VPN services and proxy servers aim to keep your browsing experience private, but is one better than the other? Each technology has its pros and cons, so if you’re unsure which one to use, this is the article for you. Learn the differences between VPNs and proxy servers.
To put it in a nutshell, proxy servers are mediators standing between you and the internet. This means that a proxy server receives your data and sends it further – to your favorite websites, services, and other servers.
The people working at Smartproxy understand the significance of these features in many different situations. For instance, if you want to access geo-restricted content, the proxy server will help by connecting to a server in that specific location. Likewise, if you want to keep your browsing private, a proxy will hide your real IP address and assign you a new one.
Normally, when you try to access a website, your computer sends a request and waits for a response. The connection is direct, and the site’s owner sees you (your IP address) as the visitor. But if you access the website through a proxy server, your real IP address is not visible to the website’s owner. Instead, they see the proxy’s address because the request comes from it and not from you.
The main purpose of proxy servers is to hide your real IP address. Why would you want to hide it, you may ask. Well, your IP address reveals a lot of information about you, including your physical location – country, sometimes even city. It’s also your identification number, enabling advertisers to track your activity and profile you for their profits. This is why some people choose to use proxy servers.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) somewhat resembles proxy servers. The main similarity is that it also acts as a mediator between you and the internet. When you access a website via a VPN, your data goes further to the VPN server. So, where is the difference?
The most important distinction between VPNs and proxy servers is that the former encrypts your data. This means that only your computer and the VPN server “know” what is being sent inside the data packets. Nobody else – no advertisers or government agents – has access to your information sent through this encrypted tunnel.
VPNs are tools designed to increase your online privacy. They are similar to proxy servers in that they intercede in your connection but offer more excellent protection from hackers, spies, and other “outsiders.”
Both proxies and VPNs are designed to enhance your privacy when browsing the web. You should at least think about using one of them, but which one? It all depends on you and your preferences, but here’s a hint: VPNs offer everything that proxies have and more, just like a premium membership.
Using a VPN in Canada, the USA, Japan, or any other country can provide you with access to geo-blocked content. Proxies can also do this, but they don’t offer a secure, encrypted connection. Both tools are pretty similar: they can mask your IP address and location. If you’re still unsure which one to use, we encourage you to learn more about the differences between proxies and VPNs to make the best decision.
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