25 July 2021

VPN vs Proxy | Difference between VPN and proxy

What is a Proxy?

A proxy serves as a gateway, it making ideal for basic functions such as anonymous web browsing and managing content restrictions. Proxy servers are excellent at IP masking and misdirection, making them ideal for gaining access to geo-restricted content.

What VPN?

VPN is an acronym that stands for the virtual private network. VPN redirects your IP address through a network of servers in the country you need to be in, effectively replacing your physical IP address with a virtual one. As a result, it offers a high level of security and privacy, shielding you from hackers, data snoops, and other trackers.

VPN vs Proxy | Difference between VPN and proxy:

  • VPN is usually paid while the proxy servers are free.
  • A VPN connection is more reliable while the proxy server connection drop more frequently.
  • VPN can be slower than proxies as they need to encrypt your data, there are ways you can improve your connection and browsing speeds.
  • VPN works on the operating system level and reroute all your traffic while the proxies work on the application level and only reroute the traffic of a specific app or browser.
  • VPN encrypts your traffic while proxy servers don't. A VPN protects you from ISP tracking, government surveillance, and hackers. Proxies don't, so they should never be used to handle sensitive information.