Don't pick multi-account proxies by price alone. A cheap IP can look like a bargain in a table and still break your workflow through a poor network reputation, unstable authorization, slow support or country limits.
At researched.xyz we compare proxies as an infrastructure layer: IP type, countries, payment methods, test access, support, minimum price and RS Score. This guide explains how to read the catalog and where to start if you want a working shortlist, not a random list of providers.
Pick the proxy type first
For most tasks, the choice starts with three categories:
- Static proxies fit when you need a stable IP, a clear price and high speed.
- Residential proxies help when geography and a more natural network profile matter.
- Mobile proxies usually cost more, but can be better where mobile ASNs and rotation are critical.
If you aren't sure, start with the general proxy ranking. It shows several provider types in one list, and you can narrow it down by country and payment method.
What to look at in a provider card
Price matters, but it shouldn't be your only filter. For a first pass, look at five signals.
1. Countries
If the task is tied to a region, the country matters more than an abstract rating. A provider with a high overall score can be a weak choice if it doesn't cover the geography you need.
Check not only that the country is listed, but also the proxy type in that country. For example, if you need static proxies in Germany specifically, open the static proxies in Germany page, not the general list of all types.
2. Minimum price
The minimum price helps you drop overpriced options fast, but it is not the total cost of your project. Providers can differ in:
- the minimum package;
- the rental term;
- price per IP or per traffic;
- rotation terms;
- refunds and the test period.
Before paying, open the provider's site and check the current plan. A table helps you compare the market quickly, but the final decision is better made on the provider's own pricing page.
3. Test access
A test or demo is often worth more than a discount. If a provider offers a short test, you can check authorization, speed, stability and the country you need before buying a big package.
If there is no test, start with the smallest plan instead of buying a large volume at once.
4. Payment methods
For working teams, crypto is not the only thing that matters. Sometimes you need cards, invoices, PayPal, USDT or local payment methods. If paying is awkward, even a good provider becomes a bad one in practice.
5. Support
With proxies, problems are often solved through support: IP replacement, authorization checks, limits, compatibility with your software. Support that is too slow can cost more than the price difference.
How to use RS Score
RS Score for proxies is not a user rating and not a promise of results. It is an internal editorial and testing indicator that helps you compare providers faster.
Treat it as an extra filter:
- a high RS Score helps you find strong options for a first shortlist;
- country and proxy type still matter more than the overall number;
- a price without a suitable plan or country solves nothing;
- check a provider on a minimal volume before you scale.
The method is described on a separate page, how we test proxies.
A quick selection routine
If you need to choose proxies without long research, follow this order:
- Open the general proxy list.
- Pick a type: static, residential or mobile.
- Filter by country if it is critical.
- Keep 3-5 providers with a clear price, payment and support.
- Open the provider cards and check the terms.
- Start with a test or the minimum package.
- After checking speed and stability, increase the volume.
When to take static proxies
People usually choose static proxies when IP stability, speed and a predictable price matter. They can suit work accounts, monitoring, QA, access to your own services and tasks that don't need constant rotation.
The main downside: datacenter networks may have a more visible profile. If a service is sensitive to the network type, compare the static options with residential ones.
When to take residential proxies
Use residential proxies when a more natural network profile and wide geography matter. They are often sold by traffic, so it is important to know your request volume in advance.
Check:
- whether the country you need is available;
- whether there are sticky sessions;
- how traffic is counted;
- whether you can limit rotation;
- how fast support swaps problem IPs.
When to take mobile proxies
Mobile proxies cost more, so take them only where a mobile network is really needed. If the task works with static or residential IPs, mobile can be an unnecessary overpayment.
Consider them when mobile ASNs, high rotation or the specific geography of mobile carriers matter.
What to do after you pick a provider
Don't scale right after buying. First check:
- that the country matches;
- that authorization works in your software;
- that speed doesn't drop sharply;
- that the IP doesn't change more often than you need;
- that support answers basic questions;
- that the plan fits your volume.
If the provider passes a short test, add it to your working pool. If not, it is easier to swap it for an alternative from the catalog than to fix unstable infrastructure for weeks.