Every time you use the Internet, you’re automatically assigned an IP address — a unique number identifying your device — that can reveal your location and Internet service provider. A proxy server — a digital intermediary that separates end users from the Internet — presents an extra layer of anonymity and helps users bypass geoblocking and enhance protection from malware. When choosing a proxy, most users fluctuate between two different types: HTTP and SOCKS. Which one will better suit your needs and handle specific tasks? Let’s figure it out.
HTTP Proxy: Definition and Main Features
An HTTP proxy is designed to transfer hypertext on the Internet and is best for viewing online content, like texts, images, videos, and web pages. This digital intermediary helps to filter and analyze data packets, speed up page downloading time, log visits, and monitor traffic.
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Compatibility. Works with browsers and TCP.
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Encryption. HTTP proxies do not support encryption but can connect through TLS using the HTTP CONNECT method.
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Features. HTTP can filter suspicious messages, detect identical requests, and cache responses.
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Security. HTTP proxies are easier to identify by the end server, which makes them less secure than SOCKS.
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Speed. It is efficient for loading web pages but lags when it comes to video and audio streaming.
To discover more about the top features of HTTP and SOCKS, which one is better, and where to buy them, check this guide.
SOCKS Proxy: Definition and Main Features
SOCKS proxy allows downloading and transferring large swathes of data without modification. This digital middleman is more versatile than HTTP proxies, as they work with programs that don’t directly support proxies and are best used as a transport layer for HTTP, IMAP, SMTP, FTP, etc. There are two available versions: SOCKS4 and a more versatile SOCKS5.
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Compatibility. Works with TCP, UDP, and numerous services that don’t support other proxies.
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Encryption. SOCKS proxies don’t support encryption but can be connected through SSH.
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Features. SOCKS allows bypassing IP restrictions and accessing firewalled servers.
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Security. Compared to HTTP, SOCKS proxies are much more secure and allow for online anonymity.
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Speed. Typically general-purpose and enables faster data transfer.
To wrap it up, whether you run multiple social media accounts, want to bypass geoblocking, or cherish online anonymity, proxy servers are a go-to solution that protects your device from malware. To choose the most suitable proxy, identify the task you want to tackle. SOCKS is better suited for creating VPN-like tunnels, while HTTP is perfect for web page tasks like data scraping and multi-accounting.