This guide on rotating proxies covers several important aspects, including what they are, when they are useful, and how to compare different providers. You’ll also find a list of the top rotating proxy providers for the year. Let’s explore the key points in more detail:
What Is a Rotating Proxy Provider?
A rotating proxy provider offers a network of proxy servers that assign new IP addresses for each connection request or after a set period. This rotation helps users maintain anonymity and avoid bans, especially useful in tasks like web scraping and ad verification. Notable providers include Bright Data, Webshare, and Smartproxy, which offer vast networks of rotating proxies.
Rotating Proxies: Definition, Types, and Use Cases
Rotating proxies are designed to provide a different IP address for each connection, ensuring anonymity and minimizing the risk of IP bans. There are four main types:
- Rotating Residential Proxies: Use IPs from local networks, providing high anonymity.
- Rotating Datacenter Proxies: Use server-based IPs and rotate requests among them.
- Rotating Mobile Proxies: Rotate IPs from mobile devices on cellular networks.
- Rotating ISP Proxies: Provide static IPs from servers located in datacenters, but allow rotation through a server pool.
These proxies are commonly used for activities like web scraping, ad verification, and market research, where frequent IP changes are needed.
Aspects to Consider When Selecting a Rotating Proxy Provider
When choosing a rotating proxy provider, consider these factors:
- Features: Look for extra services like APIs, IP management, or browser extensions.
- Proxy Network: The number of IPs, types of proxies, and the geographical coverage.
- Protocols: Ensure the proxy supports the right protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS).
- IP Rotation Options: Some providers offer automatic rotation, while others allow sticky sessions.
- Uptime and Success Rate: Check for high server uptime and a good success rate for request handling.
- Customer Support: Assess the provider’s support options, including live chat and ticketing systems.
- Pricing: Compare different pricing models, such as pay-as-you-go or subscription plans.
Best Rotating Proxies of 2024
- Bright Data: Known for its extensive proxy network and ethical data sourcing, Bright Data supports a variety of proxy types, including residential and mobile, with flexible plans and high transparency(Guru99)(Proxyway).
- Oxylabs: Offers a wide range of proxies, particularly for business use, with strong customer support and advanced scraping tools(Data Proxies).
- Smartproxy: An affordable option for residential and datacenter proxies, providing global coverage and good integration tools(Data Proxies).
- SOAX: Specializes in flexible, rotating proxies with a focus on city-level targeting(Proxyway).
- NetNut: Ideal for high-volume scraping, offering a large network of rotating residential and datacenter proxies(33rd Square).
These top providers offer various plans and features suited for different use cases, making them reliable choices for anyone needing rotating proxies.