In arbitrage marketing, SEO, or SMM, every detail of the technical infrastructure can significantly impact the results. The stability of advertising campaigns in Google Ads, the correct management of multiple TikTok or Facebook accounts, and practical parsing of search engines — all this depends on the tool you use for traffic routing. And here the eternal question arises: which protocol to choose — SOCKS4 or SOCKS5?

The Proxyca company, which provides residential proxies from more than 200 countries, often faces this question from its clients. Its service, where IP addresses are changed literally "in one click" through a convenient Telegram bot, solves the problem of flexibility and stability, but understanding the protocols remains the basis for a competent choice. Therefore, let's figure out how the proxy server SOCKS4 differs from its more advanced version, SOCKS5, and in what cases to use which one.

SOCKS4 acts as a middleman for your internet connection, keeping your real IP hidden and balancing the load. Since it operates at the TCP level, it doesn't check what’s inside the traffic. Think of it as a simple tunnel — your data goes through it, and the proxy just passes it along to the final destination.

However, this solution has its own specifics, which must be taken into account. SOCKS4 does not support working with UDP. Additionally, it is limited to IPv4 only and provides a basic identification scheme through a user ID. For those times when it appeared, this was enough. But everything has changed — in the modern digital business, more flexibility is often required.

In practice, SOCKS4 is a straightforward method for transmitting requests. Its essence is that it does not analyze the data, nor does it interfere with the process. It only acts as a so-called connecting bridge between the user and the end server.

If we provide a formal definition, it becomes clear that SOCKS4 is a protocol for redirecting TCP connections through a remote proxy server. Its key task is to provide access to the desired resource without disclosing the actual IP address. Unlike more modern solutions, it does not work with domain names directly and is limited to IP addresses only.

You should understand that SOCKS4 does not deal with encryption. In this case, security is achieved by "masking" the real address and using an intermediate node. That is why we cannot talk about full-fledged protection in the modern sense. However, for simple tasks, its capabilities are sufficient. It is perfect for checking site availability, easy parsing, or running basic scripts.

Proxy Socks 4 is a tool that allows you to change the route and hide your IP address. However, it does not add complex functions and does not solve the problem of anonymization at the data level. Because of these features, people often choose it when they need speed and minimal setup, rather than maximum security or handling complex network scenarios.

To truly understand the difference, it will be helpful to compare both protocols. The question of "socks 4 vs 5" is not just a technical formulation. It is a choice between simplicity and versatility.

Before we get into the details, SOCKS4 and SOCKS5 are similar at their core. Both options create an intermediate link between the client and the server. However, if you dig deeper, everyone will be able to notice that the differences manifest themselves in capabilities, level of protection, and ease of use.

Now, let's see where SOCKS4 can still be helpful. Despite several limitations, it remains relevant in certain instances.

Firstly, such a proxy will be handy and relevant for straightforward tasks with simple requirements. These can be simple scripts that need to connect to a site and get a response.

The second important point is old systems or software. As a rule, they do not support more modern protocols. And finally, SOCKS4 can be relevant where minimal delay in establishing a connection is critical.

The prominent examples of using SOCKS4:

• parsing small amounts of data via TCP;
• lightweight bots for checking service availability;
• old applications where there is no support for new protocols;
• cost-effective scenarios where the speed of starting connections is essential.

Thus, SOCKS4 proxies are a solution for specific and straightforward tasks where there is no need for advanced functionality. However, if you work with large projects, then pay attention to more powerful and modern options.

If the fourth model can be compared to a simple door key, then SOCKS5 is a whole set of tools that allows you to open different locks. Thanks to support for UDP, IPv6, and flexible authentication, the updated proxy has become a de facto standard for most modern projects.

You should understand that SOCKS5 does not replace VPN and does not solve all problems "for you". Its strength lies in its versatility and flexibility. It is attractive because it is suitable for complex cases where SOCKS4 "doesn't make it".

Among the common scenarios where the use of SOCKS5 will be most relevant, we can highlight the following:

• Launching advertising campaigns on Google Ads, TikTok, and Facebook. For traffic arbitrage specialists, one account mustn't "burn" another. SOCKS5 allows for flexible IP and country changes, as well as hiding DNS requests. Thus, you reduce the likelihood of mass blocking.
• Multidisciplinary SMM. When managing accounts for various brands across multiple countries, this proxy option proves to be a convenient tool. It allows you to switch between profiles without the risk of suspicious activity.
• SEO and data parsing. For specialists who collect large amounts of information from search engines or marketplaces, this tool will be particularly convenient due to its IPv6 support and ability to work with UDP. Even large-scale projects will be more stable.
• Automation and bot development. This is where SOCKS5 comes into its own. This is because bots for monitoring, parsing, or even game farming work more reliably when they have access to a broader range of network functions.
• Crypto and Web3 tasks. When farming airdrops or validating multiple wallets, this proxy option enables you to easily manage the distribution of connections and minimize the risk of detection.

As you can see, SOCKS5 is the choice for those who work on a large scale and value stability. It is no coincidence that in Proxyca, clients working with crypto and arbitrage often choose this option.

When discussing Socks 4 and 5, it is essential to understand that each protocol has its advantages and disadvantages. SOCKS4 is sometimes perceived as an outdated protocol, but it remains a functional and in-demand protocol. SOCKS5, on the contrary, is considered the "gold standard", although it also has features that may not always be convenient.

So what does "advantage" mean? What is meant by this concept? This provides you with additional flexibility and the ability to implement tasks more easily. And a "limitation" is a barrier that may require a workaround. The advantages and limitations of SOCKS4 are presented in the following table.

SOCKS5 also has its strengths and limitations. You should consider both sides, as only then can you understand how suitable this product is for you. You can view the details in the table below.

Thus, both protocols have a right to exist. The first one is suitable for simple scenarios, but the second one will perfectly handle large-scale projects that require high standards.

Now the main question: what to choose in practice? If you work with a couple of scripts and do not want to delve into technical details, a simpler version of the protocol is sufficient. It is suitable for light tasks where speed and minimal setup are essential.

If you are an arbitrageur with dozens of accounts and advertising launched simultaneously in different countries, you should pay attention to a more functional protocol. The same applies to SEO specialists and SMM managers. This is because when working with large amounts of data and multiple connections, it provides more opportunities for flexibility and control.

We can say this: Proxies Socks 4 is an "economy solution", and the extended protocol is a "premium tool". Although setting up the latter may require a little more effort, the result is worth it and justifies the resources spent.

SOCKS4 and SOCKS5 are not competitors but two levels of the same tool. The first is suitable for simple and easy tasks, while the second is for large-scale and flexible projects. Digital professionals from fields ranging from SEO to cryptocurrency choose them based on specific functions.

The main thing is not the protocol itself, but how high-quality the service you use is. Proxyca provides access to over 200 countries. You can change the IP in one click. What's most interesting is that the cost starts at $3 for 30 days. For specialists, this means fewer problems with blocking, increased stability, and greater confidence in the results.