A proxy usually redirects requests from a selected program, such as your browser. A VPN creates a tunnel—a protected part of the connection between your device and a VPN server—and can route traffic from different apps through it. The exact coverage still depends on its configuration.
A proxy in plain English
Think of an assistant who receives your request to open a page and asks the website for it. The website sees the assistant's request instead of a direct request from your browser. That is the basic proxy model.
A proxy may work in only one program or with particular types of requests. An ordinary proxy does not by itself promise to encrypt the whole connection to that proxy. If a page uses HTTPS, HTTPS protects its contents whether or not you use a proxy.
A proxy can be useful when you need to change the route for one program and understand its settings.
A VPN in plain English
A VPN client creates a protected connection to a VPN server. It can carry traffic from your browser, email and other apps. A website beyond the VPN server still needs HTTPS. A VPN does not turn a suspicious page into a safe one.
Not every VPN covers everything. Split tunnelling, for example, can deliberately send selected apps directly. Check the documentation for the particular service.
Choose for your task
- One browser only. A proxy or browser extension may fit. First find out what traffic it handles.
- Several apps on one device. A device VPN app is usually more convenient.
- A work network. Use the method and settings supplied by your administrator.
- Important accounts. In every case, check HTTPS, use a strong password and enable an extra sign-in step.
For the extension question, read browser VPN extension or app. For the wider limits, see what a VPN protects and what it does not.
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