So, how do you stay protected on the big bad web? Should you use a VPN... or a proxy? What's the difference? And which one should you use to safeguard your identity and even access content restricted to your region? You have questions - we have answers. Let's go!
First, let's get some definitions out of the way. While both VPNs and proxies connect you to a remote computer, they're not one and the same. A proxy hides your IP address and sends a new one to the website instead, tricking the system and bypassing restrictions. One thing about proxies, though, is that they only reroute traffic from one app. They also don't encrypt traffic.
Next up - VPNs. Like proxies, VPNs also reroute traffic via remote server and conceal your IP address. Unlike proxies, VPNs work on an operating system and app-level - redirecting all traffic from browsers and background apps. I'm not gonna bore you with tech-talk, but simply put, proxies work in three ways. HTTP proxies reroute web traffic. SOCKS proxies work for apps - like games or streaming software. Transparent proxies, well, you wouldn't normally know about these - seeing as they're mostly used by parents, employers, who are trying to control online antics.
Back to VPNs, these encrypt the traffic moving between your device and the web, routing your connection through your chosen server instead of your internet service provider. Think of a VPN like a tunnel, filtering your data before you reach the Internet. While both proxies and VPNs serve the same fundamental purpose, here are some key differences. VPNs encrypt traffic, proxies don't. VPNs are usually faster than proxies. VPNs cost money, proxies are normally free. VPNs don't drop-it-like-it's-hot as much as proxies do.
Now, for the question on everyone's lips - which is better? Honestly, this all depends on use. Wanna stream Friends? Proxies might take too long to buffer. Need to bypass the Great Firewall of China? VPNs are much more effective, bypassing blocks built by Chinese government. Need for speed? VPNs are usually faster. Worried about security? While proxies only hide IP addresses, VPNs encrypt connections even on public Wi-Fi. Want something that's easy to set up? You can use a proxy from inside your existing browser.
