Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, LongMindTech may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on hands-on testing and research. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Thordata pairs residential proxies with ready-made datasets, which helps when your goal is the data itself rather than running scraping infrastructure.
8.4
/ 10
Verdict
A solid proxy-plus-datasets option for large-scale data workflows.
Thordata offers a free trial of its residential proxy network, with usage-based pricing. Look for a Thordata coupon code before scaling, and check independent Thordata reviews (including Reddit) for real success rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thordata good for scraping?
Yes — residential proxies plus datasets suit large-scale scraping and data workflows.
Thordata or IPRoyal?
IPRoyal is great value for general proxy needs; Thordata adds ready datasets. See our comparison.
Ready to try Thordata?
Confirm current pricing and terms directly with the vendor before buying.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, LongMindTech may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on hands-on testing and research. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
IPRoyal and Thordata are both residential proxy providers, but they fit different goals: IPRoyal for flexible, great-value proxies; Thordata when you also want ready-made datasets.
Criteria
IPRoyal
Thordata
Best for
Value proxies, scraping
Proxies + ready datasets
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go, non-expiring
Per usage; dataset options
Ease of start
Beginner-friendly
Built for scale
Datasets
No
Yes
IPRoyal — best value residential proxies
Choose IPRoyal if…
You want flexible, non-expiring proxy traffic at good value.
You’re scraping or verifying at small-to-mid scale.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, LongMindTech may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on hands-on testing and research. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
“VPN or proxy?” is the wrong question — they solve different jobs. Here’s how to pick: a VPN (NordVPN) for privacy and geo access, a residential proxy (IPRoyal) for scraping, ad checks, and multi-account research.
Need
Pick
Why
Private browsing / streaming
NordVPN
Encrypts all traffic, easy apps, fast
Web scraping / SERP checks
IPRoyal proxies
Rotating real residential IPs, high success
Multi-account research
IPRoyal proxies
Distinct IPs per session
Public Wi-Fi safety
NordVPN
Security suite + encryption
NordVPN — for privacy and geo access
Choose NordVPN if…
You want private browsing, streaming, and Wi-Fi safety.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, LongMindTech may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on hands-on testing and research. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
IPRoyal is a strong value pick for residential proxies: pay-as-you-go traffic that doesn’t expire, broad geo targeting, and reliable success rates for scraping and verification.
8.6
/ 10
Verdict
The best value residential proxy provider for most marketers and researchers.
IPRoyal pricing is pay-as-you-go, and its residential proxy pool plus the IPRoyal proxy manager make setup easy. Look for an IPRoyal coupon code before topping up. In reviews, IPRoyal residential proxies are praised for value and success rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is IPRoyal used for?
Web scraping, ad and SERP verification, and multi-account research using real residential IPs.
IPRoyal or a VPN?
For data tasks use IPRoyal proxies; for personal privacy use a VPN like NordVPN.
Ready to try IPRoyal?
Confirm current pricing and terms directly with the vendor before buying.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, LongMindTech may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on hands-on testing and research. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
NordVPN is the safe default VPN for privacy, geo access, and everyday security — fast servers, a big country list, and a built-in security suite.
8.8
/ 10
Verdict
The best overall VPN for individuals and small teams — but not for scraping.
NordVPN cost depends on plan length — longer plans cut the monthly price, and a NordVPN coupon or free trial can lower it further. Extras like Meshnet and Threat Protection add value. Check the current NordVPN deal before subscribing.
Frequently asked questions
Is NordVPN good for scraping?
No — for scraping or ad/SERP verification use residential proxies like IPRoyal, not a consumer VPN.
Is NordVPN worth it?
For everyday privacy and geo access, yes; it’s the safe default for most users.
Ready to try NordVPN?
Confirm current pricing and terms directly with the vendor before buying.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, LongMindTech may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on hands-on testing and research. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
We tested VPNs and proxies across the jobs people actually buy them for: private browsing, unlocking geo-restricted content, ad and SERP verification, and large-scale web data collection. The headline: a VPN and a residential proxy solve different problems — pick by workflow, not by brand hype.
8.8
/ 10
Best overall pick
NordVPN — fastest reliable everyday privacy, broad geo access, and a built-in security suite. The default choice for individuals and small teams.
Scores are LongMindTech workflow-fit ratings (use-case clarity, implementation effort, buyer risk, and alternative pressure).
1. NordVPN — best overall VPN
NordVPN — privacy, geo access, and a built-in security suite
For personal privacy and unblocking content, NordVPN is the safe default: consistently fast servers, a large country list, and extras like threat protection. It’s the right tool when you want one app to secure your connection — not for high-volume scraping.
IPRoyal — residential proxies with pay-as-you-go pricing
When you need real residential IPs for scraping, ad verification, or SERP checks, IPRoyal is a strong value pick: pay-as-you-go traffic that doesn’t expire, broad geo targeting, and reliable success rates.
Thordata — residential proxies and ready-made datasets
Thordata pairs a residential proxy network with ready-made datasets, which helps when your goal is the data itself rather than managing scraping infrastructure. A good fit for teams running global data collection at scale.
No. A VPN encrypts all your traffic for privacy and geo access; a residential proxy routes specific requests through real IPs, which is what you need for scraping and verification at scale.
Which is best for web scraping?
Residential proxies like IPRoyal or Thordata — not a consumer VPN. They provide rotating real IPs with high success rates.
Which VPN should most people pick?
NordVPN is the safe default for speed, geo access, and security features.
Pick the right tool for your workflow
Confirm current pricing and terms directly with the vendor before buying.
