Poxy vs VPN Service what is the difference
Differentiating Proxy and VPN Service: what you need to know
Both proxy servers and virtual private networks (VPNs) are utilized for the same purpose i.e. to mask a particular geo location or identity of the respective user. Even though both operate by rerouting the web traffic and spawning a new IP address, there are several core differences that places them on the opposite pages of the same book.
When weighing proxy servers and VPN service, you could say that VPN has an edge over proxy due to several reasons. The fact that proxy servers are available for free and some VPN service providers tag proxy server services together with their VPN packages also mirrors the fact that VPN has the upper-hand. Let’s dig deep into the details of factors that differentiate proxy servers from VPN or vice versa.
Proxy Servers
Proxy servers are like a virtual computer that is positioned between your computer and host server. There are different variants of proxy servers that are widely used today. Listed below are the main classifications of proxy servers
Open Proxy Server: An open proxy server is a proxy server that is readily available on the web. Literally transformed, any internet user can use these servers to surf the web anonymously. These proxy servers are normally available for use, free of cost.
Private Proxy Servers: A private proxy is a paid proxy closed to only selected clients - These servers are often fast and provide the best protection against forwarding revealing headers, although not encrypted, they will fit a cause depending on the application. See VPNSecure Private Proxy pricing here
Virtual Private Networks
Virtual Private Networks are characterized by the formation of a secure communication channel that connects your computer and the respective server. Only the respective your internet service provider can sniff out the fact that you are using a VPN. (Although using methods such as obfsproxy with OpenVPN can hide this - albeit slow down your speeds) However, they will not have any further access to information like the sites you visit and the frequency of those visits. The VPN service provider technically can access this data, if the VPN company logs, this is one of the reasons why it is recommended that you choose a trusted VPN Service provider does not log. Virtual Private networks can keep your data encrypted and secure irrespective of the action you perform online. There are several VPN features that give it an edge over proxy servers.
| VPN | Proxy Servers |
|---|---|
| Creates a secure private encrypted connection between your computer and host server | Can be compared to a computer that bypasses the communication between your computer and host server. |
| More Secure: ISP Cannot keep track of what websites you visit. | Less Secure: Your true IP can be detected using flash and javascript. |
| Once set up, all your internet activities can be securely routed irrespective of the activities you perform online. | Can be only used for accessing websites. |
| High encryption rate (128-bit to 2048-bit). | No encryption. |
| High compatibility rate: Compatible with 99% of web browsers | Low compatibility rate: Incompatible web pages that are build using non browser technologies like sky player. |
VPN Servers are also considered immaculate when it comes to escaping from the clutches of policies like Metadata retention. Always choose a professional VPN Service Provider with strict no logging policy. Dig deep into their portfolio and vital information like number of countries they cover etc.