Internet speed to lag.
Choose Locations
VPN: A VPN service offers hundreds of server addresses for you to choose from.
Proxy: Proxy server does not have the function of geographical location selection.
Privacy and Security
VPN: VPN encrypts all your information, data, and hides the real IP address, so VPN can fully protect your privacy and security.
Proxy: Not all proxy servers use SSL connection, so there is a risk of cyber-attacks.
Device Compatibility
VPN: A VPN app can run under all systems, such as windows, Android, iOS, Mac, etc.
Proxy: The proxy is only available for specific occasions or works only with web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc.
Stability
VPN: Once the data is encrypted, the VPN will be not get disturbed frequently, so the VPN is stable.
Proxy: Proxy servers are often disconnected due to traffic on the intermediate server.
In summary, VPN can be used for free Internet access, protect your privacy and security, it is indeed 100% reliable. Relatively speaking, proxy servers are less trustworthy.