Top Residential ‘Proxy Server’ Providers with Pros and Cons

Residential proxies have gained immense popularity in today’s world. From improving online security as well as anonymity to web scraping, these proxies tend to enhance the surfing experience on so many levels. Using a VPN instead of a proxy server leads to your connection being encrypted.

Consequently, ISPs and Government agencies won’t be able to sneak on your traffic. But despite having all their great benefits, data center proxies still have huge limitations.

Hence it is safe to say that data center proxies are useful, but residential proxies are way better. But what exactly are Residential Proxies? Residential proxies are basically IP addresses that are assigned to homeowners by local Internet Service Providers (ISP).

Or you can say they are proxies that route proxy users’ web requests via residential IP addresses of the real devices which are provided by ISP. Since the request reaches the website via residential IP addresses, therefore, these IPs are considered authentic and legit. Hence they seem trustworthy to most site owners.

This is the reason why IPs are rarely blocked. So if you wish to send thousands of requests to some website without the fear of getting blocked, Residential proxies are the way to it.

In today’s digital age, where online privacy and efficiency have become paramount, tools like proxy servers and VPNs have gained prominence.

They offer enhanced privacy, security, and sometimes better performance. But what exactly is a proxy server? How does it function, and how does it differ from a VPN? Let’s delve into the intriguing world of proxy servers.

What is a Proxy Server?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a user’s computer and the internet. When you request to access a website or online service, instead of connecting directly, the proxy server processes this request on your behalf. It hides your IP address, showcasing its own, thus granting anonymity.

Why Is Your Proxy Server Blocked?

The best way to hide your IP on the internet is via Proxy server. It works on the principle of enabling the users to channel their browser/connection through another, separate server that masks their IP.

Along with this, it allows the users to geographically spoof their location and tell the internet that they are in some other location i.e., the location of the server. A proxy server has numerous benefits, the most useful being the freedom of surfing the internet in privacy.

One of the most significant issues with most VPN or proxy servers is the use of data center servers. Wondering what that is? Datacenters are servers that aren’t linked to a particular homeowner. They are technically servers on their lonesome – dedicated servers.

For example, if you use a dedicated proxy server on Google Chrome, you can very quickly check the IP of the proxy on the website, ipleak.net. You can find out a proxy server from the Digital Ocean that’s a hosting company offering a dedicated server, VPS.

These IPs are useful in situations where the user wishes to create accounts on small websites. However, with modern technology like MaxMind, RECAPTCHA V3, Google, etc. These IPs proved to be as useful as any “Commercially Allocated Address,” also called “Datacenter IPs.”

This suggests that some websites (specifically for foot sites or sneaker sites, for example, ChampSports, Eastbay, Footaction, and more) can identify almost all the VPNs and proxy networks trying to connect to their systems.

It’s easier for more significant websites to detect and deny access to such data center servers. However, residential servers using residential IP addresses can quickly get past this barrier.

What is A Residential IP?

Before learning how to use a Residential proxy, it is essential to understand what a residential IP is. Internet Service Providers or ISPs give IP addresses to their homeowners. Each home possesses its own Residential IP.

In addition, it beholds certain information, for example, the name of the ISP company and the approximate location. The benefit of such IP addresses is that they’re legit and, in turn, are tagged to a legit home.

Since these IP addresses are not data centers, they cannot be banned so quickly. The only time that happens is when they appear to be spammy. This is the prime reason why they are excellent for proxies.

What is Residential Proxy Server?

Residential proxies, unlike data center proxies, are provided to homeowners by legitimate ISPs. They are real IP addresses that are wired into homes by ISPs like Cognate, Verizon, and most Internet Service Providers. Most of the websites trust them, which makes them less prone to being blacklisted.

Residential proxies are connected with real physical locations. ISPs provide a unique IP address depending upon the locations. This is the residential IP.

10 Best Residential Proxy Server Service Providers as of 2023

In short, residential proxies allow users to hide their IP address using another homeowner’s IP. It masks your IP address and makes it look absolutely legit. They are particularly useful for users who use proxies to gain access to sneaker sites and for users using aggressive data mining techniques.

Although the proxy market is overflowing with available residential proxy service providers, considering all the complexities involved in the “IP acquisition,” there are only a few legit residential proxy providers.

Choosing a worthy residential proxy provider is extremely important in order to avoid paying for a provider that doesn’t match your expectations. This point is significant as they’re generally a little expensive.

But don’t worry, an excellent residential proxy provider is totally worth every single penny spent. So, what are the top residential proxies? In this guide, we have rounded up some of the best residential proxy providers, us. Let’s check them out.

1. Oxylabs

Oxylabs is one of the best residential proxies Server Providers Along with that, it also possesses features of ad verification, SEO monitoring, brand protection, travel fare aggression, price intelligence, and email protection.

• The pool of Proxy Networks: 30 million IPs.
• Type of Proxy Offer: Only rotating residential IPs.
• Geo-Targeting: Cities/Countries (Across the globe).
• Authentication: User Pass + IP Auth.
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S).

2. Luminati

Luminati is undoubtedly the best private proxy service provider today. It possesses the largest network of IP addresses to help the user in evading IP blockage as well as captchas as one scrape data from the websites.

Other features provided by Luminati include verification of ads, social media automation, price intelligence, SEO monitoring, and sneaker site geolocation bypassing.

• The pool of Proxy Networks: 36+ million IPs.
• Type of Proxy Offer: Both Rotating and static residential IP.
• Geo-Targeting: ASN/Cities/Countries (Across the globe).
• Authentication: User Pass + IP Auth.
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S) + Socks5.

3. SmartProxy

Smartproxy is counted as one of the best residential proxy server providers in the market. It’s been around for a while now. Unlike other residential proxy providers that offer numerous services in addition to residential proxy services, Smartproxy solely focuses on providing the best residential proxy services to its customers.

• The pool of Proxy Network: 10+ million IPs
• Type of Proxy Offer: Only rotating residential IPs
• Geo-Targeting: Cities/Countries (Across the globe)
• Authentication: User Pass + IP Auth
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S)

4. GeoSurf

GeoSurf is a residential proxy service provider that is founded by web scraping experts having over 10 years of experience developing scrapers and crawlers. It is reliable and secure.

• A pool of Proxy Network: 2 million IPs.
• Type of Proxy Offer: Only rotating residential IPs.
• Geo-Targeting: Cities/Counties (Across the globe).
• Authentication: IP Auth.
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S).

5. Microleaves

Microleaves is amongst the top residential proxy server providers in the market. Unlike the other proxy services on this list, Microleaves prefers to call itself a back connect proxy. Wondering what that is? It’s nothing but a modified version of residential proxies. All the IP addresses of Microleaves are located only in the United States.

• A pool of Proxy Network: 26 million IPs.
• Type of Proxy Offer: Only rotating residential IPs.
• Geo-Targeting: Counties (Across the globe).
• Authentication: User Pass +­ IP Auth.
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S) + Socks5.

6. Storm Proxies

If you are looking for a cheap option for being anonymous online, web scraping, or accessing Sneaker promo websites, then Stormproxies is your best shot. But their proxy servers are available only in Europe and the United States.

• A pool of Proxy Network: 40 thousand IPs.
• Type of Proxy Offer: Only rotating residential IPs.
• Geo-Targeting: US + EU.
• Authentication: IP Auth.
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S) + Socks5.

7. ProxyRack

Proxyrack has managed to carve a niche for itself in the field of social media proxy provision. They are one of the best proxy server providers. Proxyrack possesses proxies for Whatsapp, Skype, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, Gmail, and Viper.

• The pool of Proxy Network: 8 million IPs.
• Type of Proxy Offer: Only rotating residential IPs.
• Geo-Targeting: Not support (US or Worldwide Mixed).
• Authentication: User + Pass.
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S) + Socks5.

8. Netnut.io

Netnut.io is an Israeli proxy company. Unlike the above-mentioned proxy providers, Netnut is relatively new in the business. People are generally skeptical about using a new proxy company. But Netnut is one of the best residential proxy providers in the industry.

• The pool of Proxy Network: 10 million IPs.
• Type of Proxy Offer: Only rotating residential IPs.
• Geo-Targeting: Cities/Countries (Across the globe).
• Authentication: User Pass + IP Auth.
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S).

9. IcedOutProxies

Icedoutproxies is not as famous as the other proxy server providers on this list, but that doesn’t mean their services are poor. It focuses mainly on sneaker sites, and their proxies get the work done perfectly without getting blocked.

• A pool of Proxy Network: 1+ million IPs.
• Type of Proxy Offer: Only rotating residential IPs.
• Geo-Targeting: Not support (US).
• Authentication: IP Auth.
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S).

10. YourPrivateProxy

Using YourPrivateProxy, one can easily surf the internet anonymously as well as carry out tasks such as sneaker sites bypassing among others and social account management.

• Type of Proxy Offer: Only static residential IPs.
• Geo-Targeting: Cities.
• Authentication: User Pass + IP Auth.
• Proxy Protocol: HTTP(S).

How Do Proxy Servers Work?

The fundamental process is simple:

1. You send a request to access a particular website.
2. The proxy server receives this request and forwards it to the target website.
3. The website sends data back to the proxy server, which then relays it back to you.

Throughout this process, your direct interaction with the target website is masked.

What is a Proxy Server Number?

The proxy server number refers to the IP address assigned to the proxy server, along with a port number. For instance, “192.168.1.1:8080” – here, “192.168.1.1” is the IP address, and “8080” is the port number. When configuring your device to use a proxy, both these details are essential.

Setting Up a Proxy:

Setting up a proxy server usually involves these general steps:

1. Choose a proxy service (there are free and paid options available).
2. Note down the proxy server’s IP address and port number.
3. On your device, navigate to network or internet settings. Here, you should find an option for ‘Proxy Settings.’
4. Enter the provided IP address and port number.
5. Save the settings, and your device will now route traffic through the proxy server.

What is VPN Used For?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network), like a proxy, acts as a middleman between your device and the internet. However, it encrypts all your traffic, ensuring enhanced security. People use VPNs for:

1. Bypassing geographical content restrictions.
2. Enhancing online privacy and security.
3. Securing data transfers, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

Fastest Proxy Server:

The speed of a proxy server can depend on various factors, including its location, how many users are accessing it, and its underlying infrastructure. It’s hard to pinpoint a single “fastest” proxy server, but premium proxy services generally provide faster and more reliable speeds than free options.

Benefits of Proxy Servers:

1. Anonymity: By masking your IP address, proxy servers offer a layer of privacy.
2. Content Accessibility: Proxies can bypass geographical content restrictions.
3. Load Balancing: Proxies can distribute network traffic to prevent servers from crashing.
4. Faster Load Times: Caching capabilities in some proxy servers can speed up web page loading.
5. Enhanced Security: Proxy servers can be used to filter out malicious web content.

Is Proxy Server Safe?

While proxy servers offer a degree of anonymity and security, they’re not foolproof. Not all proxy servers use encryption, making data interception possible. Additionally, malicious proxy servers can be set up by hackers to steal user data. Hence, it’s crucial to choose a reputable proxy service.

Is Proxy Server Free?

Both free and paid proxy services exist. While free proxies can be tempting, they often come with downsides like slower speeds, ads, or potential security risks. Paid proxies usually offer better security, speed, and features.

Conclusion

Proxy Servers are beneficial if you need to hide your IP address to surf the internet privately. However, if you wish to use proxy networks without getting blocked from the websites, then you should go with the residential proxies.

Along with their other services, they also provide the option to get them rotated so that the servers do not get overloaded. All the Residential Proxy Service Providers in this article do the same thing with mild differences in terms of customer support, cost, and other features.

Have a read-through. If you’re looking for a good residential proxy provider, you can subscribe to any of these proxy services. To wrap up, proxy servers play a crucial role in today’s internet infrastructure, providing anonymity, speed, and security.