VPN vs. Proxy: What are the main differences?

With all the threats on today’s digital world, more and more internet surfers realize the importance of enhancing the security and privacy of their internet connection. But a dilemma appear, “what is the best tool to protect my online privacy?” The two terms that usually tossed around: VPN and Proxy. These security tools are used by people all over the world but often without a clear understanding the difference between them.

VPN vs. Proxy: What are the main differences?

While VPN and Proxy both perform similar functions: they conceal the identity of internet users, or allow access to a geo-restricted content. However, the difference comes in as far as the processes that are involved and the consequences that are to be endured.

So the question is “What is the difference between a VPN and Proxy?”

Let’s have a look at each of them separately and then compare the two.

Proxy

A proxy server is nothing more than a computer that serves as an intermediary between you and the internet. It makes your online activities appear to come from the proxy’s IP address rather than your own. For this reason, a proxy is great at getting around geo-restrictions. This is similar to a VPN, but that’s about where the similarities stop. A proxy service allows you to connect only one proxy-compatible app at a time, preventing you from configuring your entire computer to connect to a proxy.

Moreover, a proxy do not devote any additional resources to encrypt the traffic that passes through it servers, leaving you completely vulnerable to snoopers and hackers, as your online activities can be easily monitored. There is also a huge chance that your ISP, government, or even anyone sniffing the Wi-Fi traffic at the coffee shop, can reveal your true identity and access your sensitive data.

Proxy servers usually communicate with the internet using one of 2 different protocols: HTTP or SOCKS.

The bottom line is that a Proxy is great when it comes to lower-level tasks, such as bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking websites.

VPN

A VPN works very similar, it also hides your real IP address so you can bypass censorship and geo-restrictions. However, this is only part of the story. Compared to a Proxy, VPNs offer many more options to improve your online experience.

The main feature that differs it from a Proxy is encryption. A VPN creates an encrypted “tunnel” between your computer and the host server, with the internet traffic going in and out of the host server. Your ISP or government can only see that you have connected to the VPN server and nothing else including your all your online activities, IP address, browsing history, and personal data. Everything is hidden from them behind a minimum of 128-bit encryption.

However, the VPN server can possibly monitor your online activity, which is why it’s crucial to choose good a VPN provider such as VPN.Express that keeps no customers’ logs whatsoever. Keep in your mind that some VPN providers may compromise your online activities.

Also, setting up VPN usually involve downloading and installing a VPN client, or otherwise configuring your computer or mobile device, which is why you must pick an easy-to install and use VPN service. VPN.Express provide an easy step-by-step setup guide to install your VPN client no matter which program or device you use.

Conclusion

When it comes to a comparison between a VPN and a Proxy, there is absolutely no doubt that a VPN is superior to Proxies in many aspects.Both services allow users to hide their true IP address, but the added features of a service such as VPN.Express make it a more secure and private choice than the proxy server. Although it is more expensive than proxies, the extra benefits are definitely worth it.

Be safe. Be free.