Should You Get a Dedicated IP With Your VPN Subscription?
If you have been using a VPN or looking to subscribe to the service, there is a chance you have seen something called a dedicated IP as an extra feature. Here’s everything you need to know to understand this feature and decide if it’s something you’ll benefit from.
What is a dedicated IP?
A dedicated IP address usually refers to a static IP address for websites and hosting. It is commonly used for safe access to a website or during a period of heavy traffic. So, the hosting service provides you with a dedicated IP that only you can use.
However, “dedicated IP” in VPN subscriptions refers to something quite different.
Usually, when you connect to a VPN server of your choice, you get the same IP address as other users on that server. Essentially, data from several users is going through the same server. A dedicated IP address is completely different – you get your own IP address, and it’s not given to anyone else.
All the information you send or receive goes through that dedicated IP address, which differs from your actual IP address. Therefore, you stay fully protected with a dedicated IP if you seek privacy and online safety. While a dedicated IP address has plenty of benefits, this extra service is not free. You will probably pay more for a subscription plan that includes this feature.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of dedicated IPs in more detail.
Advantages of using a dedicated IP address
Quicker online communication
Sending emails through shared IP addresses could be lengthy because mail services need to verify the address. Even if your email goes through, chances are the message will end up in a spam folder. If you plan on communicating using a VPN, a dedicated IP address is a better option.
Having your dedicated IP address will give you an advantage because a mail service doesn’t need to check it. Those of you who need a VPN for work will find this benefit quite important because of the quicker communication via email.
Working out of the office
Business networks have the highest level of security and can be accessible only from the office to protect confidential data and information. These networks usually have a list of IP addresses allowed access to the database, which can be an issue for people who prefer working from home or on the move.
A dedicated IP address can solve this problem because it is unique and can be granted access to a network. But you should let your employer know you want to access the network from home so they can arrange everything for you.
Verification
Websites and digital services often blocklist shared IP addresses, meaning you need to go through additional verification steps before logging in. It might not be a problem at first, but extra verifications can become tiresome after some time.
Websites like Amazon and PayPal will ask you for verification if the system detects several active users with the same IP address, which happens with a shared IP address. Every time you try to log in with a different IP, you’ll be asked to verify your identity. The easiest way to avoid these extra steps is to have a dedicated IP address used only by you.
Avoid being blocklisted
Some websites can revoke access to their services and place a shared IP address on a blocklist if they detect several users having the same IP. The perfect example is Netflix, which offers different content depending on someone’s location. Viewers can go around the restrictions using a VPN, but a shared IP address soon gets blocklisted.
You won’t be the only person with the same shared IP on Netflix, which is a red flag. All users with the same IP will be disconnected and denied access until they can confirm their location. A dedicated IP address could solve this problem, but remember that streaming services might still detect the IP address change.
Disadvantages of a dedicated IP address
Less anonymity
Using a shared IP address can give you anonymity while browsing the web, and websites won’t be able to pick up on your interests. Since you’ll be the only person with your dedicated IP address, you’ll probably start seeing personalized ads.
The price
A dedicated IP address isn’t free, and you’ll probably have to pay an extra fee within your monthly VPN subscription to obtain one. Some VPN providers offer them at a lower price, so do your research if you have a limited budget.
