Written By
Daren LowUpdated On
July 02, 2024
As you look for and compare the different VPN providers, you may have encountered the terms shared IP and dedicated IP. They’re pretty much always mentioned so users can know if their VPN is compatible with what they’ll use them for.
But, how do you know which one you need, and when you need one?
Well, the decision will become obvious once you understand the difference between a shared and dedicated VPN.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Shared IP And How Does It Work?
In a nutshell, a shared IP VPN assigns multiple users the same public IP address. VPN providers typically use this strategy because they don’t want to provide their clients with numerous unique addresses.
The following are a few of its advantages:
- It’s difficult to track you Because of the large number of users who share the same IP, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to link specific online activities to a specific user.
- It’s cheaper than purchasing a static address for every user Because the VPN provider doesn’t need to buy and maintain numerous unique IP addresses to handle all user requests, the VPN service is more affordable.
But while these are all great, shared IPs aren’t perfect and they have their downsides.
Its main disadvantage is that you have to share the same IP address with other users. What this means is if they do something shady that will get the IP banned by apps or websites, then you’ll also be affected by it as well. The sad part is, even if you had nothing to do with it, you really can’t do anything about it.
Thankfully, the best VPNs provide hundreds or even thousands of shared Internet addresses. So, you can simply switch to a different server to get a new IP address if you are having issues with one.
Then, What Is A Dedicated IP?
With a dedicated IP VPN, you are given a special IP address that is only used by you (for as long as your online subscription remains active, of course). And because you aren’t connected to any other shared internet address, your online activity becomes more anonymous.
This kind of VPN service is ideal for:
- Those who are worried about their online safety and security A dedicated internet address adds an additional layer of security because it makes it much more difficult to link your online activity to you.
- Those who run a business and interact with customers online A dedicated internet address makes sure that your specific VPN IP is linked to every transaction.
- Those who worry about disclosing their personal information while online You won’t need to create a different username, email address, or password for each new website you register with if you have a dedicated internet address.
But just like a shared IP address, dedicated IP VPNs aren’t perfect. Its main downside is that it’s very expensive since only a few VPNs offer them (we’ll get into which VPNs offer them later on).
Which Type Of IP Should I Use?
After covering the basics, let’s discuss which IP would be the most beneficial for you.
You should use a dedicated IP if:
- You can afford it and have a successful track record Dedicated IPs cost more than shared IPs, but it’s probably worth the cost for the benefits we previously mentioned.
- The shared IP you’re using is getting a bad rap from your shared IP partners Recovering from a bad IP can be challenging, and your efforts alone are unlikely to be enough to counteract the sketchy practices of other users.
- You consistently send large volumes of emails Before using a new dedicated IP address to its maximum capacity, you need to gradually increase the volume of email that you send from that address. In simpler terms, before dedicated IPs can be used, they should be warmed up first. By consistently sending lots of emails, you can quickly establish your reputation without assistance from other senders using the same IP.
On the other hand, you can use a shared IP if:
- You’re just getting started, and your budget is tight Shared IPs are a lot more cost-effective than dedicated IPs.
- Your IP-sharing partners have developed a solid reputation You can enjoy your domain journey by not having to worry about a bad IP.
- You only send low volumes of emails Low sending volumes will make it more difficult to establish your reputation. Luckily, a shared IP can help a domain with less predictable sending patterns gain legitimacy.
What Are The Best VPN Services That Offer Shared IP?
Understanding how shared IPs work and when to use them makes choosing one a lot easier. The following are the best VPN services that you can use when you want to use one:
- ExpressVPN Given that it is among the best and most widely used VPNs on the market, ExpressVPN is our top choice for a dynamic IP VPN. You can benefit from some of the best encryption available along with some of the fastest download and streaming speeds. Additionally, it has more than 3000 servers spread across 94 different countries, making it easy for you to locate a server nearby that’s compatible with your device.
- Surfshark You can have the security of a traditional VPN and the convenience of unlimited server switching with Surfshark’s dynamic VPN. It’s quick and dependable because SurfShark protects your data with military-grade encryption technology. It’s supported by AES-256 encryption, four encryption protocols, and RAM-only servers.
- Windscribe Windscribe is the best VPN if you want to unblock streaming services like Netflix and other streaming services. It’s quick, reliable, and simple to use. Plus, they provide limitless bandwidth with no constraints on data usage or speed too. You should think about Windscribe if you need a site-to-site VPN with a dynamic IP.
What Are Some Great Dedicated IP VPN Options?
- NordVPN One of the best VPNs you can get for a dedicated IP address. NordVPN not only give you the security you need, but also have fast and reliable speeds. Aside from their 5000+ servers across 50 countries, they also have P2P-optimized and Onion Over VPN servers.
- CyberGhost Another great VPN for dedicated IPs. CyberGhost ensure that no one can record your address with its cutting-edge token system. What’s more, they also provide extensive server coverage, leak-proof apps, and automatic Wifi protection for complete security.
- VPNArea With servers in 70 different countries and a limit of six simultaneous connections on their basic service, VPNArea is a VPN provider with a lot of appealing features. Six US states, the UK, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Romania, Germany, Bulgaria, Singapore, and Hong Kong are among the countries where you can purchase a dedicated IP address.
Now You Know What VPN IP You Need
Now that you’re aware of the distinction between a shared and a dedicated internet address, You’ve can now answer the question:
Which VPN IP is best for your needs?
It’ll all depend on what you need them for but generally, a shared internet address will be more than sufficient and cost less per month if you only need a VPN for personal use. But, if you want to pay a little more for the highest level of personal security, then dedicated IPs are the one for you.