Proxy vs VPN: what to choose for your online tasks?

Clients often ask us, "*Which is better for my project - proxy or VPN*?". We always answer that both tools work differently and are suitable for different tasks. In this article, we'll break down the key differences, benefits and possible limitations of each connection method to help you choose the best solution.

####How does a proxy work and what are its features?

A proxy is an intermediary between a user and a target server. Its task is quite simple: to substitute the IP address and your network fingerprints for its own. The proxy algorithm is as follows:

![](/media/mdeditor/Picture1_20250331174725414451.png)

1. The user sends a request (e.g., to visit a website) to the proxy server.

2. The proxy server transmits this request to the internet on its own behalf (your IP address is hidden).

3. The Internet (site or service) sends a response to the proxy server.

4. The proxy server sends the response back to the user.

Proxies operate at layer 5 (session) of the OSI model, using the HTTP and SOCKS5 protocols. This means they pass data from your device to the end server without end-to-end encryption, simply by spoofing the IP address.

#####What does this mean for you in practice?
- **HTTP proxies**. Suitable for web sites because they can handle HTTP requests. They can cache data, making pages load faster, but they do not protect the information being transmitted. If the site does not use HTTPS, your data remains vulnerable.

- **SOCKS5 proxies**. More versatile: they work not only with browsers, but also with any application that supports this protocol (e.g. torrent clients or games). They do not analyze the transmitted traffic, but simply redirect it. The protocol makes proxies flexible to bypass blocking.

It is important to realize that proxies do not encrypt data. Therefore, if you need additional protection from interception of information, it is worth considering a VPN.

All traffic is cached and passes through several third-party servers at once, which are not connected to each other. This is why proxies have low ping and are considered one of the fastest ways to transfer data anonymously. However, proxies must be set up separately for each account.

**WARNING! Public or free proxies have no protection against data hacking. **

The provider redirects traffic without encryption. That is, your data can be disclosed to third parties by hackers. Also this data can be disclosed by the proxy server owner himself.

*We strongly recommend not to use public proxies, especially if you don't want to replenish other people's stores with your accounts for free. It is better to use proxies from <a href="https://app.cyberyozh.com?utm_source=app&utm_medium=topic&utm_campaign=proxy-vs-vpn" target="_blank">reliable sources</a>.

###What projects use proxies?

Due to the fast performance of proxies, they are often used to bypass restrictions. In tandem with an anti-detection browser, proxies create profiles for multiple virtual machines. In this way, multiple IPs can be used, circumventing the restrictions of many websites.

#####Examples of proxy use:

- **Web scraping**. Extracting third-party website data using automated software: analyzing competitors, monitoring prices of goods and services, creating databases for research. With multiple accounts, you can collect information more efficiently.
- **Process Automation**. Proxies allow you to bypass limitations when parsing data, collecting information, and performing similar actions en masse.
- **Gaming**. Proxy transmits data without loss of speed and encrypts IP. So you can play on your favorite servers, bypassing blocking.
- **Mass Account Management**. Proxies allow you to change IPs, reducing the risk of blocking (a more affordable option than VPNs).
- **Advertising Campaign Testing**. Test geotargeting strategy, test on different devices, collect competitor data, bypass blocking.
- **Simple Blocking Bypass**. Proxies help you access sites and services restricted by geolocation or IP.

####What is a VPN and why does it provide stable protection?

A VPN is a virtual private network. It, like a proxy, spoofs the real IP and masks geolocation. But the technology is different. When you turn on a VPN, the IP changes for all applications and sites (if you connect using a browser extension) or for the entire operating system.

##### VPN algorithm:

![](/media/mdeditor/Picture2_20250331175659996443.png)

1. The user submits a request (e.g., to visit a website).

2. The VPN client on your device encrypts this request.

3. The data is sent through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server.

4. The VPN server decrypts the data and transmits the request to the internet.

5. The response from the site or service is returned to the VPN server.

6. The VPN server encrypts the response and sends it back to your device.

7. The VPN client decrypts the data and you access the requested information.

A VPN operates at layer 3 of the OSI model. That is, at the network communication layer. This means that it encrypts all traffic passing through the device, not just the data of a particular application or browser, as a proxy does.

Imagine your internet traffic is a stream of water. A proxy is a filter that cleans only one specific stream (such as a browser connection). A VPN is an entire secure pipe that hides and encrypts all of your internet traffic.

All data passing through the VPN is securely protected using encryption algorithms such as **AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), RSA or Blowfish**. This is a must for any VPN service, unlike proxies, which don't always use encryption.

If you connect to public Wi-Fi (such as in a cafe, airport or hotel), attackers can intercept your traffic and access your personal data, passwords and correspondence. A VPN prevents this by creating a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet.

Thus, a VPN doesn't just change your IP address, but also ensures that all information transmitted is protected, something proxy servers don't do.

Unfortunately, VPN is slower than proxies, as it takes a lot of time and resources to encrypt data.

##### What projects use VPNs?

VPN can be used by both companies and private users. The main task is the protection of personal data. VPNs are used in a wide variety of projects:

- **Public Wi-Fi**. This type of network is not protected. This gap is used by hackers to get the necessary information. Such networks are located in cafes, stations, government offices. VPN allows you to secure data and receive traffic without the risk of hacking.
- **Torrents**. A VPN hides your activity from your ISP when you download files via P2P networks. However, keep in mind that a VPN is not an antivirus. It won't be able to protect you from malware that is often embedded in free giveaways.
- **Online Banking**. A VPN protects your financial data from leaks. This is possible thanks to end-to-end encryption and IP address masking.
- **Streaming**. Ability to reach and receive donations from a certain region. Also, VPN provides protection of the streamer's account from DDoS attacks during online broadcasts.
- **Video Viewing**. Helps to access content blocked in the region.
- **Betting (betting)**. Allows you to access betting sites blocked in the country. Protects data from possible data leaks.
- **VoIP (Telegram, WhatsApp, Zoom)**. Provides a stable connection, bypasses voice service blocking and protects correspondence from eavesdropping.

#### Which projects can use both proxy and VPN? Which projects can use both proxy and VPN?

In some projects, proxies and VPNs complement each other, providing a balance between anonymity, security and speed. A proxy helps to bypass simple restrictions and distribute traffic, while a VPN does all of the same things, but also protects data with encryption.

**Examples of such projects:**

- **Marketplaces** like Ebay, Alibaba, Amazon, restrict access from certain regions. A combination of proxies and VPNs mask the real IP address, allowing you to register profiles from the right countries, as well as create multiple accounts.

- **Advertising Accounts**. Some message boards strictly track IP addresses. Proxy in combination with VPN helps to bypass antifraud blocking systems.

- **Scraping**. Automatic data collection on competing sites. VPN and proxies help to parse prices and assortment of third-party marketplaces. They also allow you to monitor news and trends, research niches and demand. Proxies are cheaper in this respect. However, VPNs are also used when necessary.

- **Traffic Arbitrage**. Proxies and VPNs help to bypass geo-blocking and effectively manage advertising campaigns. They can be used to run ads on Facebook, Google, TikTok and other services, avoiding geolocation restrictions. Arbitrageurs also use them to work with affiliate networks. When testing offers, proxies allow you to check how landings load in different regions and how ads behave. VPN helps to hide the real location, and proxies - to distribute traffic, providing stability of work and protection of accounts.

- **Cryptocurrency projects**. Many exchanges restrict access of users from other regions. VPN helps to bypass such blockages. Proxy - manages multiple accounts. You can also use cryptocurrency wallets without being bound to a real IP.

### Proxy or VPN: what to choose?

The choice between proxy and VPN depends on your tasks, security requirements, speed and convenience. Both tools have their strengths and weaknesses. Their use is determined by your specific needs. Let's look at the key aspects to help you make an informed choice.

##### The main differences between proxies and VPNs:

#### Bottom line: which to choose?

**Proxy** is mainly suitable for tasks where speed, low ping and frequent IP changes are important. It is ideal for parsing, managing multiple accounts, bypassing simple blocking and testing ad campaigns. 
**VPN** is the choice for those who value security. It is suitable for handling sensitive data, using public networks, streaming, gaming, gambling, VoIP calls.

**Combining** proxies and VPNs can be useful in complex projects. Where you need a balance between speed, anonymity and data protection.

And if you need reliable solutions for any tasks, quality proxies and VPNs can be purchased at <a href="https://app.cyberyozh.com?utm_source=app&utm_medium=topic&utm_campaign=proxy-vs-vpn" target="_blank">App CyberYozh</a>.