VPN vs. Proxy
The eternal dilemma: Use a Proxy or a VPN. Both a Proxy server and a VPN server provide anonymous browsing and mask online activity using a different static IP address. So, what are the main differences?
| VPN Server | Proxy Server |
|---|---|
| Encrypted communication | Communication without encryption |
| Communication on all protocols, tunnel connection | Communication on HTTP/FTP/SOCKS protocols, managed connection |
| Speed reduction due to encrypted communication | Almost no reduction in speed |
| Suitable for transferring small files | Suitable for transferring large files |
| VPN client installation required | Can be used immediately on any operating system |
| One VPN account per user | One proxy account can be used by multiple people |
There’s no need to delve into more technical details; the use cases are clear. If you want to watch content from ivysilani.cz while in Iceland, use a VPN. If you need to access adult sites blocked in the Czech Republic, use a proxy. If you want to create an internal network at home, use a VPN.