HTTP Proxy Server
HTTP proxies use the HTTP protocol and are not configured by the user. Instead, they are either configured by the browser or within the website’s interface. The HTTP proxy works exclusively with web content and cannot be used for any other data types.

HTTP proxies allow users to browse the web with a different IP address but do not offer any additional privacy or security. All user activity is still visible over the Internet, the same as without a proxy.

While some HTTP proxies allow users to connect to HTTPS websites, enabling encrypted internet connections, this is not always the case. HTTP proxies may completely filter out HTTPS connections or only allow users to connect to unsecured versions of a website, even if it also allows secure connections.

Many HTTP proxies are free and monetize their services by injecting ads into the unsecured connection. Users should exercise caution when accessing HTTP proxies.

HTTPS Proxy Server
The HTTPS proxy (also called SSL Proxy) works similarly to the HTTP proxy but differs in that it establishes secure connections. The HTTPS proxy works exclusively with web content and cannot be used for any other data types.

HTTPS proxies encrypt all web traffic using the HTTPS protocol. HTTPS websites are already encrypted through SSL certificates, offering users private and secure connections. If a user connects to an HTTPS website via an HTTPS proxy, their connection is doubly secured.

SOCKS Proxy Server
The SOCKS (SOCKets Secure) proxy allows any type of traffic that is compatible with the SOCKS5 protocol. The SOCKS5 protocol routes users’ traffic through a third-party server – SOCKS proxy server – via TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).

SOCKS proxies do not offer their own encryption. They can only operate through secured connections if the website/app they are working with uses encryption itself.

Most SOCKS proxy servers support SHH, which enables secure connections with apps that also support SHH. It’s important to note that even with SHH enabled, SOCKS proxies do not guarantee anonymity.