The difference between a VPN and a proxy can be a little complicated to understand, especially if you’re not the tech-savvy type. However, even though the two perform similar functions, it is very important to understand what differentiates the best VPNs from proxies, especially if you are concerned about your privacy.
In this guide, I’ll go over everything you need to know about the two tools and what the difference is between them. I’ll also include some tips on the key things to consider when choosing one and which one will be best for you.
What is a proxy server?
A proxy is a simple program (often a browser extension) that changes your IP address. You can usually select an IP in a different country and by doing so you will be able to access sites that may be blocked in your local territory.
By routing your Internet traffic through an intermediary server, a proxy also hides your activity from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is useful if your ISP prevents you from accessing certain sites or, for any reason, you don’t want to be tied to a particular search or online activity.
However, keep in mind that doing this will only expose your activity to the proxy rather than your ISP. It’s important to weigh up which one you trust more, and while reputable proxy providers are largely considered safe, it’s important to do your research.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that proxy servers do not encrypt your traffic, so they should never be used to protect or hide sensitive information. What’s more, unlike VPNs, browser proxies only redirect traffic within your browser. If you are using any other application that connects to the Internet, it will not be routed through your proxy.
What is a VPN?
VPNs perform all the functions of a proxy, such as unblocking sites and changing your location, but they also add some valuable additional features. For a full rundown, check out my complete guide on what a VPN is.
As a discrete program on your device, a VPN redirects absolutely all of your Internet traffic through its own servers and away from those of your ISP. This means that in addition to your regular browsing, your torrent client, standalone messaging apps like Slack, and streaming apps like Spotify will also be redirected.
However, the most important difference is the fact that VPNs encrypt your data. While standards have risen in recent years and encrypted HTTPS is now used almost everywhere, there are still risks, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
With an active VPN, your information is sent through a “tunnel.” This basically means that whatever you are doing will be hidden from view, and even if it is intercepted, it will be completely unreadable because it is encrypted.
While proxy servers may offer several different locations, a good VPN will almost always have a better selection. Some providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark offer thousands of servers, all of them super fast and reliable.
Finally, a very popular VPN use is to unblock streaming sites. With Netflix, for example, you can use a streaming VPN to change your location and watch exclusive content from other countries. Not all VPNs can do this, but choosing one that can make your evening experience much more interesting.
When should you use a VPN or proxy?
If all you need to do is quickly change your IP address or unblock sites blocked by your ISP, a proxy will do the job. For anything else, we highly recommend using a VPN.
It is widely accepted that encrypting your traffic and changing your IP when downloading torrents is essential, and a proxy cannot do this. If you’re looking to unblock additional streaming content, again, a VPN is your only option.
It is also worth noting that both proxy servers and VPNs can have an adverse effect on Internet speed, but with a fast VPN this difference is negligible. In fact, in my testing for my VPN reviews, a good number of VPNs maxed out my 1Gbps connection, so if you choose the right one, you’re unlikely to feel restricted.
However, since almost all proxy servers are free services, the servers they access can easily become overloaded with users, meaning connection speeds are likely to be affected more significantly.
Finally, if you’re looking to have more privacy online, encryption from a secure VPN is a must. While proxy servers can hide your activity from your ISP, anyone spying on your traffic won’t be deterred at all. So, for those who care about security, a VPN wins here too.
VPN vs proxy: which should you buy?
It’s clear that VPNs provide a superior service to proxy servers, and while they’re not as reliable, you can even find free VPN services that are worth your time and useful in a pinch.
However, that doesn’t mean that proxies are absolutely useless. Pick a good one and you’ll be able to change your IP with very little fuss and you won’t have to install a separate app on your PC to get it to work either.
But, if you can install programs on your device and want the peace of mind that a fully encrypted connection can provide, in almost all situations a VPN is the way to go.
