Proxy VS VPN: What’s The Difference Between The Two?

Proxy VS VPN, what’s their difference? 

The internet is a prominent place to be in. It is full of information, and it is full of wonders, but it could be a scary place to be in. The Internet can be a place of fraud where your safety and security can be at stake and is a place where your personal information can be stolen.

So, if you value your security, it is the right time to use a proxy server. But a proxy server is often interchangeably used with a virtual private network or a VPN. Are you one of those who get confused? Then you should continue reading.

Proxy VS VPN: How different are they?

A VPN or virtual private network allows you to be anonymous and grants you privacy by making your own personal network from a public internet connection. It protects you from encrypted connections and therefore protects your privacy. It also hides your IP address, so your actions on the web are barely noticeable. 

On the other hand, a proxy server serves as a middle machine that separates the end-user from the page that it is visiting. It is called an intermediary because it is in between end-users and the web. Just like a VPN, it needs an IP address.

Protection from the Internet

When it comes to browsing, using the VPN is more secure because it protects all internet activities and traffic. However, using a proxy server is less secure since it only makes you anonymous in your current browser.

Encryption

Using a VPN encrypts the data gathered while in a proxy server; encryption does not happen. 

Anonymity and Safety: Proxy VS VPN

Both VPN and proxy servers allow you to be anonymous when browsing sites. Moreover, you can view geo-blocked content from the internet. However, VPNs give you an extra layer of protection from hackers and also helps your ISP from getting traced and tracked. 

Proxy VS VPN: A Brief Comparison

A VPN and a proxy server help you hide your identity but for additional protection, using a VPN is the best choice since it protects you from hackers, ISP tracking, and possible government surveillance. On the other hand, proxy servers won’t do the extra work. So, for sensitive information, never use a proxy server. 

In addition to this, for overall security, choosing a VPN is better. This is because it allows you to be safe on the operating system level. However, proxies work on the application level only, so it is browser-specific or application-specific.

When it comes to cost, proxy servers are usually free, while VPNs may be free but not secured. 

Which one do I need?

When your work entails having safe and secured browsing, using a VPN is the best choice for privacy and encryption. Proxies only mediate but do not offer anything extra.

What more should I know?

Using both VPN and proxy server is possible, but the internet traffic might be affected because VPNs still do encryption, so it takes a lot of time. Also, having a VPN is enough, so using both is unnecessary as VPNs can do more than proxies.

Lastly, using a free proxy or free VPN can be dangerous because your personal information might be taken. So, for secure browsing and safe internet usage, invest in a paid VPN rather than going for free ones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both VPNs and proxy servers have a massive similarity because they hide your original IP address, therefore, allowing anonymity and safe browsing. However, using a VPN offers an extra layer of protection compared to a proxy server. Therefore, the usage of both depends on what you need the most in your work or at home.