VPN vs. Proxy: Which One Protects You on Shared Wi-Fi?

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A VPN encrypts the traffic leaving your device and sends it through a server run by the VPN provider. A proxy only passes your requests along and usually does not encrypt them. For protecting work on shared or public Wi-Fi, a VPN from a provider you have vetted is the better tool. A proxy is fine for light tasks where privacy does not matter.

What does a VPN actually do?

A VPN app creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN's server. Anyone on the same network, such as other people in a coworking space or cafe, sees scrambled data instead of the sites you visit. The websites you open see the VPN server's IP address instead of your own.

That also moves trust. As the FTC points out in its tips on using VPN apps, a VPN hides your traffic from the network operator but shifts that trust to the VPN company, so you should research a provider before installing its app.

What does a proxy server do?

A proxy sits between your device and a website and forwards your requests. The site sees the proxy's address, not yours. Most proxies work for one app or one browser only, and many do not encrypt anything. Free proxies can be slow, unreliable or full of ads, and the operator can see what you send.

VPN vs. proxy: how do they compare?

When is a VPN the right choice for remote workers?

Choose a VPN if you:

• work from coworking spaces, cafes, hotels or other shared networks;
• log in to company tools, banking or client files away from home;
• don't want your internet provider or the local network operator to see which sites you visit.

If your employer provides a company VPN, use that one for work. Don't swap it for a personal one without asking your IT team, since company systems often depend on it.

When is a proxy enough?

A proxy can be enough when you only need to change the apparent location for a single browser task, for example checking how a page looks from another region, and nothing sensitive is involved. Never log in to important accounts through a free proxy you know nothing about.

How do you choose a VPN provider?

1. Read independent reviews and the provider's own privacy policy, including what it says about logging.
2. Check that it uses well-known, modern encryption and updates its apps often.
3. Be careful with free VPN apps. They need to earn money somehow, and the FTC advises looking closely at what an app asks permission to do.
4. Try the service on the devices you use most and see whether the speed suits you.

What can't a VPN do for you?

A VPN is not a cure-all. It won't stop phishing, protect an account with a weak password, or remove malware. It can also slow your connection a little, because traffic takes a longer route. Pair it with unique passwords, two-factor sign-in and software updates.

If your connection is the real problem rather than privacy, our guide to reliable internet for remote workers covers what to check first. Planning to work from several places? The portable home office kit post covers the gear to carry, and our notes on running workshops in a coworking space mention why shared networks need care when you host others.

Is using a VPN or proxy legal?

In most countries it is legal, but some restrict or ban them, and using one for illegal activity is still illegal. Check local rules if you work from abroad, and follow your employer's policy and the terms of any service you use.

Where can you find privacy tools?

For related gear, browse the Mavigadget Privacy & Security Collection.