Guide
VPN vs proxy: what is the difference and which one do you need?
Both a VPN and a proxy send your traffic through another server, so they are often confused. The real difference is scope: a VPN covers the whole device, a proxy usually covers one app — typically the browser. Here is when each makes sense, with FollowNet’s iPhone app and Chrome extension as examples.
What a proxy does
A proxy is a server that forwards requests for one application. You configure it in that app — most often the browser — and only that app’s traffic goes through it. Many proxies do not encrypt anything themselves; secure ones use encrypted connections, but the coverage is still limited to the configured app.
What a VPN does
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel at the system level. On iPhone, FollowNet uses Apple’s Network Extension, so Safari, messengers, mail, games and system services all go through the tunnel while it is on. You do not configure each app separately, and apps that ignore proxy settings are covered too.
FollowNet uses both — on different devices
On iPhone and iPad, FollowNet is a full VPN for the whole device. On a desktop computer, the FollowNet Chrome extension works as a browser proxy: it protects Chrome tabs with the same account, adds an optional browser Kill Switch, ad and tracker lists, and per-site routing. It does not cover Slack, Zoom or other desktop apps.
When a proxy is enough
If you only need to protect web browsing on a laptop — for example in a café or a shared office — a browser proxy is light, quick to switch on and does not touch the rest of the system. Per-site routing lets you send only chosen sites through it while others stay direct.
When you want a VPN
Whenever apps outside the browser matter — messengers, mail, banking apps, games, calls — you want a system VPN. On a phone this is almost always the case, which is why FollowNet on iOS is a VPN, not a proxy.
Choosing in practice
- On iPhone or iPad: install the FollowNet app — it covers every app.
- On a laptop where you only browse: add the FollowNet Chrome extension.
- Sign in to both with the same email — the account and plan are shared.
- Use per-site routing in Chrome if only some sites should go through the proxy.
VPN vs proxy side by side
| VPN (FollowNet iOS) | Proxy (FollowNet Chrome) | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | All apps on the device | Browser tabs only |
| Setup | One iOS permission, then one tap | Install extension, sign in |
| Encryption | Whole tunnel to the VPN server | Browser traffic to the proxy |
| Kill Switch | Auto-connect rules on iOS | Browser Kill Switch |
| Best for | Phones, all-app protection | Laptop browsing in public places |
Key points
- Proxy: one app (usually the browser); VPN: the whole device
- FollowNet on iPhone is a system VPN via Network Extension
- FollowNet for Chrome is a browser proxy with Kill Switch and routing
- One account and plan across both
- Messengers, calls and banking apps need a VPN, not a browser proxy
FAQ
Is a proxy less secure than a VPN?
Not necessarily for the traffic it covers, but it covers less. Anything outside the configured app is unprotected.
Is there a FollowNet VPN app for Mac or Windows?
Today FollowNet focuses on iPhone/iPad and the Chrome extension for desktop browsing.
Can I use the iPhone app and Chrome extension together?
Yes, with the same account. Premium covers up to five devices.
Does the Chrome extension hide my IP from websites?
For sites opened in Chrome through the proxy, websites see the proxy server’s address.