Side by side
| Rayobyte | Webshare | |
|---|---|---|
| Username and password | Yes | Yes |
| IP-based | IP whitelisting | IP authorization |
| Options in username | Targeting and sessions on rotating products | Rotate and session suffixes on the backbone; targeting options |
| API for IP lists | Documented programmatic access | API to manage authorized IPs |
At the time of writing. See Rayobyte authentication options and Webshare IP authorization.
Same two methods
Both Rayobyte and Webshare support credentials and IP-based access. Webshare's API makes it easy to update authorized IPs automatically when servers change; Rayobyte documents programmatic access too.
When to use IP-based access
- Browsers using SOCKS5 (Chromium can't send SOCKS5 credentials).
- Selenium with Chrome.
- Fixed servers where you'd rather not store passwords.
When to use credentials
- Changing IPs (laptops, serverless).
- Rotating products where the username carries targeting or session options.
Residential tip: A common split is Webshare for cheap per-IP lists and Rayobyte for residential traffic, mobile IPs or managed scraping. Our Rayobyte authentication options covers each Rayobyte product.
407 fixes on both
Re-copy credentials, URL-encode special characters, check the product and port, and confirm your current IP is authorized. See common proxy errors.
A real-world example
A QA team runs Selenium tests from a fleet of CI servers with fixed IPs. On Webshare, it adds the CI server IPs to IP authorization through the API whenever the fleet changes, and Chrome connects without credentials. On Rayobyte, it does the same with IP whitelisting for static IPs. Developers testing from laptops use username and password instead, since their home IPs change.
Method by setup
| Setup | Method |
|---|---|
| Fixed servers | IP-based access |
| Laptops and serverless | Username and password |
| Browsers with SOCKS5 | IP-based access |
| Rotating products with options | Username and password |
Security habits
Keep credentials in a secrets manager, use separate proxy users per project, prune old allowlisted IPs and rotate passwords when people leave.
Budget tip: To test the Webshare side of this comparison, start with Webshare's free plan: 10 datacenter proxies and 1 GB a month with no card. See Webshare authentication options.
Pros and cons for authentication
Rayobyte
- Credentials and IP whitelisting on every static IP.
- One generator across many products.
Webshare
- Credentials and IP authorization.
- An API to update authorized IPs automatically.
Bottom line
Both handle authentication well. Webshare's API makes automated IP authorization especially easy for server fleets.
If you're still shortlisting, compare these options with the wider market in our best proxies guide, and use our cheap proxies guide to estimate a sensible budget.
Proxy tip: If your residential usage goes up and down, compare Geonode: its per-GB residential bandwidth doesn't expire, so you only pay for what you use. See Rayobyte vs Geonode vs Webshare.
Key takeaways
- Both support username and password and IP-based access.
- Options like rotation, sessions and targeting live in the username on rotating products.
- Use IP-based access for browsers with SOCKS5 and for Selenium.
- 407 fixes are the same on both.
FAQ
What does Webshare call IP whitelisting?
IP authorization.
Can I automate IP authorization?
Yes, through each provider's documented API.
Why does my browser prompt for a password?
The browser can't send credentials for that proxy type. Use IP-based access.
Where do I find my credentials?
In each provider's dashboard: Webshare's proxy list page and Rayobyte's generator or static IP list.
How many IPs can I authorize?
Limits vary by plan; check each dashboard.
Can I use different credentials per project?
Where providers support multiple proxy users, yes, and it's good practice.
Editorial note: Proxy providers change their pools, features and prices often, so treat any figures here as typical ranges at the time of writing and confirm current terms with the provider before you buy.