Difference Between VPN and Proxy Server | Proxy vs VPN

In this article, you will find different points of difference between proxy and VPN to clear the concept, working, and other attributes of the two.

You must have heard about proxy servers and VPNs. Both are amazing techniques or tools to conceal your identity from other third-party meddlers. Both concepts are quite different from each other. But as both are somewhere related to hiding your identity from other threats on the internet. Sometimes, users confuse the two tools to be one. But the reality is quite different from the perception.

To clear any doubts related to proxy and VPN tools, we have brought forward this article. In the coming sections of the article, you will find the major points of difference between proxy and VPN. After going through the difference, it will be quite clear to you when and how you can use either of the techniques wisely for protection.

But before we go over the points proxy and VPN difference. Let’s have a look at the definition of the two to get a better understanding.

What is a Proxy Server?

The main purpose of using a proxy server is to hide your IP addresses. The Proxy tool hides your original IP address and then provides a different one to the website. Hence, you can say that a proxy works as a relay between the website and your server. The thing to remember is that this method is only limited to rerouting the traffic and in no way related to encrypting.

---

What is VPN?

A VPN or a virtual private network aims at changing and hiding your original IP address and location. However, unlike the proxy, VPN also encrypts your traffic. Your internet service provider or even the website and other third-party meddlers can not access your internet usage in any way. Hence, VPN is a more secure way to protect your identity from revealing.

Now, let’s have a look at the section that covers proxy vs VPN differences.

---

What is the Difference Between VPN and Proxy?

Below you will find a table that will explain the main points of difference between proxy and VPN. Have a close look at the differences to know how the two are different from each other.

Particulars/Network	VPN (Virtual Private Network)	Proxy Server
Definition	VPN is a type of virtual network that encrypts your online footprint and data from others.	A proxy server is a way to change the IP address of the network server without encryption of the traffic.
Protection	VPN protects all your data from your device to any other source.	A proxy server only protects the specific app or browser data.
Encryption	A VPN encrypts the traffic and your connection IP address while surfing the internet.	A proxy server does not encrypt the traffic and your connection IP address while surfing the internet.
ISP Tracking	Your ISP can not track your location or online activities if you are using a VPN tool.	Your ISP can track your location or online activities if you are using a proxy server tool.
Protection Against Hackers	You can get substantial protection against hackers and other meddlers using a VPN.	You can not get any protection against hackers and other meddlers using a proxy server.
Working Level	A VPN works at the operating system level rather than the browser or specific app levels for overall protection.	A proxy server works at the specific app or browser protection level rather than the operating system level for specific protection.
Speed of the Connection	A VPN can be slower than a proxy server as the VPN encrypts the data while using the internet.	A proxy server is faster than a VPN as the proxy server does not encrypt the data while using the internet.
Price	You may have to pay for a good VPN tool (although free ones are also available however not recommended as they are not safe and may collect your personal data)	You don’t have to pay for a proxy server tool.
Reliability	A VPN tool is more reliable than a proxy server as the chances of network dropping are quite low to zero.	A proxy server is less reliable than a VPN tool as the chances of network dropping are quite high.
Level of Security	The level of the security posed by a VPN tool is way more than that of a proxy server.	The level of the security posed by a proxy server tool is never more than that of a VPN tool.
Requirement	You don’t need a proxy tool if you have a proper and trusted VPN tool for added protection.	You will need a VPN even if you have a proper and trusted proxy server tool for added protection.
Price Difference	You need to pay way more to get the subscription to a reliable VPN tool as compared to that in a proxy server tool.	You can easily get a proxy server tool for free and even the paid tools do not ask you for much.
Protocols	The VPN tools use PTTP (Point to point tunneling protocol), L2TP (Layer 2 tunneling protocol), or better protocols for advanced protection.	The proxy server tools use FTP (File transfer protocol), HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), or other protocols for limited protection.
Simulation	A VPN tool will always simulate the private network over any public network for advanced protection.	A proxy tool will never simulate the private network over any public network and hence provides regular protection.
Tunnel Creation	A VPN tool will always create and use a tunnel among different users.	A proxy server tool will never create or use a tunnel among different users.
Conceal IP Address of the Client	A VPN does not hide the IP addresses of the clients.	A proxy server tool does hide the IP addresses of the clients.

---

Also Read: Best Free VPN For Windows

Difference Between Proxy and VPN: Explained

So, we hope that now you don’t have any doubts related to what is the difference between VPN and proxy. The above-provided table covers this topic extensively to help you in every way possible. If your questions also included is proxy better than VPN and why? Then it is safe to say that the proxy is never better than the VPN. This is because VPNs provide extra protection to you under all circumstances.

If you still have any questions regarding proxy server vs VPN tools, then our comments section is here for you. Using the same, you can ask all of your queries and we will provide you with the required answers precisely. Subscribe to our newsletter by providing your email address in the box provided. We will drop instant notifications related to the new additions on the blog page for your convenience.