When to Use and Avoid Shared Proxies Source – www.medium.com Proxies are a great tool to navigate the internet while keeping you safe. But with so many different types available, it can be hard to figure out what you need. Here is a great starting point for understanding what a shared proxy is, how it compares to other privacy protection options out there, and if you should use one. ​Shared vs. Dedicated Proxies: Why IP Addresses Matter Proxies are a middle man between your computer and an online resource. Instead of going directly to a website, service, or app, your requests first go to a proxy. The proxy protects your IP address by replacing it with its own before taking you where you want to go. Residential proxies use legitimate IP addresses sourced from genuine desktop or mobile devices with ISP-issued internet connections. Two types of residential proxies are shared and dedicated. Each serves a purpose, having specific benefits for their use. ​Shared Proxies Shared proxies have multiple users at the same time. Excellent for beginners just learning the ropes, they’re the more affordable of the two. Since multiple clients use these IP addresses, proxy providers can split the costs versus concentrating them and offer the service at a more enticing and budget-friendly number. ​Dedicated Proxies Also known as private proxies, dedicated proxies are assigned to a single user. Since there are no other users to split the provider costs, these proxies usually have a significantly higher price tag. Contingent upon need and the particular service they’re looking for, experienced users often seek out this type of proxy because it tends to be the more reliable of the two. ​Speed and Reliability Sharing bandwidth with other users will definitely slow down a proxy. Depending on the task, speed can be the most important factor or not a big deal whatsoever. Clients who have a particular need for a high-bandwidth and low-latency connection, such as resellers and streamers, should opt for a dedicated proxy. However, a shared proxy for simple internet use that doesn’t hinge specifically on swiftness is okay, especially during off-peak hours. There is an important thing to keep in mind, though. Not all proxy providers are the same. Free proxies are a danger zone and should never be trusted. You’ll save a few dollars, but compromising your...