Do you run a small business? Are you a budding entrepreneur? It’s time you discovered proxies. They’re indispensable in the data-gathering process. By taking advantage of proxies, you’ll make better business decisions. They sit between your device and the internet, thereby concealing your actual IP address. Using proxies implies that you can scrape the web for localized information, be it retail prices or competitor reviews, without revealing who or where you are. Proxies are also great for bypassing CAPTCHAs and anti-scraping detection systems.
Small businesses and casual internet users alike should prioritize digital privacy. Some may use VPNs to protect themselves. In this article, we’re suggesting adding proxies into the mix. These tools offer up millions of IP addresses, which aid web scraping, ad verification, and social media management. Furthermore, proxies come in different types, each suiting a specific need. They’re highly adaptable, too; for example, you can customize them to perform better when pulling data from websites or controlling the traffic that runs over your company’s networks.
Because of the adaptable nature of proxies, you’ll notice a variety of types and providers. Some focus on web scraping, while others serve to overcome geo-blocks. Before you subscribe to a service, you must identify your needs. You should also compare the best providers in the market in terms of IP size, security features, pricing, and user testimonials. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the work, so you don’t have to. Here are the top five proxy vendors for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
1. IPRoyal.
Best Value Proxy Provider
IPRoyal’s residential proxy quality is hard to beat. The platform is popular for its versatile offerings. Use its pool of over 32 million ethically sourced residential proxies to perform your critical business tasks. They simplify the processes of gathering data, evading geo-blocks, and browsing privately. With IPRoyal, you’re getting something rare in the business: never-expiring traffic and no monthly commitments or time restrictions.
As a startup or small company, you will benefit from IPRoyal’s diverse products, which include residential, datacenter, and mobile proxies, among others. Its enterprise proxies are scalable, integrate easily with web scrapers, and feature highly customizable pricing. The company is also ISO 27001, GDPR, and CCPA compliant.
Pros
- Over 32 million residential proxies
- Never-expiring residential proxy traffic
- Data security compliance
- Free trials for enterprise proxies
- 195-country coverage
Cons
- Free trial limited to enterprise proxies
- A limited selection of mobile proxy locations
2. MarsProxies.
Best-for-Business Proxy Provider
MarsProxies is the choice of many small business owners because of its ability to offer outstanding server quality with affordable pricing. The well-renowned software ranking site PCMag named the provider the best software service in 2024, highlighting its proxies’ market research and online shopping capabilities and flexible payment plans. Despite MarsProxies’ relatively small pool of 1 million residential proxies, the company still shines in terms of connection speed, uptime, and location coverage (190 countries).
It’s worth noting that MarsProxies’ residential proxy plan is a pay-as-you-go system with non-expiring traffic. Other than residential IPs, the company’s list of offerings includes datacenter, ISP, mobile, and sneaker proxies, featuring extensive geo-targeting capabilities and customizable IP rotation.
Pros
- Non-expiring residential proxy traffic
- Extensive 190-country coverage
- City-level targeting capability
- Customizable IP rotation
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Smaller IP network than competitors
- Limited coverage for mobile proxies
3. Bright Data.
Data Research Proxy Provider
Bright Data’s steep prices may be the first thing you notice. Off-putting as they may be, it soon becomes clear that its proxies cater to complex data scraping projects. The provider offers residential, datacenter, ISP, and mobile proxies, along with a centralized proxy manager. Its focus on data gathering is evident with the availability of a SERP and web scraping API, web unblocker, scraping browser, and custom databases.
If your business thrives on data, Bright Data is worth a consideration. The provider helps you access e-commerce, social media, and public domain data without detection. Web scraping requires in-depth technical knowledge, and Bright Data readily assists through its learning hub and documentation.
Pros
- Over 72 million residential proxies
- Web scraping tools
- Custom databases
- Extensive learning hub
Cons
- High price point
- Unsuitable for small businesses with limited budgets
4. NetNut.
Simple and User-Friendly Proxy Provider
For a combination of advanced features and simplicity, go for NetNut. Its massive pool of over 85 million residential proxies covering 195 countries is the first thing you’ll notice. Aside from static and residential IPs, the provider also supplies datacenter and mobile proxies. Businesses can also take advantage of its web unblocker and SERP and LinkedIn scraper APIs.
Aside from proxies and APIs, NetNut also sells company and professional profile databases, sized 50 and 250 million, respectively. These are particularly useful for surveying the job market and market competition. Rated the top web data provider by G2, NetNut is an excellent resource for up-to-date datasets.
Pros
- SERP and LinkedIn scraper APIs
- Large business-related databases
- Over 85 million residential proxies
- Web unblocker
Cons
- Limited pricing flexibility and variety
- Extra charges for website unblocker and APIs
5. SOAX.
US-Focused Enterprise Proxy Provider
SOAX’s 155 million residential IP network is hard to beat, especially when the proxies come with a 0.55-second average response time. The proxies cover 195 countries, with 2.6 covering the US alone. If your business requires SERP, social media, and e-commerce APIs, you’ll be happy to know that they’re part of SOAX’s offerings. It also supplies a no-code AI scraper, perfect for those without prior knowledge in the field.
The notable features of SOAX include its special focus on US-based proxies and APIs. The prices of the IPs fall within the average range, while scraper costs remain unlisted. A web unblocker assists with the circumvention of geo-blocks, and a free proxy checker is available for up to 50 proxies at a time.
Pros:
- Great for US-focused businesses
- 155 million residential proxies
- No-code AI scraper
- Data-related podcast
- Three-day trial for proxies
Cons:
- Unlisted API pricing
- Tech assistance limited to bot support
Conclusion
Running a small business differs greatly from managing a large corporation. You have to contend with budget and workforce constraints, necessitating proxies that can cover a wide range of capabilities with reasonably priced packages. This diverse list contains something for every type of entrepreneur, beginner or otherwise. Put it to work to identify the best provider for your needs, whether they’re proxies, scraper APIs, or datasets.
