For those wanting to surf the web anonymously and avoid web filters and restrictions, shared proxies are a great option. Additionally, they provide the ability to access websites and services from different locations, which can be useful for obtaining better deals on streaming services, plane tickets, and gadgets.
Businesses looking to protect their corporate network infrastructure can also benefit from shared proxies. As long as they offer sufficient bandwidth, they can be used as an extra layer of security and help monitor what employees can and cannot access on the internet.
What to Consider Before Deciding Between Shared and Dedicated Proxies?
If you’re in the market for a proxy, you’ll want to consider a few things before you settle on the best one for your needs. Different types of proxies come with various advantages and disadvantages and the cost will depend on your privacy concerns, purpose, and budget. To help you make the best decision, here is what you need to know.
Dedicated Proxies Offer Better Security
Shared proxies may be free or inexpensive, but they come with a risk. When you share a proxy with other unknown users, you never know who might be on the other end. Hackers and spammers can use free shared proxies to watch your traffic, potentially exposing your sensitive company data and personal information, such as credit cards. To avoid these risks, it is best to use private, dedicated proxies. With private proxies, you do not have to worry about sharing the same IP with anyone else, as each proxy is reserved for your use only. Additionally, when you select a reliable proxy service, you can be sure your private data remains secure and private at all times.
They’re Also Faster and More Reliable
The major disadvantage of shared proxies is that they are used by multiple users, which can result in slow speeds and even complete unavailability when demand is high. Dedicated datacenter or residential proxies, on the other hand, are specifically assigned to one user through authentication, such as a username and password or an IP address. This eliminates the possibility of slow speeds due to heavy load demands, giving the user full control over who is accessing the proxy.
You Don’t Have to Worry About Spam and Ads
It’s often said that nothing is truly free, and this holds true with free shared proxies. You may not be paying for the service with money, but the provider may be selling your personal data (such as your email address) to spammers and hackers. If the service is free, then it’s likely that you are the product. This same rule applies here as well.
On the other hand, private proxies will keep your personal information safe and secure on both ends. A premium proxy service will never jeopardize your data, while also ensuring your IP address and traffic remain secure regardless of what you’re doing online. In most cases, you will need to pay for this type of proxy, but it will be worth the cost.