Many VPNs offer dedicated IP – but is it really worth your money?

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What is dedicated IP, and is it worth using?

IP address
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A dedicated IP address is a unique number that you – and only you – use to access the Internet. It helps keep you safe and private online by hiding your location, protecting your privacy by masking your real IP.

If you are familiar with VPNs, you may have noticed that many of the best VPN services offer dedicated IPs as an add-on service. This gives you the security of the VPN plus an extra layer of privacy, as you alone will have access to your dedicated IP's address.

In this article, we’re breaking down which VPNs have dedicated IPs and how much each one costs. You’ll also learn the pros and cons of a dedicated IP, and how to tell if you really need one.

An illustration of cartoon figures with mobile phones, in a hand drawn style, and watching eyes.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What is a dedicated IP?

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique number assigned to each individual device (e.g. laptop, smartphone, IoT device) that connects to the Internet. IP addresses help make sure data is correctly routed and sent across the web.

Each IP is created based on a formula. Your IP reveals information such as the type of network you’re using and your geographical location – or rather, the location where the IP address is registered/where its server is located.

Many hosting providers offer both dedicated and shared IP addresses. A dedicated IP is exclusively assigned to a single user, device, or hosting account. Multiple VPN users, however, can be on a shared IP.

Pros and cons of dedicated IP

If you’re using a dedicated IP, you’ll be assigned the same IP number every time you connect. That number is associated with a specific VPN location.

This is helpful because you can use the VPN’s encrypted connection while simultaneously:

  • Avoiding CAPTCHAs for smoother logins
  • Accessing systems that only allow approved IP addresses
  • Avoiding IP blocks commonly found with online banking sites, streaming services, or email

You’re getting all the usual benefits of a virtual private network, but thanks to your individual IP marking you as a single user – versus a big group of people on a shared VPN who might spam websites – you’re avoiding potential VPN drawbacks. This includes things like being blocked from using your online banking while connected to your VPN.

This workaround isn’t perfect, however. Keep in mind that if you opt for a dedicated IP, you can only mask your location using the single place where your IP address is hosted. You can’t change your location later.

What’s more, since dedicated IP addresses belong to just one person, they can sometimes be easier to track than other types of IPs. Don’t worry: your identity still won’t be exposed. But you may have less privacy than you would if you were using a shared IP with hundreds of other users.

With a shared IP, it’s harder for third parties to pick out a single user’s activity among all that traffic, creating greater anonymity.

Dedicated IP address

(Image credit: NordVPN)

Which VPNs offer dedicated IPs?

Take a look at our breakdown of the best VPNs in 2025, whether they offer a dedicated IP, and what sets them apart.

1.NordVPN: our top pick for most peopleDedicated IP:

1. NordVPN: our top pick for most people
Dedicated IP: Yes

Pricing: Starts from $3.69 per month

NordVPN has dedicated IP servers in 28 countries and allows you to have multiple dedicated IP addresses.

Most people don’t need more than one dedicated IP, but if you want separate IPs for different purposes (for example, work accounts, streaming, or accessing region-specific services), NordVPN is one of the only providers with this capability.

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2. Surfshark: our top-rated cheap VPN serviceDedicated IP:

2. Surfshark: our top-rated cheap VPN service
Dedicated IP: Yes

Pricing: Starts from $3.75 per month

With Surfshark, you can get a single dedicated IP address on VPN servers in 20 locations across the globe.

This IP covers all your devices – even routers and smart TVs – and works with all major VPN protocols, so you don’t sacrifice speed.

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3. ExpressVPN: the easiest VPN to useDedicated IP:

3. ExpressVPN: the easiest VPN to use
Dedicated IP: Yes

Pricing: Starts from $3.99 per month, or free as part of ExpressVPN Pro ($7.49 per month)

You can purchase a single dedicated IP from ExpressVPN and choose from servers in 22 countries. ExpressVPN uses zero-knowledge IP allocation for extra privacy: When you register, the provider can’t see which customer is assigned to which dedicated IP.

ExpressVPN is also the only company to price their dedicated IP with a bundle option instead of solely as an add-on.

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4. The most private VPN overall: Proton VPNDedicated IP:

4. The most private VPN overall: Proton VPN
Dedicated IP: No (only available for business users)

Pricing: VPN subscription starts at $2.49 per month

For the typical consumer subscriber, Proton doesn’t offer a dedicated IP. Those addresses are reserved for business users.

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5. Private Internet Access – the best VPN for expertsDedicated IP:

5. Private Internet Access – the best VPN for experts
Dedicated IP: Yes

Pricing: Starts at $2.50 per month

Private Internet Access has dedicated IP servers in five countries and lets you have a single IP address. Similar to ExpressVPN, PIA adds an extra layer of anonymity in the registration process so not even the company itself can tell which customer owns which IP.

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Should you get a dedicated IP?

Dedicated IPs come in handy if you need reliability: smooth remote logins, fewer blocks or verification challenges, and better home network security.

If you just want to stay private online, using a VPN should enough, especially if it's one of the most private VPNs. But for more complex remote access needs, look into a dedicated IP address.

Hailey Hudson
Hailey Hudson
Freelance Writer

Hailey Hudson is a full-time freelance tech writer based out of Atlanta, Georgia.

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