Given the increasing importance of online privacy and data security, people more often use VPN applications to ensure secure and private web scraping activities.
The use of VPNs can help web scrapers keep off legal charges and prevent their IP addresses from being blocked by sites that employ anti-scraping technologies.
Nevertheless, the number of VPN services is increasing every day making it difficult to select the right VPN for web scraping.
By comparing leading VPN services and analyzing their features, benefits, and drawbacks, this article hopes to assist you in selecting the most suitable VPN fit for your web scraping necessities.
1. ScrapingAnt
Although ScrapingAnt is not a conventional VPN service, it is considered to be the best tool for web scraping services.
ScrapingAnt has the potential to switch IPs and emulate real browser fingerprints to prevent your web scraping process from being detected. The other benefit that it actually doesn't require to use VPN at all.
It prevents search engine bots from identifying web scraping and allows web scraping codes to proceed undisturbed, guaranteeing the efficiency of web scraping operations.
Features
- Use IP rotation and browser fingerprint for web scraping
- Residential and data center proxy pools
- Scalable and reliable infrastructure
- Simple to use API and browser extensions
Pros
- The optimum solution for web scraping
- Bypass anti-scraping measures
- Scalable and reliable infrastructure
- User-friendly tools and integrations
Cons
- Not a conventional VPN service, but a web scraping tool
- Limited to web scraping activities, not general browsing
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a well-known VPN service that offers a secure and private internet connection. It has a vast network of servers worldwide, ensuring fast and reliable connections.
It showcases an array of options like a zero logs policy, double data encryption, and a kill switch, which protects your internet connection even if the VPN connection gets lost.
NordVPN's user-friendly interface allows even newbies to operate without any problems.
Moreover, it provides many significant server locations where you can access your content from a specific place in the world.
Features
- A huge server network consisting of more than 5,400 servers in more than 60 countries
- VPN encryption has been doubled and strengthened for extra security
- Strict no-logs policy
- The build of apps users can run on different devices
- Split-tunneling and built-in ad-blocking are only a few experiences
Pros
- Attention to privacy and security is another important factor
- Quick and reliable connections
- User-friendly interface
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- No free trial
- The monthly plan is a bit expensive
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best virtual private network applications that provides users with the utmost security and privacy.
It employs a strong encryption algorithm such as OpenVPN, which makes your data completely secure and locked.
On top of that, ExpressVPN employs a strict no-logs policy, meaning that it has no history of your online activities.
It is good for downloading and streaming because of its high speed and stable connection.
Features
- A network of servers in 94 countries
- High-end secure protocols will be used to provide adequate security for the users’ data
- Strict no-logs policy
- VPN split tunneling and killswitch
- 24/7 live chat customer service
Pros
- High-speed and fault-tolerant internet connection
- User-friendly and cross-platform Apps
- Excellent customer support
- Strict privacy and security regulations
Cons
- Fewer server locations than competitors
- The price of it overrides the price of some other competitors
4. Surfshark
In the comparison of VPNs, Surfshark provides one of the best VPN services attracting customers with its high quality and affordable prices.
It implements strong encryption protocols to shield your data and has a no-logs policy, which means that it won't store any information about your online activity.
However, the company has other advanced features, such as a kill switch and multi-hop VPN, which adds an additional layer of safety.
Features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- MultiHop (Double VPN) functionality
- CleanWeb ad-blocker
- Strict no-logs policy
- Split-tunneling and kill switch functions
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strong security features
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- A smaller server network than some of the competitors.
- Newcomer in the market.
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is one of the most popular VPNs loaded with features designed to protect your online privacy and security.
It is very intuitive and easy to use, so even people without much experience can handle it.
The number of servers that CyberGhost has located all around the world makes it a perfect choice for accessing content that is not available in different regions.
It also preserves a no-logs policy, which means it doesn't keep any details on your online activities.
Features
- Over 7000 servers in 91 countries
- Strict no-logs policy
- Automatic kill switch
- Ads and malware blockers
- Split tunneling and dedicated IP alternatives
Pros
- Large server network
- User-friendly apps
- Affordable pricing
- Strong security features
Cons
- Certain futuristic features are extras that are reserved for the premium package
- Limited customization options
6. ProtonVPN
In the VPN providers list, ProtonVPN is among the best VPN software from Switzerland, with a focus on privacy and security issues.
It ensures strong encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and sophisticated features, including Secure Core, which sends your traffic through multiple servers for greater security.
ProtonVPN also has a free version that can be used by those who would like to check it out and test it before subscribing to a premium membership.
Features
- Secure Core (Multi-hop VPN)
- Strict no-logs policy
- Advanced encryption protocols
- Free tier available
- Ad and malware blocker
Pros
- Big emphasis on privacy and security
- Additional Secure Core function for extra security
- Free tier available
- User-friendly apps
Cons
- A smaller number of servers are available than other competitors
- There are some limitations to the free tier
7. Hola VPN
Hola VPN is a free VPN service that is popular among users because of its simplicity and ease of use.
It is a peer-to-peer VPN service that allows users to access websites that are blocked in their region.
However, it is important to note that Hola VPN has been criticized for its security and privacy issues, so it is not recommended for users who are looking for a high level of security and privacy.
Features
- Free VPN service
- Peer-to-peer VPN
- Easy to use
- Access to blocked websites
- Available on multiple platforms
- No logs policy
- Paid plan available, which won't be a peer-to-peer VPN
Pros
- Free VPN service
- Peer-to-peer VPN, which enables thousands of servers
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Security and privacy issues
- No direct IP addresses to use for web scraping
- Not recommended for high-security activities
8. IPVanish
When making a VPN comparison, IPvanish comes out as the best VPN provider with an array of features to guarantee your safety and privacy in the online world.
It provides strong encryption to secure your info and follows the no-logs policy.
Subsequently, IPVanish has plenty of server locations that will work to access content from all over the world.
It delivers high speeds and reliable connectivity, which allows it to be used for streaming or downloading content.
Features
- Over 1,600 servers in 75+ places
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strict no-logs policy
- The kill switch and split-tunneling feature
- Advanced encryption protocols
Pros
- The high-speed and stable connections
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- User-friendly apps
- Strong security features
Cons
- A small number of servers are available compared to some of the rivals
- Customer support is an area that can be improved
9. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a VPN service that is known for its simplicity and ease of use.
It provides strong encryption to secure your data and has a no-logs policy to ensure your privacy.
TunnelBear has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for people who are not tech-savvy. It also has a free version that allows you to test it out before committing to a paid plan.
Features
- Strong encryption
- No-logs policy
- User-friendly interface
- Split-tunneling and kill switch
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Premium features for premium users
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly apps
VPN Comparison: Key Factors to Consider
When performing web scraping activities, choosing the right VPN provider is crucial for ensuring security, performance, and reliability.
Here are the key factors to consider when comparing popular VPNs and the best VPN providers:
1. Server Network and Locations
The size and geographical distribution of a VPN provider's server network play a significant role in web scraping performance.
A larger network with servers located closer to the target websites can result in faster speeds and better connectivity, which is essential for efficient scraping operations.
Web scrapers should extract data on the number of servers and their locations to evaluate the provider's ability to offer optimal performance for scraping activities.
2. Security and Privacy Features
Web scraping often operates in a legal gray area, making robust security and privacy features a top priority.
Web scrapers should gather information on the encryption protocols used by VPN providers, implementation of perfect forward secrecy, and comprehensive no-logging policies.
Advanced features like split tunneling and multi-hop connections should also be evaluated, as they can provide additional layers of protection and anonymity for scraping activities.
3. Speed and Performance
Web scraping can be resource-intensive, involving large data transfers and frequent connections.
Web scrapers should extract data on the VPN provider's ability to offer rapid and stable connections, as this directly impacts the efficiency and success rate of scraping operations.
Providers with optimized performance for data-intensive activities should be prioritized.
4. Simultaneous Connections
For large-scale web scraping projects or teams working simultaneously, the ability to establish multiple concurrent connections is valuable.
Web scrapers should know the number of connections supported by each VPN provider to assess their suitability for web scraping use cases requiring multiple concurrent sessions.
5. Pricing and Subscription Plans
While security and performance are paramount for web scraping, pricing and subscription plans should also be considered, especially for long-term or commercial projects.
Web scrapers should extract data on VPN providers' various subscription plans, including their pricing, to evaluate the most cost-effective solution for their specific web scraping needs.
6. User Experience and Customer Support
An easy-to-use interface and reliable customer support can be beneficial for web scrapers, especially when troubleshooting issues or configuring advanced settings.
Web scrapers should gather information on the provider's user interface and the quality of customer support to ensure seamless integration with their scraping tools and workflows.
Conclusion
Determining the best VPN for your web scraping needs requires thoroughly analyzing and comparing the top VPN applications available.
By evaluating key factors relevant for web scraping, you can make an informed decision and identify the virtual private network solution that aligns with your specific requirements.
It's important to note that while VPNs can be valuable tools for ensuring privacy and security during web scraping activities, they should be used responsibly and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.