If you're serious about web scraping, you'll quickly realize proxy servers are critical to any web scraping project. Without them, you'll likely encounter various issues, including blocks or restricted content. But it doesn't end there: you also have to choose the right type and provider. Otherwise, the result may be counterproductive.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to choose proxies for scrapers: types, features, comparisons, and more.
Proxies and web scraping: The dynamic duo
Simply put, web scraping is the process of extracting large quantities of data from websites in an automated way. It's then used for various purposes, such as SEO monitoring, brand protection, and more.
However, some websites implement anti-bot measures like IP bans, geo-restrictions, and CAPTCHAs. Often, this is done to prevent malicious actors from harming websites, but it may affect you, too, even if your actions are ethical and legal. Either way, proxy servers are the be-all and end-all to avoid running into said issues. Let's dive a little deeper to learn why that is.
Understanding proxies
Proxy servers act as intermediaries between your scraping tool and the target website. By routing your requests through different proxy IP addresses, proxies help you avoid detection and bypass restrictions like IP bans and geographical limitations. They can also handle CAPTCHAs and ensure that your scraping process goes uninterrupted. Long story short, IP bans, CAPTCHAs, and geographical restrictions are the most common scraping issues proxies help with.
Proxy types for web scraping: comparison
Not only do you need to use proxies for scrapers, but you also have to choose the right proxy type. That is correct – there are numerous proxy types with different capabilities. So, how do you decide which one to go with?
When choosing a proxy for web scraping, it's important to consider factors such as scale, target websites, budget, speed, and security.
Here's a comparison of different types of proxies:
| Proxy type | Scale | Speed | Security | Budget | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Proxies | Medium-high | Medium | High | $$ | High anonymity, diverse IP pool | Expensive |
| Datacenter Proxies | High | High | Medium | $ | Fast, cost-effective | Higher IP block risk |
| Mobile Proxies | Medium | Medium | High | $$$ | Mobile-specific targets, harder to detect | Expensive |
What are other proxy categories?
In the table above, we have covered proxy types (Datacenter, Mobile, ISP, and Residential Proxies) determined by their origin, e.g., from a data center or an internet provider. However, these same proxies can be split into further categories according to their protocol or whether they're used by several users or one. Let's dissect them:
Dedicated Proxies are exclusively used by one user at a time, ensuring high speed and reliability.
Shared Proxies are shared by multiple users, making them more affordable but less reliable.
HTTP/HTTPS Proxies are used for general web scraping and support HTTP/HTTPS protocols.
SOCKS5 Proxies support any traffic and offer better performance and security for various protocols.
Finally, we have a video where our Product Owner, Mindaugas, explains common proxy types and gives tips on choosing the right one.
Proxy management
Unfortunately, getting proxies for your web scraping project won't cut it – you must also take care of their management. Effective proxy server management includes rotating them to avoid detection, managing headers and sessions, and using user agents to mimic different browsers. If that sounds like many steps, it is, but you can use a proxy management extension to make it easier.
Common issues and tips
Web scraping can sometimes be challenging due to issues like IP bans, CAPTCHAs, and slow performance. You can check the full list of tips on how to scrape without getting blocked.
Here are a few main tips to overcome these challenges:
Rotate proxies frequently: This helps in avoiding detection by target websites.
Use headless browsers: Such browsers mimic real user behavior, reducing the chance of getting blocked.
Implement rate limiting: To avoid overwhelming the target server and getting banned.
Scrapers with optional proxies
Programming languages like Python that provide dedicated web scraping libraries, browser extensions, and apps like Octoparse and ScrapingBot offer simple, few-step proxy server integration. Here, you have to procure and add your own proxies, specifying protocol, host, port, and proxy user credentials.
Ready-made proxy scrapers
Ready-made web scrapers are the easiest way to start extracting data without much or any setup. Tools like Apify and Webscraper.io come with proxies out of the box, and you don’t have to procure and integrate your own proxies. Such scrapers are easier to use but might be limited if you’re into more serious tasks requiring precise proxy management, such as combining several proxy types.
Scraper APIs
If you’re familiar with programming, you can get all-in-one scraper APIs. For example, Oxylabs offers a Web Scraper API for collecting public data from most websites, search engines, and e-commerce marketplaces.
Our Web Scraper API handles all web scraping complexities, including proxies, session management, and rotating user agents. It provides a seamless scraping experience, allowing you to focus on extracting valuable data without worrying about the technical details.
Choosing a proxy provider
Be cautious of free proxy services, as they often compromise web scraping performance. Free proxies could be overused, and their providers might be unable to afford quality features such as good uptimes, precise targeting options, scaling, and low response rates. Paid proxy providers can afford to deliver good all-around performance and high web scraping success rates.
To choose a proxy provider, calculate your scope and budget and see what’s on offer. Some providers are oriented towards lone users and small businesses with lower costs (e.g., Smartproxy, Webshare), while others offer premium features focusing on enterprise clients (e.g., Oxylabs, Bright Data).
Wrapping up
We hope you found our brief guide to choosing proxies helpful. Web scraping can be quite challenging, but if you have the right tools (proxies, of course) and methods, you'll get around it in no time.
Frequently asked questions
Why do you need proxies for web scraping?
Proxies are essential for web scraping because they allow you to distribute requests across multiple proxy IP addresses, preventing websites from detecting and blocking web scraping. Many websites implement rate limits and IP bans to protect against automated web scraping.
By using proxy services, you can bypass these restrictions, avoid getting your IP address banned, and access geo-restricted content. However, free proxies might get you blocked as they’re often overused. Try to use free proxies for smaller tasks only.
What is a proxy scraper?
A proxy scraper is any kind of web scraping tool that allows you to integrate proxies for higher chances of successful web data extraction.
How many proxies do you need for web scraping?
The number of proxies needed depends on the scale of your scraping project. For large-scale scraping, multiple proxy servers are recommended to distribute the load and avoid detection.
How to set a proxy for web scraping?
Setting a proxy involves configuring your web scraping tool to route requests through the proxy. Most scraping tools provide options to set proxy servers, including specifying the proxy server, port, username, and password.
Is a VPN or proxy better for web scraping?
Proxy services are generally better for web scraping due to their ability to handle high volumes of requests and rotate IP addresses. VPNs are more suited for secure browsing and accessing restricted content.
What is the best proxy for Google scraping?
Residential proxies are often considered the best for Google scraping due to their high anonymity and lower chance of being blocked.
Do I need a proxy list?
Yes, having a list of datacenter proxies is essential for rotating IP proxy addresses and avoiding detection while scraping.
By understanding the role of proxies and effectively managing them, you can enhance your web scraping activities and gather valuable data without facing significant hurdles. Whether you need residential, datacenter, mobile, or ISP proxies, make sure to choose the right proxy services and proxy server type for your specific needs and budget.
About the author
Roberta Aukstikalnyte
Senior Content Manager
Roberta Aukstikalnyte is a Senior Content Manager at Oxylabs. Having worked various jobs in the tech industry, she especially enjoys finding ways to express complex ideas in simple ways through content. In her free time, Roberta unwinds by reading Ottessa Moshfegh's novels, going to boxing classes, and playing around with makeup.
All information on Oxylabs Blog is provided on an "as is" basis and for informational purposes only. We make no representation and disclaim all liability with respect to your use of any information contained on Oxylabs Blog or any third-party websites that may be linked therein. Before engaging in scraping activities of any kind you should consult your legal advisors and carefully read the particular website's terms of service or receive a scraping license.
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