Bright Data, formerly known as Luminati Networks, is a leading web data platform and proxy service provider. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and services for businesses to collect public web data efficiently and ethically.
Bright Data's offerings include various types of proxies (residential, datacenter, ISP, mobile), as well as web scraping tools, data collectors, and ready-to-use datasets.
6
Residential
Datacenter
Mobile
ISP
Unlocker
Tool
Free
SOAX is a fast-growing UK-based company that provides businesses with advanced proxy solutions and web data collection tools. Their focus is on delivering efficient, secure, and ethically sourced data extraction capabilities to empower data-driven decision-making.
Their primary services feature residential, mobile, ISP (with US GEO targeting), and datacenter proxies, alongside a web unblocker tool optimized for web scraping.
3
Residential
Datacenter
Mobile
ISP
Unlocker
Smartproxy is a proxy service provider established in 2018 that offers residential, datacenter, mobile, and ISP proxies.
They have a large proxy pool with over 55 million IPs across 195+ locations worldwide. Smartproxy provides solutions for web scraping, data collection, ad verification, brand protection, etc.
4
Residential
Datacenter
Mobile
ISP
Unlocker
Tool
Free
need fast, accurate data? nimble’s platform gathers, organizes, and integrates data into cloud solutions for maximum impact and business growth.
1
Residential
Unlocker
Free
Oxylabs is a premium proxy service provider offering a comprehensive range of solutions including residential, datacenter, mobile, and ISP proxies.
They focus on providing reliable, high-performance proxies with advanced features for web scraping, data gathering, brand protection, and other use cases. Oxylabs has one of the largest proxy pools in the industry with over 100 million residential IPs.
2
Residential
Datacenter
Mobile
ISP
Unlocker
Tool
Free
Ethical Data Collection for the Modern Web. Scalable proxies and APIs for any target, with expert support every step of the way.
1
List
Residential
Datacenter
Mobile
Unlocker
Tool
World-Class Residential Proxies: NetNut's 85M+ fast IPs, no geo-restrictions or IP blocks. Access data globally seamlessly. Free trial available!
—
Residential
Datacenter
Mobile
ISP
Unlocker
Free
Among the different types of proxies available, IPv4 proxies stand out due to their widespread use and compatibility. IPv4 proxies use the Internet Protocol version 4, which has been the foundational protocol for internet communication for decades. They act as intermediaries between your device and the target website, masking your IP address and helping you avoid detection and bans.
Types of IPv4 Proxies
Understanding the different types of IPv4 proxies is essential to choosing the best one for your needs.
Residential IPv4 Proxies
These proxies are assigned to real residential addresses by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). They are less likely to be blacklisted because they appear as genuine user IPs. Residential proxies are ideal for activities that require high anonymity and reliability.
Datacenter IPv4 Proxies
These proxies come from data centers and are not affiliated with ISPs. They are known for their high speed and low cost but can be easily detected and blocked by websites. Datacenter proxies are suitable for tasks that need fast and numerous connections.
Private IPv4 Proxies
Private proxies are dedicated exclusively to one user. They offer high levels of performance and reliability, making them suitable for sensitive tasks that require consistent uptime and minimal interference.
SOCKS5 IPv4 Proxies
SOCKS5 is a protocol that offers advanced features like traffic encryption and support for various types of traffic. These proxies are highly versatile and secure, suitable for complex scraping tasks.
Comparing IPv4 and IPv6 Proxies
While IPv4 proxies are prevalent, IPv6 proxies are gaining traction. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which to use:
Technical Differences
IPv4 uses a 32-bit address scheme, whereas IPv6 uses a 128-bit scheme, providing many addresses.
Pros and Cons
- IPv4 Proxies: Broad compatibility, widely supported, but limited in number and more expensive.
- IPv6 Proxies: Unlimited addresses, cheaper, but less supported by older systems and software.
Use Case Scenarios
Choose IPv4 proxies for maximum compatibility and reliability, especially for scraping platforms with stringent anti-bot measures.
Cost Considerations
Cheap IPv4 Proxies
Cost-effective proxies can be found, but balancing cost with performance and reliability is crucial. Opt for reputable providers that offer affordable yet reliable options.
Free IPv4 Proxies
While free proxies are available, they often come with limitations such as slow speeds, low reliability, and higher risk of being blacklisted. Use them with caution and for less critical tasks.
How to Choose the Best IPv4 Proxies
When selecting IPv4 proxies, consider the following factors:
- Speed and Reliability: Ensure the proxies offer fast and stable connections to avoid disruptions in your scraping tasks.
- Anonymity and Security: Choose proxies that provide high levels of anonymity to protect your identity and data.
- Geographical Location: Depending on your target websites, select proxies from relevant geographical locations to avoid geo-blocking.
- Avoiding Bans: Rotate IP addresses and use proxies with high anonymity features to minimize the risk of being banned.
Recommended Providers
Choosing the right proxy provider is essential to ensure you get reliable and high-performing proxies. Here, we review three top IPv4 proxy providers: Proxy-Seller, Bright Data, and SOAX.
- Proxy-Seller: Best for affordable and reliable proxies with flexible rental options. Suitable for general data scraping and users who need cost-effective solutions.
- Bright Data: Best for large-scale and professional data scraping projects. Suitable for advanced users and enterprises requiring extensive IP rotation and precise geolocation targeting.
- SOAX: Best for high-quality proxies with a user-friendly platform at an affordable price. Suitable for small to medium-sized projects and users looking for a balance between cost and performance.
Proxy-Seller
Proxy-Seller is known for its flexible rental options and high-quality proxies. They offer a wide range of proxies, including IPv4 and IPv6, catering to various needs from casual browsing to intensive data scraping.
Key Features
- Variety of Proxies: Offers residential, datacenter, and private IPv4 proxies.Flexible Plans: Provides both short-term and long-term rental options.
- High Anonymity: Ensures strong anonymity features to protect user identity.
- Customer Support: Offers 24/7 customer support to assist with any issues.
Pros
- Competitive pricing with various subscription plans.
- High reliability and performance for data scraping.
- Easy-to-use interface and straightforward setup process.
Cons
- Limited geographical diversity compared to some competitors.
- Occasional issues with proxy speed during peak times.
Suitability
Proxy-Seller is ideal for users looking for reliable and affordable IPv4 proxies with flexible rental options. It is particularly suitable for data scraping tasks that require stable and anonymous connections.
Bright Data
Bright Data is a premium proxy service provider offering a vast network of proxies. They are renowned for their extensive proxy pool and advanced features, making them a top choice for professional data scrapers.
Key Features
- Large Proxy Network: Access to over 72 million IPs worldwide.
- Advanced Control Panel: Provides powerful tools for proxy management and performance monitoring.
- High-Speed Proxies: Ensures fast and reliable connections.
- Geolocation Targeting: Allows users to target specific regions with precise IP locations.
Pros
- Unmatched proxy pool size and diversity.
- Excellent performance and speed.
- Comprehensive customer support and resources.
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to other providers.
- Complexity in setup and usage for beginners.
Suitability
Bright Data is perfect for large-scale data scraping projects that require extensive IP rotation and geolocation capabilities. It is best suited for advanced users and enterprises needing robust and reliable proxies.
SOAX
SOAX is a relatively new player in the proxy market but has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality proxies and user-friendly platform. They offer a diverse range of proxies suitable for various applications.
Key Features
- Residential and Datacenter Proxies: Provides both types of proxies to meet different needs.
- Clean IP Pool: Regularly refreshed IPs to ensure high anonymity and low detection rates.
- Flexible Pricing: Offers various pricing plans to accommodate different budgets.
- User Dashboard: Intuitive dashboard for easy proxy management.
Pros
- High-quality proxies with low detection rates.
- Affordable pricing plans with flexible options.
- User-friendly interface and excellent customer support.
Cons
- Smaller proxy pool compared to industry giants like Bright Data.
- Limited advanced features for professional users.
Suitability
SOAX is ideal for users who need high-quality IPv4 proxies without breaking the bank. It is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized data scraping projects and users who value ease of use and affordability.
Conclusion
IPv4 proxies remain a cornerstone in the data scraping landscape due to their reliability and compatibility. By understanding the different types of IPv4 proxies and considering factors such as cost, performance, and specific use cases, you can make an informed decision and choose the best proxies for your needs. Always opt for reputable providers to ensure you get high-quality proxies that meet your requirements.
By following the guidelines and recommendations in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of IPv4 proxies and optimize your data scraping efforts.
