A proxy server works as a middleman between you and the internet, handling your requests while keeping your real IP address hidden. By standing between you and the web server, proxies enhance your privacy, add an extra layer of security, and provide access to restricted content
The way a proxy functions is simple. When you send a request, the proxy receives it, processes and assesses its validity, and then forwards it to the destination server. The response follows the same path in reverse, ensuring your identity remains concealed.
However, not all proxies operate the same way. Choosing the right type depends on your specific use case.
In this article, we’ll explore the various types of proxies, categorized by anonymity level, traffic flow, protocol, service type, rotation method, and cost.
Why use proxy servers?
You can use proxy servers for many different purposes, from accessing blocked content to improving the security of your connection.
Access to websites and their data
The web is not the same for everyone. For example, the same plane ticket can have different prices depending on the depending on your country of origin, and some ecommerce websites are not available in certain regions.
Proxies allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and IP bans by routing their traffic through an alternate location. This is particularly useful for businesses conducting market research, price monitoring, or gathering publicly available data through web scraping.
Security
Proxies provide an additional layer of security between you and web servers, helping prevent direct attacks. Reverse proxies, in particular, shield web servers from malicious traffic by distributing requests across multiple backend systems.
Privacy
Proxies help mask your real IP address, making it more difficult for websites, advertisers, and cybercriminals to track your online activities. Some websites, especially in the travel industry, adopt dynamic pricing techniques that increase prices for recurring visitors. Changing your IP when you connect to them can help you avoid that.
Control over internet usage
Proxies are commonly used in corporate networks and educational institutions to manage and monitor internet traffic, enforce content blocking, and filter malware. Sometimes, when you need information on the internet, the website you require is inaccessible from the office due to strict firewall rules. In such cases, a proxy can help you bypass these firewalls and access the information you need.
Performance optimization
Caching proxies store frequently accessed content, reducing load times and saving bandwidth. This benefits large enterprises and content delivery networks (CDNs) that need to serve data quickly and efficiently.
Types of proxies based on anonymity level
In some cases, anonymity is a key factor when choosing a proxy, as different types offer varying levels of identity protection.
Transparent proxies
A transparent proxy does not attempt to hide your real IP address and explicitly informs the destination server that a proxy is in use. These proxies are commonly used for content filtering, caching, and network performance optimization, often deployed in corporate networks, schools, or ISPs to manage traffic.
Example of HTTP headers when using a transparent proxy:
GET / HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
X-Forwarded-For: 192.168.1.100
Via: 1.1 proxy-server
In this case:
- The
X-Forwarded-For header exposes the real IP address (192.168.1.100).
- The
Via header indicates that the request is passing through a proxy server (1.1 proxy-server).
Anonymous proxies
Anonymous proxies provide a middle ground by hiding your actual IP address but still disclosing that a proxy is being used. These proxies are commonly used for accessing geo-restricted content and bypassing IP-based blocks, as they provide some level of anonymity while still following standard proxy behavior.
Example of HTTP headers when using an anonymous proxy:
GET / HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
X-Forwarded-For: 203.0.113.45
Via: 1.1 proxy-server
Key differences from transparent proxies:
- The
X-Forwarded-For header contains a fake IP address (203.0.113.45), which is not the real client IP. This misleads the destination server into believing the request originates from another IP.
- The
Via header is still present, revealing that a proxy is in use.
While this setup hides your actual IP, websites with strict anti-bot measures can still detect that a proxy is being used, making anonymous proxies ineffective against advanced detection systems.
Elite proxies
Elite proxies provide the highest level of anonymity by removing all proxy-related headers. They make the request appear as if it originates from a real person with no intermediary server involved. These proxies are widely used for web scraping, automated browsing, and bypassing anti-bot mechanisms on heavily protected websites.
Example of HTTP headers when using an elite proxy:
GET / HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
In this case:
- There is no
X-Forwarded-For header, meaning the real client IP is completely hidden.
- The
Via header is also absent, ensuring that no proxy-related information is leaked.
From the server’s perspective, the request looks identical to one made by a real person, making elite proxies the most effective option for tasks that require stealth and high anonymity.
Types of proxies based on traffic flow
Proxies are categorized by how they handle traffic and where they sit in the communication process.
Forward proxies
A forward proxy operates on the client side, allowing you to connect to external websites through an intermediary server. This type is commonly used for privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, and accessing blocked content.
Reverse proxies
Reverse proxies are positioned in front of web servers, managing incoming traffic before it reaches the destination. They help with load balancing, security, and caching, ensuring that backend systems remain protected and perform efficiently.
Types of proxies based on IP address location
The source of an IP address determines how a proxy is classified, as some types are more resistant to detection and blocking than others.
Residential proxies
Residential proxies use IP addresses assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to real people. These IPs are linked to physical locations, making them indistinguishable from regular internet users. Because they originate from genuine home networks, residential proxies are highly effective for bypassing anti-bot protections.
In fact, one of the biggest advantages of residential proxies is their legitimacy. Since they come from actual consumer connections, websites are less likely to block them compared to datacenter proxies. Many anti-bot systems rely on IP reputation and behavioral analysis to identify suspicious traffic, and residential proxies blend in naturally with real user traffic. This makes them particularly useful for scraping highly protected websites, conducting competitor analysis, and verifying localized search results or advertisements.
However, residential proxies tend to be more expensive than datacenter proxies due to their scarcity and the difficulty of maintaining a large, reliable pool of IPs. Additionally, they are typically slower than datacenter proxies because they rely on consumer internet connections, which can be subject to bandwidth limitations and fluctuations in speed.
Datacenter proxies
Datacenter proxies are hosted in cloud datacenters and provided by third-party server providers rather than ISPs. Unlike residential proxies, these IP addresses do not belong to real people but are instead generated in bulk by hosting companies. As a result, datacenter proxies offer high speed, low cost, and easy scalability, making them suitable for applications that require large volumes of data extraction, such as price aggregation, keyword tracking, and business intelligence.
The primary advantage of datacenter proxies is their performance. Because they are hosted in professional datacenters with high-speed infrastructure, they provide faster response times and greater reliability compared to residential proxies. This makes them particularly useful for high-frequency web scraping, automated testing, and tasks where efficiency is more important than anonymity.
However, datacenter proxies have a major drawback: they are easily detectable by websites that employ anti-bot measures. Many security systems can identify datacenter IPs because they do not match real residential or mobile network patterns. Websites often maintain databases of known datacenter IP ranges and can automatically block or flag traffic originating from these addresses.
Despite this limitation, datacenter proxies remain a cost-effective solution for projects that do not require high anonymity. If a website does not have strict anti-bot protections, datacenter proxies can handle large-scale scraping tasks efficiently.
Mobile proxies
Mobile proxies assign IP addresses through cellular networks, making them nearly impossible to detect or block. Unlike traditional internet connections, where each device often has a unique, public-facing IP address, mobile networks use CGNAT to assign a single public IP address to hundreds or even thousands of mobile devices simultaneously. When a request is made from a mobile device, it shares the same public IP with many other people, making it nearly impossible for websites to differentiate between a single user using a proxy for scraping and a human browsing from their phone.
They are ideal for mobile app testing, ad verification, social network automation, and location-based research.
ISP proxies
ISP proxies, or static residential proxies, combine datacenter speed with residential legitimacy. They are addresses assigned to internet service providers but located in datacenters, and for this reason, they’re well-suited for tasks requiring speed and credibility, such as managing multiple online accounts.
Types of proxies based on protocol or application
Proxies also differ in the network protocols they support, making them more suited for specific tasks.
SOCKS proxies
SOCKS proxies support various types of traffic, including streaming, gaming, and peer-to-peer connections. SOCKS5, the latest version, offers authentication and enhanced security.
HTTP(S) proxies
Designed for web traffic, HTTP and HTTPS proxies help with caching, content filtering, and encryption. HTTPS proxies provide an additional layer of security by encrypting data transmissions.
SSL proxies
These proxies specifically handle encrypted traffic, ensuring secure communications between clients and servers.
DNS proxies
DNS proxies intercept domain name requests, helping you bypass geo-restrictions and improve lookup speeds.
Types of proxies based on service
The level of access and exclusivity also determines the type of proxy service.
Public proxies
Public proxies are freely available proxy servers that anyone can access and use. These proxies are often hosted by volunteers, organizations, or even unknown entities that make their servers publicly available. While they offer a cost-free way to browse the internet anonymously or bypass basic restrictions, they come with significant drawbacks in terms of security, speed, and reliability.
One of the main concerns with public proxies is security. Since they are accessible to anyone, there is no guarantee that they are operated by trustworthy parties. Malicious operators can monitor traffic, steal sensitive data, or inject malware into browsing sessions. This makes public proxies a poor choice for handling confidential information or logging into personal accounts.
Performance is another major issue. Because many people share the same public proxy, bandwidth is often severely limited, leading to slow loading times and frequent disconnections. Additionally, since these proxies are widely known and overused, websites often block their IP address, making them ineffective for tasks such as web scraping or accessing geo-restricted content.
While public proxies may be suitable for casual, low-risk browsing, they are generally not recommended for serious applications that require stability, anonymity, or security.
Private proxies
Private proxies, in contrast to public proxies, are restricted-access servers that require authentication to use. They offer better security, speed, and reliability because they are not freely available to the public. These proxies are typically provided by reputable proxy services and come with dedicated customer support and higher uptime guarantees.
Since private proxies have limited users, they experience less congestion and provide faster connection speeds than public alternatives. They also offer enhanced security, as they are managed by trusted providers who ensure the integrity of the proxy infrastructure.
Private proxies are commonly used for web scraping, online anonymity, market research, and social media management. Because they are not as easily flagged as public proxies, they offer a lower risk of detection and blocking.
For businesses and individuals who require reliable and secure proxy access, private proxies are a far superior choice compared to public proxies, even though they come at a cost.
Dedicated proxies
Dedicated proxies are a subset of private proxies that are assigned exclusively to you. Because they are not shared with anyone else, they offer the highest level of performance, security, and control.
The main advantage of dedicated proxies is their stability. Since all bandwidth is allocated exclusively to you, they provide faster speeds and consistent uptime. They are ideal for data scraping, managing multiple accounts on restricted websites, online privacy, and secure transactions.
Security is also a significant benefit. Since no others have access to the proxy, there is no risk of bad neighbors—a common issue with shared proxies, where one person's behavior can lead to IP bans for everyone using the same proxy.
Dedicated proxies are more expensive than shared proxies, but they are essential for tasks where speed, anonymity, and reliability are critical.
Shared proxies
Shared proxies are private proxies that are used by multiple people simultaneously. Because the cost is divided among several people, they are more affordable than dedicated proxies. However, performance and security are not as high.
The biggest downside of shared proxies is that they can become overloaded if too many people are active at the same time. This can lead to slower speeds, inconsistent connections, and higher chances of detection by websites that monitor for multiple sessions coming from a single IP.
Additionally, shared proxies come with a risk of bad neighbor effects. If someone engages in suspicious or prohibited activities, the proxy IP may get blacklisted, affecting all others who share that IP.
Despite these limitations, shared proxies are a cost-effective solution for those who do not require maximum speed or security. They are commonly used for light web scraping, social media automation, and accessing restricted content where dedicated proxies may not be necessary.
For anyone on a budget, shared proxies provide a balance between affordability and functionality, though dedicated proxies remain the better choice for high-stakes tasks.
Types of proxies based on rotation
Another key classification is how frequently a proxy’s IP address changes.
Static proxies
Static proxies maintain a consistent IP address throughout their usage, meaning that all traffic appears to originate from the same IP over time. This makes them particularly useful for session-based activities, such as logging into accounts, maintaining persistent connections, or accessing services that require a stable identity.
For account management, static proxies are essential. Many online platforms, especially social media networks, ecommerce sites, and banking services, flag or block accounts that switch IP addresses too frequently. Using a static proxy helps avoid these restrictions by ensuring that each session originates from the same location.
Static proxies are also widely used for business automation, such as managing multiple social media profiles, running advertising campaigns, or monitoring inventory on ecommerce platforms. Since many websites associate suspicious behavior with frequently changing IPs, having a stable, trusted IP reduces the risk of detection and bans.
Unfortunately, static proxies come with some risks, especially if the IP becomes blacklisted due to previous activity. Since the IP does not change, once a website’s security system flags it, the proxy becomes useless for that target site.
To mitigate these risks, static proxies are often combined with residential or ISP proxy networks, which provide real-user IPs assigned by Internet Service Providers. This makes them less likely to be blocked compared to datacenter proxies.
Rotating proxies
Rotating proxies dynamically change their IP address at set intervals or with each request, making them one of the most effective tools for web scraping, data collection, and bypassing anti-bot protections.
There are two main types of rotation:
- Per-request rotation – The proxy assigns a new IP for every request sent to the target website. This is useful when scraping large amounts of data, as it prevents detection by distributing requests across a vast pool of IPs.
- Sticky session rotation – The proxy keeps the same IP for a fixed duration (e.g., 1, 5, or 10 minutes) before switching to a new one. This is often necessary when interacting with websites that require session persistence, such as logging in or navigating through paginated content.
The primary advantage of rotating proxies is their ability to evade detection and avoid IP bans. Many websites monitor for multiple requests coming from the same IP address in a short time, which can trigger security measures like CAPTCHAs, rate-limiting, or outright bans. By cycling through different IPs, rotating proxies simulate organic behavior, making it much harder for websites to detect automation.
Rotating proxies are widely used in web scraping, SEO monitoring, market intelligence, and competitive analysis. For example, an ecommerce company tracking competitor prices can distribute thousands of requests across a large pool of rotating IPs, ensuring they remain undetected.
However, rotating proxies can pose challenges for applications that require session continuity. If an IP address changes too frequently, websites may force you to re-authenticate or reset session cookies, making certain types of automation more difficult.
To achieve the best results, rotating proxies are often sourced from residential or mobile proxy networks, as these types of IPs are less likely to be flagged compared to datacenter IPs. This combination ensures both high anonymity and a low detection rate, making rotating proxies the preferred choice for large-scale data extraction and automated browsing.
Proxy IP address versions
Proxies can use different IP address formats, such as IPv4 and IPv6. The main difference between them is the underlying internet protocol they use.
IPv4 proxies
IPv4 proxies operate on the traditional IPv4 standard, which has a limited number of available addresses (approximately 4.3 billion). Due to this scarcity, they are often more expensive and more likely to be detected and blocked, as many have been reused across various services.
IPv6 proxies
On the other hand, IPv6 proxies use the newer IPv6 protocol, which supports a virtually unlimited number of unique IP addresses. This abundance makes IPv6 proxies more cost-effective and reduces the likelihood of IP bans due to blacklisting. However, IPv6 adoption is still incomplete, and many websites and online services do not fully support IPv6 traffic, limiting their practical use in some cases.
IPv4 proxies remain the dominant choice for web scraping and anonymity-focused tasks due to their broad compatibility, but as IPv6 adoption increases, they may become a more viable alternative.
Types of proxies based on cost
The financial aspect of proxies plays a significant role in determining their suitability for different applications.
Free proxies
Free proxies can be useful for casual browsing but often lack security and reliability. They can be easily found online, but they usually last a few hours, if not minutes, so they’re unreliable for a production environment.
Paid proxies
Paid proxies provide better speed, anonymity, and customer support, making them ideal for professional applications.
How to choose the right proxy server
Selecting the appropriate proxy depends on several factors. The most critical consideration is the intended purpose, as browsing online occasionally and a web scraping project have different reliability requirements.
The required level of anonymity should also be assessed, as not all proxies effectively hide your identity.
Performance and speed matter, especially for applications requiring real-time data retrieval. Security features should be evaluated, particularly for businesses handling sensitive information. Lastly, cost plays a role, as free proxies often come with risks, while premium services offer enhanced reliability.
Conclusion
Proxies have many use cases, each with its preferred proxy type. While a social media agency would like to automate the profiles of its customers, we have market research companies that need to scrape pricing data. In the first case, rotating mobile proxies are probably the best choice, while in the second case, the best proxy solution varies from website to website.
At SOAX, we offer datacenter, residential, ISP, and mobile proxies, to get you covered for any business case you have in mind.
