HTTP & HTTPS Proxies

HTTP proxies are intermediaries between an HTTP client (web browser) and an HTTP server. They act as a high-performance content filter for extra privacy and security. You can also read an in-depth article about HTTP proxies to learn more.

Similarly to HTTP proxies, HTTPS handles the connection between a web browser and a server. However, HTTPS appears in the URL when an SSL certificate secures a website. This also means that an SSL proxy is another term for an HTTPS proxy.

The main difference is the level of security. HTTP proxies only encrypt the data transmitted via the HTTP protocol. Personal information, such as login credentials, could be at risk of being intercepted by a third party. HTTP proxies are suitable for basic web browsing and can be used for caching, filtering, or content rewriting, among other purposes.

HTTPS proxies provide higher security by protecting all transmitted data with end-to-end encryption. As such, HTTPS proxies are suitable for sensitive activities such as online banking or transmitting confidential data.

You can read our article about HTTPS proxies for more information about the difference between the two.

While HTTP(S) proxies can only deal with HTTP(S) traffic, SOCKS proxies are more flexible. For example, the latest SOCKS5 protocol can handle TCP and UDP protocols, making them more versatile.

On the other hand, as SOCKS5 proxies lack standard tunnel encryption, they’re far less useful for tasks that require extra security, such as caching, content filtering, and data collection through browsers.

For a more in-depth explanation, check out our article about SOCKS vs. HTTPS proxies.

Both proxy types can be used to increase security online, but HTTPS might be a more suitable choice. Indeed, HTTPS offers end-to-end security as it creates a secure channel between the server and the client. SOCKS5 proxies, on the other hand, do not encrypt traffic by default. 

Finally, the proxy provider and the right proxy settings will also significantly impact your proxy's security. Because of this, it’s recommended to utilize premium proxies that are properly set up.

No, free proxy solutions are usually associated with substantial operational reliability issues, such as subpar connection speeds and data leaks. As a rule, dependable proxy providers offer paid services to ensure proper maintenance and ethically acquired proxy pools with high uptimes. Check out our Oxylabs' Paid Proxy Servers for high-quality proxy lists.

To access a free trial for HTTP Proxies, find the “Contact sales” button and fill in the form. You can also contact support@oxylabs.io for extra guidance. Please bear in mind that our free trial is available only once.