Free Proxy Server Guide: Maximizing Benefits with NetNut

Top Five Free Proxy Servers in the Market You Should Explore

Browsing the internet, especially when these pieces of information are sensitive or geo-restricted, should be done under secure and anonymous conditions. Achieving this level of anonymity and security requires the use of a specialized computer application known as a proxy server. 

But how can users with a tight budget access proxies? 

In this article, we’ll explore the concept of a proxy, how it works, and the top five free proxies in the market that anyone can use. 

Let’s begin! 

What is a Proxy Server?

A proxy server is an application that exists between an end-user and the websites they visit. They can also be considered a gateway that relays data from a user to the internet and vice-versa while preventing direct interaction between both parties. The proxy server can pull this up by hiding the end-user’s internet protocol (IP) address. 

Everyone who has access to the internet has an IP address that is tied to an internet service provider (ISP). During online activities, this IP address can be tracked, leading to possible data exposure. It can also be recognized by websites with restriction features and blocked off. 

Generally, proxy servers have a vast array of functions. It could be based on needs (when you need them to access geo-restricted websites or applications), or privacy and security which depends on the use cases. 

Keep reading to see how a proxy server works and the best free proxies in the market.

How Does a Proxy Server Work?

To understand how proxies work, consider them as computer programs on the internet that have their own IP address. If you type a request on your browser. The message goes to the proxy which will then make mild changes to it and shield your IP address. Even though you get the expected response, your data is encrypted and your IP address and location will not be pin-pointed. You’ll be anonymous. 

Other proxies such as a SOCKS work by masking your IP address to make your location unknown to bypass clusters that are hosted in the clouds behind a firewall. With these proxies, you can access any files on the internet without being restricted by location. 

In addition to the enormous benefits being provided by proxies, accessing the internet becomes swift and businesses can use them to seamlessly track global product pricing and access relevant corporate data. 

Top Five Free Proxy Servers

Proxy servers are quite beneficial to businesses, individuals, and remote workers. Depending on the type and functionality, the prices of proxies vary. Some service providers offer free trials while others do not. 

In this section, we’ll be looking at the top five proxy service providers in the market that offer free servers. Let’s begin. 

NetNut Networks 

NetNut Networks has an extensive IP pool and over 52 million residential proxies to help businesses and individuals access various applications and web pages around the world. Businesses find the proxies from this provider useful in privacy and security, SEO and SERP tracking, web scrapping, corporate data access, global product price tracking, and several others. 

NetNut Networks is a top proxy service targeted by individuals and businesses of all sizes. Here are some features presented by NetNut Networks: 

• Residential proxies linked to ISPs for optimal speed and connection. 
• 24/7 live customer service to tend to users’ complaints. 
• Over 52 million proxies from Data Centers, Residential, and ISPs.
• HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, SOCKS5, mobile proxies, and IPv6 are all available.
• Worldwide availability, including U.S. and U.K. 
• Static and rotation residential IPs exclusive to the US and U.K. 
• Flexible pricing model 
• Free trial available. 

IP Royal 

This service provider has a sourced pool of residential proxies. It presents a customizable dashboard despite being a free service. 

Some of its features include: 

• Automatic rotation of IP addresses 
• Option to toggle and automatically replace IP addresses from the dashboard.
• Supports multiple locations 
• Proxies can be used without contracts 
• A free trial is available. 

Proxy Scrape 

Proxy Scrape is a popular brand that has been in the market and boasts between 2,000 to 3,000 free proxies. The platform has a high checking frequency and also offers paid services. 

Here are some unique features of this proxy service provider: 

• Routine server testing for optimal productivity. 
• Free and paid service options. 
• 24/7 customer support system to tend to users’ complaints 
• HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 are available in several countries.

Nimble 

Nimble is an artificial intelligence–based proxy service that gives users unlimited access to websites and applications blocked due to location. It helps companies access numerous data types such as corporate data, SEO, pricing, and several others. 

Some notable features of Nimble include: 

• AI-powered interface 
• 24/7 customer service to solve users’ issues. 
• Geotargeting with high precision. 
• HTTP, HTTPS, IPv6 available. 

Smart Proxy 

Smart Proxy is a notable proxy service provider that is known for its data extraction abilities. With flexible pricing and free trials, the company now caters to businesses of all sizes. Some features of Smart Proxy include: 

• Over 40 million residential, data center, and ISP proxies. 
• Proxies extend to over 195 locations 
• Anonymity and security 
• 24/7 customer support 
• Free trials are available. 
• HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5, and Mobile proxies are available. 

Wrap Up 

By shielding the IP address of end-users, proxies act to route data traffic during internet surfing. This helps to create a secure and anonymous browsing experience for the user. In this simple but comprehensive article, we explored the concept of proxies and how they work. 

We concluded by looking at the top five free proxy servers in the market and the features of these providers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is a residential proxy? 

A residential proxy is a pool of inter-woven and real IP addresses that can be used to access websites or applications blocked due to location. These IP addresses are linked to ISPs and are useful in online activities such as torrenting, video games, web scraping, and corporate data extraction. 

What are the two major types of residential proxies? 

Residential proxies are of two types – static or rotation. With static proxies, the end-user is assigned just one IP address for use during online activities. In the case of rotation proxies, the user’s IP address is periodically changed during online activities, making it difficult to link an IP address to a particular user. 

What is a SOCKS5 Proxy? 

The SOCKS5 proxy is the latest version of the socket secure protocol that relays communication between a user and the internet where a firewall exists. The main function of this protocol is to mask a user’s IP address to bypass security or location blockers on a web page or application.