If you have been browsing the Internet for a while, you might have heard of proxies for scraping, cybersecurity, and unlocking restricted content. Indeed, a proxy server has all these capabilities and some more. Therefore, learning the different types and use cases of them will come in handy. And when you do, check this list to find the best proxies for scraping available in 2024.
In this article, we will explain what a proxy server is, what types you will come across, and what you can do with it.

What Is a Proxy?
A proxy server is a server that functions as an intermediary between a user and the websites. In essence, this system has been designed to forward the user’s requests to hide the computer’s IP address.
This practice has many benefits, such as preventing hackers and cyber attackers from reaching your private network. In addition to this, you will find that these servers have found numerous other functions. For example, proxies for scraping have risen in popularity in recent years.
The Types of Proxies
If you are interested in using a proxy, you will notice that there are many different types to choose from. Below, you will find a brief explanation of each one of them so that you can find the one that better suits your needs:
Residential – this is a type of forward proxy that is provided directly by the ISP. This makes them excellent for hiding your identity since they appear as regular users. Moreover, they are considered the best proxies for scraping.
Datacenter – as their name suggests, these forward proxies are provided by third-party providers that utilize data centers. This type is excellent at handling large traffic, and for this reason, they are one of the top picks for web scraping.
Reverse – the previous two types belonged to the forward proxies. On the flip side, there is also the reverse proxy that sits in front of a server and examines all requests received to access the website or application.
Public – this type of proxy is readily available online for every user free of charge. Nevertheless, there are some safety concerns that you should be aware of when using them.
Shared – shared proxies are a great choice for those who want an affordable option. This type of server is shared between different users at the same time. It is a more reliable option compared to the public proxy, even though you might experience some speed issues.
Dedicated – contrary to the previous two types, dedicated proxies are used only by one client. This is a great option for businesses and organizations that want to ensure the security of their data.
Transparent – as the name indicates, a transparent proxy gives away the user’s actual IP address. This type is mostly used in caching previously visited websites to reduce loading time. Furthermore, companies also choose this type to restrict content from their employees.
Anonymous – this type of proxy server effectively hides the user’s IP address and location. Therefore, you can use it to bypass geo-restrictions.
Elite – an elite proxy takes your anonymity to another level. It is a type that hides every trace of your actual IP address and location, providing you with the highest level of security.
SSL – the SSL proxy uses the Secure Socket Layer to encrypt and decrypt the data shared between the user and the server.
Rotating – this type of proxy will assign you a different IP address with every request you send. These proxies often are also residential proxies, a thing that makes them ideal for web scraping.
The Most Common Use Cases of Proxies

Now that you have learned the available types of proxies, it is time to discover what you can do with them. Below, we are explaining the most common uses that proxies have.
1. Access Geo-Restricted Content
Hiding your IP address with a proxy server has many uses. One of the most common ones is to access content that is not available in your region. Sometimes, websites apply geo-restrictions that prevent users from other countries to view the particular content. In addition to this, some companies and e-shops will run specific promotions in certain regions. By using a proxy, you can easily bypass these geographical restrictions to access the content or products that interest you.
2. Enhance Online Privacy
Online security is one of the things that concerns everyone, regardless if it’s an individual or an organization. Your IP address is a piece of information that hackers and other malicious users can use to determine your location and gain access to your sensitive data. Therefore, a proxy server can prevent these attacks by assigning you a different IP address that hides your true location.
3. Web Scraping
Proxies for scraping are quickly becoming essential for all sorts of organizations and professionals. With this practice, you can quickly obtain a huge amount of data that would otherwise be too time-consuming to get, and in some cases impossible. A rotating residential proxy is the best tool for the task.
4. Perform Market Research
As a business, you know the importance of market research. During this process, you have to check on your competitors, the products on the market, and your intended audience. However, obtaining all this data can be troublesome. The solution is to use proxies for scraping that can provide you with all the data you need.
5. Protect a Brand’s Intellectual Assets
Every business has both physical and intellectual assets that need protection. For example, other companies might try to steal the logo or create counterfeit products that will only damage the brand’s reputation. With a proxy, you can quickly scrape the vast web to check for content that might be taking advantage of your intellectual property.
In Conclusion
As you can see, a proxy server has numerous uses with significant advantages for every user, be it an individual or a business. Proxies for scraping are perfect for web scraping for any type of data that will help your project move forward. Find the right type of proxy and take advantage of its many capabilities.