Paid proxy servers vs free proxies: Is paying for a proxy service worth it?

Proxy servers are the middlemen of cyberspace. Acting as gateways between our devices and the Internet, proxy servers are used by businesses and individuals worldwide for a variety of tasks.

While proxy servers were once almost exclusively used by companies to redistribute traffic and load or for caching purposes, they now offer a degree of online anonymity for individuals. Requests you make are first sent to the proxy and then forwarded -- and this process assigns you a different IP in the process.

Whether you opt for a paid proxy server or a free option depends on your needs. Casual proxy users might prefer to sign up for a free proxy, whereas companies or individuals who want to explore web scraping will likely need the resources a paid service provides.

Also: Proxy vs. VPN: What is the difference, and which do I need?

In this guide, I will ...