Proxy vs VPN: what are the main differences?

A VPN secures all your network traffic, while a proxy works on an application level. They both hide your IP address, but only a VPN redirects your internet data through an encrypted tunnel.

A proxy is suitable for browsing the internet, but it’s not as safe and secure as a VPN.

With a VPN, you’ll get enhanced security and a range of useful features.. Let’s get into details and discuss the VPN vs. proxy debate.

Proxy servers act as relays between the website you’re visiting and your device. Your traffic goes through a middle-man, a remote machine used to connect you to the host server. The web proxy server hides your original IP address so that the website sees the IP of the proxy (in some cases, the computers of other proxy users are used for this). However, proxies only work on the application level, meaning it only reroutes the traffic coming from a single app you set your proxy up with. They also don’t encrypt your traffic.

There are three main types of proxy servers:

• HTTP Proxies – These only cater to web pages. If you set up your browser with an HTTP proxy server, all your browser traffic will be rerouted through it.
• SOCKS Proxies – These proxies are not limited to web traffic but still only work on the application level. Although they can handle all kinds of traffic, they are usually slower than HTTP proxies because they are more popular and often have a higher load.
• Transparent proxies – These are a different kind of proxy because their users are usually unaware of their existence. These proxies can be set up by employers or parents who want to monitor users’ online activity and block access to specific websites. Hotels and cafes use them to authenticate users on public Wi-Fi and companies or home users might also set them up to save bandwidth.

Like a proxy, a VPN also reroutes your internet traffic through a remote server and hides your IP address so websites can’t see your original IP or location (you can also check out our article on how to change your IP location for more details). However, it works on the operating system level, meaning that it redirects all your traffic, whether it’s coming from your browser or a background app.

A VPN client also encrypts your traffic between the internet and your device. That means the Internet Service Provider (ISP) monitoring your internet activity and collecting data about you can no longer see what you’re doing online – just that you’re connected to a VPN server. The encryption also protects you from government surveillance, website tracking, and any snoopers or hackers who might try to intercept your device. A VPN provides you ultimate online privacy and security.

Not all VPN and proxy service providers are equally good, so do your research before choosing one. Instead of providing you with enhanced security and privacy, shady providers can log users’ sensitive data, including IP addresses, DNS requests, and other details. You should avoid such providers because they can give this information to law enforcement agencies, advertisers, or hackers if their servers get breached.

Premium VPN service providers like NordVPN work hard to protect your private data and enhance your online security. NordVPN has more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries, providing users with the best speeds and modern features. If you want to keep your internet traffic secure and protect yourself from bad actors, it’s definitely worth trying the app.

Protect yourself online with NordVPN. Try it now with a risk-free 30 days money-back guarantee!

Here is a quick comparison between the two:

• VPNs encrypt your traffic while proxy servers don’t. A VPN service protects you from ISP tracking, government surveillance, and hackers. Proxies don’t, so they should never be used to handle sensitive information;
• VPNs work on the operating system level and reroute all your traffic through a VPN server, while proxies work on the application level and only reroute the traffic of a specific app or browser;
• VPNs can be slower than proxies as they need to encrypt your sensitive data; however, there are ways you can improve your internet connection and browsing speeds;
• VPNs are usually paid (you shouldn’t trust free VPN services as they have limitations and tend to mine your data) while many proxy servers are free;
• A VPN connection is more reliable while proxy server connections drop more frequently.

Yes, a VPN is better as it provides privacy and security by routing your traffic through a secure VPN server and encrypting your traffic. A proxy simply passes your traffic through a mediating server but doesn’t necessarily offer any extra protection. Moreover, unlike proxies, VPNs work on the operating system level to secure all your traffic. In the proxy vs VPN debate, the latter is a definite winner.

No. Premium VPN services do the same things as proxies and much more. You could use a proxy extension for a quick IP change, but keep in mind that not all proxies are safe, and some of them may collect your data.

VPNs and proxies can be used together but this can take some work to configure. We also advise against it as the proxy server would simply add another middle-man that slows down your internet connection without significant benefits. It’s better to switch to one or the other when using them.

Free proxy and VPN services might come at a cost of your security and privacy. Since developers have to make money somehow, they can snoop on your data in the background, bomb you with adware, or limit the amount of data you can use.

Premium VPNs invest heavily in their infrastructure and provide you with top-notch encryption. They offer you a rich server base, the fastest VPN protocols, 24/7 customer support, and continuous improvement of their services. We recommend avoiding free proxies and free VPNs, as a couple of saved bucks might cost you much more in the long run.

A VPN and a proxy are similar because they both reroute your traffic through a remote server and hide your IP address. However, a VPN is superior to a proxy server in many respects. If you care about your privacy and security, you should, without a doubt, choose a VPN.