Whenever you think of accessing geographically restricted content or protecting your identity over the Internet, you think of either proxy or VPN server. Both tools help you browse the Internet without revealing the IP address and location, but they have many differences, making it difficult to choose one. Thus, when it comes to Proxy vs VPN, it is essential to know the difference.
Sometimes people just want to know the difference between them for educational purposes, while other times, it can be for the practical implementation of these technologies. Although the internet user can use both to hide your IP address, they have different functionalities to consider. Users need to understand how a proxy and a VPN provider works.
What is a Proxy?
A proxy is a remote server connected via the desktop application (mostly web browser) on your computer to access the Internet for you. When you request a page via a web browser, it connects to the Internet directly in a standard scenario.
However, when the proxy server is set up on your device, the request goes from the web browser to the proxy server, and you are served by the proxy server with the web page you want. In other words, the proxy server is the middle man between your desktop application and the Internet. You can hide your online activity and original IP address with a proxy server.
The proxy server is on the app level and not for the entire computer. You can check for a proxy provider online if you need one. The most common types of proxies are HTTP proxy, SOCKS proxy, and Transparent proxy.
What is VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and it creates a secure tunnel between your computer and the rest of the Internet. You can have a private network over a public network in coffee shops, libraries, and other public places. With the help of a VPN protocol, you can securely access the Internet from all the applications on your computer. It helps you to hide Internet activity.
All the internet traffic transmitted to and from your computer is encrypted, thus ensuring the safety of the data. You can configure VPN on your Windows 10 or look for online VPN provider apps. VPN service is not application-specific. Once you configure the VPN app, all the applications are secured, even the Windows update downloaded on your computer.
Proxy vs VPN – Know All About It
Now, you know what VPN and proxy setting offer individually. So, when it comes to Proxy vs VPN, let’s understand the difference between the two.
1. VPN Offers Encryption And Privacy
The primary difference between VPN and proxy server is that VPN encrypts the transmitted network traffic, thus adding a layer of security. The proxy connection only hides your IP address, identity, and location without any layer of encryption. Therefore, when it comes to online security concerns, VPN is preferred, as eavesdropping on the data is reduced.
The end-to-end encryption makes it difficult for anyone to access the data, browsing activity, and sensitive credentials. With all the above factors, it becomes safe to access the Internet in the coffee shop without any issues. VPN provides extra security compared to the proxy.
2. Proxy Service Is Cheaper
You often have to pay more for VPN compared to proxy server connections. There are free proxy server extensions available for Chrome. However, experts recommend not to use the free VPN connection, as it can hamper your privacy and security.
At times you may pay more for a VPN client, but it is worth the security and privacy it offers.
3. VPN Operates On Operating System Level
As mentioned above, VPN works on your entire computer, and the proxy server works on the single application it is installed on. You can configure VPN once and stop worrying about different applications connecting to the Internet.
4. VPN Can Be Slower
Sometimes, you can experience slow Internet connection speed when connected to a VPN because of encryption.
These are some points that explain proxy vs VPN. The only thing in common between them is they mask your real IP address and hide your geographical location to access restricted movies and videos on streaming platforms.
Is Proxy Better Than VPN?
No, VPN is much better than a proxy, as it offers security rather than just being a mediator between your computer and the Internet. You can find a proxy server for free, but it won’t help you secure a private network in cafes and libraries.
So, the paid VPN connection is better than the proxy and not the other way round, as per our team of experts. We do not recommend using a free VPN app for your computer, as it can at times log your browsing activity and hamper your privacy.
Proxy vs VPN – What Should You Choose?
The answer to the question for Proxy vs VPN depends on your requirements. If you are looking for something just to bypass geo-restricted content and play online games without worrying about security, you can use a proxy server. However, if you are looking to connect to a company’s network from your computer at home (remote access), you need something more secure, like a VPN connection.
The proxy server won’t help you browse freely using the public network, as there are chances of eavesdropping attacks on your data. When it comes to safe and secure private networks, it should only be VPN without any second thought. It may cost you some money to opt for paid VPN connections, but it is worth it when it comes to protecting your data.
If you are someone who doesn’t use net banking or other crucial websites in public places and want to mask your IP address just to access streaming platforms and websites, a proxy server is best suited for your needs.
Conclusion
Nowadays, people are scared to access banking websites using public networks because of so many cyber attacks. Well, the fear can go down a bit if you mask your IP address. There are two ways of doing this: using the proxy server, and the other is VPN. These two may sound similar as both are used to access geo-blocked content and mask IP addresses, but they share differences. The proxy vs VPN information can help one make the right decisions regarding what they need to implement based on their usage.