A proxy service — is more than just a tool for changing your IP address. It is an intermediary that determines how quickly, privately, and securely data will be transmitted between you and the internet.
Depending on the tasks — from high-speed gaming to accessing content from different regions — you will require a completely different protocol. In this review, we will break down the four main types of proxies, their technical essence, and provide clear recommendations for choosing the right tool for specific goals.
1. Basics: Who transfers data and how?
Proxy protocols differ in which layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) network model they operate on. The higher the level, the “smarter” the proxy (it reads HTTP headers); the lower it is, the more universal it becomes (it simply transmits packets).
| Protocol | OSI Layer | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| HTTP | 7 (Application) | Web traffic, header reading |
| HTTPS | 7 (Application) | Web traffic, encrypted connection tunneling |
| SOCKS5 | 5 (Session) | Universal traffic, including UDP |
| Shadowsocks | Transport | Operation in restricted networks and DPI, traffic encryption. |
| Vless/Xray (XTLS-Reality) | Transport | Advanced traffic protection, connection stability. |
The OSI model — is a 7-layer structure describing how data is transmitted over a network. Lower layers (1-4) are responsible for physical transmission, while upper layers (5-7) handle logic and applications.
2. Technical Breakdown of Main Protocols
🌐 HTTP Proxy
HTTP proxies operate at the application layer (Layer 7), meaning they analyze web requests (URLs, headers, User-Agent).
- Advantages: Easy to set up, can be used for content caching (remembering frequently requested pages, though not always) and filtering. Ideal for data collection (analytics) tasks.
- Disadvantages: Only work with the TCP protocol. Not suitable for non-HTTP traffic (games, streaming). They do not encrypt data themselves — everything is transmitted in plain text (unless the site uses SSL).
🔒 HTTPS Proxy
An HTTPS proxy — is essentially an HTTP proxy operating via the CONNECT command.
- Feature: It creates an encrypted tunnel from the client to the destination resource (end-to-end TLS encryption). In this case, the proxy cannot read the data inside the tunnel, which guarantees privacy.
- Advantages: Significantly increases the security of sensitive data transmission (passwords, payments) compared to pure HTTP.
- Disadvantages: Like HTTP, they only work with TCP. The channel from you to the proxy in the classic version is usually not additionally encrypted unless you use the proxy over VPN/SSH.
🚀 SOCKS5 Proxy
SOCKS5 (Socket Secure) operates at a lower level as a pure transport channel. It does not analyze the data inside the packets.
- Versatility and UDP: This is the most popular of the standard protocols, supporting not only TCP but also UDP. This is critical because:
- Online games use UDP for minimal latency.
- VoIP (voice communication) uses UDP for call stability.
- P2P protocols and modern standards like HTTP/3 (QUIC) depend on UDP.
- Security: Supports authentication, but SOCKS5 itself does not encrypt traffic inside the tunnel (data flies “as is” unless the application encrypts it).
- Advantages: Maximum versatility, better speed (less overhead), support for remote DNS resolution (which prevents DNS leaks).
- Disadvantages: Can be more difficult to set up for inexperienced users as it requires application support (via proxy client or browser settings).
👻 Shadowsocks
This is a protocol developed to provide network access in regions with strict internet restrictions and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) systems.
- Feature: Unlike SOCKS5, Shadowsocks protects its traffic with encryption similar to HTTPS, making the connection stable and secure. It uses encryption like AES-256-GCM or ChaCha20-Poly1305.
- UDP: Full implementations support UDP-relay, making it suitable for games and calls.
- Advantages: Traffic looks like a secure data stream, ensuring high privacy. An excellent choice for users who need to work in difficult network conditions.
- Disadvantages: Requires a special client. Implementations depend on the developer and can vary in quality. Might be slightly slower due to encryption.
🛡️ VLESS-Reality (Xray)
The most modern and advanced protocol at the moment. An evolution of Vmess and Shadowsocks ideas.
REALITY Technology: Allows traffic to appear as if you are visiting a normal legitimate resource. To analysis systems, it looks like a standard secure connection.
On our site: We have already implemented Vless/Xray support on our premium mobile proxies.
Look for proxies with the special Vless/Xray badge.
Also, in the proxy cards, you will find a mention of VPN (as the connection can be implemented via v2rayNG/Streisand clients acting as a VPN service on your phone).
Advantages: Maximum stability in difficult network conditions, high speed (no redundant re-encryption with XTLS).
Link to proxies with Vless/Xray support.
3. Security and "Free Cheese"
Channel Encryption: Setting the Record Straight
Confusion often arises. Let's clarify:
Classic HTTP and SOCKS5 do not encrypt the "Client → Proxy" channel itself. Your ISP sees that you are connected to a proxy server (though they don't always see what's inside).
Shadowsocks, Vless/Xray, and "SOCKS5 + VPN" combinations encrypt the channel completely. To the ISP, this looks like an unreadable data stream.
⚠️ Why are free proxies dangerous?
We strongly discourage the use of public free proxy lists.
Honeypots: These servers are often created by attackers specifically to intercept your data, passwords, and cookies.
Logging: A free service must monetize somehow. Usually, this involves selling your data to third parties.
Content Injection: A proxy can embed its own ads or swap links in unencrypted HTTP traffic.
4. How to Choose the Ideal Proxy for Your Tasks? (Checklist)
| Task | Recommended Protocol | Recommended Proxy Type |
|---|---|---|
| Online Games and VoIP | SOCKS5 | Datacenter (for speed) or Residential (for trust). |
| Business Account Management | SOCKS5 | Residential (Static) |
| Accessing International Media Content | SOCKS5 | Residential (for reliability) |
| SMM / Profile Registration | SOCKS5 | Mobile (with rotation) |
| Data Collection (Analytics) | HTTP/S | Datacenter (for volume) or Residential (for complex sites). |
| Working in Restricted Networks | Shadowsocks or Vless/Xray | Mobile (foreign locations). |
Proxy usage is legal in most countries, but always comply with the terms of service of the target resources.
5. The Combo: Protocol + Proxy Type
Choosing the right protocol (SOCKS5 or HTTP) — is half the battle. The other half — is choosing the type of IP address (residential, mobile, or datacenter) that will work via that protocol.
The proxy type affects the level of trust from the target resource.
A. Residential Proxy Applications
Residential IP addresses are associated with home internet service providers, giving them a high level of trust.
| Protocol | Task | Reason for Choice |
|---|---|---|
| SOCKS5 + Residential | Long-term Profile Management (E-commerce, Business Accounts) | High IP trust and UDP support for stable calls/streaming if necessary. |
| HTTP/S + Residential | Safe Web Surfing (browsers) | Traffic looks as natural as possible to the target site. |
Critical Choice: Static vs. Rotating
With residential proxies, it is crucial to decide how long one IP address is assigned to you.
Static: An IP address is assigned to you for a long term and does not change. This is a full imitation of a real home user.
Usage: Managing business accounts, working with banks, payment systems, ad cabinets. Link to Static residential proxies.
Rotating (Dynamic): You get access to a massive pool of addresses. Change the IP address whenever needed, choosing from over 120 countries.
Usage: Data collection (Analytics), when you need to distribute the load so the site doesn't restrict access for intense activity. Link to Rotating residential proxies.
Important: For long-term tasks, we recommend using static residential IPs. A sudden change (rotation) can trigger a security check.
B. Mobile Proxy Applications
Mobile proxies (4G/5G) — are IP addresses of cellular operators. They are valued for high stability because thousands of real subscribers can use one IP (CGNAT).
| Protocol | Task | Reason for Choice |
|---|---|---|
| SOCKS5 + Mobile | SMM, profile registration, social media work | SOCKS5 provides UDP support. IP is easily changed for fast switching between tasks. |
| HTTP/S + Mobile | Mobile Analytics | Used when you need to get data from mobile versions of sites, but SOCKS5 is still preferred due to protocol versatility. |
Pro-tip:On our mobile ports,Vless/Xrayis available for maximum privacy.
Important: Mobile proxies are typically used with IP rotation. Binding one account to them for a long time is not recommended, as the IP may change. Choose a provider with controlled rotation.
C. Datacenter Proxy Applications
Datacenter IP addresses — are the fastest and cheapest solutions.
| Protocol | Task | Reason for Choice |
|---|---|---|
| HTTP/S + Datacenter | Processing large volumes of data | Low cost and high speed for processing a huge number of HTTP requests. |
| SOCKS5 + Datacenter | Automated testing | Used for tasks requiring speed and UDP support (e.g., for running tests). |
Access Type: Dedicated vs. Shared
When choosing datacenter proxies, the price directly depends on whether you own the IP address exclusively.
Dedicated (Individual / Private): The IP address is issued strictly to one person. You — are the only user.
Advantages: Maximum speed (the channel is not shared with others) and reputation control. You are protected from the actions of other users.
Usage: Serious work where stability and authorization on resources are key. Link to Dedicated datacenter proxies.
Shared: One IP address is used by several people simultaneously.
Advantages: The lowest price on the market.
Risks: If your "neighbor" violates the rules and the IP gets blocked, you lose access too. Speed can drop during peak hours.
Usage: Bulk tasks where losing one IP isn't critical, testing. Link to Shared datacenter proxies.
Proxy Type Comparison Table (Trust vs. Price)
To quickly decide on the IP address type you will use with SOCKS5 or HTTP/S protocols, refer to this summary table:
| Type | Trust | Speed | Price | Best for... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datacenter | Basic | High | Low | Data processing, tests |
| Residential | High | Medium | Medium | Profile management, safe surfing |
| Mobile | Maximum | Low/Medium | High | SMM, multiple registrations |
Conclusion
Choosing a protocol — is choosing a tool for a specific task. HTTP/HTTPS — for web-specific tasks and safe surfing, SOCKS5 — for everything else: games, multimedia, and professional account management. If your task is maximum privacy, working in complex networks, or using VPN clients — choose our plans with Vless/Xray support.
For those looking for a reliable and high-performance solution, CyberYozh App offers superior proxies with guaranteed UDP support, high speed, and anonymity. By investing in quality proxies, you ensure the stability and security of your online activities.