SOCKS4 or SOCKS5? Understanding the Differences

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.

What Is SOCKS4 Protocol?

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.

SOCKS4 Definition

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.

SOCKS4 and SOCKS5 Comparison

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.

Protocol Comparison: SOCKS4 vs SOCKS5

Before examining the table with technical characteristics, it is essential to understand the general context of the differences between these protocols. In fact, these two protocols serve the same basic function: redirecting traffic through an intermediate server. However, the differences are manifested in such parameters as:

• level of flexibility;
• support for modern network technologies;
• ability to manage the security of connections.

SOCKS4 is a really compact tool. It is ideal for simple tasks where minimal configuration is sufficient. SOCKS5 is the opposite; it has a broader range of tools. That is why it will be better suited for more complex tasks.

Compare the basic characteristics of SOCKS4 vs SOCKS5 visually. The table will help you understand which option is best for you.

Characteristics	SOCKS4	SOCKS5
Connection type	TCP only	TCP + UDP
Address support	IPv4	IPv4 and IPv6
Working with DNS	Only via extension 4a	Remote DNS support
Authentication	Primitive (user-id)	Several methods (password, GSS-API, etc.)
Startup speed	Faster (no negotiation)	Slightly slower (due to method checking)
Functionality	Limited	Flexible, extensible
Scenarios	Older systems, light tasks	Modern projects, arbitration, SMM, SEO

If you scrutinize the table, you will likely notice that SOCKS5 outperforms in terms of features. However, version 4 should not be written off if you are working in niche or simple scenarios.

Security

Security is a key factor when choosing between these two protocols. Although they do not encrypt traffic, they still help hide the real IP and control access to resources.

The fourth-generation proxy offers minimal protection. This is because the identification process is based solely on the user ID. Therefore, it is better to choose it for those situations where strict anonymity is not needed.

As for SOCKS5, it's a slightly different story. This proxy offers advanced security and control features. You can activate various authentication methods and hide DNS requests. Such tools are essential for different areas of application.

In real work, this means that when using SOCKS5, there is a lower risk of being blocked by the service due to suspicious activity, and control over traffic and access becomes more flexible.

Performance

Sometimes you can hear the opinion that SOCKS4 works faster because it does not have additional stages of coordination. This is true, but the difference in speed is minimal. In practice, this indicator often depends on the quality of the network and the service itself.

SOCKS4 is sometimes chosen for simple tasks. You need to establish a connection and make a quick request. However, when faced with situations involving multi-threaded parsing, mass account management, or working with advertising accounts, SOCKS5 proves to be more stable.

UDP support and advanced protocol capabilities help to better cope with modern loads and large amounts of data. You should take such differences and features into account when choosing the proper protocol.

Other Features

Unlike the previous technology, SOCKS5 is characterized by a number of additional features. They make it especially convenient for specialists working with a large number of accounts and data. These features expand the standard proxy capabilities, allowing you to solve problems that version 4 is not capable of.

SOCKS5 has several advantages that make it attractive to practitioners:

• IPv6 and UDP support;
• ability to use remote DNS and hide local requests;
• flexible configuration of authentication methods.

These features make version 5 a more universal tool for traffic arbitrageurs, SEO specialists, and SMM managers. In this regard, based on comparisons of SOCKS5 vs SOCKS4, experts give preference to the more modern version. This is especially true in situations involving large-scale projects and high network loads.

SOCKS4 Use Cases

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.

SOCKS5 Use Cases

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.

Benefits and Limitations of SOCKS 4 and 5

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.

Advantages	Limitations
easy to set up	no UDP support
minimal delay when establishing a connection	no IPv6 support
works excellently even with older applications	primitive authentication scheme that is not popular now
ideal for light TCP tasks where additional features are not needed

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.

Advantages	Limitations
support for both TCP and UDP	slightly more complex setup
IPv6 compatibility	small authentication overhead
flexible authentication and access control
ability to hide DNS queries

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.

SOCKS 4 vs 5: Which One Should You Choose?

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.

Conclusion

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.

FAQs

Is SOCKS5 Better than SOCKS4?

Not always. SOCKS5 has more features, but if the task is simple, then proxy version 4 will do it faster and easier.

Is SOCKS5 Compatible with SOCKS4?

No, they work on different protocols. However, most applications support both options, and you can choose the one you need in the settings.

Is SOCKS5 Stronger than VPN?

These are different tools. SOCKS5 redirects traffic, and VPN creates an encrypted channel. It is impossible to say that one is "stronger" — it all depends on the task.

Is SOCKS4 Safe?

SOCKS4 is safe within its architecture. However, for sensitive data, it is better to use more modern security methods in combination with SOCKS5 or VPN.