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Home/Blog/Which has a lower blocking rate, rotating proxy or datacenter proxy?
Which has a lower blocking rate, rotating proxy or datacenter proxy?
PYPROXY·Aug 13, 2025
When it comes to managing IP addresses in an online environment, proxies play a vital role in maintaining anonymity, bypassing geo-restrictions, and ensuring smooth access to websites. Among the different types of proxies, rotating proxies and datacenter proxies are two of the most commonly used options. One critical concern for users is the blocking rate — that is, the likelihood of their IP addresses being blocked by websites. But which type of proxy has a lower blocking rate? In this article, we will explore the differences between rotating proxies and datacenter proxies, analyzing how each affects the likelihood of being blocked, and provide an in-depth understanding of which option might be more beneficial for users looking to minimize IP blocks.
Understanding the Basics of Proxies
To better compare the two types of proxies, it’s important to first understand what a proxy is and how it functions. A proxy acts as an intermediary server that sits between a user's device and the target website. The proxy server forwards requests from the user, making it appear as though the request is coming from the proxy’s IP address rather than the user’s original IP. This can help with privacy, speed optimization, and bypassing restrictions.
There are several types of proxies, with the most commonly used being datacenter proxies and rotating proxies. These proxies differ in their structure, function, and the way they handle requests.
What Are Datacenter Proxies?
Datacenter proxies are IP addresses provided by data centers rather than internet service providers (ISPs). These proxies are not tied to physical devices or residential locations but are instead linked to the infrastructure of the data center. They are typically fast, reliable, and cost-effective, making them popular for activities such as web scraping, automation, and other large-scale online operations.
However, because datacenter proxies are not associated with real residential addresses, websites can often detect them as proxies. This leads to a higher likelihood of being blocked or flagged as suspicious.
What Are Rotating Proxies?
Rotating proxies, on the other hand, refer to a system where the IP addresses used by the proxy change frequently. Each time a request is made, the proxy rotates to a new IP, ensuring that the user’s traffic is always coming from a different IP address. This makes it much harder for websites to track and block users, as the IPs constantly change.
Rotating proxies are often sourced from large pools of residential IP addresses, which are harder for websites to detect as proxies. They also mimic the behavior of a normal user, making them less likely to be flagged for unusual traffic patterns.
Comparison of Blocking Rates: Rotating Proxies vs. Datacenter Proxies
Now that we understand the basics of each type of proxy, it’s time to delve into the comparison regarding their blocking rates.
Datacenter Proxies: Higher Blocking Rate
Datacenter proxies tend to have a higher blocking rate than rotating proxies. This is mainly due to the fact that they are often easily identifiable as proxy servers. Many websites employ sophisticated detection methods that can recognize IP addresses coming from known data centers. This includes checking the IP address against a database of known proxy servers or analyzing traffic patterns that are typically associated with bots or automated systems.
When websites detect datacenter proxies, they often block or rate-limit requests to protect against abuse, such as scraping or data harvesting. This makes datacenter proxies less reliable for long-term use, especially for high-volume operations where anonymity is critical.
Rotating Proxies: Lower Blocking Rate
In contrast, rotating proxies tend to have a lower blocking rate due to their dynamic nature. The frequent IP rotation makes it much more difficult for websites to detect and block a user. Since the IP addresses are sourced from a pool of residential IPs, they are often seen as coming from real users, which significantly reduces the chances of detection.
Furthermore, rotating proxies often simulate more natural browsing behaviors, such as varying request intervals and IP addresses that change regularly. This makes it harder for websites to flag or block the traffic as suspicious. Additionally, because rotating proxies are typically tied to residential IPs, they are much less likely to be blacklisted compared to datacenter proxies.
Use Cases and Benefits of Each Proxy
Both rotating proxies and datacenter proxies have specific use cases where they excel, but their effectiveness varies depending on the intended purpose.
When to Use Datacenter Proxies
Despite their higher blocking rate, datacenter proxies are often suitable for use cases that require high-speed access and don’t involve heavy blocking risks. For instance, they are ideal for:
- Large-scale automation tasks that do not require long-term engagement with a single website.
- Non-sensitive scraping operations where the data being collected is not critical.
- Low-budget projects where cost is a significant factor, as datacenter proxies are generally cheaper than rotating proxies.
When to Use Rotating Proxies
Rotating proxies are better suited for tasks that require long-term anonymity and minimal risk of being blocked. Their primary benefits include:
- Web scraping projects that require high anonymity and large volumes of data over an extended period.
- Bypassing geo-restrictions without the risk of IP blacklisting.
- Managing multiple social media accounts or other accounts that require non-detectable behavior.
Factors Influencing Blocking Rates
It’s also important to consider that the blocking rate of both types of proxies can be influenced by several external factors:
1. Website Security Measures: Websites with advanced security protocols, like CAPTCHA challenges and bot detection algorithms, can block both types of proxies. However, rotating proxies still have an edge due to their ability to mimic human-like behavior.
2. Proxy Quality: The quality of the proxy service provider matters greatly. High-quality datacenter proxies might have a lower blocking rate, while low-quality rotating proxies could still face detection.
3. Traffic Volume: Websites with high traffic volumes and aggressive bot protection mechanisms will likely block both types of proxies more frequently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when comparing rotating proxies to datacenter proxies, rotating proxies generally have a lower blocking rate due to their ability to frequently change IPs and mimic legitimate user behavior. They are less likely to be flagged by websites, especially when sourced from residential IPs. On the other hand, datacenter proxies are more prone to being detected and blocked due to their static nature and association with data centers. Users who prioritize long-term, uninterrupted access to websites with minimal blocking should consider using rotating proxies, while datacenter proxies may still be useful for low-risk, high-speed operations.
