what are residential proxies?
A residential proxy is an intermediary server between people and websites. They use a real IP address assigned to real people by their internet service provider. These proxies can be used to enhance your online privacy. Or for scraping public online data from more difficult targets where other proxy types do not suffice.
What is a residential IP?
Residential IPs are associated with physical devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and computers. These IP addresses are assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and are registered in public databases, enabling websites to identify the device's ISP, network, and geographic location.
Residential proxy types
While a residential proxy server in itself is a specific type, these proxies can also be split into different sub-categories.
As the name implies, shared residential proxies are shared between multiple users simultaneously. As a result, these proxies are among the cheapest on the market. Surprisingly, even though they’re shared by several users, shared residential proxies are quite speedy, all thanks to their robust network architecture.
On the other hand, shared residential proxies don’t give as much security and privacy. They’re more likely to get blocked by websites, too.
1. Mobile residential proxies
Mobile proxies use the IP addresses of mobile devices. Similar to dedicated residential proxies (more on that later), mobile residential proxies are highly reliable and speedy. Of course, that comes at a cost – these proxies are known to be on the more expensive side.
However, it’s not uncommon for mobile proxies to get blocked by websites.
2. Rotating residential proxies
Rotating residential proxies automatically switch IP addresses randomly after certain periods of time. As a result, they’re highly secure and difficult for websites to detect, making them one of the priciest proxies on the market.
3. Static residential proxies
Static residential proxies or use a real residential IP address from an actual internet service provider (ISP) rather than proxy server farms. Since these IP addresses are under contract from an actual ISP, your online activity appears to be regular traffic to any server you visit. Static proxies tend to assign the same IP to you for longer – if you want, you can try out sticky residential proxies, which combine the anonymity of residential IPs with the convenience of a stable IP for a specific session.
| Pricing | Speed | Blocks | Security level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile residential proxies | Expensive | High | Uncommon | High |
| Rotating residential proxies | Expensive | High | Uncommon | High |
| Static residential proxies | Less expensive | Depends on a provider | More common | High |