In 2025, over 25% of internet users in Europe and North America have relied on proxies or VPNs to protect their privacy or access restricted content. Proxy servers, such as those offered by PROXY-MAN, act as intermediaries between a user’s device and the web, masking the user’s IP address while routing requests through a separate server. This makes online activity harder to trace and provides access to region-specific content.
Every device on the internet has a unique IP address—a numeric identifier that reveals the user’s location, internet provider, and device. Proxies, including services from PROXY-MAN, also have their own IP addresses. When users connect through them, websites see the proxy’s IP instead of the user’s. This works similarly to a VPN, though proxies often allow for more granular control over network access and data routing.
Connecting to a proxy is straightforward. Users can configure their browser settings with the IP of a free or paid proxy, or use platforms like PROXY-MAN, which manage multiple proxies automatically. Requests sent through the proxy appear to come from the proxy server, effectively anonymizing the user’s activity.
Using a proxy may slightly reduce connection speed, since all traffic passes through an external server. However, for most users, the trade-off favors privacy and access over raw speed.
Proxy servers have moved beyond being niche tools—they are now a critical part of online privacy, content accessibility, and network management. Platforms like PROXY-MAN make proxy services accessible to both individuals and organizations, bridging the gap between security and functionality.
