Here’s a summary of how dedicated and dynamic VPN IP addresses compare in eight key areas:
Category |
Winner |
Anonymity |
Dynamic IP
A dedicated VPN IP is exclusively associated with you versus a dynamic IP, which is shared among many others. |
Remote Access Security |
Dedicated IP
Dedicated VPN IPs are completely safe to whitelist for secure remote connections, as they are single-user. Dynamic IPs change too often, non-dedicated static IPs are shared. |
Bypass Firewalls |
Dedicated IP
Dedicated VPN IPs never change so you only ever need to update rules on any applicable restricted firewall, once. |
Streaming |
Dynamic IP
Dynamic IPs aren’t tied to a single region liked dedicated IPs are, and can unblock many international streaming libraries. |
Gaming |
Dedicated IP
Players can easily connect to your server if you host with a dedicated IP. You also avoid bans from games where other users may have abused a shared IP. |
Browsing Experience |
Dedicated IP
Dedicated VPN IPs minimize CAPTCHAs, 2FA and other online verification checks. |
Price |
Dynamic IP
Dynamic IPs are automatically assigned and reused by the VPN service with no extra cost. Dedicated VPN IPs require manual configuration and an additional VPN subscription. |
The most compelling reason for choosing a dedicated VPN IP address is for remote access to networks or devices where security is the top priority.
While a VPN with a shared static IP address is technically compatible with an IP whitelist, it may not comply with the network’s security policies due to being shared with an unknown number of other users.
In theory, another subscriber to that static IP address could access the network as their connection would also meet the IP whitelist requirements.
Hosting with a dedicated IP means other players can connect to your server with ease.
It’s also much easier to host a game server using a static VPN IP (whether that’s dedicated or shared) than a dynamic one. As your IP address never changes, other players can directly connect to your server by inputting your address.
A dedicated IP does have the edge over a shared static IP when it comes to avoiding IP bans due to other players’ actions. While the chances of this are much reduced a static IP, unexpected IP bans remain possible when IPs are shared.
The biggest drawback of any static VPN IP address is that you have less anonymity than with a dynamic IP, and dedicated IP VPNs have the least of all.
With an IP address that’s exclusive to you, your activity is more vulnerable to traffic correlation attacks, which can result in your internet traffic becoming completely de-anonymized.
This kind of attack involves analyzing incoming and outgoing VPN data center traffic to identify patterns within the data. Naturally, it’s easier to isolate an individual’s activity from a single IP address than from a larger number, especially if it’s exclusively theirs.
LEARN MORE: You can use a VPN with a double VPN feature to nullify traffic correlation attacks and keep your data private.
Much like a shared static IP, a dedicated IP VPN can actually be better for streaming if you don’t mind being limited to a single region. Your traffic will resemble normal internet traffic more closely, and is therefore be less likely to be blocked by streaming services.
The downside versus a dynamic IP address, of course, is that you sacrifice the flexibility in spoofing your geolocation and being able to access a variety of international streaming libraries.
We couldn’t access US Netflix with PIA’s static IP.
You can also cycle through many dynamic IPs if needed, whereas if your dedicated VPN IP gets blocked then there’s little you can do.
When it comes to price, a dedicated IP VPN can be worth the extra money if it meets your needs. Otherwise, it’s better to stick with a standard VPN subscription.
Use a Dedicated IP VPN if You Need:
- To unblock a specific streaming library. Dedicated IPs are highly effective at bypassing geo-restrictions with the caveat that you’re limited to a single region.
- Complete control over your IP. No-one else has access to your dedicated IP, so you won’t have to suffer the consequences of other users’ IP bans.
- Secure remote access to a network or server. Restricting access to a server or network via an IP whitelist ensures both convenience and security for your remote connections.
Use a Dynamic IP VPN if You Need:
- Enhanced privacy. Tracing your online activities becomes significantly more challenging when using a VPN with changing IP addresses.
- More affordable VPN options. Dynamic IPs are typically included in standard packages without additional costs.
- Access to region-locked content. VPNs with variable IP addresses aren’t confined to a single area, allowing you to access various international streaming libraries.