A proxy changes your visible IP. A VPN does that and encrypts everything. Here's when each is the right call.
Proxies and VPNs are often confused because both make your traffic appear to come from another location. The difference matters: a proxy routes requests through a middleman server, while a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for all your traffic.
Want the technical breakdown? Read VPN vs proxy vs Smart DNS and proxy leaks explained.
If you only need to change your location for one site, a proxy can be enough. If you want privacy, security and consistency across devices, use a VPN. At $1 for 30 days, the VPN is the easy choice.