How do I choose between VPN and proxy?

VPNs encrypt all device traffic through a tunnel. Proxies route specific application traffic through a relay. Different tools for different jobs. VPN: encrypts everything (browser, apps, system), provides privacy from ISP and network, one IP per connection, easy to use, kills switch protects if connection drops. Use for: personal privacy, accessing region-locked content, securing public WiFi, and basic IP masking. Proxy: routes only configured traffic, can rotate IPs, supports multiple simultaneous sessions, granular per-application control. Use for: web scraping, multi-account management, SEO tools, ad verification, and any task requiring multiple simultaneous IPs. For operations work (multi-account, scraping, automation): proxy wins. You need per-session IP control, IP rotation, and the ability to run 10-100 simultaneous sessions with different IPs. VPNs provide one IP for all traffic — useless for parallel operations. For personal privacy and security: VPN wins. Simpler setup, device-wide protection, and reliable encryption. Cost: VPNs are $3-12/month flat. Proxies are $50-500/month depending on IP quality and volume. The cost difference reflects the capability difference.