Proxy Types 7 min read Updated 2026-01-05

Choosing the Right Proxy Type

Compare residential, datacenter, mobile, and ISP proxies so you can match the proxy to the target.

Residential proxies

Best for high block resistance and geo accuracy. Slower and more expensive, but safest for sensitive targets.

Datacenter proxies

Fast and affordable. Good for low-block targets and high-volume scraping, but more likely to be blocked.

Mobile proxies

Ideal for social platforms and app automation. Highest trust, higher cost, lower speed.

ISP proxies

Hybrid: fast like datacenter, trusted like residential. Great for login flows and account actions.

Decision matrix

  • High block risk: Residential or ISP
  • Need speed: Datacenter or ISP
  • Social platforms: Mobile
  • Budget constraints: Datacenter

Recommended providers

Curated providers based on this guide’s focus. Affiliate links disclosed.

BrightData

residential

Enterprise-grade residential coverage with deep geo targeting.

Visit BrightData

Soax

residential

Reliable residential & mobile pools with flexible rotation control.

Visit Soax

Smartproxy

residential

Balanced pricing and coverage for scraping and data collection.

Visit Smartproxy

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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