What Is a Shared Proxy and When Can It Be Used?

Sometimes, a real IP address can be blocked or access to a website can be restricted based on geolocation. In such situations, a proxy server can be used, both for work and entertainment. There are several types of proxies, and in this article, we will explain in detail what a Shared proxy is, how it differs from other types, and when its use will be most appropriate.

Shared IPv4 proxies (from the English "shared") are, as the name suggests, proxy servers that are used simultaneously by several (usually no more than five) people. Their main feature is shared access to a single IP address, which makes them cheaper than dedicated proxies.

How do Shared proxies differ from free ones, and why pay for shared proxies?

Shared proxies are provided by services that control their quality and ensure that there are no overloads, changing IP addresses in case of poor performance. Free proxies, on the other hand, are open to everyone, often become overloaded, or don't work at all. Shared proxies have fewer users, more stable connections, and are less likely to end up on blacklists, while free proxies are often slow. In terms of security, shared proxies are protected, while free ones may intercept data.

How a proxy works:

• Users send a request through the proxy.
• The proxy redirects it to the target server, hiding the real IP.
• The server sends the data back through the proxy, which then forwards it to the users.

Shared proxies are a good solution for small tasks and saving money. Let's take a closer look at the main advantages and disadvantages of this technology:

Advantages:

• Savings
  This is the main benefit of shared proxies. They are cheaper because one IP is used by several people, so the cost is divided among them. It’s a great option if you don’t want to overpay!
• Anonymity
  Your real IP address stays hidden, making online activity more private. Moreover, you can easily access websites that are restricted in some countries.
• Simplicity
  Setting up and using these proxies is very easy—they are suitable for bypassing restrictions and basic web scraping.
• Versatility
  A great choice for small projects where high speed isn’t critical and a unique IP isn’t required.

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes slow connection
  Since one IP is shared by multiple users, the speed may decrease, especially under heavy load.
• Risk of bans
  If one user violates the rules, the website may block the entire IP, affecting everyone.
• Not suitable for serious tasks
  Shared proxies are not the best option for payment systems, social media accounts, and other critical services, as you can’t control the load on the proxy, its state, or who else is using the IP, making the connection less reliable.

Bypassing regional restrictions – accessing websites and services that are blocked in your country.

Anonymous internet surfing – hiding your real IP while visiting websites.

Simple data collection – web scraping websites where high speed or unique IP addresses are not required.

Managing multiple accounts – working with several social media accounts and other online services.

Price tracking – monitoring product prices in online stores for different countries. 

• Choose trusted services with good reviews and clear terms.
• Choose proxies from the countries and regions you need.
• Compatibility with your tasks: proxies should support the protocols you require (HTTP(S), SOCKS5) and work with your services.
• Compare the price with competitors, but don't chase the cheapest options – this can affect the quality.

If you're still unsure about your proxy choice, consider exploring the following alternatives:

Dedicated proxies – one IP just for you, offering more stability and fewer risks of being blocked. These proxies are more expensive.

VPN – an easy way to hide your IP, ideal for casual surfing, but not always the best for large-scale tasks that require high speed.

Cloud proxies – proxies on cloud servers. They are suitable for fast tasks and monitoring, but require technical skills.

So, Shared proxies are an affordable solution for many tasks where speed and IP uniqueness are not a priority. Despite some limitations, shared proxies remain an attractive option. They are suitable for users who need to handle basic tasks with minimal costs. At the same time, these proxies help avoid using free services that don’t ensure security or guarantee quality performance.

NB: As a reminder, the product is used to automate testing on your own sites and on sites to which you have legal access.