VPN v/s Proxy: what’s the difference? which one to choose?

Well, in this time of digitalization, security of user’s data and the information is very critical. There are many eyes peeping on your information and data. Privacy and security are two issues that Internet users value a lot. Even though the internet has made easier for the user to connect to the world, on the other hand, it has exposed the users a lot. So, we choose to use different software and tools to secure your information and data, like antivirus, VPNs, etc. Therefore, today, I would like to discuss some internet security tools, VPN and Proxy. I will talk about the similarity and difference between VPN and Proxy.

What is a Proxy Server?

So, let us start with Proxy. In simple terms, a Proxy is a server, an intermediary between certain software or application with the receiving server. As you connect to a web page, your information is stored in an IP, but using Proxy, your IP address will be masked over by IP of the Proxy server. However, it will work only on certain software, not over the rest of your navigation.

That means a Proxy server can be used to access a webpage or a service that are not available in a particular area. For example, you can access banned sites through the Proxy server. However, it does not provide encryption or any other protection for other functionality.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Network (VPN) makes a secure tunnel between you and the website you visit. VPN enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network (source: Wikipedia). That means, if you are using are using public or shared networks, it makes a tunnel that only your information will flow through it. It will help to bypass your ISP.   

What the difference between VPN and Proxy?

As you have already understood the definition, which looks very similar on the surface. However, there is a deep difference. Proxy, where acts only an intermediary between our device and the server, masking our IP address, VPN creates a tunnel between the server and your device, where no other access to the tunnel. Further, the VPN encrypts your data and information, whereas the Proxy does not do anything like that.

Proxy act intermediary between a particular application and the server, leaving the rest of our network connection as it is. However, with VPN your whole connection goes through a tunnel and encrypted. Further, Proxy can unblock the banned sites, whereas, sometimes, the VPN might be unable to unlock.

Which one to choose?

Well, now you know the difference between VPN and Proxy. But, which one to choose? If you want secured encrypted connections, undoubtedly VPN is we recommend. However, if you just want to hide your IP address, the speed of use, just go for the Proxy.