Getty/sasha85ru
Let's talk about proxy servers. Proxy servers are often confused with virtual private networks (VPNs) because their network architectures are very similar. But proxies and VPNs are very different beasts.
Don't worry: Below, I'll introduce you to proxy servers, compare and contrast them to VPNs, and describe the many different types of proxy servers and how they're used.
Also: The best proxy server services of 2025
Defining proxy servers
If you look at Webster's three definitions of "proxy," you'll see that each one fundamentally describes an entity acting as a substitute for, or on behalf of, another.
Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET
That is exactly what a proxy server does. The proxy server sits between your computer and a remote computer (usually a server) and acts on behalf of your computer (or on behalf of the remote server).
David Gewirtz/ZDNET
Let's say you're using a proxy server to access a remote website like ZDNET. When you request this article, your computer sends a request to the proxy server. The proxy server, in turn, sends that request to ZDNET's servers. A ZDNET server returns the page to the proxy. Finally, the proxy returns the page to your computer.
... continue reading