Are you looking for an SOCKS5 proxy to step up your torrent game? In this guide we are going to cover what the best SOCKS5 proxy is, why you need one, and how to use it.
While you don’t need a proxy if you have a VPN–since a VPN encrypts and changes your IP address whenever you use it, you may need a proxy if you don’t have a VPN. Even if you have a VPN and don’t absolutely need a proxy, you can still find many uses for an SOCKS5 proxy.
What is an SOCKS5 Proxy?
First, let’s go over what an SOCKS5 proxy is. An SOCKS5 proxy is a specific piece of software that you can embed into a browser or application itself.
At its core level, SOCKS5 is an internet protocol which routes packets between a server and a client using a proxy server. Your data is put through a proxy server that generates a new IP address.
Why do I need an SOCKS5 Proxy?
You can use the proxy inside a torrenting app to hide your IP and protect yourself, or if you want to hide your IP while using a browser you can also use a proxy. By using a proxy this way– instead of a VPN that connects all your traffic, you can get some speed advantages and other conveniences.
My favorite way of using an SOCKS5 proxy is through TorGuard’s anonymous proxy. All I had to do was go into my qBittorrent torrent app, put my login information in, save, then download normally without leaking my IP through the torrent app. If you’re interested in doing this, in the same way, check out this guide which includes some directions.
The bottom line is that when you use an SOCKS5 proxy, your IP address will be that of the proxy server, not your home address. This makes it useful for other things too, like if you need to get around IP blocks that are based on IP restrictions used in firewalls or internet censorship.
Lastly, an SOCKS5 proxy can also be useful inside your VPN if you want a double layer of protection in case your VPN leaks–your proxy will protect any data getting out with the protection of UDP or TCP protocol.
Which VPNs provide SOCKS5 proxies?
Now if you want an SOCKS5 proxy, you will need to use certain providers since not all VPN providers have SOCKS5 proxies.
1.TorGuard [Full TorGuard Review here].
2.Private Internet Access [Full Private Internet Access Review here].
3.IPVanish [Full IPVanish Review here].
If I were you, I’d go with TorGuard since it’s our top-rated VPN and I already provided you with instructions here. In our speed tests, it also had the fastest VPN and the most server connections. The other VPNs also have proxy options, however. Just purchase a subscription with the VPN provider, and you will automatically be given proxy access.
Are there any Good Free Proxies?
Having to pay to hide your IP address while torrenting or browsing might sound like a hassle. However, if you want a free service, you will get “free” quality which means VASTLY slower speeds, bandwidth caps, data logging, and poor service maintenance as well as lackluster customer support.
With a paid proxy or VPN, you get fast speeds, real encryption, and the guarantee that you aren’t being tracked or having your data sold to advertisement companies.
