In most cases, using a VPN means that you are assigned a shared IP address. The IP used by you was used by someone else before you and will be used by someone after you. This means that even if you connect to the same VPN server daily, the server will always assign you a different IP address.
This is not bad in most cases, as it increases the entropy of the traffic patterns associated with those shared IPs, making it harder for someone to recognize you based on your traffic pattern.
However, having a dedicated or static IP address can save you many hassles for some online purposes. But first, let's see how this works. You can buy a dedicated IP for each country. VPN providers offer the feature.
If you need a dedicated IP for the US and another for Germany, you must buy two dedicated IPs, as the IP is associated with a particular location.
Also, VPN providers offer dedicated IPs only to a small subset of the countries they support. More on that below.
| Dedicated IP | Shared IP |
|---|---|
| Used only by you | Shared by multiple users |
| Clean online reputation | Suitable for P2P file sharing |
| Access to IP-restricted networks | No access to IP-restricted networks |
| Always the exact virtual location | Risk of getting blacklisted |
| Use on two devices at the same time | Use on six devices at the same time |
Benefits of a Dedicated/Static IP
While the concept of a Dedicated IP may sound alarming as it makes everything a bit too specific, it's instrumental in some cases.
Access to Business Servers
Administrators may specify a list of authorized IP addresses to prevent unwarranted access to sensitive systems. This way, you can log in to a server only if your IP matches one on the safelist. A dedicated IP address is ideal for securely accessing corporate remote access systems or private servers.
Banking Services
If you use a VPN for secure online banking, you may appear to be in a different location each time virtually. Banks may treat it as suspicious activity and lock you out of your account. Solution? Using a VPN with a static dedicated IP lets you avoid repetitive verification while keeping your security in place.
Skip the blacklists
A downside of a shared IP is a “bad neighbor effect”: you never know what other users with the same IP address are up to. That's why shared IPs can turn up in blacklists, limiting your access to specific websites. Even though a dedicated IP address is not as discreet, there is a much lower possibility of being blacklisted.
Social Media
I have had my social media accounts temporarily locked or asking me to verify that it was me accessing the service even though my phone is logged in to the exact VPN location, precisely because every time it reconnects, I may be assigned a new IP. This wouldn't happen with a static/dedicated VPN IP.
Streaming Services
When you connect to a VPN to access a streaming service, your account is associated with the IP you use. Now let's assume you keep watching Netflix daily. Whenever you connect to a US VPN server, your IP keeps changing, even if it's in the exact location. This may raise suspicions when, for instance, one minute you are in Tampa Bay, and the next minute you show up in Boston.
Keep in mind that this last part has never happened to me on Netflix, but other streaming services may be susceptible to banning accounts that constantly switch locations.
For access to geo-restricted services, dedicated IPs are a mixed bag. On the one hand, services like Netflix that screen for VPNs are less likely to block an IP used by a single person than one used by hundreds of users every month.
On the other hand, if a streaming site detects and blocks your VPN dedicated IP, you're permanently out of luck accessing the service via that IP.
Remote Access
Suppose you regularly use remote access for work or school. In that case, a dedicated IP from your VPN will make logging in easy while keeping your identity and data protected from ISP spying, third-party tracking, and cyber criminals.
Running a Personal Blog or Using an FTP Service
A great way to improve your website or blog security is to only access your site's backend via your dedicated VPN IP. The same is true for FTP services. You'll still be able to blog anonymously since the service cannot trace the IP back to you.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Logging in to websites that require 2FA can be a bit of a drag with shared IP addresses since the site will think a new person is trying to log in every time.
So there are some benefits to using dedicated IPs, and several top-tier VPN providers offer this feature. One significant omission from this list is arguably the best VPN service out there – ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN explains why it doesn't offer this service:
ExpressVPN does not provide dedicated, or static, IPs. This is because ExpressVPN IP addresses are rotated regularly. When you connect to an ExpressVPN server, you'll be given the best possible IP available. It may be an IP address you connected to before, or you may get a different one.
ExpressVPN
The Disadvantages of a Dedicated IP Address
Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages to having a dedicated IP address. First and foremost, the service is rarely free: you'll most likely have to pay more for your VPN service if you want a dedicated IP. The price of a dedicated IP can vary from a few dollars a month to over 100 dollars a year. Since these costs will increase your monthly subscription price, it's a significant factor to consider.
There's an increased chance that someone links your online actions to you with a dedicated IP. This means you are somewhat less anonymous with a dedicated IP. However, if you are using cookies, you have already compromised your privacy, so a dedicated IP will only make you more susceptible to external threats.
Best VPNs with Dedicated IPs – Quick List
Despite ExpressVPN not offering dedicated IPs, there are still many options of premium VPN services, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a static VPN IP.
- Surfshark Surfshark is a very rare showing as dedicated IP servers are offered in all subscription plans; they are not an extra feature.
- NordVPN NordVPN offers dedicated IPs for $70 or 56€ per year. NordVPN offers dedicated IPs in the US, the UK, Germany, Netherlands, and France. NordVPN is one of the leading VPN services with spectacular features like obfuscated servers and Onion/Tor over VPN.
- CyberGhost CyberGhost offers an extensive server network, leak-proof apps, and wifi protection for global coverage and maximum security. Its innovative, dedicated IP address process uses a token system, so even they can't keep a record of the address. You can locate your Dedicated IP in the US, Germany, France, UK, or Canada with CyberGhost. CyberGhost static IPs cost $60 or 45€ per year.
- Private Internet Access Private Internet Access offers 35,550 servers worldwide paired with AES-256 encryption for increased security. When you use its dedicated IP addresses, no one else can log in or see your online activity – not even the VPN itself. Private Internet Access launched the dedicated IP option in December 2020, and you can set your dedicated IP in the US, Germany, the UK, or Canada. You can get PIA dedicated IP for $44.70 or 37.19€ per year.
- Trust.Zone Besides offering dedicated IPs, Trust.Zone is super user-friendly and keeps you safe with 256-bit AES encryption. Support for torrenting and a privacy-friendly location in Seychelles help to make this VPN a popular choice. Trust.Zone provides static IPs in the US, UK, France, or Australia. The price of a Trust.Zone dedicated IP is $49.44 per year.
- TorGuard TorGuard operates on a vast scale, with 3,000 servers in 50 countries, but also has you covered if you prefer to stick to one location with a dedicated IP. Other features include built-in IP/DNS leak protection and Stealth VPN to get past VPN blocks. Static IPs are available in many countries for $95.88 per year.
- Ivacy VPN Ivacy is known for its easily unblock-streaming websites such as Hulu, Netflix, and the BBC iPlayer. Ivacy also provides dedicated IPs for a low price ($1.99/month) in Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, Germany, the UK, the US, and Singapore.
- VyprVPN VyprVPN is best known for its proprietary Chameleon technology, bypassing censorship worldwide – even in China. The provider offers a dedicated IP solution in its Premium and Business Cloud plan.
1. Surfshark
Surfshark offers static IP servers in Germany, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States as part of its subscription plans, at no extra cost. On top of that you also get:
- One of the best performers in our VPN performance tests (#2 in download speed, #1 in upload speed).
- Top-notch encryption along with various proprietary privacy-enhancing tools, including Camouflage mode, Multihop servers, and rotating IPs (Surfshark Nexus).
- Unlimited device connections under one subscription.
- WireGuard support.
- One of the best performers in stream unblocking and torrenting.
- Arguably the best value for your money as Surfshark is a premium VPN with a modest price tag.
- A 7-day free trial is available on the Play Store, which you can then use on any device, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee that extends the total testing time before you decide to commit long-term to 37 days.
- Read our full Surfshark review.
2. NordVPN
One of the most premium and prestigious VPN services provides easy use and fast speeds while unblocking pretty much all the content you want.
- Unblocks almost every streaming service, including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Fast speeds on local and international servers. Although it's faster on local servers, its international servers are still fast enough for smooth streaming, gameplay, and torrenting.
- Strong security and privacy features. You'll stay safe and anonymous online with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Optimized P2P servers make it easy to torrent. Although I've tested other VPNs that are easier to use for torrenting, I didn't have any issues using uTorrent, BitTorrent, Popcorn Time, and other torrenting-based websites with NordVPN.
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, and more. NordVPN can even be installed on a router to protect all of your devices at once.
- It takes minutes to install and configure. Its apps are straightforward to navigate, even for beginners.
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN lets you try its features for free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.
- Read our full NordVPN review.
3. CyberGhost
VPN users can get a dedicated IP address that even CyberGhost is unaware of as it has innovated the process to make it even more secure. It uses a token system that prevents the VPN from recording your IP address. CyberGhost does not know your dedicated IP, and third parties cannot even trace it back to the VPN service itself.
This provider has over 6,800 servers in 90 countries, including P2P and streaming-optimized servers. It efficiently unblocks Netflix and Hulu, and the fast speeds allow you to stream buffer-free for hours. CyberGhost also has many security features, including leak-proof apps, a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, public wifi protection, an ad blocker, and DNS/IP leak protection.
While it doesn't offer a free trial, it does offer a 45-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost can unblock:
- Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, HBO GO, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Supports torrenting:
- Yes, P2P-optimized servers are available.
CyberGhost works on these devices:
- macOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, routers, and more.
4. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access uses top-of-the-line encryption with its dedicated IP addresses, so you're always protected online. It keeps your connection secure and anonymous since none of your data or browsing activity is logged. Besides, you can only log in through a token system, so you're the only one who can access and use the server.
PIA has 35,550 servers in 77 countries, and it allows torrenting on all of them. Without any issues, it can unblock the most popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. It comes with AES-256 encryption, DNS, IP, WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch for increased security.
If you want to try it out, you can do so anytime because it's backed by a [VD: MBG]-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access can unblock:
- Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Vudu, and more.
Supports torrenting:
- Yes, on all its servers.
Private Internet Access works on these devices:
- macOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, routers, and more.
5. Trust.Zone
Most users love Trust.Zone because it's a single service that includes everything you're likely to need in a VPN. Good speeds, high security, reasonable pricing overall, effective geo-block bypassing, and a dedicated IP address are all available from this provider.
Trust.Zone's offerings include:
- 200 servers in 100 countries
- Access to restricted streaming services such as US Netflix
- A 3-day free trial
- 10-day money-back guarantee
6. TorGuard
TorGuard's Anonymous VPN plan is the one that allows you to opt in to purchase a dedicated IP address.
Despite its rather high price, TorGuard is loved by many for features like:
- Proxy service with unlimited bandwidth and IPs in 50 countries
- Up to 8 simultaneous connections
- Paid email service with neat features such as G/PGP email encryption, end-to-end security, no ads, and forwarding secrecy
- 4 different plans designed purely as business solutions
- Excellent support options such as live chat, a ticketing system, and a US toll-free number
- 7-day money-back guarantee
7. Ivacy VPN
Like the other VPNs listed here, Ivacy offers a dedicated IP address for a small monthly fee added to any plan. However, it offers a greater variety of options than the other providers – you can choose from IPs in 100 different countries!
Ivacy VPN is well-rated for providing you with unobstructed access to all the major streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and the BBC iPlayer. It even has optimized servers for Kodi.
- Dedicated IPs in 100 countries: US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong
- Dedicated torrenting servers
- Over 3,500 servers in 100 locations
- Split tunneling and a kill switch
- 7-day money-back guarantee on a 1-month plan; 30-day money-back guarantee on a 2-year plan
- Read our Ivacy review.
8. VyprVPN
Owning its entire server array enables VyprVPN to deliver both top-notch security and excellent network speeds. At the same time, its unique Chameleon Technology gives you access to almost every geoblocked website in the world, including US Netflix.
VyprVPN only offers dedicated IPs with its premium and business plans.
VyprVPN Premium and Business Cloud are expensive, but they are an excellent plan for organizations and include not only a dedicated IP but an entire dedicated server and fast deployment.
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections
- 700 servers in 70 countries, exclusively owned and operated by the provider
- Apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, TVs, and routers, with setup tutorials available for Blackberry, DD-WRT, Synology NAS, and Boxee
- Chameleon Technology that bypasses the Great Firewall of China
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Read our VyprVPN review
FAQ
What is IP VPN?
IP VPNs are used mainly by big businesses or corporations that use an internal, private network. Only company employees will access their work files once connected to their IP VPN.
What is the difference between a regular and an IP VPN?
In most regards, an IP VPN is the same as a standard VPN, except it doesn't rely on access to the public internet. But for the regular public, a regular VPN has everything you need.
Implementing a company-wide IP VPN is costly, while a subscription to a regular VPN can be very cheap – for example, NordVPN offers a significant discount for its 2-year plan. If you're only looking to surf the web privately, investing in an IP VPN is not worth investing.
Do I need a dedicated IP?
It depends. Some networks (e.g., corporate networks, private servers) only allow access from authorized IPs. It's the same with online banking or other sensitive systems – you may get automatically blocked using many different IPs from many countries.
A dedicated IP ensures you have access to these networks and services. Moreover, some websites may blacklist a shared IP because another user misbehaves – a dedicated IP ensures you won't experience the “bad neighbor effect.”
Can I buy an IP address?
You can't “buy” an IP address because they are not for sale. IP addresses are public resources administered and delegated by regional internet registries.