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What Are The Main Points Of Difference Between Proxy and VPN?

It is likely that you have ever read or heard about browsing the web under a proxy or using a VPN network. This type of browsing is used for different purposes, although in most cases, they are related to increased security and privacy when browsing the Internet. People are often confused with proxy and VPN. There are some differences between VPN and proxy web browsing, and we will explore them in this blog.

Difference Between Proxy And VPN

Before talking about points of differences between proxy and VPN, we define proxy and VPN and their main functions:

What Is Proxy?

The proxy is a server existing between the source and the destination when a request is made to a web server. When browsing using a proxy service, the requests sent to access a web page go through the proxy and are then forwarded to the web server. This way, the request is made for the web server from the proxy server, not from the user’s computer, thus hiding the origin of said request.

Main Functions Of Proxy

The main functions for which a proxy is used are:
  • Control internet access - A system’s administrators can grant access or not to the different users of the network by managing a proxy. It is done through IP restrictions, for example.
  • Add a protection layer - A proxy server serves as an additional protection layer to the network.
  • Filter specific content - You can configure a proxy server to restrict access to particular websites.

What Is VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a system that allows you to create a local network. And, you do not need to use the devices that physically connect the network. In other words, it is like having a local network, but with the devices in different locations and connected through the Internet. You can obtain all the advantages of a local network with the flexibility and mobility provided by remote connections through the Internet.

Main Functions Of VPNs

VPNs are very popular today in the business environment. Business organizations use VPNs for employee access to company networks, especially in the business environment. VPNs are commonly used to:
  • Remote work - Secure telecommuting is possible due to the use of VPN networks. Workers outside the company premises can connect to the work network through a VPN safely and reliably.
  • Access to restricted content - Much content and services existing on the internet are limited to a geographical area. With a VPN, you can access this content because it allows you to hide the place from which it is accessed.
  • Add an extra security layer - With a VPN, an additional security layer is added to the network to prevent unauthorized access and other external attacks.

Difference Between Proxy And VPN

Although VPN and Proxy are used for similar purposes, substantial differences exist between the two. Let’s explore the differences:
  • When a proxy is used, it operates for some specific applications. For example, with a proxy, you can browse the Internet with Chrome and at the same time make P2P downloads from the connection itself. On the other hand, VPNs are available based on your Operating System, so any action that requires the Internet will be done through a VPN.
  • In a proxy, the requests are sent to the proxy server and then to the final server without the data being encrypted. In a VPN, the same thing happens with the difference that all the information is encrypted to guarantee a secure connection.
  • A wide range of free proxy servers is located in different parts of the world. It’s easy to find a proxy server anywhere and navigate as if we were doing it from that place. Free VPN networks are few, and their reliability level may be low. The best option is to hire a paid VPN service.
  • Another big difference between proxy and VPN is the reliability and stability of the connections. While VPNs provide fast and stable connections, proxy access may be slow and unstable, with continual delays.

Final Words

While the proxy server is a mask used to cover a computer to surf the Internet, the VPN provides greater privacy by encrypting the connection. We hope this blog will help you know the difference between proxy and VPN.
And if you are looking for an excellent proxy browser online, Browser Jet is a reliable option. It is a browser available to you with a high-quality built-in VPN service. It’s a safe and secure browser that also allows you to do multiple sessions of a site.