The difference between free and paid proxies: is it worth saving money?

Proxy (Proxy Server) — is an intermediary server that receives requests from a client (e.g., a browser) and forwards them to the target server on its behalf. The response from the target server is returned to the proxy, which then relays it back to the client. In simpler terms: instead of accessing a website directly, you connect through a “middleman” that makes the requests for you.

Why Proxies Are Used

• Privacy and IP masking: the external website sees the proxy's IP, not yours.
• Caching and speed improvement: the proxy can cache responses and deliver them faster.
• Load balancing and fault tolerance (reverse proxies): distribute requests across multiple servers.
• Security/filtering: block malicious content, control access, and provide corporate web filters.
• Logging and auditing: centralized collection of request logs (for corporate needs).
• Data collection / automation (scraping): using multiple proxies/IPs for bulk requests.
• Traffic compression/optimization: some proxies optimize mobile traffic.

What Free Proxies Are

Free proxies are publicly accessible proxy servers that you can use without payment.

Advantages

• Free of charge — quickly test an idea or bypass a minor restriction.
• Convenient for one-off tasks: testing, anonymous quick checks, viewing pages from other regions (occasionally).

Disadvantages

• Unreliable: often go down, slow, with short lifespans.
• Security risks: the operator can see all unencrypted traffic; potential MITM attacks or injected ads.
• Privacy concerns: most free proxies log traffic and may sell your data.
• Frequent blocks: websites quickly recognize and block mass public IPs.
• No support, no guarantees.
• Speed and concurrent connection limits.

What Paid Proxies Are

Paid proxies are commercial services that provide access to proxy servers for a fee.

Advantages

• Reliability and stable performance with high speeds and predictable bandwidth.
• Lower chance of blacklisting with proper configuration.
• Support, documentation, access control, and flexible plans.
• Security: encrypted channels, usage guarantees, and malicious traffic filtering by the provider.
• Scalability: APIs for bulk requests, IP rotation, geolocation targeting.

Disadvantages

• Cost — ranges from affordable to expensive.
• Need to choose a reliable provider.
• Misuse can still lead to blocks by target websites.
• Some providers still log traffic, so trust is crucial.

Free vs Paid Proxies — Key Differences

Speed and Stability

• Free: slower, unstable, IPs often “die.”
• Paid: faster, predictable, options for dedicated IPs.

Reliability and Security

• Free: high risk of logs, MITM, injections, and compromised data.
• Paid: logging policies, authentication, protection, and guarantees.

Availability and Restrictions

• Free: inconsistent, no geotargeting, low limits.
• Paid: choice of IP types, geolocation, rotation, scalable quotas.

Support and Service

• Free: no SLA, no support.
• Paid: tech support, monitoring, API access, SLA.

Conclusion: For quick, one-time tests — free proxies are sufficient. For business use, large-scale scraping, or confidential tasks — paid proxies are essential.

How to Choose a Proxy Service

• IP Types and Geography: determine whether you need datacenter or residential proxies and whether a specific country or city matters.
• Reliability and Speed: look for SLA/uptime, test speeds, and connection stability.
• Modes and Features: IP rotation, fixed IPs, SOCKS5/HTTP(S), HTTPS support, traffic limits.
• Security and Privacy: logging policy (no-logs or transparent), channel encryption, protection against MITM attacks.
• Management and Automation: user-friendly dashboard, API for rotation/management, monitoring, and analytics.
• Support and SLA: tech support availability, contact methods, compensation for issues.
• Pricing and Payment Model: transparent rates, trial periods, or free test minutes.
• Reputation and Reviews: independent reviews, case studies, and provider history.
• Legal Aspects: ensure the service is legal in your jurisdiction and complies with provider terms.

Belurk — Proxy Service for Diverse Needs

Belurk is a proxy service offering ready-made solutions for various tasks: testing, scraping, marketing, and secure access to resources. Its intuitive dashboard and API make it easy to integrate proxies into your workflows.

Who Belurk Is For

• Teams needing a stable infrastructure for scraping, automation, or testing.
• Users who value simple setup and a convenient dashboard.

Belurk combines easy management, flexible pricing, and a full set of features required for most proxy-related tasks. Test the service to ensure it meets your requirements for speed, geolocation, and other parameters.