What’s the Difference Between a Proxy Server & VPN?

What is a Proxy Server?

Proxy servers are web servers that act as a middle-man between the web server that hosts a website you’d like to visit and your Internet-connected device. Instead of having a direct connection to that site’s web server, your web traffic is first filtered through an additional server—the proxy. This process masks your IP address and instead makes it appear as though your traffic is coming from somewhere else.

Websites you visit will see the IP address of the proxy server, rather than your device’s original IP address. You might want to hide your IP address if you’re concerned about network attacks, hacking, or having your IP address used for nefarious purposes by someone else. A proxy server can also be useful for anonymous browsing and bypassing content restrictions and content monitoring.

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Types of Proxy Servers

There are many different types of proxy servers; these are some of the most common.

Transparent Proxies

Users are typically unaware that they are dealing with a transparent proxy server. They can be set up by parents, employers, and network administrators in schools and public libraries and are used to monitor online activity or block access to specific websites or content. Some businesses, like hotels and coffee shops, might use these kinds of proxy servers to authenticate users before allowing them access to the network.

HTTP Proxies

This type of proxy only works with web pages and not with internet-based applications. If you use an HTTP proxy with your browser, all your web pages will be rerouted through the server. However, if you use online gaming or other internet-based services that do not require a browser, the information shared will not route through a proxy and your IP address will not be hidden.

SOCKS5 Proxies

This type of proxy server may be considered as a less secure alternative to a VPN. Your internet traffic is routed through an additional server that will generate a new IP address that can help to mask your specific location. The SOCKS5 proxies have enhanced security, when compared to other types, and offer a few different authentication methods.

Distorting Proxy Servers

A hallmark of this kind of proxy is that it helps to hide a user’s original IP address by changing the HTTP header of a user’s IP. These proxies offer more security than transparent proxies because they more effectively mask IP addresses.

Tor Onion Proxy

A Tor proxy is used to access the dark web and can provide a high degree of anonymity. This dedicated software is free to use and protects your data and identity with many layers of encryption, like an onion. In fact, Tor is an acronym for “The Onion Router.” Using a Tor proxy does not automatically mean that you’ll be using the dark web, but it is a means to do so.

Pros & Cons of Using Proxy Servers

Some advantages of using a proxy include:

• A proxy can help to protect your data from being accessed by hiding your IP address.
• Parents may find that a proxy server can help control and monitor how their children are using the internet. Proxies can deny access to specific websites, keeping kids safe online.
• Proxies can cache website content, which helps them load quickly if they’re accessed frequently.

There are a few disadvantages of using a proxy server:

• If you install a free proxy, you might get what you pay for in terms of security and backend performance.
• Your proxy server will store your browsing history log as well as your IP address. This data is typically saved locally and may be unencrypted.
• Not all proxy servers provide full encryption for your data, which means people can still access information about your online accounts.

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a secure network that connects you to the internet. It’s a service that protects your privacy while you’re online and helps to secure your overall internet connection. Like a proxy, a VPN provides privacy and masks your IP address. A VPN functions by funneling your internet traffic through an encrypted connection known as a VPN tunnel, through which all internet traffic and communications pass.

Types of VPNs

There are two distinct types of VPN that can be used by individuals and businesses for additional security.

Remote Access VPN

This type of VPN allows an individual to connect to a private network while connected to another network. These VPNs are popular with businesses who allow their employees to work remotely. Even if someone is working outside the office, they can still log on to a company’s VPN and remotely access files and resources, while keeping all that information secure. An individual using a remote access VPN is able to log into a secure network from anywhere, whether they’re at home or on vacation. They may be used to bypass certain regional Internet restrictions, such as accessing streaming services while in another country.

Site to Site VPN

This type of VPN is also known as Router-to-Router and is most frequently used by large companies with offices in many locations. These VPNs are used to connect the company’s office locations together over a private network. If multiple offices within the same company are using a Site-to-Site VPN to connect, it’s referred to as Intranet based VPN. If that same VPN is being used to connect one company’s offices to another company’s offices, it’s called Extranet based VPN. Site-to-Site VPNS create a secure private network that connects one local network to another and blocks all outside traffic.

Pros & Cons of Using a VPN

A VPN can be incredibly helpful, but there are drawbacks as well. The advantages of using a VPN include:

• They’re exceptionally good at securing your network, passwords, and private data.
• A VPN encrypts your internet traffic so it can’t be intercepted by others and passed on to third parties.
• Some VPNs can help you evade bandwidth throttling, which is when your internet service provider limits your bandwidth during peak hours. When your web traffic is encrypted, your ISP won’t be able to see how much bandwidth you’re using.
• If you’re a gamer, a VPN can protect your network from DDoS attacks and help you avoid IP bans.

There are also disadvantages to using a VPN:

• If your internet traffic is routing through multiple servers, your internet connection may be slowed.
• Free VPNs can be unsafe and may collect your data and sell it. They may also lack infrastructure and have slow speeds and congested servers.
• The cost of a VPN subscription may make some people think twice.

What are the Differences Between a Proxy Server and a VPN?

While a proxy and a VPN are intended to provide additional security, they differ in a few important ways.

• Cost
  While there are free proxy servers and free VPNs, it’s smart to pay for these services to ensure greater privacy and reliable performance. The cost of a secure VPN can be worth it for the peace of mind.
• Encryption.
  The main security difference between a proxy and a VPN is that a VPN can encrypt your information. This means that your online activity is hidden from businesses, government agencies, and cybercriminals. A proxy server won’t encrypt your information; it will only mask your IP address.
• Privacy.
  Proxy servers don’t provide the same level of security and privacy that VPNs do. Some VPN providers offer no-log policies, which promise not to store your activity while you’re online. A free proxy server may sell your data to a third-party advertiser.
• Speed.
  Both services connect to external servers to help protect your connection and data. However, free proxy connections may tend to be less fast and less secure because there’s no revenue to support the upkeep and infrastructure.

VPNs and proxy servers help to provide additional security to your home network. There are free versions of each that should probably be avoided in favor of a more secure, paid option. Whether you choose a proxy or a virtual private network is up to you, based on your personal need.

Can—or Should—You Use Both a Proxy Server & VPN?

You can use a VPN and a proxy server together, but it’s not advisable. Setting the two services up can take some configuring and might slow down your internet connection without adding any major benefits. Just because you can use the two services together doesn’t mean that you should.

If you’re only looking to mask your IP address, proxy servers and VPNs will do the job. If you don’t want to put the brakes on your browsing speed or if you’re concerned about cost, a free proxy server might be the right fit for you. But if you’re looking for an encrypted connection, look into a VPN.