Difference between VPNs and Proxies Everything you need to know

Proxy servers and VPNs hide a user’s identity and are great tools for accessing online content anonymously.

Since both services offer similar uses, netizens often discuss them. However, there is a significant difference between the two. We will explore the unique differences between the two and their benefits.

What Is a VPN? and its Advantage

A VPN works like a proxy server in that it masks your internet traffic, making it appear as though it is coming from an anonymous IP address. However, this traffic passes through an encryption channel between your computer and the anonymous VPN network.

So, where a proxy only redirects web requests, a VPN routes and anonymizes all network traffic coming from your computer or device.

Encrypted tunnel ensures secure internet usage. For example, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network without worrying while sitting in a restaurant. A VPN connection will not expose your private information to hackers or anyone wanting to spy on you.

Pros

Listed below are the advantages of using a VPN.

• A VPN provides you a secure connection to public Wi-Fi
• It covers your IP address and gives you a new one
• VPN provides end-to-end encryption to provide maximum safety when browsing the internet
• All your browsing activity remains anonymous and secure if you’ve installed it on your device.
• A VPN keeps hackers from spying on your private information
• VPN compatible devices provide you with more content options online

What is Proxy? and its Advantage

Normally, when you browse the Internet, your computer connects to a particular website and downloads pages for you to access. This technique is quite simple and smooth to understand.

However, when using a proxy server, your computer first sends all traffic to the proxy. The server sends your request to the selected website, downloads the data, and then sends it back to you.

There are numerous motives why you may need to do this:

• You do not want to expose your identity when browsing the internet. When using a proxy, the traffic comes from the server – not your PC.
• You want to dodge content restriction. For instance, you might have subscribed to a particular service in the UK that won’t work in the USA – consider a Netflix subscription. When you connect to a proxy, it’ll appear as if you’re streaming from the UK.

Pros

Now that you know what is a proxy, check out the benefits it offers below:

• Proxies are typically free. So, you won’t be paying a fee to use them when required.
• A proxy successfully hides your IP address, allowing you to browse anonymously.
• It protects you against malware websites by restricting your access
• They are faster than VPNs because they do not encrypt your data.
• Proxies allow you to access geo-restricted sites and services
• You can restrict your employees’ internet usage by blocking their access to specific websites.

Proxy Vs VPN: What’s the Difference?

Because both servers hide your IP address by connecting you to a remote PC, many people assume they work similarly. We’ll take a closer look at both by discussing what sets them apart.

• VPNs tend to be slower than proxies because they encrypt your sensitive information. Therefore, they may take more time. However, this can be resolved by upgrading your browsing speed and internet connection.
• You would need to pay a fee when using a VPN. A proxy server, on the other hand, is usually free. Yes, you may find free VPNs, but they limit how much data you can use within a day.
• Both proxy servers and VPNs provide privacy by hiding your IP address; however, they do it differently. A proxy acts as an intermediary between you and the web. VPN, on the flip side, uses an encryption tunnel so no one – not even your ISP – can access your data.
• Because VPNs provide end-to-end encryption, they tend to be a little more secure than proxy servers.
• A proxy server hides a single website or app at a given time. A VPN encrypts all your web activity, regardless of the app or site.

Final Words

It would be wrong to consider one better than the other. Both servers offer unique advantages, and you may prefer one over the other based on your needs. Overall, proxies and VPNs allow you to access the web remotely by hiding your IP address. However, the method of both is different.