Need More Control? A VPN With a Dedicated IP Address May Be the Answer
A dedicated IP address provides a VPN user with more autonomy as well as more protection, but does the additional cost offset the benefits?
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Last updated Apr 11, 2024
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You may know what a virtual private network (VPN) is, but have you ever wondered if there’s a way to enhance your VPN connection? A dedicated IP address may be the answer. Not only does it give you more autonomy on a shared server, but it can also improve internet speeds while connected to your VPN.
A dedicated IP can save you from reputation damage that happens with shared servers as well as allowing you easier access to geo-restricted content. However, there’s almost always an additional cost involved with a dedicated IP. It’s up to you to weigh the importance.
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NordVPN
-
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
-
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
-
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
- Too many confusing plans
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
In this article
What is a dedicated IP address?What’s the difference between dynamic and static IP addresses?
When should you use a dedicated IP address?
How to choose a VPN with a dedicated IP address
5 VPNs with a dedicated IP
VPNs with dedicated IP address FAQs
Bottom line
What is a dedicated IP address?
When you use a VPN, it’s likely you’re sharing the IP address of the server you’ve connected to with other customers of that VPN. While that’s not a bad thing, and all your traffic is encrypted, it can also be a sign that you’re using a VPN.
If you’d like to mask the IP address of your device but also mask it with another private IP, then you may be looking for a dedicated IP address. A dedicated internet protocol (IP) address is like your phone number or your toothbrush — used only by you.
From a cybersecurity perspective, a dedicated IP also allows for more security within a network. IT directors are able to lock down system networks by whitelisting dedicated IPs to exert more control over who has access to different systems operations. This is a very technical way of saying this lets the IT director say who’s allowed in and who isn’t.
What’s the difference between dynamic and static IP addresses?
There are two types of IP addresses: dynamic and static. The main difference is that dynamic changes while static stays the same.
Think of the latter, static, as a stasis, something existing in equilibrium. The former, dynamic, has the ability to change at any time. Neither is more powerful than the other per se, but they each carry their own drawbacks and benefits.
A dedicated IP can be accessed through a static IP but is exclusive to the VPN where you purchased your dedicated IP. It can be changed depending on the VPN permissions. It also gives you an increased layer of security since you then have access to the VPN encryption and static IP address on your computer or router.
Are dedicated IP addresses safe?
Any IP address assigned to you by a reputable VPN is safe, but a dedicated IP can provide you with more security. A dedicated IP can provide stricter controls, which is helpful especially if there are a lot of safety concerns or permissions to set up.
Dynamic IP address pros and cons
Pros
- More anonymity
- Included in ISP/VPN cost
- No configuration required
Cons
- Reduced internet speeds
- IP reputation damage is possible if other users engage in bad behavior
Dedicated IP address pros and cons
Pros
- Provides more security
- It can help hide VPN usage
- Unique permissions can be assigned to just you
Cons
- Add-on cost to VPN subscription
- Can make you appear more unique as your IP wouldn’t be changing
When should you use a dedicated IP address?
You can see there are drawbacks and benefits to using a dedicated IP. One of the benefits is increased security if you’re using split tunneling to access the web. Certain sites like online banking don’t like VPNs because the IP addresses are transient. That sends up a red flag to the bank.
Often, people use split tunneling to get around this, routing their banking traffic through an unsecured channel. When you include a dedicated IP in your VPN, you should be able to access your online banking within the encrypted protection of a VPN.
This increases your security by continuing to encrypt the banking traffic while also not appearing suspicious to the bank.
Some other instances where a dedicated IP may be useful:
- To create autonomy on a shared server
- For increased security on a secure server
- For individual permissions on a shared secure server (like who has access to different online files in an office setting)
- To avoid CAPTCHAs caused by shared VPN IP addresses
- To add an extra layer of security to your smart home devices
- With a VPN to unblock geo-restricted content that uses VPN blockers
- To safely connect to your office’s servers for remote work
- For control over how you’re recognized online
Should you use a free VPN with a dedicated IP?
As long as the free VPN you choose doesn’t log your data, you should be perfectly safe using a dedicated IP with a free VPN. Take a look at our guide to free VPNs for recommendations.
How to choose a VPN with a dedicated IP address
First, you’ll want to choose a reputable VPN to mask your traffic. You’ll want it to have a lot of server options.
And the VPN should be offered by a provider you trust — NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access (PIA), and PureVPN are all brands we’ve tested and are comfortable recommending. Each one of these has an option to add a dedicated IP and comes with additional features.
You’ll want a feature-rich VPN to make sure you’re utilizing the best security. You’ll also want to make sure the VPN you choose has a no-logs policy and it would be preferable if it didn’t fall within the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes Alliances.
Other features you’ll want to consider include:
- Speed: Do the servers have a major impact on your connection speed?
- Split tunneling: Can you route traffic through the VPN and other traffic outside of it?
- Kill switch: Will the VPN hide your IP by blocking your internet if the VPN connection drops?
- High-level encryption: Does the VPN come with AES-256 military-grade encryption?
- Changeability: Does the VPN allow you to change your dedicated IP address if necessary?
- Ad and tracker blocker: Does the VPN come with an ad and tracker blocker to keep you from being tracked and profiled online?
5 VPNs with a dedicated IP
We’ve gathered 5 VPNs we feel are safe and effective that offer a dedicated IP. Each has a dedicated IP VPN service as well as shared IP addresses.
All of them allow you to try their online services with a 30-day or 45-day money-back guarantee, and almost all of them have dedicated IP servers in big cities like Los Angeles and New York, which makes it more difficult to track you.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
-
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
-
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
- Too many confusing plans
- Price: Starts at $3.99/mo
- Dedicated IP cost: $8.99/mo
- Number of servers: 5,800+ in 60 countries
- Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and DAZN
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge
While NordVPN doesn’t offer a free product, you can get a deal by purchasing an annual or multi-year subscription. Nord is one of the most trusted names in security, and the company offers useful features like split tunneling and a kill switch. NordVPN also has an optional dedicated IP for an additional monthly cost.
NordVPN dedicated IP servers
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Japan
- Italy
- Sweden
- Australia
- Switzerland
- Hong Kong
- Spain
Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review
2. Surfshark
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Surfshark
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All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
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Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
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One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
- Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance
- Price: Starts at $2.29/mo
- Dedicated IP cost: $3.75/mo
- Number of servers: 3,200+ in 100 countries
- Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, DAZN, Hotstar, YLE Areena, AbemaTV, and more
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, FireTV
Ever since Surfshark arrived on the VPN scene, it’s been making waves. It’s a mighty VPN with lots of extras like CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and other nasties that profile you online. It also offers unlimited device support and has great compatibility. Surfshark is also notable for being both powerful and cost-effective.
Surfshark dedicated IP servers
- United States
- United Kingdom
- The Netherlands
- Germany
Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review
3. CyberGhost
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CyberGhost
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High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
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Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
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Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
- No split tunneling feature
- Price: Starts at $2.19/mo
- Dedicated IP cost: $2.50/mo
- Number of servers: 7,000+ servers in 91 countries
- Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, FireTV, AndroidTV, Apple TV, other smart TVs, and many gaming systems
CyberGhost is more affordable than most of its competitors and includes free data breach monitoring that alerts you to email and password leaks. CyberGhost has one of the most generous money-back guarantees — 45 days — because it’s that sure you’re going to like the product.
CyberGhost dedicated IP servers
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Canada
Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review
4. Private Internet Access
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Private Internet Access
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VPN offering fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
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Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
- Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra
- Price: Starts at $2.19/mo
- Dedicated IP cost: $5.00/mo
- Number of servers: Multiple servers in 84 countries and all 50 states
- Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Crunchyroll, Eurosport, and YouTube TV
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, gaming consoles, routers, smart TVs
Private Internet Access (PIA) is like a great restaurant locals frequent, in that it’s used often by security professionals. This is because of the low monthly fees, compatibility, and reliability of the VPN.
Years ago PIA allowed only 10 connections for your VPN license, but now boasts unlimited connections on multiple devices. It even includes features like obfuscation, which allows you to trick your internet service provider (ISP) into thinking you aren’t using a VPN so your usage isn’t throttled.
Private Internet Access dedicated IP servers
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Australia
- Canada
5. PureVPN
/images/2023/02/24/purevpn-logo.png){kind=logo}
PureVPN
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Vast global network of 6,000+ optimized VPN servers in over 65 countries with smart server selection for the fastest connection
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Turn any network private, protect apps separately, privately share files, and more with an ultra-fast 20Gbps connection
-
Fly past location restrictions and VPN blockers on up to 10 devices
- Drastically lower internet speeds
- Price: Starts at $1.96/mo
- Dedicated IP cost: $4.49/mo
- Number of servers: 6,500+ in 70+ countries
- Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Foxtel
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPad OS, Linux, Chromebook, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave, FireTV, AndroidTV, Apple TV, Samsung TV, NVIDIA, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, and routers
We found PureVPN to be one of the more affordable VPNs on the market. It has interesting features like selective app protection, which allows you to choose which apps are covered by the VPN. It also provides more standard features like a kill switch so you’re getting everything you need at a lower monthly cost.
PureVPN dedicated IP servers
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Germany
- Singapore
- Malta
Get PureVPN | Read Our PureVPN Review
VPNs with dedicated IP address FAQs
+
What is a VPN dedicated IP?
It’s when your VPN provider creates an IP address exclusive to you — no other customers of that VPN service can access that IP. This can be helpful if you’re trying to unblock content that may have VPN detection.
+
How much does a dedicated IP cost?
A dedicated IP can cost anywhere between a few dollars a month to several hundred depending on where you’re purchasing it. With VPNs like CyberGhost and Surfshark, you can buy one for $5.00/mo or less.
+
What’s the benefit of a VPN with a dedicated IP?
Some web pages may flag you as suspicious or deny you access when using a VPN connection due to its IP addresses’ transient nature. By using a dedicated IP, you can access online places like your mobile banking service without having to split tunnel your traffic. The VPN continues to keep your activity encrypted while also showing you’re an actual person.
+
Does ExpressVPN offer a dedicated IP?
No, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer the ability to use a dedicated IP. ExpressVPN connects customers to the best IP address for speed and security when you connect, and then regularly rotates those IP addresses. This eliminates the possibility of a dedicated IP.
Bottom line
Using a dedicated IP can have great benefits. You have the ability to fool your ISP so it doesn’t throttle your internet usage as well as unblock geo-restricted content. In a professional setting, it helps IT directors assign permissions on a shared server.
In other words, you can stay anonymous online without the pitfalls of anonymity. But that also opens you up to being more recognizable online without the ability to rotate your IP address with your VPN. Also, it’s an additional monthly cost.
When you decide whether or not to use a dedicated IP, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of your own situation. It comes down to what is best for you. Luckily, we’re here to help you find the best VPN service with or without a dedicated IP.
NordVPN
-
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
-
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
-
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
- Too many confusing plans
Author Details
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)
Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.
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