A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. Instead of connecting directly to a website, your request goes to the proxy server first, which then forwards it to the destination. The website sees the proxy's IP address, not yours.
Unlike VPNs, most proxies only handle specific traffic (e.g. web browser requests) and do not encrypt your connection.
| Type | Description | Encryption |
|---|---|---|
| HTTP Proxy | Handles web traffic (HTTP/HTTPS) | No |
| HTTPS Proxy | Handles encrypted web traffic | Partial |
| SOCKS4/5 | Handles any TCP/UDP traffic | No |
| Transparent Proxy | Used by ISPs/companies without user knowledge | No |
| Reverse Proxy | Sits in front of web servers (e.g. Nginx, Cloudflare) | Yes |
| Residential Proxy | Uses real user IP addresses | No |
| Feature | Proxy | VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Hides IP | Yes | Yes |
| Encrypts traffic | No | Yes |
| All apps covered | No | Yes |
| Speed | Fast | Slower |
| Setup | Easy | Medium |
| Cost | Often free | Usually paid |
A proxy server forwards your web requests through an intermediary, hiding your real IP address from websites. Unlike VPNs, proxies typically only cover browser traffic and do not encrypt your connection. They are useful for bypassing geo-restrictions and web scraping but should not be used for sensitive privacy needs. For full traffic encryption and privacy, a VPN is the better choice.