Proxy vs VPN - What’s the Difference and Which One is Superior
In the digital world, more and more web surfers realize the importance of enhancing the security of their internet connection. But a dilemma arises, “What tool can be used to a better effect?” Some customers use a VPN and others - use proxy servers. Unfortunately, they often do this without clearly understanding the difference between a proxy and a safe VPN.
On the surface, they perform similar functions - conceal the identity of internet users and allow access to geo-restricted content. However, the actual processes involved in how VPNs and proxies work are very different. Therefore, using one over another can have very different consequences. Read our simple comparison below to understand what will suit you best: Proxy vs VPN.
What is a Proxy Server
A proxy is a web server that acts as an intermediary between you and the internet. It makes your online activities appear to come from somewhere else, masking your real IP address. A proxy service allows you to connect only one proxy-compatible application at a time, preventing you from configuring your entire computer to connect to a proxy server.
Moreover, no type of proxy, including a transparent proxy, uses any kind of encryption to secure the traffic that passes through it. This leaves you vulnerable to snoopers and hackers, as your online activities can be easily monitored. There is also a chance that your ISP (internet service provider), government, or simply a guy sniffing the WiFi traffic at the airport can reveal your true identity and steal your sensitive data.
The bottom line is that using a proxy server is good only for low-importance tasks that don’t involve your personal data. For instance, bypassing basic geo-restrictions or unblocking websites.
The bottom line is that a proxy server is good only for low-importance tasks that don’t involve your personal data. For instance, bypassing basic geo-restrictions or unblocking websites.
What is a VPN
A VPN works very similarly to proxies in certain ways. Namely, it also disguises your real IP address so that you can bypass censorship and geo-restrictions. However, this is only part of the story. Compared to a proxy, VPN clients offer many more options to improve your online experience.
VPN works on the operating system level and reroutes all your traffic while proxy servers work on the application level. Moreover, comparing proxy servers vs VPN, it is worth mentioning that VPN connection is more reliable while proxy server connection drops time and again.
Grab VPN Unlimited and see how it’s different from proxies!
Check out our Proxy vs VPN comparison and download our safe VPN to learn all the benefits of a reliable VPN service.
Differences In Proxy Server vs VPN Unlimited Comparison
Data encryption
The main feature that differentiates VPNs from proxy servers is data encryption. A safe VPN service creates a secure connection, also known as a private encrypted tunnel, between your device and a VPN server. All your web traffic, including online programs, services, and applications you’re using, will be routed through this tunnel. This way safe VPNs provide superb protection of your sensitive information and prevent it from being monitored by third parties.
VPN Unlimited uses AES-256 encryption that is used by the US government for top-level data protection. You can safely conduct global banking transactions, carry on business correspondence, or connect to any public WiFi hotspot securely. All your data will pass through the safe tunnel and will hence be hidden from cybercriminals.
Additional freedom
Another feature that differentiates VPN Unlimited from common proxy servers is a special technology called KeepSolid Wise. It adds another level of online freedom by making your VPN traffic indistinguishable from normal web traffic, e.g. standard HTTPS proxies . KeepSolid Wise will see to it that you can use VPN provider like VPN Unlimited even on networks that ban VPNs.
Better privacy
Finally, a big reason why VPN Unlimited is the winner of the Proxy vs VPN comparison is that we follow a strict no-log policy. This means that we never collect nor store logs of your internet activities when you’re connected to our VPN servers (aside from few exceptions that are required to deliver you the service). No-log policy ensures the security of your privacy, and it’s the feature that most proxies don’t provide.
Fast Facts on Proxy Server vs VPN Unlimited
| VPN Unlimited | Proxy Server | |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Hides all web traffic and masks the real IP address | Provides a virtual IP address, though internet activity is still vulnerable |
| Encryption | Offers safe 256-bit encryption | Does not encrypt your traffic at all |
| Privacy | Protects your privacy against hackers and snoopers | Third-party still can intercept your private data |
| Freedom | Free access to online service, website, streaming, or game | Good only for simple content filters and IP-based restrictions |
| Speed | Provides solutions to boost up the connection speed (e.g. Personal Server) | Proxy connection speed is slow due to overloaded servers |
| Reliability | Ensures online security, privacy, and freedom at the same time | Less reliable and poses a security risk to your private data |
| Stability | Good overall connection reliability | Frequent downtime and risk of crashing |
| Compatibility | Works with popular platforms and devices (routers and gaming consoles) | Limited to certain browsers |
| Setup | Requires minimal computing skills to install a VPN | Needs to be configured for each website separately |
Proxy vs VPN - The Ultimate Winner
When it comes to a comparison of Proxy vs VPN, there is no doubt which service is better. A safe VPN is superior to proxies in every specification. VPN provides vastly improved online privacy and freedom, secures your personal data, and protects your connection from being detected and throttled.
FAQ About Proxy vs VPN
Do I need a proxy server if I have a safe VPN?
No. Connecting to a safe VPN covers all the possible functionality that a proxy may offer. Which is to say, it hides your IP address and physical location by masking it behind the IP address of a VPN server. So if you have a safe VPN, such as VPN Unlimited, you already have all the same bases covered, AND you get a host of additional benefits, like data encryption and privacy protection. Adding a proxy to the mix would be unnecessary.
What service is faster in Proxy vs VPN pair?
The answer here is a bit complicated. All other things being equal, a VPN should be a bit slower than a proxy server due to the extra step of data encryption. However, things are rarely equal here - proxies being free often provide outdated and overcrowded servers with lower bandwidth and higher ping. So in reality, if you compare Proxy vs VPN, a quality VPN server will often deliver superior internet speeds than a proxy server, even despite the added process of encryption.
Ready to try all the advantages of our safe VPN Unlimited?
Proxy server vs VPN? Easy choice. Download VPN Unlimited right now and securely browse the web the way you want!