As you begin learning about internet privacy and web testing, you’ll come across proxies. A proxy acts as an intermediary and conceals your true identity on the internet. However, not all intermediaries function identically. The most common examples are rotating mobile proxies and static proxies.
There are big ramifications concerning which type you choose. The wrong choice could result in your project being blocked or running significantly slower. Let’s analyze the functions of each type, their differences, and ideally, which proxy type you could use.
What is a Static Proxy?
Static proxies are the exact opposite of what is considered dynamic. Static proxies are consistent and unchanged over time. When you purchase a static proxy, your provider will give you an IP address, which will remain the same as long as you keep paying for it.
Most static proxies are sourced from data centers. These are large buildings with lots of powerful computers, and they are also where high-speed cables are located. For this reason, these proxy servers are really fast.
If you need to access a social media account and want to stay logged in from the same location every single day, a static proxy would be a good option. It gives you the impression of a remote worker from a company.
What are Rotating Mobile Proxies?
Rotating mobile proxies are also smarter and more complex. Instead of giving you one single address, a rotating LTE proxy gives you access to a much larger pool of addresses. These addresses derive from real mobile phones that are connected to either a 4G or 5G network.
The rotating element means that your IP address is continuously changing. It may change every time you open a different page, or it may change after a few minutes. This gives the impression of a large number of distinct individuals accessing a website from their mobile phones.
Comparison: Version 1 vs Version 2
Examining how these two perform on a case-by-case basis, we can establish the primary differences.
1. Detection and Bypass
Websites can easily detect proxied traffic. The detection mechanism can identify a proxy because a given static proxy is assigned a Datacenter IP, which is a proxy data center signature.
Whenever a website detects a certain level of traffic from a data center, they blacklist the associated IP. The frequent changes in the IP address help the mobile proxy remain undetected, so it’s possible to bypass any website’s protective barriers.
After a mobile IP address experiences a bypass (typically one in which the user is presented with a CAPTCHA), the mobile proxy will rotate.
2. Speed
Typically, static proxies are faster because data centers utilize fiber optics for connectivity. Rotating mobile proxies depend on cellular data signals from cellular towers.
Just like your phone might get a slow signal in a basement, a mobile proxy can sometimes be a little slower than a data center connection. However, for most web testing and data collection, mobile proxies are plenty fast enough.
3. Price
Static proxies cost less. You’re only purchasing one “slot” on a server. Rotating mobile proxies are more expensive because the technology required to handle thousands of phone connections is costly. You’re paying for greater stealth and significantly less risk of a ban.
Which One Should You Go For?
The more expensive the proxy, the less you should consider purchasing it. What you are trying to achieve should be the primary decider.
Use a Static Proxy if:
- You only have to manage one social media account.
- You are visiting sites that have weak bot protection.
- You want the highest speed for the simplest task.
- You are on a really limited budget.
Use a Rotating Mobile Proxy If:
- You are web scraping.
- You want to see the mobile view of a website from some specific locations.
- You are visiting sites that have strict bot blocking, like Amazon, Google, or Instagram.
- You need to perform actions without the website detecting that it is all coming from one user.
Why Rotating is Often the Best Option
Websites are getting smarter. They now implement software to differentiate between real human users and automated visitors. Because of this, the websites have an easier time detecting and banning static proxies.
Rotating mobile proxies are the best option because they do not get detected. If you are running an automated script to check prices or test code, the website sees a bunch of ordinary mobile users.
This method is the best way to work online, interruption-free. Although it comes at a higher cost, it saves you more in the long run because you won’t have to buy new proxies to replace the ones that are detected and banned.
Finding a Reliable Provider
When it comes time to buy, you need to ensure that you are getting real mobile IPs. Some mobile proxy providers sell data center IPs disguised as mobile proxies. These will get blocked as quickly as static proxies.
FleetProxy is a good start if you want a reliable service. They provide rotating mobile proxies of real 4G and 5G connections, meaning your anonymity is in good hands. Their system is user-friendly and offers a lot of locations.
Having a partner like FleetProxy is a guarantee that your internet work will not be interrupted by annoying blocks, whether you are a seasoned developer or a beginner.
