Why use a proxy instead of an VPN?

VPN
1

Maybe it’s a dumb question but I would like to know why one would use a proxy instead of a VPN or maybe use both? What are the advantages of a proxy above a VPN and vice versa.

In addition, is a raspberry pi a good option to utilize a proxy?

2

Proxy:
Advantages:

  • Faster, less overhead.
  • Easy setup, cost-effective.
    Use Cases:
  • Bypass geo-restrictions.
  • Low-latency tasks.
    VPN:
    Advantages:
  • Comprehensive security.
  • Overall privacy.
    Considerations:
  • Slower due to encryption.
  • More config, subscription cost.

Choose Based On:

  • Speed: Proxy for quick tasks, VPN for security.
  • Use Cases: Proxy for specific, VPN for general.
  • Ease: Proxy for simplicity, VPN for coverage.
  • Cost: Proxy for budget, VPN for features.
  • Compatibility: Proxy for apps, VPN for all.
3

VPN = all traffic ….

proxy = just the protocol going through the proxy (http/https or dns or smtp or …)

4

A VPN is just a fancy type of proxy it’s all the same thing at a technical level a proxy is literally just a server that obscures your traffic which a VPN would fit that description, all buzzwords at the end of the day. Like it has been mentioned VPNs just tunnel everything thus protocol agnostic and proxies tend to be protocol specific it’s all just different types of encryption protocols the VPN/Proxies use. For example you can host a socks5 proxy or a wireguard VPN on a hetzner box which is a popular German provider so at the end of the day the person’s gonna see the same exit node IP whether you set up OpenVPN/wireguard or some squid proxy it’s still gonna show up 1.1.1.1 in the logs(just an example IP btw). The main difference is how web traffic goes through each type. The best security is VPN/proxy chaining various countries it’s a legal jurisdiction nightmare for any nation state or even the feds.

5

Its legit doubt, there is no dumb doubt. We all learn by asking doubts.

6

Using a proxy instead of a VPN can be handy if you need to quickly change your IP address or access content from a specific location. Proxies are generally faster and lighter than VPNs, making them a good choice for simple tasks like web scraping or bypassing geo-restrictions on websites. However, they don’t encrypt your whole connection like VPNs, so they’re not as secure for privacy-sensitive activities.