VPN technology has existed since 1996. However, it’s not something that was really popular until a few years ago, when companies upped their marketing efforts and began advertising the myriad benefits of using them.
Proxies are programs that were a lot more popular in the internet’s early days, as they allowed people to mask their identities and access websites that were restricted by networks they were using, i.e., play video games on work or school computers.
This post will explore this topic in more detail, explaining which is the better option out of VPNs and proxies in the modern day.
The Benefits of VPNs
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are downloadable programs or applications that people use to conceal their identities, preventing hackers or even their own ISPs from being able to monitor their online activity and movements, ensuring total anonymity. There are many benefits to VPN software beyond security, however. Another is cost. VPNs are considerably cheaper to use than many alternatives, like proxies, for example. You can explore Surfshark pricing options or other similar programs if you want to see this for yourself. Here are the benefits of VPNs in more detail:
1. Cheaper to Use
Years ago, proxies tended to be free. All you had to do was load a proxy and then enter the webpage you wanted to visit. Nowadays, many proxy providers complicate things by making you create accounts in order to use them. As mentioned above, VPNs are generally a lot cheaper than proxies, not to mention it’s possible to break down the cost of your subscription into more affordable monthly payments. Of course, some proxies still are free. Some VPNs are too. The best proxies, however, usually require payment and the same is true for VPNs. Comparing these, VPNs typically come out cheaper.
2. More Secure
VPNs are highly secure, making them ideal for modern internet users. Digital criminals are more advanced than they have ever been and have the ability to hack people’s devices and internet works with relative ease. VPNs provide an added layer of security to one’s phone or computer, making it almost impossible for criminals to detect them. Data security has never been more important online, since criminals are actively collecting people’s data to use for fraud. VPNs can protect you and prevent criminals from being able to harvest your personal information and use it criminally.
3. Digital Invisibility
The internet gives people the opportunity to view lots of different forms of media and consume many different types of data. It’s something people typically do privately, on their own. They look at subjects or topics that interest them and they talk to their friends or loved ones on it. Knowing somebody is watching one’s digital activity is very unpleasant. A VPN essentially makes you invisible, ensuring that it is almost impossible for criminals or one’s ISP to be able to monitor internet movements and activities, keeping your time spent online completely private.
4. Bypassing Blocks
It is very common for school administrators and one’s employers to put blocks on their Wi-Fi networks, preventing users from being able to freely browse the internet. If you have a VPN downloaded, you can bypass any blocks imposed on you. However, that does not mean that you should abuse the network you are using to view inappropriate media. Playing games on your breaks or listening to music is harmless, but you should not push it too far, as if you are caught you could get into trouble.
5. Playing Internationally
If you enjoy playing video games, you'll be pleased to know that by downloading and using a VPN, you'll be able to change your geographic location and play with people from other countries. America is a nation that seems to have the most active video game servers and they are also the best, which is why many people from all over the world set themselves to American service. If you have a VPN, you'll be able to broadcast your location or somewhere in the United States and then play with other Americans.
6. Streaming Services
Finally, VPNs allow you to change your geographic location and access international streaming service servers, for example, Netflix’s Australian servers, or alternatively their American ones. Streaming services have different licenses in different countries, meaning they can stream different movies in different places. By using a VPN, you have more control over what you watch and will not have to pay for film or television content on other platforms because it’s not available on your home servers. If you are caught doing this, you can get into trouble, so make sure that you do so subtly and do everything you can to prevent yourself from getting caught.
The Benefits of Proxies
Proxies are typically web-based and enable internet users to visit websites of their choosing without having to worry about network blocks or restrictions. The benefits of proxies are very similar to VPNs, though it’s worth noting that proxies put more limits on customers than VPNs do. Users of proxies are typically not able to watch streaming apps or play video games, unless they are browsed-based. Many proxies are also considerably slower than VPNs are, meaning they are not ideal for internet users who’re interested in watching or using forms of media that require high-speed internet connections.
1. Independent Servers
Throughout this post, allusions have been made to the fact that proxies are typically purely online, as in browsed-based. This is not true. There are actually proxy servers that you can use, and these are very robust. Proxy servers are a lot more customizable and scalable than VPNs, making them better for businesses. Proxy servers can be built for businesses by developers and programmers. If by any chance you need a proxy server, make sure that you hire a professional to do the work for you. Ensure the one you hire has good reviews and a solid reputation.
2. Controlled Access
If you have your own proxy server, you can control what access to the internet those using it have. If you are planning on setting a proxy server up, you need to make sure that you set one up with the help of a professional, as mentioned in the previous section. The reasons reviews are important is because they can help you to decide if they are right for you. Controlling your server means you can prevent children or users from accessing unsafe content.
3. Guaranteed Privacy
When you are using a proxy, you're guaranteed privacy on the internet. Privacy is important for reasons mentioned earlier on in this article. If you are using the Internet without the use of a proxy or VPN, anybody could access your private information. If they are able to access your information they can then use it for the purposes of fraud. Criminals sell people's personal information on the Internet for vast sums of money. Any data you submit on the internet can be used against you by criminals. They can use it to impersonate you or steal from you.
4. Bypassing Blocks
As mentioned in relation to VPNs, proxies give you the ability to bypass blocks imposed on you by network owners. This means that you can use the internet freely, not having to worry about sites being restricted. It also means that you can view content that’s geographically locked, such as streaming content, though if you are using a browser-based proxy, you will likely need to make sure that you find a highly secure one to use as you will be inputting your personal information into somebody else’s server. You’ll also need to find a fast one.
5. Online Security
Your online security is something that you need to take very seriously. If you are using public Wi-Fi networks to browse the web, all of the data that you transmit could be being intercepted by criminals. If your data is being intercepted, they could be using it for their own nefarious purposes, as mentioned above. In addition to using a proxy or a VPN, make sure that you have a firewall downloaded and activated on a device. A firewall will repel incoming hack attempts and ensure that you are able to browse the internet without having to worry about criminals spoiling your time.
6. Reasonable Internet Speeds
Finally, one last benefit of proxies is that they typically have reasonably fast internet speeds. Private servers have much faster internet speeds than publicly available ones. If you are planning on using a proxy, make sure that you find one that is fast. Under no circumstances should you ever compromise on speed. The Internet is a highly advanced place and there is no excuse for using antiquated servers. If you're going to get your own server built, make sure that you have a fast and reliable host behind you. Fast internet speeds mean you can browse the internet without barriers or restrictions.
In answer to this post’s titular question, it is clear that VPNs are the better option out of VPNs and proxies. VPNs are more flexible and much better for the average person. Private servers do have their benefits for companies, though. If you are trying to choose between VPNs and proxies, do your research and settle on the one that’s best for you after determining your needs.
