Guide
VPN vs proxy
Both hide your IP address from websites, but a VPN encrypts all of your device's traffic, while a proxy usually covers one app and often doesn't encrypt anything. For privacy and public Wi‑Fi, use a VPN.
The short version
| VPN | Proxy | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Every app on the device | Usually one app or browser |
| Encrypts your traffic | Yes | Often not |
| Hides your IP from sites | Yes | Yes |
| Protects you on public Wi‑Fi | Yes | Not if unencrypted |
| Setup | Install an app, tap connect | Manual settings per app |
What a proxy does
A proxy server forwards requests from one app to the internet. Websites see the proxy's IP instead of yours. Most proxies don't encrypt the connection between you and the proxy, so the Wi‑Fi network can still read it. They're useful for quick tests and some work setups.
What a VPN does
A VPN routes all of your device's traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server. Websites see the server's IP, and the network you're on can't see which sites you visit. More in What is a VPN?
Which should you use?
- For privacy and public Wi‑Fi: a VPN.
- For a quick look from another IP in one browser: a proxy can do.
- Avoid free open proxies for anything personal: you don't know who runs them.