Proxy vs VPN: What's the Difference
Proxy and VPN solve similar tasks but work differently. Understanding the differences helps choose the right solution.
How They Work
Proxy
Browser → Proxy Server → Internet
- Works at application level
- Redirects only selected traffic
- Doesn't encrypt data (except HTTPS)
VPN
Entire Device → VPN Tunnel → Internet
- Works at OS level
- Encrypts all traffic
- Creates secure tunnel
Comparison Table
| Parameter | Proxy | VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Application | System |
| Encryption | Optional | Always |
| Speed | Higher | Lower |
| Scalability | Excellent | Poor |
| For parsing | Yes | No |
| For anonymity | Partial | Yes |
| Bulk price | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Number of IPs | Thousands | 1-100 |
When to Use Proxy
✅ Web scraping — need many IPs
✅ SMM automation — different accounts
✅ SEO tools — position checking
✅ Bypassing geo-blocks — for specific sites
✅ API work — code integration
When to Use VPN
✅ Personal security — on public networks
✅ Complete anonymity — all traffic protected
✅ Streaming — Netflix, Spotify
✅ Remote work — corporate network access
✅ Travel — protection on foreign networks
Can They Be Combined?
Yes! For maximum security:
Your Computer → VPN → Proxy → Internet
This provides:
- Encryption from VPN
- IP change from proxy
- Additional anonymity layer
Summary
- For business and automation → Proxy
- For personal security → VPN
- For maximum protection → Both
Обновлено: 09.01.2026
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