If you are torn in choosing between datacenter vs residential proxies, this article might help you decide. But first, to benefit those who are wondering what proxies are, let us shed some light on them.
A proxy server is an application or software that connects the end-user and the destination website. It works like this: if you want to visit a website but don’t want to be traced, you can use a proxy server because a proxy server hides your identity.
Also, suppose you want to visit a website but are from an area or country identified as geo-restricted. For example, websites accessible only in the US, such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, FL Gamepass, etc. In that case, a proxy server is most helpful. Therefore, the proxy server acts as a bridge between you and the website. When you visit a website, what appears in the URL is not your address but the proxy server; your URL becomes invisible.
Datacenter vs Residential Proxies
The different types of proxy servers are transparent proxies, anonymous proxies, and SOCKS5 proxies. However, we will not dwell on these types but the two most commonly used types of proxies: residential and datacenter proxies. They both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. They also provide the same and different functions.
What is a Residential Proxy?
Among the different types of proxies, the residential proxy is the most secured. Its IP address is provided by an ISP or Internet Service Provider in a residential area. This is an IP address that can be traced to a physical location. It hides your real IP address behind a residential URL.
In addition, it is known as a consumer IP address because consumers use it as their internet connection. If you need to know your IP address, you can type in the google search, “what is my IP address? And viola, Google will give you your IP address.
What Do You Need to Know About a Residential Proxy?
A residential proxy uses a homeowner’s ISP address, so it looks real and more legitimate. But because it provides high anonymity and security, scammers commonly use it for their evil activities. The salient features of residential proxies make them more expensive than other types of proxies.
In other words, residential proxies are:
● More secure
● More expensive
● More protective
● Legitimate
What is a Datacenter Proxy?
A datacenter proxy is a proxy that is not affiliated with any ISP. Its providers are usually cloud servers that are used by many at the same time. It is provided by private corporations, completely private and anonymous. However, since it is not listed as an ISP provider, it can easily be flagged.
What Do You Need to Know About Datacenter Proxy?
Since data centers come from a cloud server and are provided by companies, they are not considered ISP providers. A large number of users use it because it is cheaper than other types of proxies. However, it is easily recognizable by websites, so it can easily be blocked. To summarize, datacenter proxies are:
● Faster
● Cheaper
● Efficient in harvesting data
Which Type of Proxy is Best For You?
Deciding on datacenter vs residential proxies depends on your specific needs. What makes datacenter and residential proxies differ from each other are speed, security, and legitimacy. If you are concerned about speed, a data centre is good for you, but get a residential proxy if you need identity protection.
Here are other instances when residential proxies or datacenter are better choices:
- Residential proxy is more secure than datacenter, so if the nature of your business is highly confidential or your identity must be protected, you must opt for residential.
- Datacenter allows downloading enormous amounts of data faster than a residential proxy. So, if your business harvests a huge amount of data, a datacenter is recommended.
- If you are on a tight budget but need to acquire a proxy anyway, the cheaper option is a datacenter.
- Residential proxies can override more geo-locations than other types of proxies. So, if your purpose is to penetrate geo-restrained websites, let’s say in the US, you must use the residential proxy, such as a US proxy.
- Residential proxy is more advisable for companies or individuals who need protection from their identity because websites that you visit will have a harder time detecting you.
- For individuals who prefer to do private browsing, the residential proxy is perfect for you.
Conclusion
Datacenter or residential proxies provide the same purpose-to hide with your IP address. What makes them distinct from each other is the nature of their URL. So, choosing one from the other depends on the specific protection and function they will do for you or your business. Lastly, not all proxy servers are created equal; be highly discriminating in choosing a good and efficient service for your individual use or your business.