Types of proxies explained
A proxy server sits between your device and the website you visit, so the site sees the proxy’s IP address instead of yours. The main types of proxies differ in where that IP comes from: a home connection, an internet provider, a data centre or a mobile network. That decides speed, cost and how often sites block them.
- Residential
- ISP
- Datacenter
- Mobile
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The main types of proxies compared
| Type | Where the IP comes from | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | Home internet connections | Look like ordinary visitors; wide choice of locations | Slower; usually priced by traffic |
| ISP (static residential) | Addresses registered to internet providers, hosted in data centres | Fast and stable; the same IP for long periods | Fewer locations |
| Datacenter | Cloud and hosting providers | Fastest and cheapest | Easier for sites to recognise and block |
| Mobile | Mobile carrier networks | Trusted by apps; many users share each IP | Usually the most expensive |
Rotating, sticky and static IPs
Besides the type, proxies differ in how long you keep the same IP address.
Rotating
A new IP for each request or every few minutes. Best for collecting public data across many pages.
Sticky
The same IP for a set time, often several minutes. Best for multi-step flows like a checkout test.
Static
The same IP for the whole plan. Best when a site or tool needs one consistent address.
HTTP(S) and SOCKS5 proxies
Besides the IP type, a proxy speaks a protocol. Your tool has to support the one the plan uses.
HTTP(S) proxies
Built for web traffic. Supported by almost every browser, scraper and automation tool, and the simplest to set up.
SOCKS5 proxies
Lower level and protocol-agnostic, so they also carry non-web traffic. Useful for apps and tools that aren’t browsers.
What proxies are used for
Price and market research
Check public prices and availability across regions.
Ad verification
See which ads appear where, and confirm they display correctly.
Local search checks
See search results the way people in another city or country see them.
Testing geo content
QA teams test localized pages, currencies and redirects from real locations.
Brand protection
Spot counterfeit listings and misuse of your brand in other markets.
Privacy
Keep your own IP address out of the logs of sites you research.
Proxy vs VPN
Both hide your IP address, but they’re built for different jobs.
| Proxy | VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | The app or tool you configure | All traffic from your device |
| Encryption | Not by itself (HTTPS still encrypts web pages) | Encrypts traffic to the VPN server |
| IP addresses | Many IPs and locations, often rotating | One server at a time |
| Typical use | Data collection, testing, ad and price checks | Privacy on public Wi-Fi, everyday browsing |
How to choose the right proxy
Start with the target
Sites that block server traffic call for residential or mobile IPs; tolerant sites work fine with datacenter IPs.
Decide how long you need one IP
Rotating for broad data collection, sticky for multi-step flows, static (ISP) for a fixed address.
Check locations
Make sure the plan covers the countries or cities you need.
Compare pricing models
Traffic-based (per GB) suits light, broad use; per-IP pricing suits heavy use of a few addresses.
Test small first
Start with a small plan, measure success rates, then scale.
How to use a proxy
Get your proxy details
Your plan gives you the host, port and login (or another sign-in method), plus the location and session options.
Enter them in your tool
Browsers, scrapers and automation tools have a proxy setting. Some use a browser extension or an environment variable.
Check the IP
Open an IP-lookup page through the proxy and confirm the address and location are the ones you chose.
Run your task
Start small, watch for errors and blocks, then scale up.
Use proxies responsibly
Using a proxy is legal in most places. What you do through it still has to follow the law and the rules of the sites you access, including their limits on automated traffic.
Proxies must not be used to break into accounts, send spam or attack services.
On Onlineselling, proxy plans are not refundable once delivered; anything not delivered is refunded, and plans renew from your balance.
Proxies: FAQ
What is a proxy server?
A server that forwards your internet requests, so the website sees the proxy’s IP address instead of yours.
What are the main types of proxies?
Residential, ISP (static residential), datacenter and mobile. They differ in where the IP address comes from, which affects speed, price and how often sites block them.
Which type of proxy is best?
It depends on the target site. Residential or mobile for sites that block server traffic, ISP for a fast fixed IP, datacenter for high volume on tolerant sites.
What's the difference between residential and datacenter proxies?
Residential IPs belong to home connections and look like ordinary visitors. Datacenter IPs belong to hosting providers: faster and cheaper, but easier to recognise and block.
What is a rotating proxy?
A proxy that gives you a new IP address for each request or at set intervals, spreading your traffic across many addresses.
Are proxies legal?
Using a proxy is legal in most countries. What you do through it must follow the law and the terms of the sites you access. This isn’t legal advice.
What's the difference between a proxy and a VPN?
A proxy routes the traffic of the app or tool you configure, often through many IPs. A VPN encrypts and routes all traffic from your device through one server.
Find the proxy plan for your use
Pick the type, location and size. Plans renew from your balance.
Use proxies only for lawful purposes and in line with the terms of the sites you access and our Terms of Service.