VPN vs Proxy: What Is the Difference?
VPNs and proxies are often mentioned together, but they are not the same thing. Both can route internet traffic through another server, but they usually work differently and are used for different purposes. This guide explains the practical difference between a VPN and a proxy, when each option may make sense and what users should compare before choosing a proxy provider. What is a VPN? A VPN, or virtual private network, usually routes device traffic through an encrypted tunnel between the user and the VPN server. This can help protect traffic on public networks and can make the connection appear to come from the VPN server location. VPNs are commonly used for general privacy, secure browsing on public Wi-Fi, remote work access and personal internet use. Many VPN apps are designed for simple device-level use, where the user connects once and routes most traffic through the VPN. What is a proxy? A proxy is an intermediary server that sends requests on behalf of the user or a...