8 Difference Between Proxy and VPN - Gangstech

Table of Contents

Both proxy and VPN are popular tools when it comes to online privacy and security. But which one is better for you? In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between these, so you can use them per your needs.

Do you know : The VPN market expand to $350 billion by 2032.
Source : Statista

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network(VPN) is used to create a secure connection between your device and the internet. Your real IP address is hidden and replaced with a fake one when you connect to a VPN. This means your data stays protected, even on public Wi-Fi. VPNs are used to  improve 

• online privacy, 
• geo-restricted content, 
• and keep personal data safe.

Types of VPN 

Different types of VPNs are designed for different purposes. Some are made for everyday users, while others are used by businesses.

1. Remote Access VPN
2. Site-to-Site VPN
3. Cloud VPN
4. Personal VPN
5. Mobile VPN

Remote Access VPN

Remote Access type is mostly used by Individuals. It allows users to securely connect to the internet. This type of VPN is mainly used for

• Protecting privacy on public Wi-Fi
• Hiding your IP address
• Accessing region-restricted content

Site-to-Site VPN

A Site-to-Site VPN is mostly used by companies. It connects one private network to another over the internet. For example, a business with offices in different cities can use this VPN to allow all locations to share data securely.

This VPN runs in the background and usually doesn’t require user interaction.

Cloud VPN

A Cloud VPN is hosted on cloud platforms instead of physical servers. It helps companies securely connect cloud resources, so you don't need to install a vpn hardware at your office. The vpn service is hosted on different cloud platforms, including AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

Personal VPN

This is the most common type of vpn that is used in daily life. When people talk about using a VPN on their phone or laptop, this is usually what they mean. A personal VPN includes:

• Encryption,
• IP masking,
• Multiple server locations,
• One-click connection,
• Apps for devices.

Mobile VPN

A Mobile VPN is the best option for users who frequently switch networks, such as moving between Wi-Fi and mobile data. It keeps the connection stable even when the network changes.

This type of VPN is commonly used by:

• Delivery staff
• Field workers
• Remote employees who travel often

You Also Like “11 YouTube Powerful SEO Tools“

Pros of VPN

You can enjoy several benefits, including

• They Protect Your Privacy.
• It keeps You Safe on Public Wi-Fi.
• You can Access Restricted Content using vpn.
• They prevent 3rd party Tracking.
• It enhances Online Security.
• Vpn Helps to Avoid Censorship.
• They reduce the Risk of Cyberattacks.

What is a Proxy?

In a proxy, your requests go through the proxy server first. The server then forwards your request to the website. They hide your real IP address to see the proxy’s IP instead of yours. This can help with privacy and accessing blocked content.

Proxies are used for

• Keeps your IP address hidden.
• Bypass region blocks or firewalls.

You Also Like “11 powerful YouTube SEO Tools“

There are different types of proxy servers, including

• HTTP Proxy
• HTTPS Proxies
• SOCKS Proxies
• Transparent Proxies
• Anonymous Proxies
• Elite Proxies

Pros of Proxies

• They protect your privacy.
• They help you bypass geo-restricted content.
• They offer an extra layer of security by filtering out malicious content.
• Proxies can cache often-accessed content.

You Also Like “Alternatives of ChatGPT“

VPN vs. Proxy: Key Differences

The main differences are

Which is Better for You?

Choose a VPN if

• You need strong security.
• You handle sensitive information online.
• You want to access geo-restricted content securely.
• You often use public Wi-Fi.

Choose a Proxy if

• You need to bypass simple geo-restrictions.
• You want to hide your IP address.
• You prefer a free service for basic tasks.

Conclusion

The right choice depends on your needs. So, which is better for you? If security is your main concern, a VPN is the way to go. Yet, if you’re simply looking to bypass regional content restrictions, a proxy will suffice.

Faqs

What encryption protocols do VPNs use?

They typically use protocols like:

• Open
• IKEv2/IPsec
• WireGuard
• L2TP/IPsec
• PPTP

How does a proxy server work for web scraping?

Proxies are used for web scraping to prevent IP blocking. They allow large-scale data extraction from websites without getting blocked.

Can VPNs protect against DNS leaks?

Yes, many high-quality VPNs offer DNS leak protection.

What is a double VPN, and how does it work?

A double VPN routes your traffic through two servers. They offer an extra layer of encryption.

Are there any risks in using free VPNs or proxies?

Yes, free VPNs and proxies often come with risks like

Limited bandwidth and slow speeds.

• Weak encryption,
• Selling user data to third parties.
• Ads and malware

What is split tunnelling in a VPN?

Split tunnelling allows you to choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which goes directly to the internet.

How do proxies handle HTTPS traffic?

HTTP proxies do not naively handle HTTPS traffic.