Both a VPN and a proxy can make a website see the intermediary’s IP address instead of yours. A VPN is usually the better choice if you also want to encrypt traffic routed through the intermediary; a proxy is often better suited to routing just one app or browser. Neither makes you anonymous, and both require you to trust the operator handling your traffic.
How each option changes the IP address a website sees
Proxy: route a configured app or request
A forward proxy relays requests between a client and a destination. For requests sent through it, the destination sees the proxy’s address rather than the client’s public IP. Traffic from apps that are not configured to use that proxy may still connect directly. Proxy types and configurations vary, so this describes a common consumer use, not every proxy arrangement. AWS explains the difference between proxies and VPNs.
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VPN: route traffic through a VPN endpoint
A VPN sends selected traffic through a tunnel to a VPN endpoint. A website sees the endpoint’s address for traffic routed through it. Consumer VPN apps often cover more than one app, but actual coverage depends on the client, settings and routing configuration; do not assume every packet or device is covered.
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| Question | VPN | Proxy |
| IP shown to a destination | The VPN endpoint’s address for traffic routed through it | The proxy’s address for traffic routed through it |
| Protection on the device-to-intermediary leg | Encrypts traffic carried through the VPN tunnel | Does not inherently encrypt the connection to the proxy; protections depend on the protocol and setup |
| Typical scope | Often multiple apps through a consumer client, depending on configuration | Commonly a configured app or browser, depending on setup and proxy type |
| Who must be trusted | The VPN operator handles tunnel traffic and connection metadata | The proxy operator handles requests relayed through it |
| Most fitting need | Encrypt routed traffic and change the visible IP for covered apps | Change the apparent source address for one configured app or task |
What is encrypted—and who can see what
A VPN and HTTPS protect different connections. VPN encryption protects the device-to-VPN leg for traffic carried in the tunnel. HTTPS protects the browser-to-website connection. Keep HTTPS enabled: a VPN does not replace it. When HTTPS is in use, the VPN provider generally cannot read the protected page contents, but it can handle connection details such as the destinations contacted. Without end-to-end protections such as HTTPS, an intermediary may be able to see more of the relayed traffic. A proxy does not inherently encrypt the connection from your device to the proxy, though a particular proxy setup can add protections. Kaspersky’s comparison also distinguishes VPN, proxy and HTTPS protections.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
Which should you choose?
Choose a VPN for encrypted coverage of routed traffic
A reputable VPN is the more direct fit when you want traffic from multiple configured apps to travel through an encrypted tunnel, including on an untrusted local network. Check which apps and traffic the client covers, and review the provider’s privacy terms: using a VPN shifts trust from your local network or internet provider to the VPN operator. HTTPS remains important.
Choose a proxy for a narrower routing change
A proxy can make sense when one app or browser needs to connect through a different address and broad device coverage or encryption from your device to the intermediary is not required. Confirm that the app is actually using the proxy. HTTPS can protect the website leg, but it does not automatically secure the device-to-proxy leg.
Rank #2
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
Consider a compatible router for devices without VPN apps
A router with a VPN client can provide VPN access to supported devices on the home network without installing VPN software on each one. ASUS documents this option for compatible routers; availability depends on the router model, firmware and VPN provider’s supported connection type. See ASUS’s VPN Client setup guidance. A new router is not required just to choose between a VPN and a proxy.
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IP masking is not anonymity
Changing the IP address visible to a destination does not erase other identifiers. A site can still associate activity with an account when you sign in, or link visits using cookies and other signals. VPN and proxy addresses may also be blocked by some services; changing your apparent IP does not guarantee access.
Rank #3
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
Both tools introduce an intermediary. A VPN operator handles traffic routed through its tunnel, while a proxy operator handles requests sent through it. Read the provider’s privacy terms and be cautious of broad, unsubstantiated privacy promises.
Be cautious about free VPN apps and residential proxies
In a March 12, 2026 public service announcement, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center warned that devices can be enrolled in residential proxy networks with or without their owners’ awareness. Such networks route requests through consumer devices so destinations see the devices’ ISP-assigned addresses. The FBI says enrollment can occur through SDK partnerships, malware or terms users may overlook in some free VPN services. This is a warning about possible practices, not a claim that every free VPN or proxy does this. The FBI advises caution with free VPN applications, avoiding pirated software and using official, trusted app stores. Read the FBI/IC3 advisory on residential proxy networks.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
Not every proxy serves the same purpose
This comparison concerns forward proxies used by individuals to route outgoing requests. A reverse proxy instead sits in front of application servers and can screen or distribute incoming requests; it is generally a website operator’s infrastructure, not a consumer substitute for a VPN.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSpecialized privacy designs also exist. The FTC’s February 2024 article discusses “oblivious proxies,” which can divide information between entities so a service need not learn who made a request. The FTC also notes that auditing data-sharing behavior can be difficult and that implementation issues can undermine privacy. This design should not be taken as representative of ordinary commercial proxies. Read the FTC’s article on privacy-enhancing technology promises.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
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