Proxy servers fall into three distinct categories based on how well they protect your identity and privacy.
Elite Proxy
Elite proxies, also known as high anonymity proxies, give you the best privacy protection possible. These proxies wipe away all identifying information from HTTP headers. They hide your IP address completely and make sure nobody can tell you're using a proxy. Elite proxies remove important headers from requests like Authorization, From, Proxy-Authorization, Via, and X-Forwarded-For. This makes elite proxies look just like regular users who connect to the internet directly. Their stealth capabilities make them great at getting past anti-bot systems on well-protected websites.
Anonymous Proxy
Anonymous proxies, also called semi-transparent or distorting proxies, sit in the middle ground for privacy. They hide your original IP address but leave some signs that show you're using a proxy. Most anonymous proxies put a fake IP in place of yours in the X-Forwarded-For header. The Via header stays in place, which shows that someone is using a proxy server. This setup works fine for everyday browsing, but websites with tough anti-proxy measures might block you.
Transparent Proxy
Transparent proxies don't give you much privacy, despite what their name suggests. These proxies openly show that you're using them and often reveal your real IP address. They keep your IP visible in the X-Forwarded-For header and show the proxy's IP in the Via header. People often call them "forced proxies" or "intercepting proxies" because users don't know they're there. You'll find them in company networks, schools, and public Wi-Fi spots where they filter content, watch traffic, and save bandwidth through caching. Companies use these proxies to limit website access, check user identity on public networks, and keep an eye on how employees use the internet.
