Best VPN for a static or dedicated IP address

If you're looking for a more reliable connection, a dedicated IP address may be a better option for you. Learn about the benefits of having a static IP, as well as the best VPNs for providing them.

When you connect to the internet using a virtual private network (VPN), you are assigned an IP address that you share with other users. This dynamic IP address normally changes every time you reconnect. By contrast, a static IP address does not change, though it is still shared. A static IP address that is only available to a single user is called a dedicated IP address.

The best VPN for a dedicated or static IP address will enable you to access websites that might otherwise be suspicious if presented with multiple IP addresses – those providing financial services are good examples. At the very least, it will reduce the number of CAPTCHAs presented to you.

Dedicated IP addresses are also useful to anyone who needs to act as a host. For example, those running a gaming server for multiplayer video games will need a public static or dedicated IP address so that remote devices know exactly where to direct their requests.

Dedicated IPs offered by VPNs can provide faster connections, as the bandwidth of the servers administering them isn’t being shared. They can also provide better access to streaming services, as content providers commonly put dynamic IP addresses on block lists for abusive behavior, as they have been used by many different people.

We expand more fully on our choice of the best VPN for a static or dedicated IP address later in this article. For now, here’s a summary of the top choices.

Best VPN for a static or dedicated IP address:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice VPN for a dedicated or public static IP address. Thousands of fast servers worldwide and dedicated IP addresses are available in seven locations. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for a public static or dedicated IP address. Offers unlimited device connections, and free access to shared static IP addresses.
3. CyberGhost: Massive server network and very fast connection speeds. Offers dedicated IP addresses in seven countries.
4. Private Internet Access: Dedicated IP addresses in five countries. Good security credentials and plenty of scope for customization.
5. VPNArea: Robust privacy and security with dedicated IP addresses in nine countries. Decent speeds and good access to streaming services.
6. PureVPN: Large server network and independently audited no-logs policy.  Dedicated IP addresses are available in seven countries.

We know how confusing it can be to choose just one VPN from a pool containing so many. To help condense our own selection, we used the criteria outlined below. Note that our top two VPNs tick all of these boxes. If you’re interested, you can read more about our VPN testing methodology later in this article.

• Static or Dedicated IP address options
• Fast servers
• Strong security and privacy
• Ease of use
• Ability to access streaming services
• Value for money
• To secure a place in the top two positions, the VPN provider must operate a fully diskless VPN server infrastructure
• Providers in the top three positions must have had their infrastructure audited by a reputable third party 

Summary table

Best VPNs for a Static & Dedicated IPs

The following information gives you a detailed overview of our six best VPNs for static or dedicated IP addresses.

NordVPN has thousands of fast servers in its network and offers top-notch privacy and security features to boot.

Subscribers can purchase a dedicated IP address as an optional extra, with locations available in the US (either Buffalo, Dallas, or Los Angeles), the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Canada, and Japan. Shared static addresses are available at no extra cost.

Other NordVPN features include split tunneling, which enables you to select which apps connect using the VPN tunnel; a dark-web monitor that alerts you if your personal data is exposed online; access to MultiHop servers that double up on your encryption; and a kill switch to prevent continued access to the internet if the VPN connection drops out.

NordVPN is also a great choice for accessing geo-restricted streaming services – even in countries where internet use is restricted. It works with a range of Netflix libraries as well as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Hulu. Torrenting is permitted and NordVPN provides dedicated servers for just that purpose.

Easily accessible apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. NordVPN can also be installed on compatible routers.

While connected to the VPN, your internet traffic is protected using 256-bit AES channel encryption, SHA384 authentication, and a 3072-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. NordVPN doesn’t collect any personally identifiable information about users – a claim which has been verified by two independent audits.

In 2019, we reported that NordVPN servers were hacked, with attackers making off with – and subsequently leaking – the private keys used with the certificates securing NordVPN web servers and VPN configuration files. NordVPN attributed the blame to an unsecured remote management tool at a third-party data center in Finland.

Following the attacks, NordVPN was quick to undertake an application security audit, which – according to a NordVPN press release at the time – resulted in developers implementing “a few changes.” The hack also ultimately resulted in NordVPN upgrading their servers to RAM-only, ending the practice of renting servers from third-party hosting companies, and introducing a bug bounty program.

BEST VPN FOR A STATIC OR DEDICATED IP ADDRESS: NordVPN provides shared static IP addresses with every subscription and dedicated IP addresses as a paid add-on. The service is simple to use and connections are fast and secure. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark is a competitively priced provider with access to thousands of servers worldwide. Subscribers are able to connect to static IP addresses at no additional cost by selecting “static IP” from the locations menu.

All plans include unlimited device connections and features such as split tunneling; an ad and malware-blocker; and an extensive range of MultiHop servers, which provide double the amount of encryption.

Torrenting is permitted and Surfshark automatically connects you to the fastest available dedicated P2P server when it detects an open torrent client. Connections are protected with a kill switch, which stops the flow of internet traffic if the VPN connection drops out.

Surfshark is able to access a range of streaming services, including numerous Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Devices that can’t support VPNs can use Surfshark’s smart DNS service to stream content with a spoofed location.

Connections are notably fast and stable, with traffic secured using 256-bit AES encryption in conjunction with SHA512 authentication hash and a 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange.

Intuitive apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Surfshark can also be manually installed on a range of routers.

In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN. Although the two companies will apparently continue to operate as separate entities, the merger marked a further narrowing of the VPN market – much of which is already controlled by companies such as Kape Technologies, Ziff Davis, Aura, and Tesonet.

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark provides a fast and reliable service with unlimited device connections. It offers static IP addresses to subscribers at no additional cost and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost is one of the fastest VPNs available, with a huge number of servers worldwide. It offers subscribers dedicated IP addresses in either the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, or Germany.

Features include a range of connection protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. There are kill switches in all apps, as well as an option for split tunneling. Automatic WiFi protection ensures that you don’t connect to an unsecure WiFi connection without the VPN running.

CyberGhost’s super-fast speeds make it a great option for streaming 4K content. It provides optimized servers for each of the major streaming services, enabling reliable access to platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Crunchyroll. The provider is also good for torrenting, with dedicated servers for just that purpose.

The provider adheres to a no-logs policy and your internet traffic is protected using 256-bit AES/ChaCha20 encryption, 2,048-bit RSA keys, and SHA256 authentication.

Subscriptions enable you to use up to seven devices simultaneously, with apps available for Windows, macOS, IOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. These all prevent DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.

In 2017, CyberGhost was acquired by Crossrider – since renamed Kape Technologies. Crossrider became notorious for producing software that enabled third-party developers to inject adware via a user’s browser. Once in place, the injector was able to display unwanted adverts, redirect traffic, hijack mouse clicks, and harvest data.

Furthermore, malware distributors were able to interrupt the ad chain and introduce their own malicious code. All in all, it was bad business – and ultimately caused the company to change its name and redirect its focus toward cybersecurity instead.

In light of this, it’s reassuring that CyberGhost’s privacy policy, VPN server network, and management systems were independently audited by Deloitte in 2022. CyberGhost also publishes transparency reports every quarter – and has done so since 2011.

FAST SPEEDS: CyberGhost has a vast, speedy server network and offers dedicated IP addresses in seven countries. It’s great for both streaming and torrenting and comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access offers dedicated IP addresses in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Germany.

The company adheres to a strict no-logs policy and enables users to customize their security. Options include changing the level of encryption on data and keys, choosing which DNS servers are used, and switching between different protocols.

Torrenting is permitted, and there’s an option for port forwarding. Other features include split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps use the VPN tunnel; an ad and malware-blocker; a kill switch that stops the flow of internet traffic if the VPN connection fails; and a snooze function.

Private Internet Access’s servers operate on a RAM-only basis, which ensures that no information can be permanently stored on them. This is reassuring, as the company is based in the US, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-gathering alliance. If you’re concerned about privacy, Private Internet Access allows you to double up on encryption by connecting via an additional proxy.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Subscribers can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Private Internet Access was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2019. As mentioned in the CyberGhost review above, Kape Technologies has previously been associated with traffic manipulation and enabling the spread of malware.

Like CyberGhost, Private Internet Access undertook an audit by Deloitte in 2022. The audit confirmed that Private Internet Access’s server configurations aligned with its internal privacy policies and would not identify users or their activities.

HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE: Private Internet Access is a US-based provider with dedicated IP addresses available in five countries and plenty of options for advanced users. Subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

VPNArea is a small Bulgarian provider that offers decent connection speeds despite its relatively modest server network. It has free static IP addresses in 70+ countries and dedicated IP addresses as a paid add-on to its 12 and 36-month subscription plans. These are available in the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Bulgaria, Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong.

A dedicated IP provides you with sole access to a VPNArea server, though you will be given a monthly bandwidth limit of between 500 GB and 2000 GB.

Other features offered with a VPNArea subscription include ad and malware-blocking, as well as access to obfuscated and double-VPN servers. The service works well with streaming sites, and is able to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

Users’ internet traffic is protected using 256-bit AES encryption in conjunction with SHA256 and 4096 RSA keys. VPNArea does not record or keep logs of customers’ internet activity, nor does it keep any server usage logs. You only need to provide a username and email to open an account and payments can be made anonymously via Coinbase.

VPNArea apps are free from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. If you need any help configuring them, customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

FREE STATIC IP: VPNArea offers free static IP addresses to subscribers and dedicated IP addresses as a paid add-on. It works well with streaming services and has a no-logs policy. Plans come with a seven-day money-back guarantee.

PureVPN offers dedicated IP addresses in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Germany, and Malta. These are available as add-ons to subscription plans.

The VPN’s network of servers is thousands strong, with a presence in more than 78 countries, making it a great VPN for travel. In practice, connections are sometimes slow to establish, but the resulting speeds are decent – you can expect to be able to stream HD and 4K content with no buffering. PureVPN is ideal for location spoofing and can access some major streaming services – Netflix works well, for example. Others, like ABC and BBC iPlayer, are a little hit-and-miss.

PureVPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands and adheres to a no-logs policy that has been independently certified by KPMG. Users’ internet traffic is secured using 256-bit AES encryption in conjunction with RSA-2048 keys. It is also protected against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks at all times

Features include split tunneling, and a kill switch in all apps. Optional – paid – extras include port forwarding, DDoS protection, and Dedicated IP addresses with port forwarding.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. PureVPN provides an applet for setting it up with DD-WRT routers.

In 2013, attackers used a flaw in the WHMCS customer relations management system to steal some customers’ names and email addresses. These were used in a subsequent phishing attempt.

A more worrying incident occurred in 2017 when PureVPN came under fire for handing over information to the FBI about one of its customers – who was subsequently arrested for cyberstalking. The issue wasn’t that the man was caught and punished but rather that the company used its logs to link the stalking activity with the then-suspect’s home and work IP addresses.

Following this, the company updated its privacy policy and issued an explanation for its actions. In essence, it said that the only information it provided to the authorities were network logs, which are used to “troubleshoot and optimize a service” and “contain no traces of browsing habits or other private user activities”. It argued that these logs cannot be used to identify a user’s IP without the corresponding logs from visited websites and are thus not in violation of its privacy policy.

LARGE SERVER NETWORK: PureVPN offers dedicated IP addresses in eight countries. It adheres to an independently audited no-logs policy and offers decent connection speeds. You can try it risk-free with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Methodology: How we pick VPNs

While a changing IP address can be good for security, sometimes it’s more of a hindrance. This is true when trying to complete some online transactions or, for example, when another user has caused a platform to ban a particular IP address.

In these cases, a static or dedicated IP address is useful. Not all providers offer this service, but we’ve found the best of those that do. We’ve also ensured that they provide the other features we consider necessary for any VPN. We took the following into consideration:

• Static or Dedicated IP address options: We’ve only included providers that either offer static addresses as part of their subscriptions or dedicated IP addresses as an optional extra. Many offer neither service, though we found one provider – NordVPN – that offered both.
• Fast servers: There’s little point in using a VPN if it slows your connection to a crawl. Ideally, you shouldn’t notice any difference in speed while connected to a VPN, though some servers are always faster than others. At the very least you should be able to stream HD content. We favor those that are fast enough for 4K content.
• Strong security and privacy: The main reason to use a VPN in the first place is to provide a secure and private connection. The best VPN providers should offer a clear no-logs policy that ensures personally identifiable information is never retained. They should also offer appropriate levels of data encryption as well as provide additional security features such as kill switches and MultiHop servers.
• Ease of use: Providers should make their apps user-friendly so that even first-timers can get protected with a click. The best make it easy to access more advanced features such as static or dedicated IP addresses without any problems. The best VPNs will also provide plenty of troubleshooting help and a dedicated customer support team.
• Ability to access streaming services: Aside from the privacy afforded by a VPN, a major draw for many people is the opportunity to access geo-restricted content. This, however, is easier said than done. Streaming platforms put a lot of effort into preventing VPN use, so only the best are able to gain access to the major streaming providers.
• Value for money: Providing a decent VPN service costs money, so all of the VPNs we include tend to require paid-for subscriptions. That said, we make sure that they’re not charging more than they’re worth by comparing them with the wider VPN market. Moreover, we also ensure that the chosen VPNs come with a money-back period, so you can change your mind without losing out financially.

Bonus points

In addition to the above criteria, we particularly value VPN providers that offer any of the following:

• Diskless servers: RAM-only servers are much better from a security standpoint than traditional servers, whose data must be overwritten before it’s deleted. RAM-only – also known as diskless – servers are wiped whenever they’re shut down or rebooted. There are multiple benefits to this. One is that they have no data or configurations stored on them that can be compromised by hackers or captured by government authorities. Another is that they can be centrally managed and thus kept free from third-party tinkering. Furthermore, because the software stack is reinstalled at startup, it ensures each server is equally up-to-date.
• Based beyond the reach of intelligence-gathering organizations: While we can’t claim to have the low-down on every international government-backed intelligence-gathering alliance, we do know where the largest of them operate. For example, the 14 Eyes – officially called SIGINT Seniors Europe, or SSEUR – includes the UK, USA, Spain, Germany, France, and nine other countries, while the ridiculously named Maximator includes Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Members of such alliances bypass domestic laws preventing them from spying on their own citizens by spying on the citizens of fellow alliance members instead. This information can then be shared as necessary. While a VPN having a no-logs policy is all well and good, we prefer those which are based in countries whose governments won’t be compelled to share information if requested.
• Leading the way with new technology: There are 100s of VPNs to choose from, though many of which are almost identical in terms of what they offer. By contrast, there are a few providers that are continually attempting to address new exploits and vulnerabilities by upping their features. Recent examples of these include proprietary connection protocols, bundled antivirus and ad-blocking software, a GUI for Linux and routers, and dedicated tor-over-VPN servers.

How to set a static IP address 

Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider that can give you a static IP address — we recommend NordVPN for this – you need to set it on your devices. Follow these steps:

For macOS:

1. Open “About Mac” and select “System preferences”
2. Select “Network” and then choose the network you’re using
3. Select “Advanced”
4. Select “TCP/IP”
5. Select “Configure IPv4” > “Manually”
6. Open “System preferences” > “Network”
7. Select “Advanced” > “TCP/IP” > “WiFi”
8. Input the static IP address in the IPv4 address field
9. Select “Apply”

For Windows 10:

1. Open “Settings” on your computer
2. Select “Network and internet”
3. Select your current connection
4. Select “Manage known networks” > “Properties” > “IP settings”
5. Select “Edit”
6. Select “Manual”
7. Select “IPv4” and switch it to “On”
8. Input the IP address you want to be static
9. In the “Subnet prefix length” field, input “24”
10. Type “ipconfig/all” into the window and input your gateway information
11. Select “Save”

For Android:

1. Open “Settings” and select “Connections” > “Wi-Fi”
2. Select the gear icon which appears beside your current network
3. Select “IP settings” > “Static”
4. Input your static IP address
5. Select “Save”

For iOS:

1. Open “Settings” and select “Wi-Fi”
2. Select “Network”
3. In “IPv4” select “Configure IP” > “Manual”
4. Input your static IP address

Can I get a free static IP address?

The best way to get a static IP address is to sign up to one of our recommended VPNs. However, if you only temporarily need a different IP address, there are more options available to you.

Switching WiFi networks will give you a different IP address – though be wary of using unsecured WiFi as it’s a prime target for attackers to intercept. You can also ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to change your IP address, though this might require some effort and the result may not be permanent. Some ISPs allow you to purchase a static IP address.

Other options include using the Tor (The Onion Router). This is a free anonymity network run by volunteers. You can access the Tor network by first downloading the Tor browser. Once connected, your traffic flows through multiple nodes before exiting. The IP address of the exit node will be your IP address during the session.

You can also use a proxy to temporarily change your IP address. These are servers that your traffic passes through – your IP address is shown as belonging to the proxy server. Types of proxy include HTTP/S, SOCK5, and SSH. While proxies share similarities to VPNs, they aren’t as flexible and don’t offer the same level of security. Some may still leak your actual IP address, which is why we recommend using a VPN.

Can I get a static IP address from my ISP?

Yes, you can request a static IP address from your Internet Service Provider. A static IP address provides consistency and is particularly useful for activities such as remote access, hosting websites, or running certain applications that require a fixed IP. However, it's worth noting that obtaining a static IP address directly from your ISP can be more expensive compared to other options. 

An alternative and often more cost-effective solution is to acquire a dedicated IP address from a VPN service. Many VPN providers offer dedicated IPs as an add-on feature. These dedicated IPs function similarly to static IPs, as they remain constant each time you connect to the VPN. 

This allows you to access online services from the same IP address every time, which is perfect for accessing services that could block you for using a VPN (such as poker services or games platforms like Steam). It also allows you to host services, such as game servers, or access network resources remotely via your dedicated IP.

Choosing a dedicated IP from a VPN service also lets you choose the country that you want your IP address to be in. This is not possible with your ISP, which will only rent you an IP address in the real location you live in. This makes a VPN dedicated IP multi-purpose because you can also use it to access region-restricted content.  Additionally, dedicated IPs obtained through VPN services come with additional security features, including the ability to implement an encrypted connection to your IP.

Best VPN for a static or dedicated IP address: FAQs

What is the best VPN with dedicated IP?

Not many VPN providers offer dedicated IP addresses. Of those that do, NordVPN is the best. CyberGhost would be our next choice, followed by Private Internet Access, VPNArea, and PureVPN.

Do I have to pay for a static or dedicated IP address?

The best providers offer static IP addresses as part of their subscription packages. If you want a static IP address that isn’t shared – normally known as either a public static or dedicated IP address – then you’ll have to pay an additional fee for it. Many providers don’t offer static or dedicated IP addresses, so check before you sign up for a subscription.

How much does a dedicated IP VPN cost?

Prices vary between providers. PureVPN offers a dedicated IP address add-on for $0.75 a month or $1.24 a month for a dedicated IP address with port forwarding. VPNArea’s prices vary depending on where you’d like the dedicated IP address located. The cheapest is the US, which costs £20 a year. The most expensive is Australia, which costs $44 a year.

The better quality VPNs charge more for their dedicated IP addresses. CyberGhost charges $60 for two years, NordVPN charges $70 per year, and Private Internet Access charges $90 for three years.

Do I need a static IP to play poker and access online casinos?

If you play online poker regularly, then it is definitely worth considering a VPN with a static, dedicated IP. Poker services have been known to shut down people's poker accounts and confiscate their winnings for spoofing their location with a VPN. This makes using a VPN while playing online poker sites a risky prospect.

A dedicated IP is used by you only and is an IP address that you can use regularly to access any online casino, bookie, or poker site. This prevents you from accessing their site using a different IP address each time, which can flag you as a rule breaker.

The important thing to remember is that using a VPN while playing poker may technically be against the Terms of Service for the site you use. For this reason, you should do some research before using a VPN. If you believe you could get in trouble for using a VPN, we recommend that you:

1. Get a dedicated IP that only you use
2. Withdraw winning regularly to prevent losses if your account is closed down unexpectedly.

Remember that nothing in this article constituted legal advice and you should always do your own research before opting to access regional poker tournaments or games. Use of a VPN is at your sole discretion and at your own risk.

What can I use a dedicated IP VPN for?

A dedicated IP VPN can be used for various purposes. Here are some common reasons why subscribers choose to get a VPN with a dedicated IP:

1. Remote access: A dedicated IP VPN allows you to securely access your home or office network remotely. This is especially useful for remote workers or people who want to host servers or regularly access resources on their home network. 
2. Online banking and financial transactions: Some financial institutions and online services have strict security measures. Using a different IP address on a regular basis could cause issues. A dedicated IP allows you to connect to a server back home while also appearing to be a normal home internet user in the country required. 
3. Gaming: Gamers often prefer dedicated IP addresses to enhance their gaming experience. A dedicated IP VPN can provide a stable and reliable connection, reducing latency and ensuring smoother gameplay. It can also help avoid IP bans or restrictions imposed by gaming servers.
4. Streaming and geo-restricted content: Streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, often implement geo-restrictions based on IP addresses; blocking as many VPNs as they can. With a dedicated IP VPN, you can access content from specific regions that might be otherwise unavailable in your location.
5. Online business and e-commerce: If you run an online business or e-commerce website, a dedicated IP VPN can be valuable. It helps maintain a consistent online presence, enhances website security, and enables secure access to business-related tools and resources.
6. Enhanced security: A dedicated IP VPN provides an extra layer of security and anonymity. As your IP address is not shared with multiple users, it reduces the risk of being associated with potentially suspicious or malicious activities. It also helps prevent IP-based tracking and may make it easier to torrent privately and securely.