When looking for the best proxy for mobile web, do you often get confused with the variety available? The different categories, such as mobile proxies, datacenter proxies, rotating proxies, and residential proxies, may make it hard for you to pick the right one. However, when you have a list of pros and cons for each, comparison becomes convenient.
Keep reading to find all the differences between mobile and residential proxies and factors to help you pick the right one.
Also read: Elevating Your Online Experience with the Right CDN
How do proxies work? A general outlook
You may have heard of proxy as a tool used by individuals and companies on a daily basis, but do you know what it does? A proxy is a dynamic technology that works as an intermediary between you and your destined webpage. It replaced your original IP address with a new one, so you appear as someone else on the internet.
As a result, you not only maintain your anonymous identity on the internet but also keep your activity safe and hidden from hackers.
Also read: 7 Tips to Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats
A proxy works in the pattern shared below.
- When you send an access request to a webpage, the message first travels to a proxy.
- The proxy changes your IP address before redirecting the message to the destined webpage.
- The website approves your request on the basis of your new IP address, allowing you to access the webpage without any bans.
- As a result, you surf the internet without getting blocked or banned by geo-restrictions.
The performance of every proxy is different due to its type. For instance, there are residential and mobile proxies with various functions and performance attributes. The one that you should get depends on your use and affordability.
Also read: Top Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Workers
Residential vs mobile proxies: Differences summarized
A residential proxy works similar to a general proxy. However, it contains real IP addresses sourced by Internet Service Providers. You will find the IP addresses associated with physical locations at the city or country level.
So, how does it work? This proxy directs the internet traffic through an intermediary server. The server accepts the traffic and then transfers it to another website or device.
When you use a residential proxy, you get the opportunity to hide your virtual location and IP address. This helps you to enjoy excellent anonymity and privacy online.
Most first-time proxy users often confuse residential and mobile proxies without realizing their vast differences.
Mobile proxies are remote proxy servers that assign you an IP address linked with a mobile network or device. So, when you use this proxy, it makes you look as if you are connected to the internet through a mobile data network. You can use a proxy for mobile to access all types of content by hiding your original IP address from web pages.
Pros and cons: A comparison
Now that you know the main difference between the two, here are some pros and cons to weigh their importance.
Residential proxy pros
- The proxy provides you with a high level of anonymity and privacy online.
- It can be used to protect corporate networks efficiently.
- You can use this proxy to experience a reduced risk of blacklisting and IP blocking.
- A residential proxy can be used to access geo-restricted content.
You might be interested in reading: Cyber attack: Exploring the consequences of data privacy breaches
Residential proxy cons
- This proxy is expensive.
- You may run into bad people from the IP pool and lose your original IP address.
Mobile proxies pros
- The proxy offers great anonymity.
- You can use it to experience more reliable connections and get access to diverse data.
- The proxy can help you avoid detection in a better way.
- It is also a perfect solution to bypass IP blocking.
Mobile proxies cons
- Unfortunately, mobile proxies are more expensive than other types. This is because they demand direct access to data plans and mobile devices.
- You may find it tough to set these proxies. They require special configuration settings and software before you can use them.
- They are generally less stable than residential proxies.
You may also like: Why Integrated Technology is Important for Company Data Security
Picking the right one
We have listed all the differences, pros and cons of each. So, which one should you get?
It all depends on the task you wish to carry out. If it’s web scraping, it is best to opt for a residential proxy, which is much safer and cheaper than a mobile proxy.
On the other hand, if you wish to access mobile traffic or gain mobile-related content, you may want to invest in a mobile proxy for a specific IP address. In a nutshell, this proxy is the perfect proxy for mobile and other devices.
You must also consider your available budget and the security requirements before picking an option.
Conclusion
A proxy can change the way you surf the internet. So, how about you purchase one right now?
Both residential and mobile proxies have pros and cons to offer. Make sure you evaluate each before finding a reliable proxy provider. Moreover, when using a proxy, refrain from illegal activities and only use it for a good purpose.
