Proxy vs. VPN (comparison between Proxy and VPN)

The purpose of using both proxy and VPN services is to ensure security and protect the user’s data online by concealing their identity.

So the question is ‘what is the difference between a proxy and VPN?’

Before answering this question, let’s talk more about both of them to judge clearly and get the right conclusion.

Proxy Servers

We can think of Proxy as a cheap (and often free) web filter that acts as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. The proxy settings are applied to your internet browser whether you’re using Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.

When browsing the internet through a proxy server, all benefits of that server (Security, Speed, and Geographic Location) are used, i.e., any traffic routed through a proxy server will appear to come from its IP address, not your computer’s. The proxy will only secure traffic via the internet browser using the proxy server settings.

VPN

Virtual Private Networks create an encrypted ‘tunnel’ between your computer and the host server, with the internet traffic going in and out of the host server, i.e., once VPN set up on your device, all of your internet activity including all programs and applications are encrypted.

Few dollars and minimum computing skills are needed to set up VPN, only downloading and installing a VPN client on your device, most providers supply detailed step-by-step setup guides. The VPN can be easily connected or disconnected with the click of a button.

Your ISP or government can only see that you have connected to the VPN server and nothing else, i.e., your activities, IP addresses you have visited etc. are all completely hidden from them by high levels of encryption (128-bit to 2048-bit).

However, the VPN service provider can see what you get up to online, that is why we feel it vital that a good VPN provider to keeps no logs, otherwise these may be obtained by the authorities.

VPN is comparatively pricey, and the encryption process can noticeably slow down the servers in heavy use case.

Conclusion: Proxy and VPN

VPN is superior in almost every way to proxies.

• It provides vastly improved online anonymity, and protects your entire online life.
• It is an effective means of bypassing ISP throttling because ISPs cannot monitor your online activity.

Money is a real factor for many, and it will be the only real reason for choosing a proxy service over VPN. However, for typically almost $10 per month, VPN services do represent excellent value for money.

You can find best Proxy and VPN reviews here.

So when it comes to choosing between Proxy and VPN, we strongly recommend choosing VPN.