The data market has expanded rapidly over the past several years, opening a floodgate for proxy providers.
Now there are so many service providers on the market that choosing the right one seems like a daunting task.
So, which one is the best for you? How do you choose a shared proxy provider from that large list, who will serve all your needs?
We will be answering this question today. This guide will share five factors to consider when choosing the right provider. Keep reading.
Shared proxy providers are services that offer attractive and cost-effective solutions for the simultaneous use of different IP addresses by various users.
Just like seedboxes and VPNs, shared proxy providers allow you to use the internet anonymously, going around web filters, and accessing some content that could be geo-blocked.
They are an excellent way of saving some costs when it comes to efficient internet access.
Also, they offer other useful services to internet users, like encryption, security, and speed, allowing them to complete certain tasks conveniently.
There are also semi-dedicated proxies under the same category, which have fewer users sharing an IP address.
You have the option of going for dedicated proxies. However, shared service providers are just as effective.
You can get an IP in a specific location, for instance, if you choose a shared service in that region, just like you would with a dedicated proxy provider.
The biggest advantage of using these proxies is their affordability.
Since they are shared among many users, they come at cheaper prices than dedicated ones.
You can integrate web scraping tools to enable data extraction and get a high level of anonymity.
This is because many users are on the IP address, and it is hard for someone else to tell who you are.
For those who love extra features, shared proxies allow you to integrate more of them to meet your specific needs.
They are very efficient and will keep you under the radar during your online activities.
Since there are many proxies on the market, you need to take your time and identify the best one.
Aim to get a service that offers the most features at affordable prices. Here are five key factors to keep in mind:
1.) IP Types
As stated above, a shared proxy connects you to another IP address, allowing you to access restricted sites while keeping you safe. It’s your new IP that becomes visible to prying eyes.
Due to market growth, a large number of proxy providers and types have emerged.
Thus, one of the main factors to consider when choosing is the specific type. Look for a proxy service that meets your specific needs.
Here are the three main IPs:
Datacenter
Datacenter IPs are services offered by cloud hosting services and data centers.
They are not connected to an internet service provider making them better performers, reliable, stable, and effective.
However, one of the major limitations is that they are easy to detect since they are not linked to any ISP.
Residential
Residential IPs are among the most popular choices today. They are real addresses connected to physical devices and are offered by ISPs.
Users prefer them because of their excellence in facilitating web data collection. However, because of these features, they are more expensive.
Mobile IP
Mobile IPs are also linked to physical devices, only that they are exclusive to mobile devices using 3G and 4G connectivity.
These are the hardest IPs to source, making them the most expensive. They promise the best solutions for users who want great web data collection.
2.) Reputation And Reliability
Once you figure out your specific needs, you can now dive into the details and look for the specific ones. The first consideration then is the provider’s reputation.
Many people fall prey to fake companies because they don’t take a keen interest in these factors.
Research their website carefully, checking for the privacy code. You can also tell a trustworthy company if they have followed the guidelines set by General Data Protection Regulation.
Consider the reviews from other users too to ensure the company has served other users.
Customer reviews and testimonials should therefore be one of the areas you check.
3.) Locations
Locations or, IP pools are another crucial consideration in finding the right service provider. You don’t want to pay for a service that has no operation in your region.
Always choose a provider with a large IP pool. This ensures you don’t face geo-locations restrictions. Also, a large pool means fewer issues and better targeting.
Some providers are great but in less popular locations. For such, go for their supported cities and locations.
One thing you must know is that proxies assign the IPs randomly. Thus you are more likely to get the location you want if the proxy has a larger pool.
4.) Support Team
Errors are inevitable, even with the highest-quality proxy. You may not know how to resolve these issues when they come.
And that is why we highly recommend proxy providers with a reliable customer support team.
Note everything from the time you made the first contact. How did they handle you? Were they friendly? Also, do they have 24/7 availability? What are the main contact methods?
These are important questions that are sure to give you a reliable proxy provider. It all comes down to finding a partner who is ready to elevate your browsing experience.
5.) Your Budget and Packages Offered
Many users will want to go for free proxies. While they are a good option, they are not very reliable. They offer less security because everyone can access them.
Also, you may not get the best features. For instance, they are always slow since too many users are always connected.
For these reasons, it’s always good to go for paid services. You can always look for competitively priced services from reliable companies.
Look for special offers, discounts, and any running promotions to get the best deals.
Conclusion
We hope now you can find a good proxy provider. There are many other factors, but these five should point you in the right direction.
Come up with a list of several providers and then eliminate them based on more specific features.
