Are you trying to decide between a static and dynamic IP address? Understanding the differences is essential for choosing the right one for your needs. Both options offer distinct advantages and drawbacks depending on how you use the internet.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between static and dynamic IP addresses, explore their benefits, and help you determine which is better for your specific situation. Whether you’re hosting servers, streaming, or protecting your online privacy, we’ve got you covered.
Static vs Dynamic IP Address: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Static IP Address | Dedicated IP Address |
| Definition | A fixed IP address that does not change. | A temporary IP address that changes periodically. |
| Stability | Highly stable and consistent. | Less stable; changes with network reconnections. |
| Best for | Hosting servers, websites, remote access, VoIP, and gaming. | Everyday use like browsing, streaming, and online shopping. |
| Privacy | Easier to track and identify. | Harder to track due to frequent changes. |
| Security | Vulnerable to targeted attacks if exposed. | Reduces risk of DDoS attacks and is harder to target. |
| Setup | Requires manual configuration and maintenance. | Automatically assigned by ISP; no manual setup needed. |
| Cost | Typically incurs additional fees from ISPs. | Generally included with standard internet service. |
| Performance | Better for high-speed, stable connections like gaming or hosting. | May experience minor disruptions during IP changes. |
| Access to Restricted Networks | Easier to configure for restricted access, like remote servers. | May cause access issues with secure accounts due to IP rotation. |
| Reliability | Fixed to one device or network. | Reused from a pool of available IP addresses. |
What Is A Static IP Address?
A static IP address is a fixed IP number that doesn’t change once it’s assigned to a device or local network. Static IP addresses make it easier to identify networks or servers across the web and provide accurate geolocation. This means they’re the ideal option for businesses and remote workers that want to make it easier for outsiders to find their website or apply IP-based access limits to their local network.
This type of IP address can be assigned to local area networks, wireless computers, network printers, and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers. FTP and DHCP servers using static IP addresses provide better geolocation, faster speeds, and a more reliable connection.
When to Use a Static IP Address
Static IP addresses are best suited for situations where you:
- ✅ Host servers or manage network equipment
- ✅ Need the same IP address to access accounts or networks
- ✅ Run a gaming server
- ✅ Set up fixed servers or domains
- ✅ Provide remote access to devices on your network
- ✅ Use VoIP services frequently
- ✅ Host websites
The Benefits & Drawbacks of Using A Static IP Address
Because static IPs don’t reset or change, they’re a dependable choice for maintaining uninterrupted internet connections. This makes the overall network connection to your device more seamless and reliable. Unfortunately, the discoverability of static IP addresses has a downside. Static IPs are easier to track, which can make them more vulnerable to unauthorized access or cyber threats.
Pros and Cons of Static IP Addresses
Static IP addresses remain fixed and consistent, making them the preferred choice for tasks requiring stability and reliability, like hosting servers or accessing remote networks. However, this consistency comes with trade-offs in terms of cost, configuration complexity, and potential security risks. Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Enhanced fraud detection
- Faster upload and download speeds
- Improved delivery management and load balancing
- Seamless, reliable network connections
- Reduced risk of connection lapses when moving between locations
Disadvantages:
- Higher discoverability – once exposed, the IP address can be targeted repeatedly since it never changes
- Reconfiguring a new static IP address on a server or network can be challenging and misconfigurations can cause network conflicts
- Additional monthly or yearly charges are common with ISP-assigned static IP addresses (as dynamic IP addresses are easier to manage)
Why Choose a Dedicated IP Over a Static IP?
One alternative to a static IP address is getting a dedicated IP. A dedicated IP address is a type of static IP provided by a third-party service like a VPN. When you get a dedicated IP address from a VPN you can use it on any device the VPN works on – it doesn’t have to be one device forever.
CyberGhost VPN offers dedicated IPs for Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Getting a dedicated IP address is generally more affordable than signing up for a static IP address. A dedicated IP is also only assigned to and accessible by you, so it offers better security and privacy than a regular VPN connection.
How to Get A Dedicated IP Address from CyberGhost VPN
Step 1: Subscribe to CyberGhost VPN and sign in via our website login page.
Step 2: Click on Dedicated VPN and then tap the Buy Now button.
Step 3: Once your payment is processed, pick your location and generate your token.Step 4: Finally, refer to our OS-specific guides to redeem and activate your new dedicated IP address on your device
What Is A Dynamic IP Address?
A dynamic IP address is temporarily assigned from a pool of available IP addresses and typically changes each time your device disconnects and reconnects to a network. ISPs assign dynamic IPs automatically and at no extra cost, making them a cost-effective solution for everyday online activity, including browsing, streaming, and shopping.
When to Use a Dynamic IP Address
Dynamic IP addresses are ideal for:
- ✅ Streaming, browsing, and online shopping
- ✅ Preventing all your online activity from being attached to your identity
- ✅ Using everyday devices with standard internet needs
Pros and Cons of A Dynamic IP Address
Dynamic IP addresses never remain the same for long. This improves your privacy and can help against threats like DDoS attacks. A dynamic IP is best for everyday tasks but it isn’t very effective for secure access or hosting purposes. Dynamic IPs can also be reused infinitely, as the address used simply returns to the pool of available IP addresses.
Advantages:
- Makes it harder for cybercriminals to track your activity back to your device
- Reduces the risk of misconfiguration or address conflicts as dynamic IP addresses are assigned automatically
- Easily replaced by resetting your router or connecting to a new VPN server, helping you blend into the crowd
Disadvantages:
- It may cause DNS issues, leading to disconnects and downtime, negatively impacting platforms like Zoom or Google Voice
- Doesn’t work well for hosting servers, websites, or with data-heavy activities like online gaming
- Rotating IPs can complicate access to remote services and secure accounts or networks (like online banking or company intranets) may flag them as suspicious
Using a dynamic IP address can also make accessing remote services more difficult since your IP address is linked to your location. For instance, if your favorite online shop restricts access to IP addresses located in the UK and you travel to the US, your new US IP address could get you locked out.
This can be resolved with a reliable VPN that has a vast server network and can provide you with a UK IP address (or one from anywhere else you prefer). That way, you don’t need to lose access to your accounts, including banking, news, work resources, and cloud services. Having a static IP address won’t help you in this case, and you don’t need one to get this benefit either, but you can still get a static IP address from a VPN that offers dedicated IP connections if it suits your needs better.
Which Is Better: Static or Dynamic IP Addresses?
Neither static nor dynamic IP addresses are universally better or safer. Each serves specific purposes and comes with its own benefits and vulnerabilities to privacy invasion and cyber attacks. This means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing the “better” IP type.
Your choice between a static vs dynamic IP depends entirely on your needs. A static IP address is your best bet if you’re hosting a game server or need consistent, high-speed connectivity for data-intensive tasks. However, a dynamic IP is more affordable, requires no manual configuration, and works just fine for everyday online activity.
Whether you choose a static or dynamic IP, you can enhance your security and privacy with CyberGhost VPN. By connecting to one of our servers, you’ll benefit from top-notch VPN encryption to make your traffic unreadable and a new IP address to help protect your identity and privacy online.
Don’t want to spring for a static IP? You can get a dedicated IP address from CyberGhost VPN. It provides exclusive access to an IP address at a fraction of the cost of a static IP address and provides all the same benefits – plus enhanced security and flexibility to use it across multiple devices.
FAQ
Static IP addresses are fixed to a specific device or network and location and remains the same every time you connect. In contrast, a dynamic IP address may not change every time you disconnect and reconnect your device to a network, but it will update eventually. Both dynamic and static IP addresses are vulnerable to cyber attacks though, so it’s important to use extra protection for any device connected to the internet.
With CyberGhost VPN, you can safeguard your connection by routing it through our secure servers. This masks your IP address and makes your real location nearly impossible to track. Our strong VPN encryption changes your data to make it unreadable to outsiders, improving your privacy.
It depends on your needs, as static and dynamic IPs have both benefits and drawbacks. In some instances, for example, a static IP is better for security while a dynamic IP is better for privacy.
As an example, companies that manage servers or websites use a static IP address to make it easier for customers to find the service or make local network resources available to remote workers. On the other side, a dynamic IP address is best for everyday tasks like streaming or browsing. It makes tracking your identity more difficult as your IP address changes semi-regularly (depending on your ISP), which slightly improves your privacy.
No, both static and dynamic IP addresses have secure aspects and vulnerabilities. A static IP address gives you more control over which devices can access your network, but it’s easy for outsiders to track. Dynamic IP addresses are everchanging making it easier to blend into the crowd, but they’re also shared among many people from a pool of available IP addresses. This can cause problems if someone abuses an IP address by partaking in illegal activity before it’s assigned to you.
You can increase the security and privacy of your connection by using a VPN to mask your dynamic IP address with an anonymous one. Likewise, a VPN gives you more flexibility when you’re using a static IP address because it lets you get an anonymous dynamic IP address anytime you need one.
You can rent a static IP address from your ISP for a fee, but it can be expensive. A dedicated IP address is a more affordable and flexible form of static IP address, that you can get from CyberGhost VPN and use with any compatible device.
We have dedicated IP addresses for Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. That means you can get an exclusive IP address from any of these locations, which only you can access and it’s usable on any device.
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