What to Choose: ISP vs Datacenter Proxies

When working with online services, users often require a proxy connection — for parsing, automation, and implementing advertising projects. Among the most in-demand static server types, ISP vs datacenter proxies stand out. They differ in origin, speed, cost, and resilience to target platform restrictions. This article examines their technical features and usage scenarios in detail to provide a more informed and effective approach to selection.

What Are Datacenter Proxies – IPv4 and IPv6

Datacenter proxies are static IP addresses provided by server hosting companies. They are not tied to real internet users or ISPs and exist solely within the infrastructure of a data center. Such an address is created and maintained on physical or virtual capacities hosted in data centers.

There are two formats:

1. IPv4 proxies – classic-format IP addresses supported by the vast majority of web resources. Despite their limited pool, they remain the most universal option for work.

2. IPv6 proxies – next-generation addresses with a 128-bit system. They are practically unlimited in quantity, but support for such solutions is not guaranteed on many sites, especially in CMS systems or APIs.

Due to their high speed and ability to generate addresses on demand, datacenter solutions are used where traffic must be fast but high-level anonymity is not required.

Server addresses provide the ability to choose geolocation from anywhere in the world, as well as quick replacement if blocked. However, when considering the disadvantages of datacenter solutions, the main drawback is the high likelihood of blocking on platforms that easily detect such addresses.

What is ISP Proxy and How it Works

ISP proxies are IP addresses officially registered with internet service providers and distributed through server infrastructure. They are often referred to as static residential proxies. Unlike datacenter ones, they have a natural digital fingerprint identical to that of a regular home connection. Such an IP is legally assigned to a provider, which makes it more trusted by most web resources. Technically, they are hosted on a datacenter server owned by the ISP. This allows for a combination of speed with a high degree of trust from the target resource.

The advantage of ISP intermediaries is that they are identified as real user traffic. Registrations, work with ad accounts, and API requests pass unnoticed by website and online platform security systems.

At the same time, due to the limited locations and number of IP addresses of this type, they are more expensive and less available in large volumes.

ISP vs Datacenter Proxies: Key Differences

The table below clearly illustrates the main differences between ISP vs datacenter proxies.

Parameter	ISP	Datacenter
Speed	Above average	High
Trust factor	High	Low
Ban resistance	High	Low
Cost	From $0.67	From $0.43
Best suited for	Working with social media, marketplaces	Large-scale parsing, bypassing geo-restrictions
Origin	Registered with internet service providers	Hosted on datacenter servers

Datacenter IP addresses are easier to track and block by security systems, whereas ISP ones are more trusted. In terms of speed, both types perform well, but datacenter proxies are still slightly faster due to minimal filtering and routing.

Use Cases: Where Each Proxy Type Works Best

Datacenter intermediaries are optimal in scenarios where speed, parallelism, and scale are important, for example:

• Mass data collection — scraping information from tens of thousands of website pages in a short period;

• Crawler launches — continuous scanning of web resources at high speed, which is crucial for SEO analytics and monitoring;

• Monitoring and analytics — viewing competitor pages, prices, metadata, and catalog structures without authorization;

• Automation via API — frequent requests to open or semi-open APIs without strict IP-type restrictions;

• Short-term tasks — one-time queries, information checks, and web surfing.

ISP intermediaries are relevant in tasks where legitimacy, trust level, and limited traffic are priorities:

• Social media — managing multiple accounts, for example, on Instagram, Facebook, and X, within platform restrictions;

• Google Ads, Meta, TikTok — setting up and managing ad accounts;

• Account registration — for work and long-term use, thanks to a stable, unchanging IP address with a high trust factor;

• Bots for e-commerce platforms — automating logins, updating catalogs, and processing orders without blocks or bans.

ISP vs Datacenter Proxies: Conclusion

These are two different types of servers for solving network tasks and ensuring safe work with various web resources. The first provides a high level of trust, the second — speed and scalability. When users decide which option to choose, it is important to consider that for working with platforms where reputation and long-term sessions are important, ISP is the priority. If the main criteria are the number and speed — datacenter ones will be optimal. At the same time, the IPv4 server format remains the most universal, as it is compatible with most services and ensures stable operation when configured correctly.

FAQ

What is the difference between ISP and datacenter proxies?

ISP ones, belonging to internet providers, inspire greater trust and are less likely to get banned, so they do not appear in blacklists. Datacenter intermediaries are faster and cheaper but are easier for security systems to track.

What to choose for web scraping?

For large-scale scraping, datacenter solutions are suitable due to their high speed and low cost. But for working with marketplaces or social networks, it’s safer to use ISP pools.

Which proxies are better for bypassing geo-blocks?

For bypassing geo-blocks, datacenter IPs are relevant due to their wider geo coverage and location selection. However, when access to platforms with advanced anti-bot filters is required, ISP ones are optimal since their traffic is less restricted.

Is it true that ISP proxies are more expensive than datacenter proxies?

Yes, ISP are more expensive because of their limited IP pool and high trust factor. Datacenter ones are cheaper and available in larger quantities.

Are ISP the same as residential proxies?

ISP are often called static residential proxies, but there are two different types. Classic residential intermediaries technically belong to end-users and operate through real devices, often being dynamic. ISP proxies, on the other hand, use IP addresses from providers but are hosted in datacenters as static solutions.