How to distinguish VPN from Proxy and what are their main differences?

VPN (Virtual Private Network) and Proxy are different technologies for network operation, although both can be used to bypass restrictions and enhance privacy.

• VPN creates an encrypted connection (tunnel) between your device and the VPN server. All network traffic passes through this tunnel, including all applications. VPN hides your real IP and encrypts data, ensuring security and confidentiality.

• Proxy is an intermediary that redirects requests from your device to other resources. Usually, a proxy operates at the application level (for example, an HTTP proxy for a browser). It does not encrypt all traffic and does not protect other applications, only those configured to use the proxy.

Main differences:

• VPN encrypts all traffic, proxy — only traffic from applications configured to use the proxy.
• VPN provides a higher level of security and privacy.
• Proxy is often used for caching, content filtering, or bypassing restrictions at the application level.

Example: if you use a VPN, all your applications (browser, email, messengers) will work through the VPN server. If a proxy is configured in the browser, only browser traffic will go through the proxy, other applications will use a direct connection.