While different types of proxies exist, residential proxies offer a unique approach by assigning an IP address linked to a physical location, which appears as though it belongs to an actual homeowner. This makes them harder to detect and block than other proxy types. Make sure to read on to learn more.
What is a residential proxy?
A residential proxy uses a residential IP address, which is an IP assigned by an internet service provider (ISP) to a homeowner. These IPs are tied to real devices in specific geographical locations, making them legitimate in the eyes of websites.
When you connect to the internet through a residential proxy, your traffic is routed through one of these real IP addresses, allowing you to browse as though you are a normal residential user.
This differs from data centre proxies, which originate from cloud servers and can often be detected as artificial. The authenticity of residential IP addresses makes residential proxies more reliable for certain tasks, such as web scraping, ad verification, and bypassing censorship.
How residential proxies work
Residential proxies route your internet traffic through real devices in a specified location, making it appear as though you’re browsing from that location. This method effectively mimics the behaviour of ordinary users.
For example, if you connect via a residential proxy based in the UK, websites will assume you are a UK-based user. This ability to mask your actual location while using a residential IP helps you avoid detection when accessing content.
Residential proxies vs. data centre proxies
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the differences between your standard data centre proxy and a residential proxy:
Key differences and similarities
- Residential proxies: Use IP addresses provided by ISPs, making them appear as genuine users. They are harder to detect, which makes them more reliable for tasks that require high privacy.
- Data centre proxies: Operate using IP addresses that come from data centres. These proxies are typically faster and cheaper but are more easily identified and blocked by websites due to their non-residential origins.
Advantages of residential proxies over data centre proxies
Residential proxies offer several advantages:
- Lower risk of IP bans: Residential IPs are less likely to be blacklisted by websites, making them ideal for activities that require staying undetected.
- Higher privacy: Their resemblance to actual users makes residential proxies more effective for sensitive tasks, such as accessing content.
When to use a residential proxy
Here are some examples of residential proxy use cases:
Ad verification
To ensure that online ads are being displayed correctly and to the right audience, residential proxies allow marketers to view ads as they appear in different regions. They also help detect fraudulent activities like ad misplacement or competitive ad tampering.
Managing multiple social media accounts
If you manage numerous social media profiles for different purposes, using residential proxies can help you avoid bans. Many platforms limit the number of accounts that can be accessed from a single IP. Residential proxies offer a solution by allowing you to use different IP addresses for each account.
E-commerce and price comparison
Residential proxies are beneficial in tracking price changes on e-commerce platforms. They allow you to compare prices without being limited by regional restrictions, giving you access to the most accurate pricing information.
SEO monitoring and SERP tracking
Search engine optimisation (SEO) relies on accurate ranking data. By using residential proxies, businesses can check search engine results pages (SERPs) from various locations, ensuring they see what users in different regions are seeing. This enables better keyword tracking and analysis of SEO performance.
Are residential proxies legal?
Using residential proxies is legal in most jurisdictions, but their legality depends on how they are used.
As long as you comply with local laws and regulations, such as respecting intellectual property and privacy rights, using residential proxies for legitimate purposes is perfectly acceptable.
However, misuse, such as engaging in illegal activities or violating terms of service, could lead to legal consequences.
Static and rotating residential proxies
There are two common types of residential proxies these are:
- Static residential proxies (AKA Sticky residential proxy): Provide a consistent IP address, making them ideal for long-term tasks that require stability, such as maintaining accounts or managing session-based activities.
- Rotating residential proxies: Automatically switch between different IP addresses, ideal for tasks where frequent changes in IP are required to avoid detection.
Can residential proxies be detected?
While residential proxies are more challenging to detect than data centre proxies, some sophisticated methods can identify them. Techniques such as IP reputation tracking and behavioural analysis can uncover proxy use.
However, rotating proxies and carefully managed connections can reduce the likelihood of detection.
Could a VPN be a better option?
If you are looking to bypass censorship or browse online securely and privately, then there is no better choice than a VPN. A VPN will encrypt all your data, and with hide.me VPN, there are no logs stored. Meaning you can browse safely in the knowledge your data is protected. And your browsing is mixed with other users on the same IP address.
A residential proxy is not made for this sort of privacy, and if that is your ultimate goal, then a VPN is a much better option.
Is a residential proxy the right tool for you?
Residential proxies can be extremely useful in the right situations, but you may find that a VPN will cover the majority of your browsing habits. Before taking the plunge on a residential proxy, perhaps try a VPN first and see if it covers your needs.
We love bringing you this content and hope it helps keep you safe and secure online. Feel free to share it with your friends, too.
Here at hide.me we are all about internet freedom, and we are happy to be in a position to bring that to everyone. That is why we give you a 30-day money-back guarantee on our Premium plan. No questions asked and no logs recorded.
If you have any questions, please feel to contact our 24/7 support team either at support@hide.me or via live chat.
