There are a few types of anonymous proxy sites available on the internet. I would divide them into three categories
To start off, I’d say don’t worry much about software based proxies. They’re basically a combination of the other types of proxies, and they’re definitely going to cost you a monthly fee. I’ve also taken a look at some software based proxy sites and I wasn’t impressed with what they had to offer. If you’re looking for something software based, I’d use a virtual private network, which can offer you better compatibility, better security, and more reliability.
But if you’ve got your mind set on proxies, that’s alright. There are definitely some advantages to using proxies as opposed to VPNs.
Anonymous web based proxies are usually free, and available directly from your web browser. Probably the biggest advantage of these is that you don’t have to install anything. This means you can use the proxy at work, school, and other computers/phones that you don’t own. It’s just a simple web page that doesn’t’ take long to load. Type the blocked URL into the browser bar provided, and you’ll be able to surf the site you want, without exposing you real IP of course.
The main issue with these, as well most free products, is that you can never be sure who’s behind the proxy server. If you’re going to be doing searches, downloading, and sending emails through a web based proxy, it’s best to use a professional, or professional-ish service. Picking some random site based on a recommendation in a forum or a Google search is a major security risk.
There’s a free web based proxy available at Hide My Ass that works well. This is a reputable service, so you can be sure that your IP and traffic data are safe, secure, and anonymous.
As you might have guess, there’s also paid services available. With paid service, you get customer support, faster servers, unlimited bandwidth, and premium server locations. Depending on what you’re doing online, the $5 per month may be worth if you can safe yourself some time and headache. Remember that you can use one subscription on your phone, home computer, work computer, and any public internet access points.
I recommend SecuriTales, because I actually use this service. They advertise their cheapest price as $6 per month (for a year signup), but if you go through the free trial, they’ll offer a 25% discount at the end, which means you pay just $4.5 per month. I think that’s pretty awesome – free reign of all their anonymous proxy servers from your private access link for less than five dollars a month. At least you can check out their FREE TRIAL.
https://www.securitales.com/secure
……….
So what about Open Proxies?
Well, to be honest I can’t say that I’ve had a lot of experience with these, I’ve always been steered away from using them. When I think about it, if I want to be anonymous online, I can pay about $5 a month and save myself the headache of searching for proxy lists, sorting through servers, testing, dealing with advertisements and crappy speed, and then doing the same thing again the next time because the IP is no longer available.
But still, if you can find a reliable proxy list, like the one HERE, it’s not that bad. Hide My Ass has a free proxy list for anyone and everyone, just because they’re cool. But they don’t actually own the proxy servers, so can’t guarantee your privacy while using them. This of course, is the main problem with using open proxies.
When you sign into a proxy server, the server ‘fetches’ things from the internet for you, and your device won’t communicated directly with websites you browse. This means however, that you’re sharing an IP with other users you don’t know, and the proxy admin will have full access to your IP address, and will be able to monitor your traffic/intercept data should he want to do so. This is why using a trusted, professional service is recommended.
Still, many people use them without problems. To connect to an open proxy, find the IP address and port number of the proxy. Open up the manual proxy settings of your favorite internet browser (they all have them – Google it). Enter these two numbers, and you’re set.
……….
