Free Proxy Servers in 2024 – Which to Use

Free Website proxy Servers

Unlike the above free proxy servers, website proxy servers don’t need any setup. However, they can only be used in the browser. They offer a few tweaks regarding connections.

I found out that some allowed me to set up encryption and disable cookies, and they offer a wide selection of servers.

Nonetheless, website proxy servers are also a hit or miss when accessing content. For instance, I found that one cannot access some social media sites such as Twitter.

Some sites such as Google and Wikipedia are accessible. Nonetheless, similar to their counterparts, they are also unable to unblock streaming services such as Netflix.

The best thing about website proxy servers is that they can connect without hassle. They always work anytime I need them.

HMA

Website proxy: https://www.hidemyass.com/proxy

Hide me

Website proxy: https://hide.me/en/proxy

Hidester

Website proxy: https://hidester.com/proxy/

Proxysite

Website proxy: https://www.proxysite.com/

Proxyscrape

Website proxy: https://proxyscrape.com/web-proxy

Most free website proxy servers also offer a premium service for a small fee. Some of them are renowned VPN services that push towards a subscription.

Here are some popular website proxy servers that I tested. Some may work with social media, while others won’t.

Risks of Free Proxy Servers

Privacy and security issues

Proxy server owners didn’t declare how my online traffic and related data are handled. Most of them didn’t have a no-log policy, and everything was under their control.

Additionally, free proxy servers need to cover the operational cost. The best way they do this is by selling my data to third parties, which can compromise privacy.

If the owner doesn’t sell the data, the incoming traffic is reshaped to contain various ads that generate revenue for the proxy owner.

Besides privacy, proxy servers implement little to no encryption. If anyone gets hold of the incoming online traffic, they will know what I have been doing online.

Poor performance

Even the best free proxy servers are always unreliable. Due to congestion (everyone can connect), free proxy servers have slower speeds.

Additionally, the proxy owners can cap the speeds or limit what users can access due to the limited infrastructure. These practices coerce users to join a subscription plan.

Proxy Server vs. VPN: Which to Use

Both proxy servers and a VPN work similarly; however, a VPN has an effective implementation when protecting my connection and traffic over the internet.

A VPN also uses military-grade encryptions to protect my data from prying eyes such as my ISP, government, hackers, and other malicious individuals.

Besides encryptions, premium VPNs also implement a no-log policy, and their jurisdictions have no mandatory data retention laws.

My online activities are always safe, and not even a court of law can compel them to reveal my online activities. “They can’t give what they don’t have.”

Unlike a proxy server, a premium VPN offers unlimited bandwidth with fast speeds – no congestion or capping problems.

Also, premium VPNs have the necessary infrastructure to ensure that my connections are always reliable and have optimal performance.

With many servers, a premium VPN allows me to access content from anywhere. Most premium VPNs offer unmatched unblocking abilities.

Find out more about proxies vs. VPN in the linked guide.

Best and Reliable VPNs 2022

In my experience, I found that free proxy servers are a hit or miss. On the other hand, paid proxy servers are costly and might not perform well at times.

This is why I usually prefer premium VPNs, whether I want to protect my online privacy and security or bypass online restrictions and stream various content.

Here is a list of the best VPNs I recommend you try in 2022.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our top-notch VPN service suitable for any online task. It has servers in over 160 locations that offer unlimited bandwidth and blazing speeds.

These speeds come in handy when streaming and downloading content – no lagging or buffering. ExpressVPN also boasts unmatched unblocking abilities.

With ExpressVPN, I can stream content from Netflix, Hulu, HBO, BBC iPlayer, SonyLiv, Sky TV, Disney Plus, and other sporting activities.

Read our guide on how to watch SonyLiv in the USA for more details. Also, our guide on watching Sky TV in the USA can be of help.

This VPN also supports torrenting on every server. Privacy and security are air-tight through the TrustedServer technology, leak protection, no-log policy, and a network lock.

ExpressVPN service offers 5 simultaneous connections, and its apps are very user-friendly. There’s also 24/7 customer service.

This VPN service is compatible with almost every computing device and supports major platforms. There’s also a smart DNS for devices that don’t support VPN apps.

Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA is an excellent choice for protecting online privacy and reclaiming digital freedom. It has a court-proven no-log policy, and its software apps are open-source.

Its worldwide next-gen servers offer unrestricted access to different content and provide fast speeds for online tasks such as streaming and torrenting.

PIA VPN offers flexible encryption on the OpenVPN protocol. I can choose either AES 128 bit for speed or AES 256 bit for impeccable security.

This VPN service also offers features suitable for both novice and expert users. Novice users can use the VPN on default, while expert users can tweak a few things here and there.

PIA VPN offers port forwarding and a multi-hop functionality via Shadowsock and a SOCKS5 proxy.
These functionalities also provide obfuscation.

This VPN service is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers, consoles, and Smart TVs. Its open-source apps have minimal clutter and a good interface.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an easy-to-use VPN with a vast server network in over 90 countries. This VPN offers unrivaled anonymity with the highest possible speeds.

This reliable VPN service is suitable for torrenting, streaming, and other online tasks requiring unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds.

A strict no-log policy couples its military-grade encryption. For optimum privacy, performance, and security, CyberGhost offers custom-engineered No Spy servers.

The VPN apps sport a streamlined interface across all platforms. They are user-friendly and offer tweaking options for various functionalities.

Unlike other VPN services, CyberGhost is the only VPN that offers a 45-day money-back guarantee alongside the standard 30-day.

Its free 24hr trial doesn’t even require a credit card.

CyberGhost is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more devices. It also offers protects up to 7 devices simultaneously.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a no-log policy VPN that packs advanced security and privacy features. This VPN also offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

This VPN service also boasts excellent unblocking abilities, and its servers in 65-plus countries ensure high-speed content delivery.

The network infrastructure runs on RAM-only servers. This ensures that no data is stored, and the servers use the current software configurations each time.

Privacy and security features include camouflage, no borders, double VPN, bypasser, clean web, leak protection, and next-gen AES 256-bit encryption.

Surfshark also offers a kill switch and leak protection. Its VPN apps are easy-to-use, and they feature a user-friendly interface.

This VPN service is compatible with computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and browsers. It has friendly customer service with 24/7 expert support.

Wrap Up

In my experience, proxy servers can get the work done; however, a premium VPN will do the same job effectively and with greater satisfaction.

A VPN offers more than a proxy regarding online privacy and security. That is, a VPN encrypts my online connection and traffic over the internet.

VPNs also offer a no-log policy and other features tailored to enhance my online experience.

I also get a variety of server locations I connect to and unblock online content from anywhere.