VPN vs. Proxy: Which One to Use?

Samuel Walker  - Technology Policy Researcher
Last updated: February 20, 2024
Read time: 18 minutes
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Wondering about the advantages and disadvantages that VPN and proxy have over each other? This to-the-point guide will help you know the differences and see which one is best.

VPNs and proxies both serve to change online locations and access restricted or foreign content. However, comparing a VPN vs. proxy shows that the two tools are not a substitute for one another. Instead, they are meant to serve different purposes. While proxies focus more on IP spoofing and content unblocking without compromising speeds, VPNs are intended to protect users’ online privacy despite minor speed lags. Therefore, knowing the pros and cons of VPNs and proxies is vital to making the right choice.

The battle of VPN vs. proxy is a long-standing one.

Although both hide your IP address and help access content from other locations. Yet, there has always been a debate about which of the two you should use.

So, what makes one superior over the other?

Why aren’t both the same?

And which one is better than the other?

In this article, you will find the answers to all these questions as I elaborate on VPN and Proxy.

VPN vs. Proxy – Quick comparison

Running short on time to learn about these services in detail? Here is a quick summary of what a VPN and a proxy do.

  • VPN: more secure, ensures data encryption, bypasses geo-restrictions, evades ISP tracking, may slow down the connection speed, often costly.