A SOCKS proxy performs the functions of any other proxies by rerouting traffic on behalf of a user’s device. However, it differs from a regular web proxy because it’s more versatile. A web proxy deals exclusively in HTTP and HTTPS protocols, but SOCKS proxies handle all types of traffic. As a result, its usage in online activities, communication, and interactions is more wide-ranging. This article explores why SOCKS proxies are important, how to set them up on Windows devices, and how to select the right SOCKS proxies.
What is Socks Proxy & Why it’s Important
A SOCKS (Socket Secure) proxy is a tool that acts as an intermediary between a client’s device and the destination server of a website or application. They perform the functions of a traditional proxy. However, they are general-purpose. That is, where an HTTP or HTTPS proxy can handle only web traffic, SOCKS proxies operate at the transport layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model and handle all types of traffic. Currently, there are two types of SOCKS proxies: SOCKS4 and SOCKS5. The right setup of either of those proxies can provide the following benefits:
- Optimized traffic routing to reduce latency and quicken up loading and connection speeds for real-time applications like online gaming, streaming, e-commerce price monitoring, etc.
- Enhanced security to complicate the work of online trackers like cookies and tracking pixels while providing authentication support for more privacy (in the case of SOCKS5).
- Stable connections that suffer less downtimes and interruptions.
- Versatility to handle various protocols, including HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), makes it useful for a wide range of applications.
How to setup SOCKS Proxy on Windows
There are many ways to set up a SOCKS proxy on a Windows device. The four most common methods are available below.
Setting up the SOCKS proxy via Windows settings
Here are the steps to set up the proxy by navigating through the settings of the operating system:
Open Windows settings
Users can do this by clicking the start button and selecting settings or simply searching for it. Once within the settings, open ‘Network and Internet’.
Access proxy settings
Select ‘ Proxy ‘ in the menu bar on the left-hand side of the screen. Navigate to the section titled ‘manual proxy setup’.
Manual proxy setup
Under these settings, toggle on the “Use a Proxy Server” option and enter the SOCKS proxy server details into the appropriate fields (proxy server address and port). If you wish to avoid using the proxy to access local addresses and resources, check the “Bypass Proxy Server for Local Addresses” option.
Save the settings
Click the “save” button at the bottom of the page to apply the settings.
Setting up the SOCKS proxy through a web browser (using Google Chrome as an example)
The following steps detail how to access system proxy settings and set up a SOCKS proxy via Chrome settings:
Open Google Chrome and access its settings
Open the browser and click on the three-dot menu icon in the corner. Scroll down the options that appear and select settings.
Open system settings
Scroll down the menu bar on the left and select ‘system’. You may need to click on advanced settings to access this option. Within the system settings, click on the “open the computer’s proxy settings” option.
Manual proxy setup
Under these settings, toggle on the option for “Use a Proxy Server” and enter the SOCKS proxy server details into the appropriate fields (proxy server address and port). If you wish to avoid using the proxy to access local addresses and resources, check the “Bypass Proxy Server for Local Addresses” option.
Setting up a SOCKS proxy through a browser extension
Here is a summary of how to set up a SOCKS proxy using a proxy extension:
Install the extension
Research available proxy extensions for the browser of your choice and install a reliable option.
Configure proxy settings
Open the extension settings and a new proxy server or profile. When it shows appropriate fields for the proxy server information, input those of the SOCKS proxy. Add any necessary rules or exceptions guiding the activity of the proxy on certain types of traffic or URLs. Save the proxy profile or server.
Activate the proxy
Activate the saved SOCKS proxy by enabling it on the extension interface.
Setting up a SOCKS proxy through third-party software
Here is how to set up a SOCKS proxy using third-party proxy client software:
Download the software
Research reliable proxy vendors that use the software. Select a reliable vendor and install the software.
Add a new proxy server
Open the settings of the proxy software and add a new proxy server. Enter the SOCKS proxy server details into the appropriate fields. Add any necessary rules or exceptions guiding the activity of the proxy on certain types of traffic or URLs. Save the proxy server settings.
Select the proxy
Go back to the proxy software interface and select the SOCKS proxy from among your proxies.
How to check Windows proxy settings
There are different ways to check proxy settings and confirm p[roxy activity on Windows. Some of them are:
- Checking existing proxy settings on Windows. Open Windows settings and navigate through network and internet settings to proxy settings, same as above. However, instead of changing the proxy settings or disabling them, check to ascertain their accuracy and correct whatever errors there may be.
- Test connectivity. Open your web browser and try to access a site that should be available to your proxy location, but ordinarily be unavailable to you. If you can access it, the proxy works, then the proxy settings are active and in order.
- Check the IP address. Visit a website that shows your IP address to compare the visible location to the one your proxy server claims to provide .One such website is whatismyip.com. If the IP address displayed by the website matches that of the proxy server, then the proxy settings are in place as they should be.
- Using Google Chrome. Proxy users can access their proxy settings through the system settings of their Chrome browser.
- Using third-party software and extensions. This method is applicable if a third-party software application or extension provides the proxy activity. Users can change the proxy settings within the extension and application settings..
How to Choose the Right Socks Proxy
There are many proxy vendors on the market. As such, it is important to consider factors that can simplify the decision-making process. Some of these factors include:
- Needs. Proxies, especially SOCKS proxies, have many uses on the market. Some of them are web scraping, multi-account creation, transfer fare aggregation, etc. Different types of proxies are more suitable for different use cases.
- Proxy type. There are many classifications of proxies. Based on the nature of their IPs, proxies can be residential, datacenter, ISP, or mobile proxies. Other classifications could label proxies as HTTP proxies, HTTPS proxies, SOCKS4 proxies, SOCKS5 proxies, elite proxies, transparent proxies, etc.
- Geographic coverage and IP pool size. If you have a hobby, job, or task requiring simulation of multiple locations, you need a SOCKS proxy with wide coverage. Ideally, it should also have a sizable IP pool for flexible connectivity within the location, where needed.
- Performance. The performance of the SOCKS proxy and its provider also makes a lot of difference. Not all proxies from the same vendor perform the same, and proxy server location relative to that of the user and destination server can also make a difference.
- Reliability. A reliable proxy server suffers from limited downtimes and interruptions that could interfere with proxy-facilitated activity.
- Customer support. Of what use is the best SOCKS proxy if you can’t maximize its potential? Reliable and available customer support helps confused users fix issues and get the best out of their proxies. As such, this should be one of your considerations when searching for the right SOCKS proxy.
- Cost. Finances should play a part in whatever decision you make. Opt for a SOCKS proxy that offers the best balance between cost and features you need.
Proxy Cheap does a great job of curating proxies with features, characteristics and price ranges that make them applicable to many use cases. Here are some other intangibles that help Proxy Cheap stand out as a vendor of SOCKS proxies:
- Rapid connection and download speeds of up to 100mbps
- The ability of their proxies to support up to 100 concurrent connections without significant drops in quality
- Provision of a dashboard and proxy manager extension to help users get the best out of their purchases
- Flexible pricing that includes discounts, bulk promotion deals, and short-term deals for interested clients
