To assist you in selecting an appropriate proxy provider, we have compiled the following list of suggestions.
Proxy services are becoming more popular, as their usefulness extends beyond only the realm of corporate representatives and into the realm of regular internet users. Using scraping techniques, one may bypass regional restrictions on the material, acquire rare footwear, and do sentiment research. As you can see, these are just a few examples of how they may be put to use.
Selecting a reliable proxy provider, however, is more difficult. The vast number of available options means that prices and quality may vary widely. Some "excel" in unethically obtaining IP addresses or building their brand on exaggerated claims about the number of IPs they manage.
But don't worry, we're here to help. Learn what to look for in a proxy service and how to find one with the help of this guide.
How to Pick a Reliable Proxy Service 2022
1. Determine what kind of proxy server you need before you install it.
Different situations call for various kinds of proxy servers. You should prioritize locating the service provider that can deliver the specific proxy service you need.
There are several proxy server options, each with its own set of capabilities and price tag.
- Datacenter proxies: Proxy servers hosted inside a data center are quick and inexpensive but also easy to spot. They work best for unsecured websites, and high-speed situations, and bypass geographical restrictions.
- Residential IPs: There are many residential IPs available in proxy pools that rotate often and are difficult to block. Although they are more expensive, they are worth it. Search engine monitoring, massive online scraping, and collecting rare footwear are three of the most common applications.
- ISP proxies (also known as static residential proxies) are a compromise between the first two types of proxies (quick and difficult to discover) but cost more. These IP addresses are great for operations that generate a lot of traffic or that need a continuous identity, such as accessing password-protected websites.
- Mobile proxies: The IP repute of mobile proxies is unparalleled. They are the most expensive, but they can access sites optimized for mobile devices and are the most difficult to ban. Proxy servers are used for testing mobile applications and the most advanced websites, such as social networking sites.
In other situations, a proxy-free API may be more appropriate. To facilitate data collection from complicated sites like Google or Amazon, these solutions provide proxy servers with web scraping and, in certain cases, data processing capabilities.
2. Find Out About the Features You'll Want
The features you require for your project should also be determined. Options for authentication, IP address rotation, and geographical filtering are just some of the many possible configurations. The adaptability of a proxy service will depend on these features.
When web scraping, for instance, you may wish to change your IP address with each request for a new connection. Despite having IP rotation, some services still don't provide this feature. You may need to put in some time and effort to configure the service the way you want it or make other adjustments to your configuration if this is the case.
Similarly, you may seek for a service that allows you to choose a certain region, metro area, or even specific IP address. The service's keyword, price, and other data will not be accurate for certain regions if there is no way to narrow the available locations.
3. Don't Forget the Cost
It's not uncommon for high-quality proxies to cost a lot of money. While this may be true, it doesn't imply you can't locate a trustworthy service within your price range. Making a list of the criteria that are most essential to you might help you limit the pool of prospects.
Some of the more complex options, such as ASN targeting, could be unnecessary. If you were to give it up, the cost of Bright Data would drop by half and you'd get access to a host of other, equally good providers, such as Smartproxy. Paying extra doesn't guarantee better connection quality or quicker speeds if performance is your first priority. The size of the proxy pool, however, is one factor that is often not free.
Pricing strategies are heavily influenced by the market position of the organization. Providers that focus on serving smaller customers will provide more affordable per-gigabyte rates. Even though premium service providers are more expensive, the cost differential might shrink significantly when dealing with massive data needs.
4 Check the Proxy Management Tools
Some proxy providers include a dashboard, application programming interface (API), and browser add-ons to make using proxies easier.
The dashboard evaluates the provider's provision of acceptable use data and the ease with which the proxy server may be installed. You probably don't want to have to get in touch with customer service every time you need to receive an invoice or some more proxies. Customers like straightforward interfaces, but a sophisticated dashboard could appeal to customers who value flexibility.
Programmatically managing proxies is made possible by API access for developers. Though supplementary resources like browser add-ons are available, only the service provider may provide an API.
Choosing a Proxy Service: Things to Avoid
- Do not use totally free options. In order to function, services that need extensive upkeep require substantial financial and other investments. There is no such thing as free unless you are giving up something in exchange, whether it be money or personal information.
- Ask any questions that come to mind. If you have any questions or issues, don't hesitate to contact customer service. Or, you might sign up for a few Discord servers and inquire there about the service you're interested in. However, be wary; there are many marketing suggestions available.
- If you are unhappy with a service, you shouldn't keep using it. If you've committed to a monthly subscription but are unhappy with the service, you are free to switch to another provider.
- Don't even consider utilizing proxy services for anything illegal. Most insurance providers now require applicants to pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check before they can be approved for coverage. This process might take up to three days but is necessary for maintaining a healthy network.