VPN vs. proxy server: What's the difference, and which should you be using?
If you’re concerned about your privacy when using the internet, you may have considered using either a VPN or a proxy server. Both increase the security of your internet connection, but how exactly do they work, and how do they differ? If you are looking to improve your online privacy, it’s important to understand the difference between VPNs and proxy servers to make sure you're selecting the right tool for the job.
VPN and proxy servers defined
Both VPNs and proxies give you greater privacy by allowing you to hide your IP address in various ways. How they achieve that – and the extent to which they offer other privacy functions – varies greatly.
What is a proxy server?
Usually, when web browsing, your computer connects to a website directly and begins downloading pages for you to read. This process is straightforward. However, when you use a proxy server, your computer sends all web traffic to the proxy first. The proxy forwards your request to the target website, downloads the information, and passes it back to you.
By masking IP addresses in this way, proxy servers allow users to bypass content restrictions and monitoring. For example, users can view geographically restricted content – such as a UK-based Netflix subscriber connecting to a US proxy server to access US Netflix content.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for virtual private network. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your data, protects your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allows you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely. You can read Kaspersky’s detailed article on VPNs here.
VPNs work on the operating system level. This means that they redirect all your traffic, whether coming from your browser or an app. They also encrypt traffic between the internet and your device. As a result, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can’t see what you’re doing online – just that you’re connected to a VPN server. This encryption also protects you from website tracking, government surveillance, and any hackers who might try to spy on your device.
What’s the difference between a proxy server and VPN?
Differences between proxies and VPNs include:
VPNs encrypt information
VPNs encrypt any data you send or receive, whereas a proxy doesn’t. For sensitive transactions such as online banking or online shopping, data encryption gives you extra security – since it means that criminals can’t spy on your credit card details or login credentials.
Free proxy servers can be slower
Depending on how users access them, both VPNs and proxy servers can slow down your browsing. But this is especially true of free proxy connections – they can be slower (and less secure) because of fewer configuration options, reduced infrastructure, and less support. While speeds vary from provider to provider, VPNs are generally the faster option.
VPNs are usually paid-for
It isn’t a good idea to use a free VPN service – since they are limited in what they can offer and tend to mine your data. As a result, users tend to opt for paid-for VPNs, which provide greater data encryption and are more secure. By contrast, many proxy servers are free. This means that, in general, VPNs tend to be the more expensive option.
VPNs offer greater coverage.
VPNs work on the operating system level and reroute all your traffic through a VPN server, while proxies work on the application level and only reroute the traffic of a specific app or browser. This means that VPNs encrypt all web activity, regardless of website or app, while proxy servers only hide one website or app at a time. As a result, VPNs offer more coverage for their users.
Most VPNs don’t log traffic
Most VPN providers won't log your web traffic, which isn't the case for proxy servers. If you’re looking for total privacy, use a VPN provider which has a no-log policy – this means they won't track and store your activity while using their service to browse the internet. By contrast, a free proxy may monitor traffic to sell the data to third parties.
Types of proxies
There are different types of proxies. The most common types include:
HTTP proxies
HTTP proxies are designed for web-based traffic. The user plugs the proxy server into their web browser configuration file – or uses a browser extension if their browser doesn’t support proxies – and all their web traffic is routed through the remote proxy. This type of proxy is used to access geo-restricted content – for example, an online video that may be restricted in your region (though bear in mind that this might violate the user agreement with your content provider).
If you’re using an HTTP proxy to carry out sensitive activities, such as online banking or online shopping, it’s important to use a browser that has SSL enabled and connect only to websites with an up-to-date SSL certificate. Proxies do not encrypt traffic – the only encryption you receive when using them is the encryption you ensure yourself.
SOCKS5 proxies
SOCKS5 proxies work on websites but can also be used to access file sharing sites, video streaming services, or online games. However, connecting to an app through a SOCKS5 proxy may be slower. This is because free proxies can have slower infrastructure, fewer configuration options, and less support.
Transparent proxies
Proxy servers aren’t just used to unlock certain websites. They can also be used for the opposite purpose. For example, certain organizations – companies, schools, or libraries – or perhaps parents might want to set up a transparent proxy to block or filter users’ content when using the internet. You may have used a transparent proxy without realizing it.
What should you use, a VPN or proxy server?
If your goal is to hide your IP address, using either a proxy server or VPN will achieve that. And if you’re concerned about browsing speed, and you only want to hide your IP address from a single site or app, then a free proxy server will do the job.
On the other hand, if you want to keep your browsing activity hidden from others, using the internet through a VPN is a better option. This is because of encryption: VPNs encrypt your data while online, while proxy servers don’t. This is important because a VPN provides greater security if you're carrying out activities like online banking or online shopping.
While the best VPN providers will charge for their services, the security they provide means that your most sensitive personal and financial information is shielded from the eyes of potential malicious actors.
In summary: A VPN provides greater privacy and security than a proxy because it routes your traffic through a secure VPN server and encrypts your traffic. A proxy will merely pass your traffic through an intermediary server but won’t necessarily offer additional protection. Unlike proxies, VPNs work on the operating system level to secure all your traffic.
Do you need both a VPN and a proxy server?
In short, no. You don’t need to use a proxy server if you already use a VPN. VPNs fulfill the same function as a proxy server but offer more and better features. However, if you have a transparent proxy server blocking certain websites, you can use a VPN to bypass these restrictions.
Web proxy vs VPN: FAQs
Not all VPN and proxy service providers are equal, so do your research to understand product features and benefits before choosing one. Kaspersky Secure Connection is a VPN that hides your activity from businesses and governments recording your behavior. It masks your IP address and maintains no activity logs – which means it doesn’t keep a record of your digital activity.
Recommended products:
- Kaspersky Total Security
- Kaspersky Password Manager
- Kaspersky Secure Connection
Further reading:
VPN vs. proxy server: What's the difference, and which should you be using?
Kaspersky
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