> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.marsproxies.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.marsproxies.com/marsproxies-documentation/overview/residential-proxies/proxy/protocols.md).

# Protocols

## Protocols

MarsProxies residential proxies support two main protocol types: **HTTP/HTTPS** and **SOCKS5**. Each operates differently and is suited to different use cases, so choosing the right one depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

{% hint style="info" %}
MarsProxies residential proxies support **TCP** connections.
{% endhint %}

### HTTP/HTTPS

HTTP is the standard protocol for web-based traffic and is the most commonly used option. It works well for browsing websites and handling general web requests. When security is a priority — such as when transmitting sensitive information — HTTPS builds on top of HTTP by encrypting the data exchanged between your client and the destination server, keeping that communication private and secure.

### SOCKS5

SOCKS5 is a more flexible protocol that isn't limited to web traffic. It can handle a wide variety of connection types, making it a great choice for tasks like P2P file sharing or VoIP applications. Compared to HTTP/HTTPS, SOCKS5 proxies run on different ports and offer broader compatibility across different traffic types, along with solid performance and security.