In a world where personal data protection is a major concern, many solutions exist to improve its online confidentiality. Among them, VPN, incognito mode and proxy are often mentioned as effective means of navigating the Internet by limiting the risks of spying and monitoring. However, these tools do not fulfill the same functions and do not offer the same level of protection. In this article, we detail their differences, leu
When you browse the internet, your online activities leave traces. Whether by cookies, IP addresses, or connection newspapers, the information you share involuntarily can be used by companies, hackers or even certain governments.
To protect themselves against these intrusions, three technologies are commonly used:
- The VPN (Virtual Private Network): a solution that figures your data and masks your IP address.
- Incognito mode: a functionality of browsers to limit the conservation of historical and cookies.
- Proxy: an intermediate server that hides your IP address but without encrypting data.
However, these tools have fundamental differences and do not serve the same objectives. Let us decipher together their characteristics and their uses.
Our selection of the best VPNs of the moment:
VPN: complete protection for confidentiality and security
A VPN, or virtual private network, is an advanced solution to encrypt your entire Internet traffic and hide your IP address. This means that neither your Internet access provider (ISP) nor hackers can easily monitor your activities online.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN works by redirecting your connection through a remote server located in another country or another region. This redirection changes your IP address, which allows you to hide your real location. In addition, applied encryption ensures that your data remains confidential, even if it is intercepted.
The advantages of VPN:
- Increased confidentiality: your ISP and websites cannot follow your activity.
- Improved safety: protection against hacking, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Access to restricted content: Possibility of bypassing censorship and geographic restrictions (Netflix, YouTube, etc.).
The disadvantages of VPN:
- Can slow down connection: encryption and passing through a remote server can reduce speed.
- Some services detect and block it: some platforms, such as Netflix, block certain VPNs.
- Paid for good quality: the best VPNs are rarely free.
Good to know: Not all VPNs are created equal. It is crucial to choose a VPN with a “no-log” policy to ensure that none of your data is stored. |
See also: Our price comparator of VPN offers
Incognito mode: an illusion of confidentiality?
Incognito (or private navigation) mode is a functionality of browsers that limits local data preservation, such as browsing history and cookies.
What is the operation of the incognito mode?
When you activate incognito mode, your browser stops saving certain information such as cookies, history and temporary files. However, this does not prevent your ISP, websites or your employer from seeing what you do online.
The advantages of the incognito mode:
- Do not store navigation history: ideal not to leave traces on the device used.
- Automatically erases cookies and sessions: useful for avoiding advertising tracking.
- Simple and quick to use: accessible directly from all modern browsers.
The disadvantages of the incognito mode:
- Do not hide the IP address: you remain visible by your ISP and the websites.
- Do not figure the data: your Internet traffic is not protected.
- Do not block advanced follow -up: certain technologies, such as FingerPrinting, always allow you to identify you.
Attention : The incognito mode does not protect you from spy software or malicious attacks.
Proxy: an intermediate alternative
A proxy is a server that serves as an intermediary between your device and the Internet. It allows you to hide your IP address without offering end -to -end encryption as a VPN does.
How does a proxy work?
When you use a proxy, your internet requests go through a remote server before reaching their destination. This allows you to hide your IP address, but your data is not encrypted.
The advantages of the proxy:
- Mask IP address: useful for accessing geographically restricted content.
- Can be fast: less overload than a VPN.
- Some are free: available without subscription.
The disadvantages of the proxy:
- No encryption: your data can be intercepted.
- Less reliable than VPNs: some proxies record your activities.
- Do not work with all applications: limited to web navigation in most cases.
Note: A proxy does not replace a VPN in terms of security and data protection. |
Which solution to choose according to your needs?
The choice between a VPN, an incognito mode or a proxy depends above all on your use and your needs in terms of data protection and online confidentiality. Here are some concrete cases to help you choose the most suitable tool:
You just want to navigate without leaving any traces on your device:
Use the incognito mode
If you are using a shared or public computer and you don’t want your history or cookies to be saved, incognito mode is sufficient. However, keep in mind that it does not protect your data from websites, your Internet access provider (ISP) or cybercriminals.
You want to hide your IP address but without advanced encryption:
A proxy may be enough
A proxy is a good option if you want to get around certain geographic restrictions (for example, access a blocked site in your country). It is also useful for light tasks that do not require advanced protection, such as bypassing restrictions on certain sites. However, it does not secure your connection, and your data is visible through intermediaries.
Attention : Some free proxies record your activities and can compromise your confidentiality. Favor proxies of trust.
You are looking to secure your connections and protect your data:
Opt for a VPN
If you use public Wi-Fi networks (cafes, hotels, airports), or if you want to avoid online tracking and protect your communications, a VPN is the best option. It figures your data and masks your IP address, making your navigation safer and private.
Good to know: For maximum confidentiality, favor a VPN which applies a strict policy of “no-log”, that is to say that it does not keep any trace of your online activity. |
You want to get around censorship or access blocked content (Netflix, YouTube, etc.):
VPN or proxy may be suitable
A VPN remains the best option because it goes around the restrictions while encrypting your data. However, for punctual needs, a proxy may be enough. Note that some services like Netflix block certain VPNs and Proxies, so it is important to choose a reliable supplier.
In summary: What tool for what need?
Need | VPN | Incognito mode | Proxy |
Navigate without leaving traces on the computer | NO | YES | NO |
Hide your IP address | YES | NO | YES |
Secure public Wi-Fi connections | YES | NO | NO |
Get around geographic restrictions | YES | NO | YES |
Protection against FAI monitoring and websites | YES | NO | NO |
- If you are looking for a complete safety and confidentiality solution: choose a VPN.
- If you just want to leave local traces: use the incognito mode.
- If you want to hide your IP without advanced encryption: a proxy may be enough.
Depending on your use, you can even combine some of these solutions to optimize your online safety and confidentiality.
Our selection of the best VPNs of the moment:
TO CONCLUDE : Protecting your online data has become a necessity in the face of the many threats that exist on the Internet. However, not all tools are created equal and do not meet the same needs. If you just want to avoid saving your navigation history on your device, incognito mode is a quick, but limited solution. To hide your IP address and access restricted content without quantifying your data, a proxy can be useful, but it does not guarantee optimal protection. Finally, for complete safety and confidentiality, a VPN is the best option, because it is free your connections and prevents monitoring of your online activity. The right choice therefore depends on your use: if you are looking for a temporary and basic solution, incognito mode is enough. For light anonymity, a proxy may be suitable, but if you want real protection against cyberrenchers and online monitoring, a VPN remains the best alternative. In the end, the best approach remains prudence and digital education: understanding the limits of each tool and combining them if necessary makes it possible to maximize your protection on the Internet. See also: Our price comparator of VPN offers |