How to choose a proxy and how they differ from each other

Blog » How to choose a proxy and how they differ from each other

Proxies can be different depending on the method of data modification, anonymity, protocol, etc. In a separate article, we’ve written what proxies are suitable for anti-detect browsers. 

In this article, we will tell you what HTTP and SOCKS proxies are, how they differ, and which of them suit better for affiliate marketing, parcing, SMM, and other purposes.

In brief: what is a proxy? 🤔

A proxy is a mediator between your computer/mobile phone and servers.

If you have a proxy, every time you try to visit a website or a site tries to send information to your device, first that request goes through the proxy server.

Proxies are used for different purposes. For example, they help:

• speed up the opening of the websites, 
• visit websites that are blocked in the country,
• mask your IP address and stay anonymous,
• bypass the restrictions of anti-fraud (security) systems. 

For each of the above purposes choose a particular proxy.

The difference between proxies and VPNs is that a VPN encrypts the user’s IP address and all traffic from his device. VPN creates a secure tunnel between the device and the server of the website, through which data transmits. 

The proxy acts as an intermediate step between the user’s device and the website. Some of them can also protect data, but not all protocols work that way.

What is an HTTP proxy?

HTTP proxies use HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) protocol to transfer data. They redirect traffic only from your browser: when you visit websites, exchange data with them, download files, etc. In rare cases, HTTP proxies are suitable for some programs. 

All HTTP proxies are divided into several types depending on their anonymity level.

Transparent show website servers that a person is using a proxy and give his real IP address. Because these proxies save (cache) the data of popular websites, they are speeding up the opening of the websites. 

Example: If a user from Barcelona has transparent proxies, websites will see that he is a user from Barcelona, his real IP address and that he uses such proxies. 

Anonymous do not reveal the user’s IP address but show the websites that the user has a proxy. They help increase the protection of the data on the network and hide your real IP address from the websites. 

Examples: If a user from Barcelona uses an anonymous proxy server from London, the sites will see that he uses a proxy server from London, has an IP from London, but they will not realize that the user is actually in Barcelona.

Elite not only masks the user’s real IP address but also substitute it with another user’s IP address. As a result, no website can see the real IP address of the user and does not even realize that the person is using a proxy server. 

Examples: If a user from Barcelona has elite proxies from Rome, sites will think that he is a regular user from Rome. 

To make the differences clear, we made a table:

The HTTP proxy has an advanced version — HTTPS. HTTPS uses a secure SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol. Thanks to him, the information from the device to the server of the website is sent in an encrypted form. Only the browser that sent the information and the website to which the information was sent know the decryption. The most obvious example of how this protocol works: online loan applications for banks.

Example: imagine that you need to send a package from Prague to Cairo. An HTTPS proxy is a company that will pick up your package and safely deliver it to Cairo without unpacking it or knowing what’s inside.

What is a SOCKS proxy?

In contrast to HTTP and HTTPS, SOCKS (Socket Secure) proxy redirects your traffic not only from your browser but from all programs on your device. The proxy server does not change the user’s data: it only redirects the traffic to the final server. 

The most current and secure version of these proxies is SOCKS5. They:

• support different connections,
• are anonymous.

What are the differences between HTTP and SOCKS proxies

HTTP and SOCKS differ in connection format, amount of data transferred, and, as a result, in the tasks for which they are suitable.

In the table below, we show some basic differences between them.

What proxies to choose ❓

Depends on the task for which you plan to use them.

• To speed up website downloads: use transparent HTTP proxies: they do not mask your traffic, but they cache data. This will help to speed up access to websites. SOCKS5 are also quick: although they pass all your requests through their server, these proxies have high access speeds.
• To protect information on the network: you can use HTTPS proxies because they encrypt traffic. 
• For affiliate marketing: it is better to choose elite residential proxies. They replace your IP with another unique IP, but are not defined as proxies: anti-fraud systems of traffic sources perceive you as a real user.
• For SMM and SEO: similar to affiliate marketing, elite residential proxies are more trustworthy. 
• For anonymity: any anonymous proxy will do. If you want maximum anonymity, use proxy chains — consecutive connections to several servers. You can do this by combining different proxies, e.g. start SOCKS — HTTPS — SOCKS. Keep in mind that the use of a chain will affect the speed: the more proxies in the chain, the lower will be the speed.

❗️That said, it’s best to avoid using free or cheap proxies for any task. They may not cope with your tasks or even use your data against you❗️

Where to buy proxies

In the modern world, there are a huge number of proxy providers that offer an even greater variety of choices: proxy countries, connection speed, connection type, amount of traffic used, and so on. How to choose a reliable service with affordable prices and quality service? Here are a few options for proxy sellers, where you can find a proxy for your tasks:

🔹IPFoxy – ipfoxy.com

IPFoxy is a leading provider in the proxy market. Their commitment to providing high-quality and reliable proxy infrastructures, continuous innovations and exceptional customer services make them a popular choice for users.

IPFoxy provides easy access and a wide choice of options globally, including pure
static residential, IPV4 and IPV6 datacenter proxies at extremely affordable rates per month without usage limits. Whether you are a startup, an SMB, or even a Fortune 500 company, there are suitable choices for everyone.

1. Private use with pure individual proxies
2. Widely used GEOs and business scenarios
3. Provisions directly from operators and cloud companies
4. Support for HTTP and SOCKS5 protocols
5. No traffic limits
6. Quick problem resolutions
7. 24/7 online tech supports

Go and get IPfoxy free trials here !

🔹Proxy-Seller – proxy-seller.com

Proxy-Seller — is a leading provider of high-quality, reliable proxy services.

They provide:

• Residential ISP
• Mobile 4G/LTE
• Datacenter proxies

Features:

• Unlimited bandwidth for any type of proxies
• The speed channel – 1 Gbps
• Exclusively elite individual proxies
• Both HTTP(s) & Socks5 protocols are included in a single proxy order
• Real IP providers, which maximize the proxy trust

Perfect for businesses, individuals, and developers looking to stay anonymous online, access restricted content, and automate tasks. With instant issuance and 24/7 customer support, the company makes it easy for you to get the proxies you need and when you need them.

🔹NetNut – netnut.io

NetNut residential proxy network, Millions of residential proxies to match any use case
NetNut is a premium proxy provider, offers datacenter and residential IPs for clients that want to protect their brands, conduct business intelligence, cop sneakers, or do some plain-ole web scraping.
NetNut takes pride in building a cutting-edge residential proxy network, ensuring unmatched speed and stability for any data collection project. NetNut’s architecture is unique in its ability to provide residential IPs with one-hop ISP connectivity. Our residential proxy network transparently performs load balancing to connect you to the destination URL, ensuring complete anonymity and high speed.

NetNut provides three proxy networks: datacenter proxies, rotating residential proxies, and its signature static residential proxies.

NetNut Rotating Residential Proxy
– Global network with 20M+ IPs spread across 170+ countries
– Unique Hybrid Network combining P2P & ISP proxies
– Unlimited concurrent requests
– Supports both rotating and sticky sessions
– No domain restrictions
– 99.9% uptime, 24/7 IP availability
– 20% discount for Multilogin users! Contact our team to claim your discount

NetNut Static Residential Proxy
– Direct ISP connectivity provides faster speed and better stability
– Keep sessions as long as you need
– 99.9% uptime, 24/7 IP availability
– Fastest response time
– No dependency on end-user devices
– 20% discount for Multilogin users! Contact our team to claim your discount

NetNut Datacenter Proxy
– 110K+ lightning-fast datacenter IPs
– Unlimited concurrency
– Rotating and Static features available
– Wide variety of Subnets
– An effective budget-friendly solution

🔹Oxylabs – oxylabs.io

Oxylabs is a web intelligence acquisition solution and premium proxy provider, enabling companies of all sizes to utilize the power of big data.

The company offers 100M+ Residential Proxies from all around the world. The ethically obtained and continuously growing residential proxy pool will fit any business needs, no matter the scale. Oxylabs offers 20M+ Mobile Proxies with IP addresses from all over the world. A professional team always ensures high uptime and guarantees proxy pool stability.

Other products:
Dedicated Datacenter, shared Datacenter, Rotating ISP and SOCKS5 proxies, Proxy Rotator and Manager, Web Unblocker, Web, E-commerce, SERP, Real Estate Scraper APIs.

Features:

• 100M+ IPs
• ∼99.95% success rates
• ∼0.6s response time
• HTTP/HTTPS/SOCKS5 protocols
• Country and ASN targeting
• ML-driven proxy management
• Detailed documentation and 24/7 support
• Pay as you go from $15/GB

🔥 Use promo code PRXY30 and get 30% off Residential, Mobile, shared Datacenter proxies and Web Unblocker plans.

🔹Proxys.io – proxys.io

Individual proxies for solving any problems. Service proven for many years and a large number of users. Of the clear advantages:

24/7 technical support with an average response time of 30 seconds.
Affiliate program 20% with lifetime referrals.
Wide choice of GEOs (list of countries by tariffs) and subnets (from 5 subnets per GEO/tariff).

🔹MobileProxy.space – mobileproxy.space

The largest proxy database, which is instantly updated and available only to our clients.

No emulation and virtualization of mobile proxies. You can be sure that you are working with real mobile proxies from a GSM operator! MobileProxy.space – private, dynamic mobile proxies.

• Change IP address by link (API) or timer
  Completely unlimited traffic
  Private channel, just for you
  Support for HTTP and SOCKS5 protocols
  24/7 support and quick problem resolution
  A wide selection of GEOs and all operators with the ability to change
  480 895 IP addresses
  Change of GEO and operator
  Hardware reboot (LC, API)
  Change login:pass (LC, API)
  Authorization by login:pass and IP

🔹Proxy-store – proxy-store.com

This store has been on the market for 10 years. 100% guarantee of anonymity of acquired IP addresses.

• A wide range of proxies for any period;
• Sale of standard packages of proxy servers, by the piece and in bulk;
• Only high performance servers;
• Responsive professional technical support with working hours 05:00 – 00:00 Moscow time.

🔹 AstroProxy – astroproxy.com

AstroProxy is a data-oriented ecosystem with full KYC and AML compliance. The infrastructure includes 1M+ proxies with geo location all around the world, in 100+ countries of Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Australia. A free proxy trial is available to new users.

AstroProxy offers:

• Residential proxies

• Mobile 3G/4G proxies

• Datacenter proxies.

AstroProxy suits perfectly for professional use: web data scraping, SEO, SMM, targeting, multi-accounting management, retail, software development.

• All proxies are rotating, with dynamic IP addresses

• Change external IP by timer, by request or by demand

• Choose IP by country, city, ISP, ASN

• IPv4 and IPv6 proxies

• Flexible settings in one-windowed dashboard

• Low ban/captcha chances

• HTTP and SOCKS5 compatibility

• API control methods

• Reasonable pricing

• Prompt expirienced technical support

Free proxy test access.

🔹Proxyline – proxyline.net

Proxyline is a reliable service that offers proxies to users from Russia, the USA, Europe and the CIS. Working servers are provided for any period of use with a quality guarantee and round-the-clock technical support.

Proxyline services have the following advantages:

• Complete anonymity and traffic protection.
• Stable and fast connection.
• Attractive value.
• The ability to promote many accounts in social networks.
• Comfortable work in the field of SEO-optimization.
• Free access to online games, foreign portals.
• Unhindered guest posting and unlimited ad placement.
• Compatible with all sites and web pages.
• Money back guarantee and replacement of address.
• Automated connection after payment.
• 5 years of Proxyline sales experience in the market.

🔹Coronium – Coronium.io

Coronium.io 4G & 5G LTE mobile proxy marketplace.

Coronium.io is a renowned marketplace for 4G mobile proxies, hosting a variety of proxy vendors, also known as proxy farmers, from numerous countries worldwide. The platform is committed to providing high-trust IPs, ensuring that all proxy farms are meticulously audited for speed and stability. Currently, Coronium.io offers seven locations across the USA and Europe.

Coronium.io specializes in 4G mobile proxies, sourced from private devices equipped with SIM cards. The platform has earned an impressive 5/5 score on TrustPilot, with users frequently praising the responsive and swift support.

🔹PYPROXY – pyproxy.com

A provider that stands out in the agency services market.. Compared with many competitors, PYPROXY shows outstanding advantages in the following aspects, which will help you make a decision to purchase a subscription.

Flexible geo-targeting: PYPROXY allows you to choose the city where your proxy is located. Covering 190 countries and regions around the world. With 90 million active IPs updated daily with 99% availability, you will have a variety of flexible proxies to choose from.

Competitive Pricing: PYPROXY offers 1GB traffic for only $0.7, which is one of the most competitive pricing in the industry and attracts a wide range of users.

IP whitelisting and username and password verification: If you change locations frequently, you can choose to use the username and password option.

Versatility: PYPROXY is suitable for a variety of industries, including ad verification, price monitoring, market research, e-commerce, social media, and more.

Friendly interface: PYPROXY operation page is simple. Two configuration methods, whitelist and account password, are provided to make user operations more convenient.

Support for HTTP/HTTPS/SOCKS5 protocols: This protocol support ensures that users can use the PYPROXY proxy for a wide range of applications

Package type: residential proxies/unlimited package/data center package/static ISP proxy/SOCKS5 proxy

PYPROXY dynamic package
– The unit price is as low as $0.7/g and the proxy is automatically rotated.
– 2 million IPs online in real time, covering more than 190 countries
– Supports rotation and sticky sessions
– Specify ISP, city-level positioning, and batch generate IPs
– Black and white list settings, blocking domain name access settings
– 99.9% uptime

PYPROXY unlimited proxy
– Unlimited traffic
– No limit on concurrency
– Continent can be specified
– Customizable bandwidth
– Cost-effective proxy

PYPROXY Data Center Proxy
– Exclusive dedicated proxy
– No limit on concurrency
– A variety of regions to choose from
– Multiple subnets
– Cost-effective proxy

PYPROXY SOCKS proxy
– Billing based on consumed IP
– Specify countries, regions, and cities
– Specify ISP and zip code
– You can choose your own IP

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