In the era of digital security and strict network access requirements, the proxy server has become an essential tool not only for IT specialists. Today, it is a basic tool for SMM managers, data analysts, marketers, and anyone who values data protection.
But when you enter a proxy store, your eyes wander: datacenter, mobile, residential, SOCKS5, HTTP... What to choose?
In this guide, we will break everything down: how proxies work, how they differ technically, and which type of IP address is needed for your specific task to ensure a stable connection.
How It Works: Your Digital Intermediary
A Proxy Server (Proxy) — is an intermediary link between your device and the Internet.
Imagine that you want to perform an action online while maintaining the confidentiality of your device's data. You direct the request through a trusted server. The web resource interacts with the server, while your direct data remains protected.
- Without a proxy: Your computer ➡ Provider network ➡ Website
- With a proxy: Your computer ➡ Provider network ➡ Proxy server ➡ Provider network ➡ Website
The website sees the request from the proxy server. Your real IP, provider, and exact geolocation are not transmitted directly.
Proxy vs. VPN: What's the difference? A frequent question from beginners. We have analyzed a detailed comparison of these technologies in a separate article.
Main Classification: Types of Proxies by Origin
This is a crucial part when choosing a tool. Online services and analytics platforms evaluate connection quality based on which provider owns the IP address.
1. Datacenter Proxies (Datacenter / IPv4 & IPv6)
IP addresses owned by hosting providers (Amazon AWS, DigitalOcean, etc.).
- How it works: The provider uses datacenter capacity to create multiple IP addresses.
- 2025 Trends: The popularity of IPv6 proxies is growing — they are more affordable and their quantity is significantly larger. However, keep in mind that some sites have limited compatibility with IPv6 compared to classic IPv4. Read more about who this standard is suitable for in our separate article about IPv6 proxies.
- Pros: High speed (up to 1-10 Gbps) and affordable price.
- Cons: Basic trust level. Websites identify the IP as a datacenter one. This is suitable for regular surfing, but social networks may require a more "natural" connection for account management.
- Use cases: Public data collection, accessing resources without complex checks, technical tasks, software testing.
2. Residential Proxies
IP addresses belonging to Internet Service Providers (ISP) that look like home connections. The issuance mechanism depends on the provider. We divide them into two types:
A. Static Residential (ISP Static) This is a permanent IP address assigned to you.
- Ideal for: Working with marketplaces, payment systems, and managing professional accounts.
- Pro: You appear as a stable home internet user.
👉 Choose Static Residential Proxies
B. Rotating Residential Access to a pool of IP addresses that can change with every request.
- Ideal for: Price analysis, SEO monitoring, market research.
- Pro: Provides high continuity of data collection due to rotating addresses.
👉 Choose Rotating Residential Proxies
3. Mobile Proxies (Mobile 4G/5G)
A high standard of reliability. IP addresses of real cellular operators.
- How it works: The connection goes through mobile network infrastructure. Operators use CGNAT technology, where one public IP can be used by a group of subscribers.
- Advantage: Web services (social networks, search engines) are loyal to such addresses because real people use them. This reduces the risk of access errors.
- Use cases: Social Media Marketing (SMM), managing ad accounts, working with business profiles.
Summary Table: Which Type to Choose?
| Proxy Type | Pros | Cons | Ideal Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Datacenter | High speed, low price | Basic trust, not suitable everywhere | Data Collection, software tests, content access |
| Static Residential | High trust, stable IP | Price higher than datacenter | E-commerce, working with important profiles |
| Rotating Residential | Continuity of work (IP rotation) | Not suitable for long sessions | Mass analytics, market monitoring |
| Mobile (4G/5G) | Maximum trust, reliability | High cost | SMM, ad management, business accounts |
Ports and Protocols: HTTP vs SOCKS5
A detailed breakdown of protocols is available in our special article, but here is the gist:
- HTTP Proxy: The simplest type. Suitable for web surfing. Important to understand: an HTTP proxy itself does not encrypt the channel to the server. If you visit an http site, traffic is open. Content security (encryption) is only provided if you visit an HTTPS site (SSL/TLS).
- HTTPS Proxy (SSL): Supports the CONNECT method, creating a tunnel (via TLS), which allows for the transmission of encrypted traffic.
- SOCKS5 Proxy: A universal protocol. Works with any traffic and supports UDP, which is critical for messengers and streaming data.
How to Use a Proxy?
Read the full guide on setting up proxies for various tasks in our usage guide.
Step 1. Choosing a provider:
The main mistake of a beginner is searching for "free proxies."
- Risks: Do not use free (public) proxies — they are slow, often don't work, can threaten data security, or be used by malicious actors.
- Solution: Choose proven services, such as CyberYozh App. We offer private channels with UDP support and dedicated modems.
Step 2. Obtaining data:
After purchase, you will receive access credentials. Usually, it looks like this:
- IP: 123.456.789.012
- Port: 8080
- Auth: login : password
Step 3. Configuration:
Where to enter this data?
- In the browser: Use standard settings or extensions for proxy management. Add a new server, enter the IP and port, and save.
- In the system: Network Settings ➡ Proxy (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- In specialized software: Paste the data into the settings of your work software (for marketing or analytics) or use proxifiers.
Risks and Best Practices
- Use rotation: If the connection quality drops, use the IP change function.
- Be careful with Shared proxies: On shared proxies, "neighbors" can create unnecessary load. They are suitable for simple analytical tasks, but for critically important accounts, it's better to get private channels.
- GEO Matching: Consider the geography of the account when choosing a proxy. A sharp mismatch in regions can trigger additional security checks from services.
- Verification and Tests: Always check connection parameters before active use. Disclaimer: remember that speed tests consume traffic. If you have a limited plan (e.g., Rotating Residential), monitor consumption.
Conclusion
A proxy server is the foundation of your security and stable online operations.
- Need to process a large array of data? Get Rotating Residential.
- Need to work with marketplaces or run a business account? Get Static Residential.
- For basic tasks and access to open resources — Datacenter.
- Need to run social media projects without interruptions? Get Mobile.
You can find reliable proxies of all types in the CyberYozh App catalog. Invest in a quality connection to protect your projects.