How To Choose Best Proxy – Cost Effective & High Quality

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There are a few things to consider when you think of how to choose best proxy. The most important factor is probably the speed of the proxy server. A slow proxy server can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re trying to access sites that are loading slowly, to begin with.

Another critical factor is whether or not the provider offers anonymous proxies. Many providers will offer anonymous and non-anonymous proxies, so you must know which one you’re getting. Some providers also offer different proxy servers, such as shared proxies and private proxies.

Shared proxies are usually less expensive, but they’re also less secure because multiple people use the same IP address. Private proxies are more expensive, but they offer higher security because you only use the IP address.

Finally, ensuring that the proxy server provider has good customer service is essential. If you have any problems with the service, you should be able to get help from someone knowledgeable and responsive.

What Is A Proxy Server?

A proxy server is a computer that serves as a go-between for your computer and the Internet. Any data transmitted via a proxy server will appear to originate from its IP address rather than yours. Your browser establishes a connection with the proxy, which then connects to the Internet. HTTP or SOCKS are protocols proxy websites use to route your traffic through their servers.

Why Use A Proxy Server?

There are many reasons why you would want to use a proxy server. The most common is to improve your privacy and security online. A proxy makes it much harder for third-party websites and services to track your online activity by hiding your actual IP address. This can be especially useful when accessing public Wi-Fi networks, where your data is more vulnerable to snooping.

Another everyday use for proxy servers is to bypass geographic restrictions. If you’re trying to access a website or service that’s only available in certain countries, you can use a proxy server located in that country to trick the site into thinking you’re coming from there. This can be handy for accessing region-locked content like video streaming services.

Finally, you can use proxy servers to improve your internet speed. You can bypass congestion and slowdowns from your ISP by routing your traffic through a server in a different location. This is especially useful if you live in an area with spotty internet coverage.

How To Choose Best Proxy Server?

Price

The price of a proxy server varies depending on the features and level of security it offers. Basic proxy servers are usually free, but you will have to pay a premium if you require more advanced features or greater security. It is crucial to choose a proxy server that fits your budget.

Location

When choosing a proxy server, it is crucial to consider its location. The closer the server is to your location, the faster your internet speed will be. However, if you are looking for a proxy server for privacy reasons, choosing one in a different country is best.

Features

When choosing a proxy server, it is essential to consider its features. Some proxy servers offer basic features, while others provide advanced security and privacy features. Essential elements may include unblocking websites, hiding your IP address, and improving your internet speed. More advanced features may include encrypted traffic, multiple IP addresses, and private browsing.

Provider reliability

It is essential to choose a proxy service provider that is reliable. A good proxy server provider will have a strong network with fast servers. Additionally, the provider should offer excellent customer support if you experience any issues.

Available servers and IP pool

When choosing a proxy server, it is essential to consider the number of servers and IP addresses available. A larger pool of servers and IP addresses means you are more likely to find a fast and reliable server. Additionally, a larger pool of IP addresses means that your identity is less likely to be traced.

Security protocols

When choosing a proxy server, it is vital to consider the security protocols it offers. The most common security protocol is SSL/TLS, which encrypts your traffic and prevents third parties from intercepting your data. Other security protocols include SOCKS5, which provides authentication and adds an extra layer of security, and HTTP, the most common protocol used by proxy servers.

Compatibility

When choosing a proxy server, it is important to consider compatibility. Make sure that the proxy server you choose is compatible with your browser and operating system. Additionally, some proxy servers only work with specific websites, so it is important to check that the proxy server you choose can unblock the website you want to access.

Customer support

When choosing a proxy server, it is essential to consider customer support. A good proxy server provider will offer excellent customer support if you experience any issues. Additionally, the provider should have a knowledge base or FAQ section that can help you troubleshoot any problems you may have.

Trial period

When choosing a proxy server, it is essential to consider the trial period offered by the provider. A good proxy server provider will offer a free trial so that you can test the service before you commit to a subscription. This lets you ensure that the proxy server meets your needs before paying for it.

Why Do You Need A Proxy Server?

  • To remain anonymous online.
  • To access websites that are blocked by your ISP or network.
  • To boost your internet speed.
  • To bypass geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world.
  • To protect your privacy and security online.

Is your proxy server perfect? Click here to learn the features of a remarkable proxy server.

Top 7 Proxy Servers

Bright Data (Formerly Luminati)

Bright Data is a data-driven business decision-maker since it aids in unlocking any website and obtaining accurate data. There’s a Proxy Manager built into Bright Data to handle all of the proxies in one place. It has scraping capabilities built in. Tools such as Data Center Proxies, ISP Proxies, Residential Proxies, Mobile Proxies, and 4G Proxies are all available.

Brightdata data collection

Moreover, it can bypass any CAPTCHA, making it the perfect tool for web scraping. It also supports both HTTP(s) and SOCKS5 protocols. You can use it with your favorite programming language as it has an API that makes integration a breeze. You can consider Bright Data as one of the best proxy provider options out there for you.

Price: Bright Data offers a free trial of 7-days. Bright Data offers Pay-As-You-Go, monthly subscriptions, and yearly subscription plans.

Also Read: Bright Data Review to know the details of the product.

Oxylabs Proxy Server

For a proxy service that can handle data at a large scale, Oxylabs is the best option. Datacenter Proxies, Next-Gen Residential Proxies, Residential Proxies, and Scraper IPs are some of the solutions provided by Oxylabs. The self-service dashboard of Oxylabs will give you thorough insights into your scraping activities.

oxylabs homepagePrice: The average cost of a Datacenter Proxy is $180 per month. Residential Proxies pricing plans begin at $300 per month. Next-Generation Residential Proxies commence at $360 each month, while Real-time Crawler costs start at $99 each month.

Also Read: Oxylabs Review to know more.

HMA Proxies

HMA is a proxy service that offers anonymity for surfing. It allows you to access prohibited websites from anywhere globally, including features like private browsing in one tab, hiding your IP in the other, secure online banking on any network, and so on. We can utilize it on any device, therefore, online games and similar products are not an issue.

HMA homepageHMA Proxies is one of the most popular proxy services, and it’s used by millions of people worldwide.

Price: HMA Proxies offers a 7-day free trial and a money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the service.

The pricing is affordable, and it starts at $4.99 per month.

Whoer

Whoer provides various services, including web proxy, Internet speed testing, online ping test checker, domain and IP checking, and DNS leak testing. Its web proxy allows you to change your IP address quickly and for free. Its services are available in many countries across the world.

It has solid security measures in place and no one, not even Whoer, will be aware of your internet activities.

Price: Whoer provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. The service is available on one-month ($9.90 per month), six-month ($6.50 per month), and one-year ($3.90 per month) payment plans.

Hide.me

Hide.me is a fast, secure VPN that protects your privacy. It has apps for all platforms and the fastest VPN protocols available. It has a no-logs policy in place. Premium features include dynamic port forwarding, static IP addresses, and streaming functionality, which are all included in the free version. Its Chrome/Firefox browser extension is also one of the best available.

hide.me homepagePrice: Hide.me has three membership plans: one month ($12.95 per month), one year ($4.99 per month), and six months ($6.65 per month).

4everproxy

4everproxy has numerous VPN servers in eight countries for its free and secure web proxy. It uses TLS to protect all connections. Every page you visit is assigned a unique IP address. No one can see the URLs from your browser because they are encrypted.

4everproxy homepageIt would help if you did not use 4everproxy as an HTTP proxy because it doesn’t provide you with many options. You can change the location of the server using 4everproxy. The Custom HTTP Proxy option allows you to input a custom proxy in the IP: PORT format. It tunnels everything through our server and yours before reaching its destination.

Price: 4everproxy can be utilized free of charge. Its single-client VPN will cost you $3.95 with elements of unmetered data transmission, all VPN areas, and no logs.

CroxyProxy

CroxyProxy is an easy-to-use, free, and secure web proxy with sophisticated features. It may host video sites, search engines, social networks, and other activities. It enables full video streaming through anonymous surfing of video sites.

croxyproxy homepageIt’s an entirely free browser that doesn’t need to be downloaded or configured. It is a proxy browser that works as designed. CroxyProxy employs cutting-edge technology to access contemporary websites and web apps.

Price: CoxxyProxy is a free, albeit limited, alternative. A basic version is available for free. The premium ad-free service costs $3.50 per month.

Conclusion

While using a proxy server, your IP address and information about your web request are unencrypted. As a result, look for whether the proxy server logs and keeps the data when selecting a server. When picking a server, make sure it has encryption capabilities. Using a proxy server that doesn’t log IP addresses is better.

Free proxy servers are not recommended because they don’t invest much money in backend hardware or encryption. You risk facing performance and data security concerns when using such free services. The ones that we have prescribed are one of the best proxy provider options you can consider. However, you are free to look for alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to use a VPN and a proxy simultaneously?

Yes, you can use both a VPN and a proxy together. Using both together can provide even more protection and privacy than alone. Here’s how it works:

A VPN encrypts all your traffic, hiding your activity from your ISP and anyone else who might be snooping. A proxy routes your traffic through another server, masking your IP address but not encrypting your traffic.

Adding a proxy on top of a VPN makes it more difficult for anyone to snoop on your traffic and figure out what you’re doing online. It also adds an extra layer of protection if one of the services fails or is compromised.

Of course, using both a VPN and a proxy does have some drawbacks. It can slow down your connection speed, and it might not be possible to access some streaming services or websites blocked by geography.

Using a VPN and a proxy together is a great way to boost your privacy and security online.

 What Is the Difference Between a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and a Proxy?

The main difference between a proxy and a VPN is that a proxy only encrypts your web traffic, while a VPN encrypts all of your traffic.

A proxy is usually faster than a VPN, but it doesn’t provide as much privacy since your web traffic is not encrypted. A VPN is slower than a proxy, but it encrypts all of your traffic, so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online.

A proxy is good if you only want to encrypt your web traffic. A VPN is a better choice if you want to encrypt all of your traffic.

Is it Legal to Use Proxies?

Proxies are not illegal in most countries, but there are a few exceptions. Using a proxy to bypass government censorship is against the law in some countries. In other countries, using a proxy for any purpose may be illegal.

Do You Need a Proxy if You Have a VPN?

You might not need a proxy if you’re using a VPN for privacy. A VPN encrypts all your traffic, so your ISP can’t see your online activity. This means a VPN can provide the same level of privacy as a proxy.

However, there are some situations where you might want to use both a VPN and a proxy. For example, if you’re trying to access a website blocked by your ISP, using a proxy can help you bypass that block.

Whether you need a proxy or not depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re not sure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use both a VPN and a proxy.