Proxy vs. VPN: What is the difference?

🚀 The world’s leading VPN 🚀 🔥 Get the exclusive YouTube offer: https://content.nordvpn.com/4dcWL1G 🛑 Avoid malware, dangerous websites, intrusive ads, and more cyberthreats 🛑 On the surface, proxies and VPNs are pretty similar — they both change your IP address and reroute your traffic through a remote server. But, in reality, this is where the similarities end. In this video we take a look at what is a proxy, what is a VPN, their differences, and we’ll compare the two. Take a look to find out which one is right for you 🔔 Subscribe to get the latest content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZhRxyloC-qzURiOa3vbFQ?sub_confirmation=1 ► RECOMMENDED VIDEOS ► How to use a tracker blocker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIJX41zaUgY How to use the NordVPN ad blocker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQI7yt1PTwg How to use NordVPN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW6FRQZqZBk Contents: 00:00 Intro 00:25 What is a proxy server? 00:41 What is a VPN? 01:02 Proxy vs. VPN 02:30 Which is better? Let’s take a look at what proxies and VPNs are, their differences, and which one is right for you. Let’s dive in. The first thing you should know is that both proxies and VPNs mask your IP address by rerouting your internet traffic through a remote server. But this is pretty much where the similarities end. Proxies work on the application level, meaning they only reroute the traffic coming from a single app you set your proxy up with. Proxies also don’t usually encrypt your traffic, unlike a VPN. So, what is a VPN? A VPN also routes your traffic through a remote server, changing your IP in the process. But, unlike a proxy, a VPN works on an operating system level. That means that it directs ALL of your traffic, whether it’s coming from your browser or a background app. Now that we have our basics down, let’s compare. First up, security. Here a VPN wins. If you’re using a VPN, your data gets encrypted before reaching a VPN server. That means that the data is scrambled, so no third party can spy on your browsing activity. Premium VPNs also have additional security-focused features. NordVPN, for example, blocks malicious websites, malware-infected downloads, and much more. Next up is privacy. When it comes to your privacy, it really depends on the kind of proxy or VPN you’re using. If you use free options, chances are your personal data will be sold to third parties. As the saying goes, if you’re not paying for the product, you’re the product. But let’s compare two premium products. Many premium VPNs do not log your browsing activity and have undergone audits to prove it. NordVPN also has additional features to keep your data private. For example, blocking web trackers and intrusive ads. So if you want to boost your privacy, a VPN is a better option. Let’s take a look at speed. Proxies are generally more lightweight than VPNs. That’s because proxies don’t encrypt your traffic, which often makes them a little bit faster. But if you do choose a VPN, there are tips and tricks to boost your speed. Find them here: https://nordvpn.com/blog/does-vpn-slow-down-internet/ So, which is better? Well, it mostly comes down to what you want to use it for. A VPN is great for personal use and security. You can hide your IP address, change your virtual location, and protect your browsing activity. Proxies are better for traffic-heavy activities where speed is super important, like gaming. If you only want to change your IP address, without focusing on security too much, a proxy is a good choice. *** 📌OUR SOCIAL MEDIA 📱 🔵FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NordVPN/ 🔵INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nordvpn/ 🔵TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nordvpn 🔵TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NordVPN #NordVPN #ProxyvsVPN #Proxy #VPN