is there a difference between proxies and VPNs . if so which is better ?
A vpn adds a level of encryption to traffic over it. Ideally shouldn’t be able to have anyone but you and the other side view packets.
A proxy just routes existing traffic as is thru itself. Often performs types of packet inspection to determine where to route and such.
A proxy is the server you redirect your traffic over. A VPN is a secured connection to tunnel other traffic through.
A proxy is a server. A VPN is a connection.
You can setup a VPN to a proxy server, but you could also setup a VPN directly to the destination server or even just to yourself.
When it comes to reliable proxies, SmartProxy is second to none.
would combining the 2 be more effective ?
Not really.
The use case for proxy is usually businesses that want to filter internet traffic or manage routes internally.
Vpn is another use case. Typically you are trying to secure all traffic between two points. Usually business will do this between their office locations.
Home users use vpns to connect to their offices. Or for privacy reasons. A vpn would already basically accomplish the privacy goals that a proxy would. But it would also add encryption.
Thanks for quick response. 