You want to hide your IP address — but should you use a proxy or a VPN? Both tools mask your real IP from websites, but they work very differently under the hood. Choosing the wrong one could leave you exposed when you think you're protected.
Check your current IP at CheckWhatIsMyIP.com first, so you can verify the change after setting up either solution.
What Is a Proxy?
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. When you use a proxy, your web request goes to the proxy server first, which then forwards it to the website. The website sees the proxy's IP address, not yours.
Key characteristics:
- Works at the application level — only the app you configure uses the proxy (usually just your browser)
- Does NOT encrypt your traffic (with the exception of HTTPS proxies)
- Can be very fast since there's no encryption overhead
- Many free options available (but with serious privacy risks)
Types of Proxies
- HTTP Proxy: Handles web traffic only. Can see and modify your requests.
- HTTPS/SSL Proxy: Handles encrypted web traffic. More secure but still application-level only.
- SOCKS5 Proxy: Handles any type of traffic (web, email, gaming, torrents). More versatile but no encryption.
- Transparent Proxy: Used by organizations to filter content. You don't even know it's there.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server. ALL of your internet traffic passes through this tunnel — not just your browser, but every app, game, and service on your device.
Key characteristics:
- Works at the operating system level — protects ALL traffic from ALL apps
- Encrypts everything — your ISP can't see what you're doing
- Slightly slower than proxies due to encryption overhead
- Paid services offer better reliability and no-logging policies
Proxy vs. VPN: Detailed Comparison
- Encryption: Proxy ❌ (mostly none) | VPN ✅ (AES-256 typically)
- Scope: Proxy = single app | VPN = entire device
- Speed: Proxy = faster (no encryption) | VPN = slightly slower
- IP hiding: Both ✅ hide your real IP
- ISP visibility: Proxy = ISP can see your traffic | VPN = ISP sees only encrypted data
- DNS protection: Proxy ❌ | VPN ✅ (prevents DNS leaks)
- WebRTC protection: Proxy ❌ | VPN ✅ (most good VPNs)
- Cost: Proxy = many free options | VPN = typically $3-12/month
- Setup: Proxy = configure per app | VPN = install once, protects everything
- Reliability: Proxy = varies widely | VPN = consistent (premium services)
When to Use a Proxy
- Quick, casual IP masking: You just need to access a geo-blocked website once
- Web scraping: Rotating proxies are standard for data collection
- Speed-critical tasks: When encryption overhead matters (rare)
- Budget: When you can't afford a VPN subscription
When to Use a VPN
- Privacy and security: Any time you want real protection
- Public Wi-Fi: Encrypted tunnel protects you from network sniffers
- Streaming: Unblock Netflix, Hulu, and other services
- Torrenting: VPN protects all P2P traffic and hides it from your ISP
- Remote work: Secure connection to corporate resources
- Avoiding ISP throttling: Encrypted traffic can't be selectively throttled
- Gaming: Protection from DDoS attacks and some routing optimization
The Danger of Free Proxies
Free proxy servers are one of the biggest privacy traps on the internet. Here's why:
- They log everything: Free proxy operators often record all your browsing activity and sell it
- They inject ads: Some modify web pages to insert advertisements
- They steal credentials: Unencrypted traffic through a malicious proxy exposes your passwords
- They're unreliable: Slow speeds, frequent downtime, and IPs that are already blacklisted
If you're going to use a proxy, use a reputable paid one. But for most people, a VPN is the better choice. NordVPN offers both VPN and SOCKS5 proxy access with a single subscription.
How to Verify Your IP Is Hidden
Regardless of whether you choose a proxy or VPN, always verify that your real IP is actually hidden:
- Visit CheckWhatIsMyIP.com — confirm the IP shown is NOT your real IP
- Run our VPN Leak Test — check for DNS and WebRTC leaks that can expose your real IP
- Check your browser fingerprint — IP is just one tracking vector
If you're using a proxy and our leak test shows your real IP through WebRTC or DNS, you're not actually protected. A VPN prevents these leaks.
Our Recommendation
For most users, a VPN is the better choice. It provides comprehensive protection (encryption, DNS protection, WebRTC protection, full device coverage) with minimal effort. Proxies have their use cases, but they leave too many security gaps for everyday privacy protection.