VPN Dedicated IP Explained
A dedicated VPN IP gives you a fixed, static address that only you use. Here's when it's worth the extra cost and when shared IPs are better.
Shared IP vs Dedicated IP
Shared IP (Default)
- + Better anonymity (traffic mixed with others)
- + Included in base subscription
- + IP changes with each connection
- - Frequent CAPTCHAs on Google, banking sites
- - May be blocked by IP-whitelisted services
- - Sometimes blacklisted due to other users' abuse
Dedicated IP (Add-on)
- + Works with IP-whitelisted firewalls
- + No CAPTCHAs or blocks
- + Consistent banking and email access
- + Not affected by other users' behavior
- - Costs extra ($3-5/month)
- - Less anonymous (IP linked only to you)
Use Cases
Company Firewall Access
Your company's firewall only allows connections from whitelisted IPs. A dedicated VPN IP can be added to the whitelist, giving you secure remote access.
Banking Without Blocks
Banks flag VPN IPs as suspicious. A dedicated IP provides a consistent address that your bank learns to trust, reducing security alerts and lockouts.
Email Deliverability
If you run email servers or marketing campaigns, shared VPN IPs may be blacklisted. A dedicated IP has a clean reputation.
Avoiding CAPTCHAs
Google and other services show CAPTCHAs when they detect VPN traffic. A dedicated IP behaves like a regular residential connection.
Remote Server Management
If you manage servers with IP-based access control, a dedicated VPN IP provides consistent access.
Provider Pricing
| Provider | Extra Cost | Locations | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $3.69/mo | US, UK, DE, FR, NL, +5 | Yes |
| Surfshark | $3.75/mo | US, UK, DE, NL | Yes |
| Proton VPN | Included in Business | Multiple | Business only |
| ExpressVPN | N/A | N/A | No |
| Mullvad | N/A | N/A | No |