SOCKS proxies (Socket Secure proxies) are a type of proxy server that relays traffic between a user’s device and a target site or application through a network. Unlike HTTP proxies that only handle web traffic, SOCKS proxies can handle any type of traffic, making them versatile for various applications. However, they are of two kinds: SOCKS4 and SOCKS5 proxies. As a result of the differing types, not all SOCKS proxies are protocol agnostic or provide authentication support. Ignorance, though, can lead to users confusing one type for another. In this article, we differentiate between SOCKS4 and SOCKS5 proxies while recommending the most suitable option for your activities. 

What is a Socks4 Proxy

SOCKS4 proxy is the older version of the proxy that operates on the SOCKS (Socket Secure). Like all other proxies, it handles network traffic through a proxy server. However, unlike HTTP proxies, which operate at the application level of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, SOCKS4 proxies operate at the transport layer. As such, where HTTP proxies can handle HTTP and HTTPS traffic, SOCKS4 routes all types of traffic, including TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) connections.

How do they work?

• Client request. The client application on a user’s device attempts to establish a connection. However, rather than sending its request directly to the destination server of the website or application, it sends it to the proxy server.  

• The Proxy server receives and forwards the request. The SOCKS4 proxy server receives the request and forwards it to the destination server of the target site on behalf of the client. As a result, the request appears to originate from the location and IP of the proxy server.

• The target receives and processes the request. The destination server of the target site receives the request and processes it. It then sends a reply back to the SOCKS proxy server.

1. The proxy server forwards the response. Here, the SOCKS4 proxy server forwards the reply from the target site to the user’s device.

Pros & Cons

Example Use Cases

Web Browsing

Like all proxies, SOCKS4 proxies provide anonymity by hiding the client’s IP address from websites. Moreover, their simplicity, which might be an advantage for modern applications, makes them great value for basic browsing. 

Integration with simple tools

SOCKS4 proxies are ideal for integration with simple tools that do not require complex configuration or any configuration.

Email Clients

They are perfect for routing basic email traffic through a proxy to anonymize the client’s IP address when connecting to email servers.

Legacy Applications

SOCKS4 proxies are ideal for legacy applications and systems that do not support the more advanced SOCKS5 proxies and use basic TCP traffic.

What is a Socks5 Proxy?

SOCKS5 is the more recent type of Socket Secure protocol. It routes network packets between a client and a server through a proxy server. Unlike HTTP proxies, and similar to SOCKS4 proxies, they can work with many types of web traffic including, HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, and FTP. They also support UDP (User Datagram Protocol) which represents an upgrade on SOCKS4 proxies that support only TCP.

How do they work?

1. Client request. The client application on a user’s device attempts to establish a connection. But rather than sendIing its request directly to the destination server of the website or application, it sends it to the server of the proxy.  
2. Authentication: SOCKS5 supports authentication mechanisms if needed to ensure that only authorised users can use the proxy. 
3. The Proxy server receives and forwards the request. The SOCKS5 proxy server receives the request and forwards it to the destination server of the target site on behalf of the client. As a result, the request appears to originate from the location and IL of the proxy server.
4. The target receives and processes the request. The destination server of the target site receives the request and processes it. It then sends a reply back to the SOCKS proxy server.
5. The proxy server forwards the response. Here, the SOCKS5 proxy server forwards the reply from the target site to the user’s device.

Note that SOCKS5 proxies can handle different types of domain addresses and translate between them where necessary. 

Pros & Cons

Example Use Cases

Enhanced privacy

SOCKS5 proxies mask user IP and reroute traffic to provide online anonymity, just like any other proxy. However, they also provide authentication support to secure access to the proxy, thus enhancing the privacy obtainable from their proxies.

Secure data transmission

While SOCKS5 proxies do not intrinsically provide encryption for data transmission, their compatibility with more secure protocols makes them useful for secure data transmission. The available authentication support also makes them suitable for corporate communication and access control.

Optimizing network performance

Their efficiency in data transmission, better performance, low latency, and bandwidth performance make them useful in optimizing networks supporting multiple users. The same benefits can positively impact gaming and streaming experiences.

Torrenting and P2P file sharing

SOCKS5 proxies are popular among torrent users for their ability to efficiently and anonymously transfer data packets. They also protect users from vulnerability to detection and IP blocking.

Socks4 Proxy vs Socks5 Proxy

Security

SOCKS4 provides basic security by acting as an intermediary between a user and websites and applications. They mask IPs, anonymize user traffic, and prevent browser fingerprinting, making it difficult for these sites and applications to associate traffic with the actual user. These proxies, however, lack encryption. SOCKS5 includes more advanced security features compared to SOCKS4. SOCKS5 proxies also lack built-in encryption, but their authentication support nevertheless gives them a security edge over SOCKS4 proxies.

Functionality

A SOCKS4 proxy can only support TCP connections, limiting its use for certain applications like gaming and streaming. In comparison, SOCKS5 proxies support both TCP and UDP connections. Consequently, they support gaming and streaming and are more versatile than SOCKS4 proxies. They also perform DNS lookups, thus allowing their users to connect to servers using domain names instead of IP addresses. 

Protocol

Part of the limited versatility of SOCKS4 proxies is linked their simpler protocol, which limits available features and makes them easier to configure and implement. SOCKS5, on the other hand, employs a more complicated protocol. As such, it supports various authentication methods, including no authentication, username/password authentication, and GSS-API authentication.

SSH (Secure Shell)

While SOCKS4 proxies are usable with SSH tunneling, they typically require external encryption algorithms due to their lack of native support. SOCKS5 proxies have built-in support for SSH tunneling, providing a protocol-supported layer of security for data transmissions.

Authentication

SOCKS4 proxies do not support authentication mechanisms making them a potential security risk. As a result, they are only suitable for environments and scenarios where access control is not a concern. When access control and authentication are a priority, SOCKS5 proxies are the more reasonable option. They can be set to utilize no authentication or employ username/password and GSS-API, the latter of which is useful in enterprise solutions.

Use Cases

The unique blend of functionality, performance and security makes SOCKS5 proxies ideal for operations requiring top performance and security. By extension, they are perfect for enterprise proxy solutions. SOCKS4 proxies are not as suitable for advanced applications but work well for basic browsing tasks and integration with legacy systems/applications.

Performance

The simplicity of a SOCKS4 proxy and its relative lack of features means a low overhead and good performance. SOCKS5 proxies do not have this advantage, and their relatively greater overhead can slow them down in comparison. That said, their versatility is the reason for the overhead, making it a fair trade for users with mixed needs.

Compatibility

SOCKS5 proxies boast compatibility with different traffic types, protocols, and domain addresses. As such, they are a fit for modern applications and systems. Their SOCKS4 counterparts are much simpler and may be incompatible with modern protocols. They, however, are suitable for use with legacy systems that may not work with SOCKS5 proxies. 

Which is better: SOCKS5 or SOCKS4?

• Basic web browsing and legacy systems. SOCKS4 proxies are the better option here because these systems do not require advanced features or UDP support, and the proxies are cheap for the value they need to provide.

• Secure browsing and data transmission. SOCKS5 proxies are recommended here because their enhanced support for encryption and SSH tunneling impact security. Furthermore, they support domain name resolution to help users connect to servers with domain names instead of IPs.

• Online gaming and video streaming. SOCKS5 proxies support UDP traffic, crucial for real-time gaming and streaming apps. They also provide better performance and versatility for applications requiring different traffic types and high data transfer rates. 

• Enterprise environments and controlled access. SOCKS5 proxies are the go-to SOCKS solution for enterprise use and situations where access control is necessary. This is because of their authentication support and versatility.

• Secure remote access and SSH tunneling. The support provided by SOCKS5 proxies for SSH tunneling provides an extra layer of security, encrypting connections and making them a secure way to access remote resources without resorting to VPN use. 

With these in mind, it is important to remember that Proxy Cheap offers a range of proxy types to meet the needs of any client. SOCKS5 proxies are part of that range. Depending on the particular type of proxies users need, they also have the opportunity to opt for the limitedly shared standard proxies or the more private premium proxies. Regardless of the final decision, all our users enjoy the following features of our service:

1. Quality performance. Proxy Cheap proxies are best-in-class, reputable, and high-performing. They boast high-speed connections of up to 10mbps and the ability to facilitate up to 100 concurrent requests without a significant drop in quality.
2. Wide geographical coverage and vast IP pools. Proxy Cheap provides users with an IP pool of over 10 million and coverage in over 100 countries.
3. 24/7 Customer Support. We do our best to help customers get the best out of our proxies. This includes experience-guided onboarding, a dashboard for proxy management, and a proxy manager extension for Chrome. Our ever-available and responsive customer support rounds out the package.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple for users to manage their proxy settings and configurations.
5. Affordable and flexible pricing. Despite top-shelf performance from our proxies, they are pretty affordable. Regardless, Proxy Cheap incorporates flexible pricing to help customers get optimal value for their money. There are also bulk purchase discounts for clients who may need more. 

Augustas Frost

Support Manager

Augustas Frost is a valued contributor at Proxy-Cheap, specializing in proxy-related content. With a knack for simplifying complex topics, he's your go-to source for understanding the world of proxies.
Outside his work, Augustas explores the latest tech gadgets and embarking on hiking adventures.