6 Tips To Choose A Proxy

Because of how the internet works, proxies are essential tools that businesses need to use to safeguard themselves and their data and overcome the many challenges that the internet usually throws at them. However, picking the right proxy is an overwhelming task, since many factors are involved.

First, proxies are not a “one cap fits all” type of tool, and companies usually need different kinds of proxies depending on the regular tasks they perform each day. Hence, the kind of proxy a brand uses can largely depend on its end goal.

Secondly, proxies usually have varying difficulty levels, with one proxy being easier to use than the other. In a case like this, a brand generally needs to consider whether they have the required experience to utilize the proxy adequately.

And then, there is the issue of pricing, with some proxies being more expensive than others.

Yet, to rid you of this confusion and make the task of selecting the right proxy service more effortless for you, consider the 6 tips we will be discussing below.

What Is A Proxy?

A proxy can be defined as a software or tool that serves as a gateway between you and the internet.  Proxies are sophisticated computers that can effectively bear your request to the web and return results. Imagine yourself working in a company where it is usually risky or unsafe to approach the management directly.

Imagine also that the only way to contact the management is through their trusted assistance. In this scenario, if you have a request that you need the management to treat, the best way would be by sending it through those assistants.

The assistants above are the proxies. But proxies do not only keep you safe and anonymous; they also remove browsing restrictions, act as firewalls, and use caches to boost performance and browsing speed.

Main Types Of Proxies

The main types of proxies are explained below:

1. Anonymous Proxy

This proxy is best for allowing you to stay anonymous during your online operations, and it does so by concealing your internet protocol (IP) while you are surfing the internet. It makes it highly unlikely that anyone would identify you online.

This is important for several reasons. First, it removes the risk of having your online identity stolen and used against you. Secondly, it prevents advertisers from targeting you since they cannot track your browsing habits.

You will also not become a victim of location-based marketing as nobody online can see your location.

2. Dedicated Proxy

A dedicated proxy is mostly a private proxy allocated to one or a few users at a time. When you use this proxy, you are guaranteed all of its features, including private IP addresses, which others cannot use simultaneously.

This proxy can be a datacenter or residential proxy and provide you with security, privacy and access to restricted contents. They can also be used for specific tasks and may stand a lesser chance of getting blocked or banned.

3. Distorting Proxy

This proxy works almost like the anonymous proxy described above. However, instead of completely hiding your IP and location, it provides fake details that appear from a different geo-location.

They are mostly used for accessing geo-restricted contents and interacting with restricted contents from a forbidden location.

4. Transparent Proxy

This proxy is a see-through type of proxy that can help carry and deliver requests to target destinations but at the risk of exposing your online identity. This means transparent proxies can perform the proxy task but at the same time, they reveal to the internet both your IP address and the fact that you are using a proxy.

This makes them risky to use and increases the chances of getting banned. However, they are still very popular because they are easy to set up and very cheap.

The Most Common Uses Of Proxies                              

There are so many ways proxies can be used, with the most common examples including:

• For providing improved corporate security for both a business and their data
• For providing anonymity and the necessary privacy when performing sensitive operations online
• For overcoming geo-restrictions and accessing blocked contents more easily
• For automating several important online activities such as web scraping
• For increasing browsing speed and boosting overall performance
• For preventing server crashing through the use of caching mechanisms and traffic balancing

6 Tips For Choosing A Proxy

Based on the goals, needs and experience of your business, below are 6 of the best tips we believe can help you pick the best proxy service:

1. Consider using proxies that cover a wider range of websites and servers
2. Always choose the legal and most secure types of proxies
3. Ensure you pick proxies with the fastest speeds
4. Always check out reviews to see what other users have to say
5. Pick proxies that can rotate proxies and location
6. Consider cost, but as much as you can, avoid free proxies

VPN Vs. Proxy [Infographic]

From Visually.

Conclusion

It is no longer news that you require a proxy for your business if you want to navigate the depth of the internet successfully. The only challenge now becomes deciding which proxy service to choose. We believe that taking the 6 tips above into account will help you make the right choice. And if you are still uncertain about what is right for you, visit Oxylabs.io to find out more.