Static vs Dynamic IPs: Which Is Better? (2024)

You might’ve heard static IPs are superior to dynamic ones, but are they really? In this article, we’ll go in-depth on both types without the overwhelming jargon of the internet world. That way, you can decide which suits your needs better.

A static IP means your device’s IP address stays the same no matter which network you connect to. Dynamic IPs change from time to time. A static IP is advantageous if you’re managing a computer server or a web server because users or customers can find you with more ease. Geo-location services can also give you more precise results because they know your exact location.

What’s an IP?

You must hear about it all the time. What you’re currently using to read this right now even has its own IP. So what is it, really?

The Internet Protocol (IP) address, in simple terms, is your device’s digital address. Every computing gadget — smartphones, computers, tablets, and more — that connects to the internet has its own IP address. Without one, communicating with and contacting a device is impossible.

Think of it like a physical address. The sender needs to know your exact location to deliver the package you requested. It works the same way online.

My IP address looks like this on my device:

My IP’s under Network settings. Yours should be easy to find too!

IP addresses are displayed in the form of a string of numbers. Here’s another one:

104.20.174.46

That’s the domain server IP of CyberGhost VPN. It’s just for one website — imagine if you had to memorize the IP address of all websites just to visit them! Thankfully, you don’t have to (phew). We can only memorize so many number sequences, and that’s why we have the Domain Name System (DNS).

Think of the DNS as the internet’s phonebook. If you want to visit a specific site, all you need to know is the website’s address. When you type this in, your request is sent to the DNS server which knows the IP address associated with it and gathers all the information you want to access.

This is the concept behind “surfing the internet.” IP addresses are what let you explore everything connected to the world wide web.

Now that you know what an IP is, let’s look at the two different types: static and dynamic.

What’s a static IP?

Nope, it’s not like the static electrical charge that makes your hair look like this.

We’re talking about the static that means fixed and unchanging. A static IP address is a type of IP that always stays the same. It’s most suited to businesses that run servers or network equipment. It can also be helpful if you need to keep the same IP address to retain access to accounts or networks, or if you run your own gaming server.

What’s a dynamic IP?

A dynamic IP address explains itself in its name — it loves constant change and is the total opposite of a static one. It’s typical that if you’re connected to a home network, your device has a dynamic IP. It’s normal for consumer gadgets to change their IP every now and then, like when your ISP makes system changes or your internet resets for any reason.

Static IP vs Dynamic IP

Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns you a static or dynamic IP based on your needs. Usually, ISPs will assign users a dynamic IP but you can request a static IP for an extra fee. Maybe you’re thinking, “Which one is better?” The simple answer is, neither is better than the other. It really depends on your purpose for connecting to the internet. For that reason, we’ll take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

The Pros of Static IPs

• • ✅ Easier to find

    Since your IP address is unchanging, the DNS makes it easier to find you. This is useful if you host a web server or any type of server for that matter. If the DNS can get your information quickly, so will your customers’ access to your site or service. Here’s an example: If you have a network printer in the office, a static IP helps devices identify it as the correct machine they need to connect to for printing.

  • ✅ Efficient remote connections

    If you have a business with remote workers who need to connect to your network, you’ll want it to happen seamlessly for them. When your staff members have static IPs, your network won’t have problems identifying who has access and who doesn’t. This ensures your data and connection are always secure.

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    Identity Authentication – How-to Multi-factor authentication with YubiKeysYubico Forum • View topicDevices with Static IP AddressesWhy You Should Consider a Static Website First

    This is becoming an outdated approach, though, with companies preferring to use enterprise VPNs to restrict access to employees, who need to log into the intranet via the VPN.

  • ✅ More accurate geo-location results

    Services that use geo-location can better pinpoint your physical address, so you get more precise results. You’ll benefit from more accurate details in map and weather apps, for example.

  • ✅ Better, stable communication

    Dropped video and voice calls are less likely when you have a static IP.

The Cons of Static IPs

• • ❌ Easily identifiable

    You’re an obvious bullseye for the data surveillance practices of websites, the government, scammers, and online criminals. Since your IP doesn’t change, it’s easy for snoopers to infer who you are based on your online habits. It’s like wearing a huge name tag while shouting, “hey, it’s me!”

  • ❌ More expensive

    A static IP isn’t just costlier for your ISP, but for you as well. There are added benefits as mentioned above, but it does come at a price.

  • ❌ Harder to set up

    System administrators need to guarantee safe connections to your network. They need to make sure they’ve assigned access to the exact, correct IP — one wrong digit can mean compromised data. Setting up static IPs is done manually so naturally, it’s time-consuming and can be misconfigured due to human error.

The Pros of Dynamic IPs

• • ️

    ✅ Changes automatically

    No need to lift a finger. Your ISP will take care of assigning you an IP address whenever you connect to a network.

  • ️

    ✅ Doesn’t cost extra

    A dynamic IP is usually the default type you get when you connect to the internet. If you don’t need a static IP’s specific features, then you don’t need to spend extra either.

  • ️

    ✅ Reusable addresses

    Whenever a new device connects to your network, there’s no need to manually configure or assign an IP. Your router automatically takes care of that, which avoids duplicate IPs assigned to gadgets.

The Cons of Dynamic IPs

• • ️

    ❌ Geo-location is less precise

    It’s possible that your IP no longer shows where you really are; thus, you get service results that might not be as accurate as you like.

  • ️

    ❌ Possible interruptions

    There’s a very slight chance your ISP can’t assign you an IP address, which is annoying because that means you can’t connect to the internet. Of course, it’s only a temporary nuisance.

Which type of IP address do I have?

Maybe you’re wondering by now, “Is my IP static or dynamic?” Usually, it isn’t necessary to know which IP type you have because, in any case, you’ll be connected to the internet with either one. Chances are good you have a dynamic IP address since that’s what your ISP would have assigned to you, unless you requested a static IP.

If you want to find out which type you have nevertheless, we can satisfy that curiosity. Don’t worry, I’m not going to put you through the long and winding road of manually searching your device when there’s a much easier way: a quick online search. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Visit the What Is My IP Address website. Instantly, you’ll see that they’ve identified your IP.
2. Click “Show Complete IP Details.”
3. Under Assignment, you’ll see what kind of IP address you have.

You can also do an IP address lookup with a Google search. Just type “What’s my IP” and at the very top of the search page is your device’s IP. Cool and effortless, huh? Although it won’t tell you whether you have a static or dynamic IP address.

Is my IP address exposed?

Your IP address being known is necessary for you to receive information over the internet, so yes, your IP address is exposed. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it allows you to visit websites, chat with friends, and use services online.

Don’t worry, though — your IP doesn’t point to your actual physical address, just the general area where you are. The IP lets websites and services recognize which network you’re connected to. This is why sometimes, you get targeted ads and suggestions based on your area.

Normally, sites knowing your IP shouldn’t be a problem, but a DNS leak can mean security risks for you. Your ISP supplies the DNS server to which your device connects, so your ISP knows your digital footprint. A DNS leak can then only mean one thing: it exposes your online habits.

Why is that dangerous? Because cybercriminals can use it to track down your real identity and your physical address. People have been stalked and even killed in this way. For example, online gamers have tracked down their opponents and phoned in fake emergencies on them, resulting in the victims being targeted by police in a phenomenon called “swatting”. Others have been doxxed, where their personal details were leaked online.

Want to know if you’re being surveilled right at this moment? Use CyberGhost VPN’s DNS Leak Test to see if your online activities are exposed.

How can I protect my IP address?

Normally, your IP address is beneficial to you, because you can browse the internet and even receive tailored suggestions depending on which city you’re in. In exchange, your ISP, websites, the government, and cybercriminals know your general area whenever you’re online.

Yes, stalker vibes, I know. It’s a double-edged sword, no?

Remember, the way an IP address works is a two-way communication. You can access information and services online because of their IP addresses, but you also share yours whenever you access the internet.

How can I get a static IP address?

If you think the benefits of a static IP address are suited to your needs, you can get one by requesting this directly from your ISP. It will be an added cost and you may need to wait a little while for your ISP to assign it to your network.

It also pays to do an in-depth look at what a static or dedicated IP address entails if you’re still torn about whether you should get one or not.

What does a VPN do to my IP address?

When your IP is exposed, you’re making it effortless for cybersnoopers to possibly misuse your data. There are many repercussions when someone gets a hold of your IP address.

A VPN is like a cloak for your real IP. When you connect to a VPN server, it assigns you an IP address that masks your real one.

You can even choose a server from another country. When you do this, you get an IP address that reflects that location. You stay off the radar whenever you use a VPN, because no one can truly pinpoint your location or link your online habits to your device. Whatever you do online will be more private.

What IP addresses does CyberGhost VPN offer?

When you use CyberGhost VPN and connect to one of our thousands of servers worldwide, we mask your IP address and replace it with one from the server you connect to. This lets you browse with increased privacy, without ISPs, websites, and third-party trackers snooping on all your online activities.

Is a static IP address up your alley? Along with the privacy and security features CyberGhost VPN offers, you can also get your very own Dedicated IP. You’ll get an exclusive VPN IP address that will remain unchanged each time you connect online. That means you’ll always have unlimited access to your accounts and internal networks, and you’ll experience smoother online transactions.

Here’s another cool thing about getting a CyberGhost Dedicated IP: even we don’t know your IP address! We give you a token to redeem your static IP and once you activate it, it’s erased from our secure servers. When we say we’re a privacy-by-design VPN, we mean it — no ifs and buts.

Interested in getting a Dedicated IP? Easily include it in your CyberGhost VPN subscription as an add-on and you’ll get your unique static IP in no time!

Choose Your IP

Static IPs and dynamic IPs both have their pros and cons.

A dynamic IP works perfectly fine if you don’t need the specific capabilities of a static one. It doesn’t cost extra and your ISP will take care of automatically assigning you a dynamic IP each time you connect to the network.

A static IP is ideal if you run a business that hosts its own website or internet service. It’s also useful if you have a company with staff working remotely who need secure access to your network.

Now that you know how IPs work and what they do, you might be feeling more guarded about your privacy. Consider hooking up your devices to a reliable VPN for secure and more private internet use!

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