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Home/Blog/What are the differences between proxy ipv4 and residential proxies?
What are the differences between proxy ipv4 and residential proxies?
PYPROXY·Oct 11, 2025
Proxies are widely used to ensure online privacy, improve security, and even bypass restrictions on the internet. Two of the most common types of proxies are IPv4 proxies and residential proxies. While both serve the primary function of masking users’ IP addresses, they differ significantly in terms of performance, security, cost, and the type of traffic they can handle. This article delves into these differences, providing an in-depth understanding of IPv4 proxies and residential proxies, and how to choose between them based on specific needs.
What is an IPv4 Proxy?
An IPv4 proxy is a type of proxy server that utilizes IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) addresses. IPv4 is one of the most common internet protocols, having been the dominant version of the Internet Protocol for several decades. IPv4 addresses are numerical labels assigned to devices participating in a network, ensuring data is routed correctly. IPv4 proxies are usually associated with a specific geographic region or data center.
A residential proxy, on the other hand, is a type of proxy that uses IP addresses assigned to real, physical residential locations. These addresses are provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to homeowners. Residential proxies are highly sought after because they are less likely to be flagged or blocked by websites and services. They appear as though they are coming from real users, making them ideal for tasks like web scraping, accessing geo-restricted content, and handling multiple accounts on a platform.
Key Differences Between IPv4 and Residential Proxies
1. Source of IP Address
The primary difference between IPv4 and residential proxies lies in the source of the IP address. An IPv4 proxy is typically hosted in a data center, while a residential proxy uses IP addresses from real homes and businesses. This fundamental difference affects how each proxy is perceived by websites and services.
2. Trust and Detection Rates
Residential proxies are less likely to be detected or blocked by websites because they use real IP addresses, making them look like legitimate users. This makes them ideal for tasks that require anonymity, such as avoiding CAPTCHAs and bans. IPv4 proxies, however, are more likely to be flagged by websites, especially if they come from data centers with multiple users sharing the same IP range.
3. Speed and Performance
IPv4 proxies generally offer better speed and performance compared to residential proxies. Since they are hosted in data centers, these proxies have access to high-speed networks and robust infrastructure. Residential proxies, in contrast, are more susceptible to slower speeds due to their reliance on the home internet connections of individuals. These connections may not always provide the same bandwidth or stability as data center servers.
4. Anonymity and Security
In terms of security, residential proxies tend to offer a higher level of anonymity. Since the IP addresses appear as though they are coming from regular households, they are much harder to track or blacklist. IPv4 proxies, while secure, are more easily identified as coming from a proxy server, which may make them vulnerable to blocking or tracking.
5. Cost
One significant difference between IPv4 and residential proxies is the cost. Residential proxies tend to be more expensive due to the cost of acquiring and maintaining real IP addresses. On the other hand, IPv4 proxies are typically cheaper because they are hosted in data centers with numerous users sharing the same IP addresses.
6. Use Cases
IPv4 proxies are typically used for tasks such as bypassing geo-restrictions, load balancing, and basic web scraping. They are ideal for applications that do not require a high level of anonymity or stealth. Residential proxies are more suited for tasks that involve sensitive actions like accessing multiple accounts on the same website, performing ad verification, or web scraping without getting blocked.
Choosing Between IPv4 and Residential Proxies
When deciding between IPv4 and residential proxies, the choice depends on the specific needs of the user. If speed and cost are the main concerns, IPv4 proxies may be the better option. However, if the goal is to perform tasks that require a high level of stealth and anonymity, such as scraping sensitive data or accessing geo-restricted content, residential proxies are the better choice.
In conclusion, both IPv4 and residential proxies have their respective advantages and disadvantages. IPv4 proxies offer better speed and lower costs, but they are more likely to be detected and blocked. Residential proxies, on the other hand, provide better anonymity and are less likely to be flagged, though they come at a higher price. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific use case and the level of anonymity and performance required.
