SOCKS5 Proxies

SOCKS5 proxy relays raw traffic, doesn't work exclusively with HTTP/HTTPS traffic and supports username/password authentication natively at the protocol level. In some cases it allows UDP traffic to pass (it's not enabled by default and needs to be configured by the provider, you can learn more at UDP proxies page). Keep in mind that SOCKS4 does not support UDP and does not have same native authentication.

Common use cases:

• multi-accounting using anti-detect browser;
• non-HTTP traffic (SMTP/IMAP, torrents, gaming);
• UDP-dependent tasks;
• chaining proxies due to easier setup.

Most providers support both protocols, but be aware that not every software supports SOCKS5 and you should check it before buying.