ProxyBros Formula for Success

Research + Test + Protect

  • Researching We monitor and thoroughly analyze hundreds of companies taking into account dozens of factors and metrics to identify the most trustworthy and effective solutions.
  • Testing We put every proxy under a microscope to test it for strength. This is the only way to make sure of the quality, usability, and functionality.
  • Protecting Our main objective is to enhance your cyber security and ensure smooth online surfing. We share our experience and expertise to help you secure your personal data and improve anonymity on the web.

Award-Winning Providers

Being the best proxy provider for everyone is almost impossible as various people have different needs and reasons to use proxy servers. However, some solutions succeeded in gaining loyalty from experts, users, and our editors. According to their feedback, we underlined some proxies that currently meet the eye.

Expert Choice
Best in:
  • Residential
  • Rotating
  • IPv6

Next-gen residential proxies, SERP and e-commerce scraper APIs, full IPv6 support, and 7-day free trial.

Client's Choice
Best in:
  • Mobile
  • SOCKS5
  • IPv6
  • HTTPS

Affordable SOCKS5 and HTTPS proxies with 400 networks and 800 subnets.

Editorial Choice
Best in:
  • Residential
  • Datacenter
  • SOCKS5

Over 70 million IPs in the pool, top-notch rotating residential proxies with SOCKS5 protocol supported.

Client's Choice
Best in:
  • Mobile
  • Rotating
  • Dedicated

MobileHop enables you to rent mobile proxies for a day or longer. Enjoy consistently fast speeds and a large pool of rotating IPs.

May the Proxy Be with You

Making your online experience more secure, getting rid of restrictions and intrusive ads is easy using Proxy. We are committed to helping you make the right choice.

On ProxyBros, you will find:

What is ProxyBros?

A team of experts

Technical specialists, quality assurance pros, researchers, copywriters, and editors who examine and monitor each service.

Years of experience

Each member of our think-tank is a whiz in their field that is the main reason to trust our reviews.

In-depth analysis

To get down to bedrock and produce a detailed review, we analyze hundreds of metrics automatically and dozens manually. It allows us to maintain objectiveness and deliver high-quality materials.

Top 5 Proxy Providers

A variety of proxy types, an extensive network of IP addresses, unique features, and an excellent reputation are the primary components of an effective proxy service. With ProxyBros, you always have a great many options to choose from - here is a list of the Top 10 proxy companies in 2023:

4,0 Rank
Type
  • Dedicated 4G/5G Modems (Mobile Proxies)
Locations
  • USA 50 Geographical Markets
Speed 90 /100
Privacy 80 /100
Pricing
  • 4,1 Users feedback
  • 3,9 Experts evaluation
  • 4 proxybros.com rank
Protocols
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Positive aspects
  • 99.9% uptime
  • Great proxy speeds
  • 50+ locations across the US
  • A good fit for both enterprises and individuals
  • Round-the-clock support
Negative aspects
  • No bulk discounts on offer
  • No relevant trial access offered
4,4 Rank
Type
  • SOCKS5 Proxies
  • Mobile Proxies
  • +3 more
Locations
  • Russia
  • Germany
  • +35 more
Speed 80 /100
Privacy 70 /100
Pricing
  • 4,5 Users feedback
  • 4,3 Experts evaluation
  • 4,4 proxybros.com rank
Protocols
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Positive aspects
  • Supports both HTTPS and SOCKS5
  • High connection rate
  • Good choice of subnets
  • Refund and replacement
  • 99% uptime
Negative aspects
  • Downloading via torrent is not allowed
  • Site hacking searching for the vulnerability of platforms is allowed

20% OFF for IPv4 and IPv6 proxy ordersСoupon code:Proxybros

4,5 Rank
Type
  • Datacenter Proxies
  • Residential Proxies
  • +5 more
Locations
  • Russia
  • Germany
  • +10 more
Speed 80 /100
Privacy 80 /100
Pricing
  • 4,7 Users feedback
  • 4,5 Experts evaluation
  • 4,5 proxybros.com rank
Protocols
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Positive aspects
  • 24/7 live customer support
  • HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5 protocols supported
  • A pool of IPs: 102.367.458 IPs around the world
  • Dedicated Account Manager
  • Reliable proxy resources
Negative aspects
  • Limited pricing options
4,3 Rank
Type
  • Datacenter Proxies
  • Residential Proxies
  • +6 more
Locations
  • Russia
  • Germany
  • +22 more
Speed 80 /100
Privacy 80 /100
Pricing
  • 4,2 Users feedback
  • 4 Experts evaluation
  • 4,5 proxybros.com rank
Protocols
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Positive aspects
  • Unlimited concurrent sessions
  • Dedicated account manager
  • Chrome extension
  • Web unlocker
  • Data Collector and Data Collector IDE
Negative aspects
  • Expensive proxies
  • Limited bandwidth
4,1 Rank
Type
  • Datacenter Proxies
  • Rotating Residential Proxies
  • +1 more
Locations
  • Germany
  • France
  • +26 more
Speed 70 /100
Privacy 60 /100
Pricing
  • 4,2 Users feedback
  • 4 Experts evaluation
  • 4,2 proxybros.com rank
Protocols
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Positive aspects
  • A huge proxy pool (110k US DC IPs & 20M+ residential IPs);
  • The service uses DiviNetworks which makes it proxy networks more stable and speedy;
  • Advanced geo-targeting: global coverage including the USA, Mexico, France, Canada, the UK, India, Germany, Italy, and more;
  • A variety of plans for each of the three proxy types;
  • 7-day free trial for certified companies and micro testing plans for individual users.
Negative aspects
  • Limited bandwidth;
  • No SOCKS5 support.

ProxyBros Think-Tank

Writing every review takes at least four experts. Who are they?

Researcher

Examines reviews, customer feedback, commercial offers of each proxy provider, as well as its capabilities and features. Besides, the researcher explores the legal terms (where a particular company operates, what data it collects, etc.). The privacy policy, Terms & Conditions, the reputation of the service are also in focus.

Technical Investigator

A technical specialist with strong expertise in proxy technology examines services based on several criteria and metrics. They test-drive each solution to find out if it is really as good as its developers claim, paying attention to the specifications and checking out the quality of each feature and overall performance.

Author

A technical writer who knows how to present the research and expertise of their colleagues correctly. They never have to search for words and can explain the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 in a few bullet points.

Editor

The keystone of their work is "double-check to be sure." Editor trusts the expertise of their colleagues but is well-aware of the human factor that requires proofreading and fact-checking. This expert is the guarantee of quality materials.

Cyber Security Shouldn't Cost a Fortune

The objective of every review is to help you identify the best price-quality ratio. Thanks to our reviews and educational content, you can choose the service that meets your every need.

Not sure how to get started with proxy services? Check out the latest articles and guides to find out everything we know about proxies!

Cyber Security Shouldn't Cost a Fortune
Datacenter vs Residential Proxies – Key Features, Principle of Work, Differences Your IP address is your web identity that holds information about your location, ISP, and even the history of your browser responses. Such a disastrous leakage of data is inadmissible when dealing with some secret data that is supposed to be perfectly saved from disclosure. To keep your identity secret as well as the information stored on your device, use the proxy server or VPN that allows us to visit websites from a completely different IP address, hiding the real one.  The most popular proxy types used for different private cases as well as business purposes are residential and datacenter proxies. Each of the servers has particular features that distinguish it from the rest provided on the internet. What are they? How do these servers work? Let’s sort it out! Datacenter proxies What are datacenter IPs? Datacenter IPs are servers based in large data centers. Since they are not connected with ISPs, they ensure privacy and high anonymity: no ISP can directly allot the datacenter address. Besides dc proxies, companies offer different applications that make the user experience more convenient. Among such applications are Dedicated IPs for particular websites, DNS System Management, Cloud CDN, etc.   What is a datacenter proxy?  Datacenter proxies are proxies issued from data center IP subnets created on data servers. There are many reasons for dc servers to be used but anonymity is still in the first place. Generally, these servers are used for testing purposes but for everyday human browsing purposes they are not the best fit.  Take into account that among the datacenter proxies there are private and shared types. When private proxies are issued on one hand, shared ones are used by several users at once, which can lead to address blocking on different services and sites.  How does a datacenter proxy work? The principle of datacenter proxy operation is not very complicated. The IP addresses are hosted on dedicated servers in a datacenter. The dedicated server acts as an intermediary between your computer and the target site To enable the proxy, the user needs to enter the proxy server data (proxy IP address, port, and, if necessary, login and password) into the settings of his browser or another program. From the moment when the proxy is enabled, all incoming and outgoing traffic between the user and the target site will go through an additional node – proxy server. What are the key features? The main difference between datacenter proxies and other types of servers is that they: have static IP addresses; are physically located on servers in data centers; are monitored and maintained by professional teams of specialists. Let’s focus on each feature in detail. Static IP address In simple terms, the client receives a datacenter proxy with an address stable for at least 1 month or as long as the client continues to pay for access to the service. It allows clients to use the same IP in long-term projects and helps to avoid additional verification of created accounts and reduces... Dan Goodin 25.05.2022
Mobile Proxies Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need To Know Before Using 4G Proxies Nowadays, cellular phones have become the most commonly used devices for accessing the internet, leaving far behind tablet and desktop devices. If you are a constant internet user, you most probably might have already needed to use a proxy in some cases.   As you are likely aware, there are various types of proxies at your disposal. The decision on the type to pick depends on what you plan to browse and how you intend to do it. Yet, in this article, we are going to focus on portable 4G proxies in particular. We will provide you with the ultimate guide to what it is and how to use it. So, read on. What are Mobile 4G Proxies? While browsing the internet, a proxy acts as the go-between, separating you from the internet.  Browsing without a proxy means that all requests of yours are dispatched directly from your device to the websites you target. This straight connection implies that your IP address, as well as other sensitive information, are detectable for people who are not assumed to see it. A proxy protects you by retaining your address and other data secure and private. This server hides your actual IP address by collecting your browsing requests and directing them using theirs instead of yours. And, in its turn, all the responses from the websites are first sent to the proxy and afterward, are forwarded to your device. This is the way such services provide you with online anonymity and security. A 4G proxy is a portable device, like a smartphone or a tablet, with access to the internet using cellular data. This type of proxies hides your real IP address and replaces it with that of the device once you connect to it. Phone proxy networks work by rotating IPs and forward traffic using multiple portable devices that are connected to a cellular network, be it 3G or 4G. The composition of phone services contains real 3G or 4G connections that the provider distributes to particular portable devices. This structure makes it quite complicated to identify hidden addresses. Thus, it results in improved security, anonymity, and privacy.  4G proxies are unfailingly authentic. Every 4G address has a real physical device behind it. Using an actual, local IP and, hence, looking like a resident of the particular region makes your internet activities untraceable. As a rule, phone proxies are used as pools of residential ones. It makes them capable of toggling the cellular addresses and spreading traffic over different devices. In such a way, detecting a masked address becomes extremely difficult. The ultimate result entails a more secure and anonymous connection. Let alone the fact that it is as convenient and accessible as a regular one. Using a 4G phone proxy implies that they will refresh on every website request during your browsing. Although using the same IP extension during a prolonged period is permissible, it typically restricts this to several minutes. In case a website blocks you, no matter the reason, refreshing... Dan Goodin 19.02.2022
Scraping Web with Proxies: The Basics of Effective and Ethical Scraping in 2022 When effectively managed, web scraping can be extremely useful: it provides a business with valuable marketing insights, enhances its decision making, and helps to beat the competition. In the meantime, geographic and rate limitations used by websites make it challenging to handle a continuous data flow. This article describes how proxies help to overcome these barriers and add value to your scraping project. Web scraping explained What is web scraping?  Without getting into specifics, web scraping or web harvesting means extracting data from a website. Unlike manual extraction, this process is automated and structured. The use of automated tools allows extracting thousands of data sets within a short time. The data is, then, organized in a format appropriate to its further use such as a spreadsheet or an Application Programming Interface (API). In this manner, the data scraped is turned into the information that improves decision making.  Some large platforms such as Twitter or Facebook allow extracting their data in a structured manner by providing access to their APIs. Most websites, however, do not have APIs at all or have very basic APIs that are incomplete or poorly written. This is why it is a good idea to learn the basics of scraping to be able to extract the insights you need. How it works Most commonly, the data extraction process is carried out by two agents: a crawler and a scraper. The former finds appropriate URLs and guides the latter through the Internet. The scraper, in turn, extracts the target information from the links. A scraping tool can extract the data that is visible to all users of the website or collect associated data, which the website stores in its databases and reveals upon an HTTP request. Depending on the task, the scraper can either extract everything from a web page or focus on a particular type of information. For example, the task might be specified to only extract product prices and to disregard product availability or review rates. Scraping tools can be of different types and it might be useful to learn more about each of them to choose the tool that best meets your needs. The three most common types of scrapers are Browser extension scrapers: These scrapers are easy to use and perfect for extracting small data sets. Their major limitation is that they only scrape one page at a time. Software scrapers: Once installed, these scrapers allow extracting small-to-medium data sets. They can be set to complete different tasks and work with more than one page at a time. Cloud-based scrapers: The scrapers are an excellent solution for those who need to scrape large volumes of data and would like the scraper to complete the whole job independently without any intervention on the user’s part. Is web scraping legal? Web scraping is not illegal as long as the data you extract is publicly available which means it can be accessed by any Internet user. The simplest clues that tell the data is publicly available are... Dan Goodin 30.04.2022
SOCKS5 Proxy: Full Guide At the moment, the internet is in an odd state, where it is no more an open place or unrestricted environment than it was a long time ago. Website restrictions, assaults, and spying are all becoming more common for consumers, where precautions must be taken for actual safety or anonymity. Socket Secure (SOCKS) proxies are one of many techniques to secure oneself. Many people are aware of SOCKS Proxies, however, few are only aware of their purpose, how they function, or the levels of protection and anonymity they can provide. SOCKS proxies are sometimes misunderstood as a substitute for VPNs, leading to user misunderstanding and a false sense of security. A proxy server that resides between you and the destination is known as a SOCKS5  proxy. The proxies serve as a middleman, capturing every traffic between both the source and the destination. A SOCKS5 proxy is indeed a viable substitute for a VPN since it intercepts traffic and shields it from being exposed at the destination. The SOCKS5 proxy replaces the source’s IP with its own and delivers the source query to the correct destination. One advantage of using a proxy SOCKS5 to hide your IP is that it secures your privacy online. Another benefit is when the proxies are located in an outside data center allowing the user to browse geo-blocked websites including Netflix or Amazon, as well as circumvent censorships. What Is SOCKS5 Proxy? SOCKS is an internet protocol that provides a higher level of privacy. For instance, when you access a SOCKS proxy, your traffic is routed over TCP through a third-party server, giving you a unique IP address. Web hosts are unable to identify the geographical location due to the multiple IP addresses. In addition,  SOCKS, unlike a VPN, does not, however, provide encryption, implying that users do not have full privacy and are vulnerable to government spying and attacks on public WiFi. Furthermore, because SOCKS does not run through every application, routine browsing is not always secure. However, there are certain advantages to not having encryption like speed.  Because a SOCKS proxy does not require resources to encrypt communication and has significantly less overhead than a VPN, it is typically faster. Proxy servers are a good compromise between HTTP and VPNs because they do not provide monitoring protection. A SOCKS proxy’s security is also influenced by the version it uses, while for safeguard users, most current proxies employ SOCKS4 or SOCKS5, and there are several key differences between the two protocols. However, SOCKS4 contains less functionality than you would expect from a lower-tier version. Support for UDP protocol-based applications, for example, is lacking. Games are excluded from this since they require faster, more efficient transmissions. IPv6 and DNS are also supported by SOCKS5. Instead of an IP address, the client might specify a URL. SOCKS4a also has this functionality. Users can use the HTTP or HTTPS proxy mechanism in addition to SOCKS. HTTP proxies work in the same way that SOCKS5 proxies do, but they... Dan Goodin 31.03.2022
The Ultimate Guide On The Best Ways To Test Proxies In 2022 This article shares the best practices from experienced users that will become handy the next time you use proxies. This article also explains the best ways to test proxies, including the parameters you should consider. It also provides you with all the tested and thus reliable tools to use, regardless of their complexity, ensuring you are anonymous and can access whatever sites you need. Guru Insights on the Best Proxy Solutions The use of proxies can protect your personal information by hiding your unique IP address. They are also used to geo-target particular countries and overcome access restrictions.  Today, there are many proxy providers you might want to try. The primary idea behind using proxies is not to fail in leaking your original IP address and avoid being banned by sites you access. Also, using proxies to perform specific tasks can be slower than usual with unreliable ones. Most companies that need to perform web scraping operations should be 100% sure their proxies run correctly and work effectively. Irrespective of how you found a list of proxies, it is always better to test them before you start using them.  Most providers guarantee 100% satisfaction and offer a money-back guarantee. At the same time, many proxies are active for a limited time, and in many cases, it results in less bandwidth you buy.  In other words, it makes sense to know what you buy since it will save your time, effort, and money in the long-term perspective.  One of the best possible ways to test whether your proxy operates appropriately is using a specific in-house script. In parallel, there are more ways to test proxies and be confident that you don’t need extra technical experience.  3 + 1 Primary Elements You Should Know to Test Proxies Whenever you need to test proxies, you should consider three primary elements: location, speed, and uptime.  Location For instance, if you need to access US-only sites, there is no way to use Canadian or UK proxies. Instead, you should take advantage of a US proxy with specific US IPs for whatever location you need.  Some require hosting providers in particular countries. However, in reality, you will never find them. For this reason, it makes sense to ensure your location is the one you need.  Speed Some proxies are pretty slow. It applies merely to shared ones because many people use them simultaneously. For example, you need to perform a web scraping task or purchase anything using a sneaker bot. Such providers will not allow you to complete such operations. As a result, it will take you lots of extra minutes on multiple tasks that usually take seconds. So, make sure you test how fast they are before you purchase them. Besides, the fastest ones are the best.  Uptime Imagine your proxy has an ideal location and operates as fast as possible, but what about poor uptime. In many cases, you can perform a task, and your proxy could go offline, thus leaking your IP address.... Dan Goodin 02.03.2022
Top 8 Proxy checker tools in 2022 (Free & Tested) Purchasing a proxy server takes a couple of minutes. However, don’t rush to change your settings after you get your new IP address. Even an expensive private address might require a check. Why do you need to check proxies and how to do it? Let’s straighten it out. What is a proxy check and why do you need it?  There are several reasons why you may want to check your free or paid proxy. One of them is that your proxy might simply be invalid. It’s a common thing when you opt for free or cheap shared proxies. However, it’s the least bad option. A good online proxy checker can save you from data leakage if you are not sure about your provider. So, why is it important to test proxies? Working capacity  Any proxy server can become invalid as time passes. Any database regularly loses some of its addresses. Many trusted providers guarantee a refund or an alternative address if a gateway doesn’t work. So, if you have a working checker tool on hand, you will instantly see if you need to contact your provider’s customer service for a refund. Working speed A proxy checker tool can also show if your server works with the right speed. Instead of finding out that your pages download too slowly after a couple of days, you can check it right away. Particular needs Many marketers use proxies for work. For instance, you may need it for web scraping: collecting data from webpages. It usually requires a whopping set of proxies, and if one fails to operate correctly, it may ruin the whole campaign. Besides, a checker can help understand if your server can give you access to a particular website. Blacklisted addresses You visit a webpage and see a message like ‘Your IP address is banned from accessing this website or something similar to that. It means that someone used your server address for some mean purposes. For instance, DDOS attacks, hacking accounts, and all that. An IP proxy checker can prevent you from using such an address. Safety Basically, safety is one of the main features of using a third-party server. However, not all gateways are really safe and guarantee you a high anonymity level. Besides, you may want to know if your provider was fair and gave you the correct info on the IP you purchased. As you see, a checker is a pretty useful tool for literally any user. But how to find the right one? What is the difference between various IP proxy checker tools and are they free? Can you check the proxy online or need to download any software? ProxyBros prepared a list of the best services that can help you out. ProxyBros Free proxy checker issued by ProxyBros processes large amounts of information thanks to the powerful equipment it operates on. The checker offers a simultaneous verification of several servers so that checking a large number of IP addresses in a short time is no longer... Dan Goodin 22.04.2022
Trouble-Free Web Crawling: Top 12 Hints On How To Crawl a Website Without Getting Blocked Diverse websites and apps use multiple methods that help them detect strange activity and block those who violate the terms of use. One of the most common problems that users may face while crawling a website is an IP address ban. Platforms automatically deny access from a specific IP address making users wonder how to bypass the ban.  Even though you do nothing bad when web scraping, it’s vital to understand the point of website owners. All that they want to do is to prevent hacker attacks and ensure that all the valuable data stays safe. But what to do if you got blacklisted and is it easy to bypass an IP ban? Keep reading to find answers to these questions.  What Does IP Ban Mean and Top Reasons Why Your IP May Be Blocked It doesn’t matter whether you are web scraping with good intentions and just trying to collect data for your business or using automated means to get access to valuable information. In both cases, such an activity can lead to an IP ban. Admins usually act fast and don’t warn you that your access will be restricted. It’s quite understandable as they want to protect themselves from hacker attacks and try to prevent possible consequences. But what is an IP ban and what reasons may cause it?  IP ban is a special block set by a server that rejects any requests from a specific IP address or a range of them. In most cases, this action is triggered automatically and can be caused by such reasons as: violation of terms of use multiple accounts restricting access from your location spamming cheating web parsing visiting websites using such browsers as Multiloginapp, Linken Sphere hacking attempts, etc Currently, there are plenty of ways and tools that help detect web crawlers. Websites monitor users’ activity and if they find any suspicious behavior, they can easily ban an account. For instance, users may receive CAPTCHAS and if they don’t prove they aren’t bots, their access to a service will be blocked.  12 Useful Recommendations On How to Crawl a Website Without Getting Blocked But how to continue web scraping without getting banned? Check out these 12 useful hints that will help you get around an IP ban while crawling a website: Rotate IP Address If you send lots of requests from one IP address it may easily lead to an IP ban. However, if you rotate IP addresses, websites won’t detect any strange activity as for them it will look like requests are coming from multiple users. Hence, it’s important to change your IP address when you are scrapping on a regular basis. The good thing is that there are plenty of proxy rotator services available nowadays that help you automate this process.   Use the Right Proxy Server Undoubtedly, proxy servers are inevitable tools nowadays as they not only help prevent possible attacks on your PC but also provide access to locked resources. But how to select the right one... Dan Goodin 10.05.2022
What Type of Proxy Fits You Best? | Top 12 Proxies for Different Use Cases Proxy types can be categorized according to anonymity level, traffic flow, service, or IP type. Figuring out the best option for you depends on dedicated and custom requirements. This guide will help you learn about what proxies are, for what purpose you might need one, and their types.  A Proxy Server Is… Simply put, it is an intermediary that is in charge of adapting and integrating all traffic requests to and replies from a server or network you are trying to connect. It can be as simple as a fragment of software on your desktop and as great as a traffic-protecting appliance on a data center. Regardless of the type, using this server means that all your internet requests first go to it before redirecting you to the real website. It is a server that collects all the information you address and sends it via another IP address. This is the key, actually. Using proxies enables your internet activity to show up as if it comes from a totally different location. A person might use them for confidentiality issues. Organizations apply them for network performance and security purposes.  How it works For example, you want to go to Bitbucket. By typing the website’s address in the URL and hitting Enter, you send the request. If you use proxies, your request does not lead you to Bitbucket directly via your computer’s IP address, but a server intercepts your request. Afterward, it updates it and proceeds to send from its own IP address. In such a case, your identifying information can be removed entirely from the request to the Bitbucket server. Next, the service collects necessary data from the Bitbucket server. It checks the response on any configurations like malicious scripts or any other issues of security. And finally, it sends the data back to your page loads and your computer. How it protects computer privacy and data Proxies supply a rather useful layer of security to your computer. You can set it up by way of a firewall or a web filter, for it could protect your computer from various internet threats.  It inspects the data that goes in and out of your network or computer. The internet is way too far from the safest place. However, hackers have no direct access to your personal data, files, or apps without your actual IP address. Instead, the service’s IP is seen by scammers on the internet.  And as for organizations, they usually pursue the following purposes:  Enhance security; Protect their employees from possible snoopers on the internet;  Regulate internet traffic to avoid crashes; Supervise the websites staff visits in the office; Preserve bandwidth via squeezing incoming traffic or caching files. Types of Proxies: Forward A forward proxy is used within an internal network to collect data for users’ groups. Once a request is sent, it checks up if the request should continue to make a connection. It is the best proxy server for single-point entries’ internal networks. Not only does it supply... Dan Goodin 16.03.2022
View all articles

Methodology: How Do We Work?

Every proxy service is researched, tested, and evaluated by several experts. The workflow always includes the following stages:

  • Customer feedback analysis We look through forums, study reviews on authoritative platforms, and, if necessary, hold an opinion poll among users.
  • Expert Opinion We initiate the discussion among professionals who have dealt with a particular proxy provider. Key features, strengths, and weaknesses are always in focus.
  • Digging deeper The experts observe the legal basis of proxy companies we review: where they are registered, who their owners are, how they uphold a reputation, how many loyal users they have, etc.
  • Exploring proxy types Different companies offer various types of proxies, and their quality may also vary. We test and evaluate all kinds of proxy servers provided to identify the best options.
  • Customer service assessment Researchers contact customer support managers to check the response time, the quality of communication, and effectiveness of various channels. Besides, one of our experts acts as a mystery shopper to evaluate different aspects of customer service.
  • Testing We try out the quality of different types of proxies - residential, data center, shared, dedicated, private, mobile, etc. Our experts describe the feature set and functionality, test-drive certain features, measure the speed, connectivity, percentage of "broken" proxies, etc.
  • Comparison Technical writers evaluate the competitive advantages of a particular service, its features, characteristics, etc. Prices, payment methods, price-quality ratio are also taken into account.

Why Do You Actually Need a Proxy?

There are dozens of situations you might need proxy services. They are used for both personal purposes and professional tasks. In particular, proxy servers will be helpful in:

  • Competitive research and data extraction;
  • Marketing campaigns verification;
  • Enhancing anonymity on the web (the proxy hides the user's IP);
  • Bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking content;
  • Search engine data scraping, avoiding restrictions;
  • Ensuring security while gaming;
  • Managing multiple social media accounts at once.
Why Do You Actually Need a Proxy?

How Do Proxy Servers Work?

A proxy server is a kind of intermediary between your computer and the entire Internet. The primary reason to use it is to ensure the security of personal data. If you don't use a proxy, you are interacting directly with every website on the web you visit. It means you leave a bunch of private information to strangers so that they can identify you, block access to specific web resources, send you intrusive ads, spam, etc.

However, a proxy server is a game-changer, stacking the cards to enhance your freedom on the web. When you visit any site, a request to access it is first sent to the proxy server. The technology changes your IP, replacing it with the address of a third-party server. Then, you get access to the website without revealing your data since you interact with it through an intermediary. If you receive requests or notifications from the platform, they will also go to the proxy server first.

In other words, a proxy works as a filter: your information will not leak, and third-party websites will not be able to bother you with unnecessary requests, ads, or spam. Plus, proxies allow being online from anywhere in the world and, therefore, bypassing geo-restrictions by accessing content blocked in your country.

How Do Proxy Servers Work?

How to Choose Your Perfect Proxy Service?

To find a perfect proxy to meet your needs entirely, you have to know first what you are searching for. Anyway, this brief stepper will help you make the right choice.

  • Explore and Test the Functionality Many proxy companies provide a free trial or allow you to try out their services for free. Do not neglect this option.
  • Observe the Anonymity Issues If you strive to achieve the maximum level of anonymity, focus on platforms, allowing you to pay with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
  • Check Limitations Some solutions imply limits related to traffic allowance and the number of devices you can use simultaneously. In contrast, other services don't have such restrictions. Prioritize options that best meet your needs.
  • Good Proxy Service - Reliable Proxy Service Before entrusting your cyber security to any company, check out whether it was involved in any data breach or scandal.
  • Check the Types of IP Addresses in the Pool If you are interested in one specific type, residential, dedicated, private, shared, mobile, or data center proxies, check whether a particular platform provides it.
  • Look for Available Alternatives The market of proxy services is full of companies striving to stay competitive. Thus, it's not a big deal to find a functional and affordable solution. Remember, any expensive proxy provider has a more affordable alternative.

Proxies by Categories

Various types of proxies offer different feature sets and opportunities. Are you looking for some specific servers? We have highlighted what you can get from top providers:

Protocols:
  • SOCKS4
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 50 /100
Privacy 50 /100
Protocols:
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 80 /100
Privacy 70 /100
Protocols:
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 80 /100
Privacy 80 /100
Protocols:
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 80 /100
Privacy 80 /100
Protocols:
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 90 /100
Privacy 80 /100
Protocols:
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 80 /100
Privacy 80 /100
Protocols:
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 80 /100
Privacy 70 /100
Protocols:
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 80 /100
Privacy 80 /100
Protocols:
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 90 /100
Privacy 90 /100
Protocols:
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 70 /100
Privacy 70 /100
Protocols:
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 70 /100
Privacy 60 /100
Protocols:
  • SOCKS5
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
Speed 70 /100
Privacy 70 /100

One Step Towards Better Cyber Security

Each user has an IP address, which allows identifying them and receiving some of their personal data, such as location. The websites you visit can also access this information. This fact makes any Internet user vulnerable to hacker attacks, intrusive ads, or even identity theft. However, if you use a proxy, you create a gateway between you and the Internet.

When you visit any website, it cannot see your actual IP address as the proxy server interacts with the site for you and then redirects all necessary information. In this case, no one will be able to access your data and track your online activity.  Plus, you can view any website, even if it is banned in your country.

Let’s Figure Out

There are five main types of proxy servers: residential and data center, shared, semi-dedicated, and dedicated.

  • Residential proxies: they provide genuine IP addresses to mimic user behavior;
  • Data-center proxies: they give you IP addresses from third-party organizations. This type of proxy usually guarantees better anonymity and smoother performance.
  • Shared Proxies: they provide IP addresses used by multiple users simultaneously. That is why they are cheaper than private proxies but still suitable for gaining access to blocked content and bypassing other restrictions.
  • Semi-dedicated proxies: similar to shared proxies, but the number of IP users is limited. Only 3 of them can employ one IP at the same time. However, if you opt for this type of proxy while surfing on social media, your account may be blocked due to the suspicious activity of other users.
  • Dedicated Proxies: These are private proxies that mean you don’t share your IP with anyone.  Proxies of this type can guarantee the highest level of security. Businesses usually use them.

FAQ

Do you still have any concerns about proxy services? Find out more, observing some frequently asked questions!

What is a proxy?

A proxy server is a gateway between your device and the entire Internet. It provides an additional layer of security by filtering the information you receive from the web and preventing your data from being accessed by the websites you visit. Proxy servers allow you to use different IP addresses, making it impossible to detect you as a user. Thus, any website you visit cannot see your actual IP address but rather the IP address provided by the proxy server. Herewith, the proxy IP addresses constantly change.

Why should I use a proxy service?

There are various reasons to use proxies. First, they provide a certain level of anonymity on the web, better performance speed, security of your personal data, and so on. Secondly, proxies help you bypass restrictions and access any content at any time. Third, some users turn to proxy servers for business purposes. For example, they allow you to do competitive research, validate ad placement, filter spam, and improve brand protection.

Are proxy services legal?

Yes, in most countries, it is completely legal to use proxy servers. On the other hand, in some regions, proxy usage may be limited due to local legislation.
In general, it is legal to use proxy services for legitimate purposes. But if your country imposes restrictions on any content, the authorities definitely don't want you to see it. In this case, the proxies are in the gray area. Some web resources also have a policy that prohibits proxies. However, some types of servers cannot be detected, so it's not a big deal to use them worldwide.

Are there any free proxy servers?

Yes, there are some decent free proxy services, including the following options:

  • Hide.me
  • Kproxy
  • HMA
  • VPNBook
  • ProxySite
  • Whoer

Most of these solutions also have paid versions, while the free options have certain traffic allowance and functionality restrictions.

Are free proxy services safe?

Not really. Using free proxy servers might be risky - along with limitations, they can collect and use your data at their discretion. Besides, free versions often lack essential features and solid data encryption.

What is a better proxy or VPN?

It depends on why you need these tools and what you intend to use them for. VPN is better when it comes to the security of your data. It encrypts your traffic before you go online. Most VPNs also have sophisticated features to hide your location and all online activities.
On the other hand, proxies are a better tool for data extraction, competitive research, and brand protection. Although proxy servers are considered less anonymous, the risk of your identity being compromised is minimum if you use modern solutions.
Sometimes, VPNs also offer more servers and settings, but they tend to slow down performance speed.

Can a proxy be tracked?

In some cases, it is possible. In general, it much depends on the provider and the type of proxy you use.
Proxies usually transmit information to your device without encryption. While you can use them to change your IP address, they only provide partial anonymity.

FAQ

Wanna Share Your Experience?

Whether you need some help with proxies or you want to share your feedback - positive or negative - don't hesitate to contact us!

    Name

    Email

    Your question

    We use cookies on our site to ensure that we give you the best browsing experience. By continuing to browse the site, you agree to this use. For more information on how we use cookies, see our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.

    Got IT

    We added this proxy to compare list