Using a virtual private network (VPN) is one of the best ways to protect your privacy and security online. By encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through remote servers, a VPN service hides your real IP address and physical location. This prevents snooping by hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), and government surveillance programs.
However, most consumer VPNs utilize shared IP addresses. This means multiple users connect through the same IP address. While shared IPs provide more anonymity, they offer less control over how you appear on the internet.
For some power users, a dedicated IP address from their VPN provider grants benefits not available with standard shared IPs. Let‘s explore when and why a dedicated IP can be useful.
What Exactly is a Dedicated IP Address?
A dedicated IP address is a static IP address assigned by a VPN provider for your exclusive use. No other VPN users share that same IP address. It does not change or rotate each time you connect to the VPN.
With a shared IP address, you get a different IP each time you connect to a VPN server. The IP rotates among many users to provide more privacy through the crowd. Although your traffic remains securely encrypted, using a shared changing IP means you cannot fully customize how you interact with certain websites.
A dedicated IP gives you a stable identifier online. Websites see the exact same IP address each time you connect through your VPN, regardless of your true location. This persistent IP address can help avoid problems with services that actively block or flag shared VPN IP addresses.
| Shared IP Addresses | Dedicated IP Addresses |
|---|---|
| IP changes on each connection | Static IP address does not change |
| IP rotated between many users | Exclusive access, only you use this IP |
| Provides more anonymity | Less anonymity but more customization |
| Susceptible to IP blocks | Avoid blocks on VPN traffic |
| Usage restrictions based on other users | Full individual control over IP usage |
The Key Benefits of Using a Dedicated IP VPN
There are several compelling reasons to consider a VPN service that offers dedicated IP address options:
Avoid VPN Blocking by Websites
Many popular websites like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and online banking platforms try to block traffic from known VPN servers to enforce geographic restrictions. A dedicated IP address not shared by hordes of other users can help bypass these VPN blocking measures. Your traffic appears to originate from a residential rather than data center IP address.
According to data from VPN testing site VPNpro, Netflix blocks over 35% of tested VPN servers due to the sheer volume of users connecting through them. Just a handful of VPN providers have found consistent ways around these blocks. Those that do often rely on dedicated IP addresses in key locations that mimic residential IPs.
Maintain a Positive IP Reputation
With shared IPs, the negative activities of other VPN users can damage your reputation online. For example, if a user gets an IP address banned from an online service for abusive behavior, you may also get blocked when your VPN assigns you that same flagged IP.
A dedicated IP preserves your reputation by isolating you from the misdeeds of others. You have full control over how the IP is utilized at all times. This IP stability prevents "guilt by association".
| Shared IP Drawbacks | Dedicated IP Benefits |
|---|---|
| Other users can damage IP reputation | You control the IP‘s reputation |
| VPN IP may get blacklisted | Avoid blacklists affecting shared IPs |
| Lose access to sites due to bad actors | Site blocks don‘t impact your access |
| No way to build up positive site trust | Develop positive site trust over time |
Obtain Enhanced Security
In corporate work environments, network security teams often whitelist dedicated IPs for secure remote access by employees and contractors.
Remote workers connecting through the company VPN are assigned static IP addresses. This allows tighter control over who can access internal systems and data from offsite. Authorization depends on the dedicated IP rather than just a username and password which can be stolen.
According to a 2022 SysGroup IT survey, 68% of small businesses rely on VPN solutions to enable remote work. Of these, 81% report whitelisting certain IPs to enhance access security.
Increase Connection Speeds
During peak usage hours, shared VPN IP addresses can become congested which slows connectivity speeds. Hundreds or even thousands of users may be routing traffic through the same IP.
With a dedicated IP address, you get exclusive access to bandwidth capacity on the server. Your speeds are not affected by the activity of other VPN subscribers sharing the same IP. This results in faster and more reliable throughput.
A 2022 speed test analysis by VPNMentor found dedicated IP servers provided 85% faster average speeds compared to crowded shared IP servers of the same VPN provider.
| Shared IP Speed Issues | Dedicated IP Speed Benefits |
|---|---|
| Congestion during peak hours | No congestion even at peak times |
| Hundreds of users per IP | No competition for bandwidth |
| Shared capacity throttles speed | Maximum speeds from exclusive capacity |
| Slower downloads and streaming | Faster downloads and smooth streaming |
Bypass Captchas and Other Challenges
Websites may force you to complete captcha challenges when connecting from an IP address also used by countless other VPN subscribers. This is done to verify you are a real human user and not an automated bot.
Your exclusive dedicated IP indicates that you are an actual individual user more strongly than a shared IP does. As a result, sites are less likely to bombard you with captchas and related hurdles.
According to data from the ad verification company HUMAN, over 25% of all website traffic comes from bots. That is why many sites are on high alert for automated scrapers and scripts misusing shared VPN IPs.
Gain More Customization Options
Some VPN providers with dedicated IPs allow you to select your virtual location by choosing the server IP you utilize. Rather than connecting you to the nearest server, you can pick any server in their network and access region-restricted content from that location.
This customization can help you unblock geo-restricted content. For example, by selecting a dedicated IP on a UK-based server, you can access BBC iPlayer anywhere in the world. Shared IPs won‘t necessarily allow the same fine-tuned location spoofing.
According to data from GlobalWebIndex, over 25% of VPN users do so in order to access regionally restricted content. Dedicated IPs enhance this capability.
When Does a Dedicated IP VPN Make Sense?
While shared IPs work for most general privacy needs, here are some common scenarios where utilizing a dedicated IP VPN may prove beneficial:
- Accessing Geo-Restricted Content – Dedicated IPs allow you to choose server locations to virtually appear anywhere. This helps unlock region-locked streaming content, sports, news, and shopping sites when traveling internationally.
- Company Network Access – Many corporate networks only allow remote access via whitelisted dedicated IPs. This provides enhanced security as employees connect remotely through an exclusive IP.
- Online Banking – Banks commonly block connections from shared VPN IP addresses. A dedicated IP can mimic a residential home broadband connection to avoid these blocks.
- Gaming Networks – Online gaming platforms often restrict VPNs to prevent manipulative behavior like region hopping. A dedicated non-VPN-flagged IP avoids blocks while still protecting your traffic.
- Bypassing Captchas – If you getcaptcha challenges frequently when browsing the web through VPN shared IPs, a dedicated IP indicates you are an actual individual user and not a bot.
- Avoiding Shared IP Restrictions – Some sites limit usage if a shared IP gets overused. A dedicated IP means no usage caps based on the actions of others sharing the IP.
- Isolating Smart Home Devices – You can keep an IoT device isolated on your home network while still routing its traffic through your overall VPN tunnel by assigning it a dedicated IP.
The main rule of thumb is if you value consistency and customization over the added anonymity of shared IPs, a dedicated IP is the way to go.
How to Select a VPN Provider With Dedicated IP Options
The best VPN providers have large and reliable server networks, top-notch privacy protections, fast speeds, and extra features like split tunneling. However, not every VPN service offers dedicated IP address options to users.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a trustworthy VPN provider with dedicated IPs available:
- Server Network – Look for providers with thousands of servers in locations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. More server options means more choices for your dedicated IP address.
- No Logging Policies – Select a VPN that underwent an independent audit confirming they do not log user activity or connection timestamps. This ensures anonymity when utilizing your dedicated IP address.
- Speed Performance – Test speed results to find providers with consistently fast connectivity crucial for streaming and downloads. Avoid crowded, slow VPNs.
- Extra Features – Additional capabilities like split tunneling, multihop connections, and IPv6 support enhance privacy and flexibility when using your dedicated IP.
- Device Support – The VPN should offer native apps for all your devices including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers, and Linux.
- Dedicated IP Locations – More server location options for your dedicated IP allows greater flexibility to choose your virtual location.
- Dedicated IP Pricing – Some VPNs include dedicated IPs with certain higher-tier plans, while others charge an added fee ranging from $3 to $15 per month.
Based on the above criteria, here are 5 of the top VPN services that provide dedicated IP address options:
| VPN Provider | Dedicated IP Price | Servers | Dedicated IP Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $5 per month | 5,600+ | 12 countries |
| Surfshark | $3.75 per month | 3,200+ | US, UK, Netherlands, Germany |
| CyberGhost | $2.50 per month | 7,400+ | US, UK, Germany, Canada, France |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | $5 per month | 10,000+ | US, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia |
| PureVPN | $4.49 per month | 6,500+ | US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Singapore, Malta |
No matter which provider you select, be sure to compare the geographic locations of its dedicated IP offerings to maximize your virtual location options. Also confirm they have a strict no logging policy before signing up.
Can You Use Free VPNs With Dedicated IPs?
Free VPN services often have slower speeds, smaller server networks, and lack advanced privacy features found in premium options. However, they can still work well for basic anonymous browsing and protecting public WiFi connections.
Some free VPNs do provide dedicated IP access, but speeds and locations are limited compared to paid counterparts. These include:
- Windscribe – This Canada-based VPN offers 10GB/month free. You can add a dedicated IP for $2/month.
- Hide.me – The free plan has 2GB monthly data and limited locations. Dedicated IPs cost $4.99/month.
- ProtonVPN – Their unlimited free plan has slower speeds. Faster dedicated IPs require a paid subscription starting at $5/month.
Exercising caution with any free VPN service you use is wise, especially when accessing sensitive accounts or services. Paid VPNs with dedicated IPs tend to offer better speeds and enhanced privacy protections.
FAQs: Your Dedicated IP VPN Questions Answered
What exactly is a VPN dedicated IP address?
A VPN dedicated IP address is a static IP address assigned exclusively to you by your VPN provider. No other VPN user can access or share that same IP address–it is yours alone. This allows you to maintain a persistent identity online.
How much does a dedicated IP address cost?
Most quality VPN providers charge between $3 to $15 per month for access to a dedicated IP address. However, a handful of providers do include dedicated IPs for free on certain annual or multi-year VPN plans. The exact price depends on each VPN‘s policies.
What benefits does using a VPN with dedicated IP provide?
Dedicated IPs offer greater customization, site access, faster speeds, and increased security compared to shared VPN IP addresses used by multiple subscribers. They help avoid anti-VPN blocks, preserve your reputation, and gain you more fine-tuned control.
Does ExpressVPN offer customers any dedicated IP options?
No, ExpressVPN does not currently provide its users with dedicated IP address options. Instead, it uses shared IP addresses that frequently rotate to provide a higher level of privacy and anonymity online for its customers.
Can I change my VPN’s dedicated IP address if needed?
Some VPN providers allow you to switch the dedicated IP assigned to you to a new IP address on the same server location. This enables refreshing your virtual identity while maintaining your chosen virtual location. However, not all providers permit changing your dedicated IP so check their policies.
The Bottom Line
Dedicated VPN IP addresses enable a more consistent and customizable online experience compared to shared IPs. By assigning you the same IP address, websites perceive you as an individual rather than one of countless random users behind shared IPs.
This avoids anti-VPN blocks, safeguards your reputation, enhances security, and can notably increase speeds. On the other hand, dedicated IPs reduce anonymity versus shared changing IPs. You also have to pay a monthly premium for the exclusive privilege.
Carefully weigh whether the unique benefits are worthwhile for your personal use case and budget. Either way, be sure to select a top-tier VPN that secures your privacy through strong encryption and a certified no logging policy. Stay safe!
