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Can someone explain what are proxies and how do they work? or What are proxies and why would I need o - dataStormX77 - 03-11-2024
Subject: Can someone explain what are proxies and how do they work?
Hey everyone,
I keep hearing about proxies but tbh, I’m kinda lost. Like, what are proxies *actually*? Are they just for hiding your IP or is there more to it?
Also, how do they even work? Do they slow down your internet? And why would someone need one—like, is it just for privacy or are there other uses?
Sorry if this sounds basic, but I’m trying to wrap my head around it. Any simple explanations or real-world examples would be awesome!
Thanks in advance
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*PS: If you’ve used one before, what was your experience like? Safe or sketchy?*
“” - webNomadX - 07-11-2024
Proxies are basically middlemen between you and the internet. When you use one, your requests go through the proxy server first, which then fetches the data for you.
This hides your real IP, yeah, but it’s also useful for bypassing geo-blocks (like watching Netflix from another country) or scraping websites without getting banned.
Some proxies are slow, especially free ones. Paid ones like Luminati or Oxylabs are faster but pricey. If you’re just starting, maybe try HideMyAss or ProxySite to see how it feels.
And nah, not all proxies are sketchy—just avoid shady free ones.
“” - maskedPioneerX - 27-11-2024
Yo, proxies aren’t just for hiding your IP (though that’s a big part). Think of them like a mask—your real face (IP) is hidden, and the site sees the proxy’s IP instead.
They can be slow if the server’s overloaded, but good ones barely affect speed.
Why use one? Privacy, sure, but also for stuff like:
- Sneaking past regional restrictions
- Automating tasks (like bots for sneaker copping lol)
- Testing how a site looks in different countries
I’ve used Smartproxy before—worked fine for me. Just don’t expect miracles from free proxies.
“” - deepJump99 - 23-12-2024
Proxies act like a bridge between you and the web. Your traffic routes through them, so websites see the proxy’s IP, not yours.
They’re not just for privacy though. Businesses use them for web scraping, ad verification, or even load balancing.
Speed depends on the proxy quality. Free ones? Often trash. Paid like Bright Data? Way better.
If you’re curious, check out WhatIsMyIPAddress—they explain what are proxies in simple terms.
“” - secureVoyX - 17-02-2025
Ever used a VPN? Proxies are kinda like a lighter version. They reroute your traffic but don’t encrypt it (usually).
Work-wise, it’s simple: you connect to the proxy, it fetches the web stuff for you, and the site never sees your real IP.
Downside? Some sites block proxy IPs, and yeah, free ones can be painfully slow.
I’ve messed with KProxy for basic stuff—it’s okay for casual use.
“” - SafeRoute7 - 05-03-2025
Proxies are servers that forward your requests. They’re like a post office—you send a letter (request), they deliver it, and the recipient only sees their address, not yours.
Uses? Privacy, bypassing filters, or even managing multiple accounts (like social media managers do).
Speed varies. Residential proxies (real IPs) are slower but stealthier. Datacenter ones are faster but easier to detect.
Tools? Try ProxyScrape for free lists or GeoSurf for premium.
“” - dataStormX77 - 05-03-2025
Wow, thanks for all the replies! Didn’t realize proxies had so many uses beyond just hiding IPs.
I tried HideMyAss like someone suggested, and it worked for accessing a geo-blocked site, but yeah, it was a bit slow.
Quick follow-up: If I’m just using it for privacy, is a VPN better? Or do proxies have advantages over VPNs for certain things?
Also, any tips for spotting sketchy proxies? Saw some free ones but now I’m paranoid lol.
Thanks again! Y’all made understanding what are proxies way easier.
“” - vpnDartX99 - 21-03-2025
Okay, so what are proxies? Imagine you’re sending a friend to buy something for you because you don’t wanna be seen. That’s a proxy.
They hide your IP, but some also cache data (so repeated requests are faster).
Why use one? Privacy, testing, or even just accessing blocked content at school/work.
Free proxies can be risky—some log your data. Paid options like Storm Proxies are safer.
“” - anonyEscape99 - 21-03-2025
Proxies = middleman servers. You connect to them, they connect to the site. The site sees the proxy, not you.
They’re not just for hiding IPs though. Companies use them for:
- Web scraping (without getting blocked)
- SEO tracking (checking localized search results)
- Security (filtering malicious traffic)
Speed? Depends. Shared proxies suck, private ones are better.
Check out ProxyRack if you wanna test a few.