How a proxy works
When you connect through a proxy, your request goes to the proxy server first. The proxy sends it to the destination on your behalf, receives the answer and relays it back. To the destination, the visitor is the proxy.
Proxies are configured per application or per request, unlike a VPN, which usually tunnels all traffic from your device. That makes them well suited to automation: a script can choose a different IP address for every request.
The main types of proxies
Proxies are grouped by where their IP addresses come from.
- Residential proxies use IPs assigned to real households. They look like ordinary visitors and are billed by traffic.
- Datacenter proxies use IPs from hosting providers. They are fast and cheap, but easier for websites to recognize.
- ISP proxies are static IPs registered to consumer ISPs and hosted in datacenters, combining speed with a residential reputation.
- Mobile proxies use IPs from mobile carriers. They are the most trusted and the most expensive.
What people use proxies for
Common legitimate uses include web scraping and price monitoring, SEO and SERP tracking from different locations, ad verification, localization testing and managing several authorized accounts with isolated sessions.
How to choose a proxy provider
Start with the target and the volume. Heavily protected sites usually need residential or ISP proxies, while tolerant targets can use datacenter IPs at a fraction of the cost. Then compare the price at your volume, the targeting options and the trial terms.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is a proxy the same as a VPN?
No. A VPN encrypts and tunnels all traffic from your device through one server. A proxy forwards specific application traffic and offers far more control over IP choice and rotation.
Are free proxies safe?
Rarely. Free proxies are slow, unreliable and quickly blocked, and some can read or alter your traffic. Avoid them for anything involving credentials.
Is using a proxy legal?
Using a proxy is legal in most countries. What you do through it must still comply with the law and the terms of the websites you access.