Finding the perfect reliable proxy servers can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. There are so many proxies that are readily available for use. Some of the proxies require you to subscribe (at a small fee every month) while others are absolutely free. Free things are always enticing, and proxy servers are not an exception. Should you go for the paid subscription or should you go for the free proxy servers? Are there reliable free proxy servers? Well, let’s find out.
But first, before looking at the free proxies, do you know what is proxy or proxy server is?
Reliable Proxy Servers: What’s a Proxy?
A proxy server or simply a proxy is a go-between the internet and you (your computer/your device). When browsing using a proxy server, internet request will travel through the server of the proxy you are using first, before connecting to online resources for the processing. The server, will again, get the response from the web servers in question and pass the information to you.
The proxy will handle this process on your behalf and mask your IP address, thus ensuring that you enjoy high levels of anonymity online. if you want to learn what is a proxy in greater detail, we suggest you to read up oxylabs.io explanation!
Types of Proxies
There different types of proxies available. Some of the top proxy types include:
- Residential proxy
- Private proxy
- Datacenter proxy
- Semi-dedicated proxy
- Shared proxy
Reliable Proxy Servers: Should You Use a Free Proxy Server?
What are the benefits and disadvantages of using a free proxy? Here are some of the disadvantages and advantages of using a free proxy. You will be the judge after going through this; will you go ahead to use free proxies or will you choose to check your wallet every time you need some proxy services?
The only advantage with the free proxy is the fact that they are free. They won’t cost you money to purchase or subscribe. However, in the end, free proxies can really cost you. Here’s why.
Disadvantages of Using a Free Proxy Server
Using a free proxy server has many disadvantages than advantages. Here are some of the top demerits of using free proxy servers.
1. Theft of information
Different proxies are created for different reasons and purposes. Some proxies are legit while others are not. Some unscrupulous individuals set up free proxies with one thing in mind; to steal information that they might need. If this is the case, then you need to distance yourself from this type of proxies.
It is prudent to note any time you use these servers to browse, the server will have access to all the information you have provided. The data collected can either be used by the hacker or sold to third parties. You must have probably heard about credit card information theft.
2. Privacy Issues
Privacy is key. A paid proxy server provides all the privacy that you need. This is usually not the case with free proxy servers. Many free proxy servers are not private; they are shared! With a shared proxy, you will end up with a whole batch of issues. Free proxies, at times, can fail to conceal your identity and in turn, share your IP address.
3. Low Speeds
If you find free legitimate proxies, then you will have to compromise on the speed. No one will provide free proxies. No, they are here to make money. Since these proxies are free, there’s no way the owners are directly benefiting from the users. The only way they can earn good money is by using ads. Advertisements will make these proxies slow. Basically, you will have to keep up with the slow speeds.
4. Virtual spying
Different companies make use of spyware to take over users’ computers for identity theft and general surveillance for marketing purposes. These companies will use the users as marketing guinea pigs without their knowledge. With these Spywares, the company will be able to gather information on how the users interact with products, sites, and how they spend their money.
How to Find Reliable Proxy Servers
With a lot of proxy servers available in the market today, choosing the right proxy server can be confusing. Are you clueless on how to find reliable proxy servers? Well, worry no more, we got you covered.
Here’s how to choose a reliable proxy.
- Check out for the reliability of the proxy in question – ensure that you choose a legit proxy server
- Go through the terms of service of the server in question – look out how they treat and handle private information
- Look out for the age of the domain in question – a trustworthy domain should have been around for more than two years
- Conduct some online research – look for reviews, social media, and trust pilot
As I said before, you will be the judge. Having gone through this piece on how to find reliable proxy servers, what can you say about free proxy servers? Are they really worth it? For me, I would say… not really!
