Are you a new proxy user who is unsure of what to look for before purchasing proxies? Were you hoping to make an informed purchase decision? Well, you’ve landed on the correct page.
The residential proxy server market is huge and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.48% during the forecast period, according to Knowledge Sourcing. So it goes without saying that it’s hard to look for the needle in the haystack.
This article will help you learn about the main factors to take into account while shopping for the best proxy provider possible for your project.
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Consider the Following Elements Before Purchasing Proxies
Not all proxies are created equal. The characteristics that set proxies apart include the IP geolocation, IP type, protocol used, whether the IPs rotate, and their cost. To help you shop with confidence, we’ll go over each of them in detail.
The Proxy’s IP Address Geolocation
One of the top reasons people utilize proxies is to access location-specific material in other regions. Think about the YouTube videos that are only available to American audiences as an example. In this case, you would require American IP proxies. This is possible with the help of a geo-targeted proxy.
Streaming platforms often impose geo-restrictions based on licensing agreements, and proxies are a popular method for users to circumvent these barriers.
Source: Johnson, T. (2023). The Role of Proxies in Accessing Region-Locked Content. Cyber Media Review.
Furthermore, some companies block access to particular websites in certain regions.
For these reasons, specialists recommend buying proxies from suppliers who have proxies spread out over several places.
Also read: Geo-targeted Residential Proxy
Proxy IP Type
There are three primary kinds of proxy IPs: data center, residential, and mobile. Depending on why you are purchasing proxies, their IP type will determine if they will succeed or fail.
Proxies With Data Center IPs
First up, Datacenter proxies. The proxy providers create these IPs themselves and then allocate them to their own servers. This is instead of using IPs from internet service providers (ISPs).
Since their source server isn’t hidden, they are more sensitive to blocking, as websites can see that they are obviously a proxy.
Proxies With Residential IPs
Second, Residential proxies. They process client requests with residential devices to replace your original IP. Most websites don’t recognize them since they look like normal users.
A difference from datacenter proxies worth noting is that residential proxies are a little slower while being a bit more expensive. But residential proxies have plenty of use cases in which they are the superior choice.
They are, in fact, the ideal IP type for most projects.
Proxies With Mobile IPs
Lastly, mobile proxies. These IP addresses are from mobile network operators (MNOs), the companies that offer Internet access for mobile devices. Proxy providers redirect user connections through mobile devices to adjust the request’s header information accordingly.
They are the rarest and priciest proxy IP type.
Mobile proxies are ideal for automating Instagram and other social media in niche instances.
Also read: Datacenter Proxies Use Cases
Proxy Protocol Type
The two primary proxy protocols are HTTPS and SOCKS. To avoid confusing those who aren’t IT specialists, let’s go through a quick explanation.
The majority of market-available automated devices already have built-in support for their required proxy protocol type.
Before purchasing proxies, verify whether they support HTTPS or SOCKS protocols as per your needs.
HTTP Proxies
The first type, HTTP proxies, also has the subvariant of HTTPs proxies, where the “S” denotes if the connection is encrypted with TLS or SSL. Apart from the tiny differences in how they manage requests, they are fairly comparable.
HTTP proxies can see the data they are transferring and manipulate its data header properties. By being able to view the data, they can scan for malicious content, blocking it upon detection to protect you as a user.
SOCKS Proxies
The second type, SOCKS proxies, is useful for a variety of applications. This is because they aren’t designed for a specific protocol, granting greater flexibility.
SOCKS proxies don’t have access to the data they are handling. Therefore, they are unable to read it like HTTP proxies can.
Because they don’t make any changes to the data, they have a lower failure rate due to misreading or misdirecting your requests. Additionally, as they don’t take the time to encrypt your data, they operate at the highest speed possible.
They can be used for any kind of data transfer, even on some systems and servers that normally reject proxies.
Web-Based Proxies
The third type, web-based proxies, is an outdated technology that is mostly utilized for surfing incognito. However, be mindful of the risks of using free proxies. Just because you don’t give your credit card information upfront doesn’t mean you aren’t paying in another way.
Also read: Top 5 Best SOCKS5 Proxies
Fixed or Changing IP Address
There are two main session types for proxies. These are either dedicated or rotating IPs.
Dedicated IPs
Static proxies, aka dedicated proxies, use a permanent IP address. This gives you a unique, personal IP address. When using a static IP proxy, you typically pay an increasing amount per IP address.
Rotating IPs
Rotating proxies update your IP address after each request, or after a specific length of time, which is called a sticky session. These proxies make up the vast bulk of residential proxies.
When you subscribe to a membership, you are paying for bandwidth instead of IPs. Up until you use up all of your permitted bandwidth, you have access to the entire pool of residential IP addresses.
Also read: When to Use Sticky Rotating Sessions
Purposes
Why are proxies necessary? The specific requirements of your project will greatly determine which kind of proxy you should purchase. After all, different proxies have different functions.
Datacenter proxies function admirably for browsing and scraping websites, as well as online gaming.
Meanwhile, residential proxies should be your go-to when copping sneakers or other goods with a shopping bot.
And lastly, mobile proxies are sometimes favored for social media automation.
Also read: The Importance of Web Scraping
Pricing
In the end, what you can purchase will depend on your budget.
Like with most products, the most costly proxies are usually the best ones available. But, if utilized properly, less expensive ones could work just as well.
If you want the premium option and have a high budget, the sky’s the limit.
When you are on a tight budget, you need to make every penny count. Don’t overpay for services you don’t need. This could be things like excessive bandwidth for your project or more costly mobile IPs when you don’t specifically need them.
Also read: Top 5 Best Rotating Residential Proxies
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are key considerations while selecting a proxy server?
Choosing the right proxy server involves a few important considerations to make sure it fits your needs and keeps you secure. Here’s what to look for:
- Purpose of Use
Think about why you need a proxy. If you’re accessing geo-restricted content, make sure the proxy server offers IPs from the region you want. For example, if you need to stream something restricted to the UK, the proxy should have UK-based IP addresses. - Reliability and Speed
A slow or unreliable proxy can ruin your experience. Look for providers with a good reputation for speed and uptime, especially if you’re using the proxy for tasks like browsing, scraping, or gaming. - Avoiding IP Bans
If you’re doing repetitive tasks (e.g., scraping or using bots), choose proxies that offer rotating IPs or high-quality residential IPs. These reduce the risk of IP bans, as they mimic real user behavior more effectively. - Security
Make sure the proxy provider uses encryption to secure your data. This is especially important when you’re dealing with sensitive activities like online banking or private browsing. - Customer Support
Issues can come up—whether it’s connectivity problems or troubleshooting setup. Go for a provider with responsive customer support, so you’re not stuck when something breaks. - Price and Scalability
Look for a plan that fits your budget and can scale with your needs. For example, if you’re starting small but might need more proxies later, the provider should offer flexible options.
Q2. How do I choose a proxy service?
Choosing the right proxy service depends on what you need it for and how you plan to use it. Here’s how to make the right choice:
- Understand Your Needs
First, identify what you’re using the proxy for. Different proxy types suit different purposes. For example:- Residential proxies are great for web scraping or avoiding detection during sensitive online activities.
- Datacenter proxies are faster and cheaper but might be blocked more easily.
- Shared proxies can be cost-effective for multiple users but might slow down during peak times.
- Check Proxy Type
Ensure the service offers the proxy type you need. If you’re using it for streaming, gaming, or accessing restricted sites, make sure the service supports reliable, geo-specific IPs. For advanced tasks, rotating proxies may be better than static ones. - Evaluate Speed and Performance
A good proxy service should handle your online activities without noticeable slowdowns. Look for providers that guarantee high uptime and stable connections. - Consider Scalability
If multiple users will share the service, or if your needs may grow over time, ensure the provider offers plans that can scale with your requirements. - Privacy and Security
A reliable proxy service should protect your data. Make sure it doesn’t log your activities and offers encryption to keep your information secure. - Customer Support and Reviews
Check for responsive customer support in case you run into issues. Look for reviews to see how other users rate their experience.
Q3. How do you know a proxy is good?
To know if a proxy is good, you need to check a few key things:
- Does it Work with Your Target Website?
A good proxy should let you connect to the website or service you’re aiming for without issues. If the proxy is frequently blocked or flagged, it’s not reliable. - Check the Server Location
Make sure the proxy has servers in the location you need. For example, if you’re accessing geo-restricted content, the proxy’s server should match the country where the content is available. - Speed and Stability
A good proxy won’t slow you down too much. Test the connection to see if it’s stable and doesn’t time out frequently. Unstable proxies can cause interruptions, especially if you’re scraping or streaming. - Compatibility with the Web Server
The proxy should seamlessly interact with the web server of your target site. Some sites have advanced defenses against proxies, so you’ll need a high-quality proxy that can bypass those. - Privacy and Security
A good proxy keeps your data safe. Ensure it doesn’t leak your real IP address or log your activity.
Also read: SOCKS5 Proxies
Conclusion
It should be a lot simpler for you to make your decision now that you are familiar with these factors worth considering before purchasing proxies. Purchasing the optimal proxies for your project doesn’t have to be challenging. This is especially true if you plan your project and base your purchases on your specific requirements. If you’re still not sure how to use proxy servers on Windows, here’s a beginner’s guide to proxy servers.
