What's the real difference between proxy and VPN? Which one should I use? or Can someone explain the

The difference between proxy and vpn boils down to security vs speed.

Proxies = faster, less secure.
VPNs = slower, but encrypted.

For basic browsing, a proxy’s fine. But if you’re logging into stuff or using public Wi-Fi, *always* VPN. Mullvad’s great if you care about privacy.