Daniel - March 16, 2022

Proxy Vs VPS: Which Is Better?

In this article, we’ll be looking at Proxy vs VPS, their differences, and which is better out of the two. 

What Is A VPS?

A VPS – virtual private server - is a virtual operating system that leverages virtualization technology to provide dedicated (private) resources for other virtual servers. More simply, a VPS is a shared server that simulates a dedicated server environment. With VPS, you get the advantages of shared and dedicated hosting in one. 

In order to build an emulated dedicated VPS hosting environment, networks require a host or cluster of servers. The host here refers to a computer or other device connected to other computers or devices through a network. 

A VPS shares many of the same procedures and functions as a physical server. While it appears to be a physical server, it is actually software imitating dedicated hardware.

Due to its reduced cost compared to dedicated hosting and higher reliability, security, and performance than shared hosting, VPS hosting has grown in popularity. 

Users also gain root access to the server, allowing them to install apps and change the environment without having to go via the hosting company. Many SaaS providers, game developers, programmers, and businesses that have outgrown shared hosting use VPS. 

What Is A Proxy?

A proxy server serves as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. It's a server that sits between end-users and the websites they visit. Depending on your use case and demands, proxy servers provide varying levels of functionality, security, and privacy.

Internet traffic goes through the proxy server on its route to the website you want to visit. The request is then routed through the same proxy server and the proxy then relays the data obtained from the website to you. When the proxy server forwards your web requests, it can alter the data you submit while still delivering the results you expect. 

Mainly, your IP address will change using a proxy server, so the web server doesn't know your original IP and where you’re browsing from. It has the ability to encrypt your data, making it unreadable while in transit. Finally, a proxy server can restrict access to specific web pages based on the user's IP address.

Proxy servers provide shared network connections, cache data, and operate as a firewall and web filter. . A good proxy server shields users and their networks from the dangers of the Internet. Hence, with a proxy, you can maintain security, privacy, and anonymity online. 

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Proxy Vs VPS: What Are The Differences Between VPS And Proxy

VPS and proxies have significant differences. VPS are virtual servers for hosting websites, they have higher resources than regular web hosting which makes them reliable. Proxy, on the other hand, is a server that acts as an intermediary between a website and a computer. 

You’ll need a VPS if you want to host your website on a more secure and reliable web server. Meanwhile, you’ll need proxies for browsing and other internet-related tasks. 

You can’t host a website using a proxy. Instead, you can mask your IP address and make use of anonymous ones. Most proxies feature millions of IP addresses with servers spread across the globe. This is why they’re popular for tasks like geo-unblocking and geo-targeting. 

The relationship between VPS and Proxies lies in hosting. While they are both web servers, VPS allows you to host web files and other web servers. This means you can host a proxy on a VPS - supposing you were to create one.

Most users who set up OpenVPN and cloud VPNs make use of VPS to host their proxy servers. 

Proxy Vs VPS: Which is Better?

As you can see from their differences, VPS and proxies don’t have similar functions. Hence, the question of which is better is contingent on what you’re trying to do. The problem, however, is that people mistake VPS for VPN; the latter which is similar to proxies in terms of functionality. 

If you want to host a website or server and you need a reliable hosting source, VPS is what you should go for. The reliability of VPS means your website/server and its files are safe.  

If you want to browse the internet freely, without dealing with geo-blocks, IP blocks, or you simply want to be anonymous - maintain your online privacy - then a good proxy is what you need. With proxies, your online life is safe from any prying eyes.

However, you could run into trouble if you make use of the wrong proxy. If you want the best, I recommend you make use of ProxyRack. I recommend them because they thick all the boxes for a reliable proxy service - security, speed, anonymity, geo-locations, etc.

With ProxyRack, you have a range of proxy options to choose from and the rate is affordable as you can see below: 

Residential Proxies

  • Unmetered Residential Proxies: Starting from $80

  • Premium GEO Residential Proxies: Starting from $14.95

  • Private Residential Proxies: Starting from $99.95

Datacenter Proxies

  • USA Rotating Datacenter Proxies: Starting at $120

  • Mixed Rotating Datacenter Proxies: Starting at $120

  • Shared Datacenter Proxies: Starting at $49

  • Canada Rotating Proxies: Starting at $65

Bottom Line

In summary, a VPS is a private server that assigns dedicated servers to different clients and allows the hosting of web files and servers while a proxy is a web server that functions as an intermediary between two devices - typically a web server and a browsing device. 

Both are different so they don’t really compare. What you need depends on what you want to do. 

Find the perfect Proxy Product.

Proxyrack offers a multiple options to suit most use cases, if you are unsure our 3 Day Trial allows you to test them all.
Security

Residential proxies

Never get blocked, choose your location
View all option available
Vault

Datacenter proxies

Super fast and reliable
View all option available
Try

3 Day Trial

Test all products to find the best fit
View all option available

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