Those who are looking to preserve their privacy online are often presented with two options: Proxy or VPN services. While both of these services offer full download anonymity, they function differently and each features distinct advantages. In this article we will go over the basics for both anonymous Proxy and VPN service in hopes that you can draw your own conclusion based on individual needs.
Torrent Proxy
Premium torrent proxy services offered by TorGuard tunnel bittorrent traffic anonymously over socks5 proxy servers in six countries. When using a Torrent Proxy, all of one’s bittorrent traffic is anonymized so the IP address that shows to peers will not be your personal IP, but rather the IP of a secure TorGuard torrent proxy server. Here are some features and benefits of using the Torrent Proxy service:
– Compatibility: Torrent Proxy services work with any application that supports socks5 such as utorrent, bittorrent, Vuze, Deluge and Bitcomet.
– Speed: Speeds are faster than VPN service since socks5 proxy tunnels do not employ encryption by default.
-Setup: Setting up a Torrent Proxy just takes a minute with TorGuard’s easy proxy setup software. Just enter your proxy username, password and click apply. The settings will automatically be updated in your torrent client.
– Stability: A proxy is not susceptible to leaking your IP when disconnecting. Since the torrent proxy is “always on” your traffic will always be routed through a secure proxy server, otherwise it will pause the download.
– Security: While not as secure as using VPN service, a proxy does provide excellent IP masking solutions.
Anonymous VPN Service
Anonymous VPN service offered by TorGuard provides the highest levels of security online. By combining IP masking in over 30+ countries and military grade 256 AES encryption, VPN service is the most effective security solution when accessing the web. TorGuard’s easy to use OpenVPN software allows the user to switch IP’s effortlessly and with no limit. All applications that use the web are tunneled through the encrypted VPN whenever the software is connected. Easy to use VPN software is readily available for any operation system, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. Here are some of the biggest advantages when using VPN service:
– Compatibility: VPN service works on almost any wifi enabled device, including routers that support DDWRT or Tomato. TorGuard offers easy installation software for Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone/IPad with options for both PPTP or OpenVPN.
– Speed: Due to increased levels of encryption, a VPN connection will not be as fast as an unencrypted proxy. This can be a positive or negative thing and it really depends on one’s own personal needs. TorGuard offers unlimited bandwidth on gigabit+ servers to ensure the fastest VPN service experience possible.
– Setup: Activating a VPN tunnel on a computer or wireless device is extremely easy. TorGuard offers easy one click software for Windows, Mac and Android, and features easy step by step tutorials for more advanced setups like VPN routers.
– Stability: While PPTP VPN connections can be somewhat unpredictable at times, OpenVPN is well known to be extremely stable. TorGuard features hundreds of servers and does not over sell services to ensure every client has access to unlimited bandwidth and speeds. This makes for a very stable VPN network and rarely any accidental disconnects!
– Security/Encryption: TorGuard’s VPN service offers two different encryption options: Blowfish CBC 128bit and AES 256bit encryption. Most clients prefer moderate encryption levels so as not to sacrifice speed, however TG does offer Stealth and 256bit encryption options for those ultra concerned with privacy. It is important to note: there is no known method to date of breaking BF-CBC 128bit encryption methods.
Using Both Torrent Proxy + VPN Service
The best option for staying anonymous is to use BOTH Torrent proxy and VPN service together. This adds a secure “second layer” of security to ones web session that protects against accidental disconnects or even human error. TorGuard currently offers 40% off on the Torrent Proxy and VPN bundle package in order to encourage users to utilize both of these security services. For example, when using a Torrent Proxy inside of a VPN tunnel one’s torrent downloads will be completely protected even if the VPN disconnects or someone forgot to turn it on! When in doubt, two layers of security are always better than one.
