VPN vs Proxy: Which one is better for privacy?
As the world is becoming more and more digital, it is becoming increasingly essential to protect one's online privacy. Many internet users use either VPN or proxy to hide their online activity and identity. But what is the difference between VPN and proxy? Which one is better for privacy? Let's find out.
What is VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and passes it through a secure tunnel to its server. VPNs are commonly used to protect online privacy; they keep your internet usage private from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and other prying eyes. VPNs typically require software to be installed on your device.
What is a Proxy?
A proxy is an intermediate server that acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. You can configure your device to use a proxy server, and your internet traffic will be routed through this server, which can be located in a different country than your own. Proxy servers can be free or paid and are readily available on the internet.
VPN vs. Proxy
Now that we know what VPN and proxy are let's compare the two systems.
Security
VPNs have better security because they encrypt all traffic between the user's device and the server. That means no one can eavesdrop on the communication between the device and the VPN server. Proxy servers, on the other hand, may encrypt only the user's web traffic and leave other traffic exposed.
Speed
Proxy servers tend to be faster because they only route web traffic. VPN's, on the other hand, have to route all traffic through the secure tunnel. As a result, VPNs can be slower than proxy servers.
Anonymity
Both options can give you some level of anonymity, but VPNs generally provide better privacy. VPNs mask your IP address and encrypt your data through the secure tunnel to protect it from prying eyes. Proxy servers, on the other hand, only mask your IP address.
Cost
Both VPNs and proxy servers are available as free and paid options; however, free options come with limitations. VPNs often restrict bandwidth or connection speed, while free proxy servers may bombard the user with ads or sell user data to third-party companies.
Conclusion
It ultimately depends on your preference and intended use. If you are looking for better security and privacy, VPNs are a better choice. On the other hand, if you need faster internet speed, proxies might be the way to go. Always make sure to opt for a reputable provider, and be vigilant of free versions.
References
- CISA, Understanding VPNs, https://www.cisa.gov/publication/understanding-virtual-private-networks
- Mozilla, What is a Proxy Server? https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/private-network/what-is-a-proxy-server/
- TechRadar, Free VPN vs Proxy: Which is better? https://www.techradar.com/vpn/free-vpn-vs-proxy-which-is-better