Best VPN Static IP or Dedicated IP

Quick Summary
In Short

  • A static IP gives you a pesonal, unchanging IP addess every time you connect, allowing you to avoid website and streaming service restrictions or host online services.
  • Most VPNs allocate a dynamic IP address each time you connect, which is an IP shared by all the other users of the VPN, making you more likely to be blocklisted or flagged as a bot.
  • We review and test the 78 top VPNs and only a few offer a static or dedicated IP address and these are always a small extra cost.
  • NordVPN is our #1 recommendation for a static IP which is available for a small additional cost. It has over 5,000+ global servers and offer oustanding privacy protection.

Are you tired of constantly changing IP addresses and longing for a stable online presence? A static IP address or a dedicated IP address could be the perfect solution. With a static IP, you’ll enjoy the same unchanging address each time you connect — though you will still share it with other people. If you don’t want to share but still want an unchanging IP address, a dedicated IP address might be more suitable.

Static and dedicated IPs come in handy for various situations. They allow you to bypass online service restrictions tied to specific IP addresses. They are less likely to be blacklisted, offering smoother browsing experiences and reducing encounters with CAPTCHAs. You can easily secure and conveniently access your smart home system or business servers, and if you’re hosting an online service, having an unchanging IP ensures reliable connectivity for your users.

Unfortunately, from our experience, most VPNs and internet service providers don’t offer static IPs or dedicated IPs by default. Instead, they employ shared IP addresses that change as devices connect and disconnect. In this article, we’ll reveal the top VPN providers that offer static or dedicated IP addresses. We will also outline the benefits (and disadvantages) of statics and dedicated IP addresses.

Here’s a quick look at the best VPNs for static or dedicated IP addresses – scroll down for more detailed reviews:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for a dedicated IP address. Strong and reliable VPN with 7,000+ servers globally and dedicated IP available in 20 countries. Specialty P2P and Onion Over VPN servers. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for a static IP.
  2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Has free static IPs available and provides dedicated IP addresses for a small additional cost. High-speed servers and unlimited connections.
  3. ExpressVPN: Dedicated IP addresses in 22 countries and regular servers available in 105 countries. User-friendly apps, powerful obfuscation and great for streaming.
  4. CyberGhost: Fastest VPN tested. Over 11,000 servers worldwide. Dedicated IPs in 12 different countries. Privacy protection thanks to a strict no-logs policy.
  5. Private Internet Access: Dedicated IP addresses from the US, Canada, UK, and more. Good value subscriptions and unlimited device connections. Easy-to-use apps.
  6. PureVPN: A fast and cheap VPN that offers dedicated IPs in 10 countries. Easy to use and highly reliable. Works with Netflix US and other popular streaming services.
  7. PrivateVPN: Static IP addresses available in seven locations. Allows port forwarding and has a stealth mode that works in China. Low-cost subscriptions and great customer support.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for a static IP
Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with a static IP but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock a static IP and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for getting a static IP address for a month without any restrictions. This is ideal if you want to try all of its features out first-hand before deciding.

There are no hidden terms – just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How we find the best VPNs for a static or dedicated IP address

To get on our list, VPNs not only need to offer shared or dedicated IP addresses, they also have to work well. We test them in the following areas:

  • Speed: This is a key requirement. A VPN that’s too slow will bog your connection down to the point where it feels unusable. We speed-test each provider multiple times to get a realistic idea of how fast they are.
  • IP availability: We look for providers that have static or dedicated IP addresses available (ideally, they have both). We also check whether they have any specialist servers.
  • Security and privacy: There’s not much point getting a static or dedicated IP address if it makes you vulnerable to malicious third parties. For this reason, we only recommend providers that score highly against 16 security and privacy criteria.
  • Ease of use: To find which VPNs are the most user-friendly, we evaluate each provider’s overall service against 10 different ease-of-use criteria, including the onboarding and cancellation process and quality of customer support.
  • Streaming: Some VPNs are great for accessing geo-restricted content. To find out which, we evaluated each provider using nine streaming-related metrics.

You can read more about this process and see the results of our tests in the methodology section below. But first, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that made the grade.

Best VPNs for dedicated and static IP addresses: Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for dedicated IP addresses.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivate Internet AccessPureVPNPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comPrivateInternetAccess.comPureVPN.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for a static IP1234567
Dedicated IP possible?US
UK
France
Italy
Germany
Netherlands
Sweden
Australia
Japan
Switzerland
Hong Kong
Spain
Belgium
Denmark
Canada
China
Mexico
South Africa
Singapore
Austria
Czech Republic
Ireland
Poland
Portugal
US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Australia, Italy, Japan, Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong Australia,
Canada,
Denmark
France
Germany
Hong Kong
Ireland
Japan
Singapore
South Africa
UK, USA
& more
United States, Germany, France, UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Singapore, Spain, Japan, Netherlands, SwedenUS, Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Singapore, Malta, Hong Kong, Netherlands, New Zealand US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Ukraine, Switzerland, France, Australia, Belgium, Canada, India, Japan, Italy, Poland, Spain
Streaming ServicesNetflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+
Hulu
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
Hulu
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
Best deal (per month)$3.39
Up to 72% off 2 year plans
$2.19
86% OFF + 3 months free
$4.99
SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!
$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free
$1.99
85% off the 5-yr standard plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Best VPNs for static IP and dedicated addresses

Based on our experience, here is our list of the seven best VPNs for dedicated or static IP addresses:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Feb 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.6 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
IP availability: 4.5 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10
UK speed: 10.0 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses for an additional fee on top of its standard subscription. For a standard two-year plan, this costs the equivalent of an extra $4.19 per month.

Dedicated IPs are available in The United States (Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Miami), Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, France, Canada, Japan, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Mexico and the Czech Republic.

You can still also use the regular shared IP service, which gives you access to more than 7,000 RAM-only servers in 117 countries. Users are allowed to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Speed-wise, the provider is extremely quick. We tested it three times over the course of a day, and it was more than 100 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other providers that we tested.

NordVPN’s overall average download speed of 229.2 Mbps makes it suitable for high-resolution streaming as well as gaming or placing video calls.

The provider is a great option for accessing websites that operate cross-border access restrictions. We successfully used it with multiple Netflix libraries as well as services such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.

NordVPN offers an array of security features and its website has an extensive knowledge base as well as access to 24/7 support via live chat. The VPN apps can be installed on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. There is also a NordVPN browser extension available for Chrome and Firefox.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a choice of dedicated IP addresses in 24 countries
  • You want very fast download speeds
  • You use multiple streaming platforms
  • You want powerful obfuscation
  • You want easy access to the dark web

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want to choose servers by city rather than country

BEST VPN FOR A DEDICATED IP ADDRESS:NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses in 20+ countries. It’s a fast, secure service, with excellent customer support. NordVPN offers a 30-day no-fuss money-back guarantee with each subscription, so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

NordVPN Coupon
Up to 72% off 2 year plans
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.6 / 10
Ease of use: 8.9 / 10
IP availability: 7.0 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10
UK speed: 8.2 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries and allows you access to static IP addresses in Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, the UK, and the US. As there’s no connection limit, you can get a static IP address on every device you own if you’d like to.

For an additional fee, users can add a dedicated IP to their subscription. These are available in the US, UK, the Netherlands, Amsterdam, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Italy, Canada, South Africa, and Hong Kong. Prices start from an additional $3.75 per month.

Speeds are impressive, and more than fast enough for any day-to-day online activity. In our tests, the provider averaged 199.93 Mbps. This was more than 66 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other providers that we tested.

This VPN takes your security seriously, as evidenced by its use of 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Those aren’t the only tools it has up its sleeve, though: there’s also an automatic malware scanner, a NoBorders mode (for bypassing strict online blocking), and a strict no-logging policy. Surfshark offers round-the-clock support via email and live chat.

Surfshark provides apps for Android, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Linux devices. Additionally, it can be manually configured for select network routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a static IP address included in the subscription cost
  • You want to share an account with friends and family
  • You want dedicated IP options
  • You want a way of generating online personas
  • You want fast connection speeds

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re uncomfortable using a provider based in a Nine Eyes country

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:Surfshark comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and allows you free access to static servers, with dedicated IPs an optional add-on. Users can connect any number of devices.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

Surfshark Coupon
86% OFF + 3 months free
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7 / 10
Ease of use: 9.3 / 10
IP availability: 3.3 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.2 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10
UK speed: 3.9 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN has a solid range of dedicated IP addresses that users can purchase as an add-on to subscriptions. Dedicated IPs are currently available in 29 cities — seven of which are in the US.

Note that dedicated IPs are only available while using the apps for Android, iOS and Windows. ExpressVPN says that more platforms (and locations) will be available “soon”.

The provider uses a blind token-based system to decouple each user’s payment details from the dedicated IP address assigned to them. The configuration settings are completely private and end-to-end encrypted. The provider says that it plans to publish its code and explain its security design in a technical white paper.

To find out what sort of speeds user’s might expect with their dedicated IP addresses, we conducted multiple speed tests while connected to ExpressVPN’s UK servers. The server location was chosen based on the assumption that many people will choose dedicated IPs in their home country (and we’re in the UK).

As you can see from the above, ExpressVPN was particularly fast in the morning and at noon. Although speeds were slower in the afternoon, it still averaged a respectable 132.16 Mbps overall. That’s more than fast enough for streaming, gaming or torrenting.

ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming as it’s able to access all of the big-name platforms — including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. Its MediaStreamer tool enables you to access geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPN software natively — like games consoles.

Streaming Netflix.
Streaming Netflix using an ExpressVPN server in the US.

Apps are incredibly easy to use, with a minimalist interface that won’t scare off new users. Features include a kill switch; app-based split tunneling; and the option to block trackers, malware, adult sites and malicious sites. Leak protection is built-in.

IP leak test.
ExpressVPN didn’t leak our UK IP address while connected.

If you routinely need to navigate VPN blocks, you’ll find ExpressVPN’s always-on obfuscation useful. It’s effective enough to work in China, which has the most advanced VPN-detection systems of any country.

ExpressVPN has its own connection protocol — Lightway — that helps establish connections far faster than nearly all other providers. Users can choose between the AES and ChaCha20 ciphers, or let ExpressVPN choose for them (which is the default option).

ExpressVPN protocol options.
Users can choose between the OpenVPN and Lightway protocols.

The provider is coy about revealing the number of servers in its network, but does say that it has a presence in 105 countries. All of its servers are RAM-only, which means they can’t store data long-term — which is a plus for privacy. ExpressVPN says that in any event, it keeps no personally identifiable records of user activity. It’s no-logs claims have been verified multiple times via independent auditors.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. The provider also has a router app, making it easy to configure a connection that protects every device on your home network. Plans, which, admittedly, aren’t the cheapest, allow for up to eight simultaneous device connections.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a good range of dedicated IP options
  • You regularly need to bypass VPN blocks
  • You demand a high level of privacy
  • Unblocking ability is one of your top concerns

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re on a tight budget

SECURE CONNECTIONS:ExpressVPN is a speedy, privacy-focused service. Has dedicated IP addresses in 22 countries and servers in 105 countries. Excels at unblocking a range of streaming services. Has it own router app and connection protocol. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN Coupon
SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans
Get Deal >
Coupon applied automatically

4. CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.8 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
IP availability: 3.9 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.9 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10
UK speed: 4.2 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost recently added a dedicated IP option to its service that users can add for an extra fee. CyberGhost’s dedicated IP is more private than other providers because the company does not know what IP address it has assigned you. Instead, users are given a token. Users redeem the token in their app, which allows you to connect to your dedicated IP with no ties to your CyberGhost account.

The downside to this approach is that you only get one token. If you lose it, you’ll no longer have access to your dedicated IP. You’ll need the token whenever you activate a new CyberGhost app or reinstall an existing app.

Dedicated IP addresses are available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Prices start at the equivalent of $2.50 a month.

CyberGhost has more than 11,000 servers in its network overall, which are spread across 100+ countries. We tested the speed of its UK servers multiple times over the course of a day to get an idea of what the average user might expect.

The provider performed solidly, with an average overall download speed of 137.61 Mbps. This is more than fast enough for regular users who like to stream, game or torrent. 

CyberGhost met all of our performance and security standards, including strong encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. It’s great for unblocking region-locked content and works with all major platforms. CyberGhost doesn’t store any identifying logs about its users or their online activity.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a privacy-first dedicated IP address
  • You’re new to VPN software
  • You mainly want a VPN for streaming
  • You want access to a large server network

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re connecting from China
  • You need to connect more than seven devices simultaneously

PRIVATE AND DEDICATED:CyberGhost's dedicated IP option takes your privacy into account. It has a vast server network and easy-to-use beginner friendly apps. It comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

CyberGhost Coupon
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.8 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
IP availability: 4.3 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.3 / 10
Streaming: 8.6 / 10
UK speed: 2.0 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access has servers in 91 countries, allowing you to access a wider range of geo-restricted content. It also provides the option of dedicated IP addresses in multiple countries, including the US and Canada. Like CyberGhost, it uses tokens to provide additional privacy. Dedicated IPs are available for one month, one year, two years and three years.

Speed-wise, the provider is suitable for high-definition streaming. In our tests, it consistently pegged speeds of more than 100 Mbps.

As well as being relatively fast, PIA won’t throttle your bandwidth.

You can use PIA to connect as many devices as you want at the same time, which is great if you’d like to share with family. Indeed, all devices will be highly secure thanks to its use of 256-bit AES encryption. Further security features include DNS leak protection and a kill switch. This is also a no-logs service so information such as your actual IP address and browsing history are for your eyes only.

Private Internet Access provides apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. What’s more, browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome and Firefox.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a privacy-focussed dedicated IP address
  • You want to share an account with friends and family
  • You want streaming-optimized servers

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re uncomfortable using a US-based service
  • You want to connect from China

MULTIPLE DEDICATED IP LOCATIONS:Private Internet Access lets you choose from dedicated IPs in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and more. Good speeds and unlimited device connection s. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Private Internet Access Coupon
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

6. PureVPN

PureVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.3 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
IP availability: 3.6 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming: 7.3 / 10
UK speed: 3.0 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN is an outstanding option for anybody on a budget wanting to access home services on vacation. The VPN has servers in 65+ countries, and you can opt to pay an additional $3.99 for a dedicated IP address that only you use. These are available in the US, UK, Australia, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, and Malta.

We used PureVPN to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and others. The provider has a list of servers for specific streaming platforms. Connecting to these automatically opens the website of the named platform, which can be a handy timesaver.

We tested the speeds of PureVPN’s UK servers several times to get an idea of what the average user could expect. As you can see from the chart below, the provider was a little consistent but fast all the same.

Overall, PureVPN’s average speed of 118.64 Mbps makes it suitable for everyday users who want to stream in high resolution or quickly download files. If torrenting is your thing, bear in mind that you have to pay a bit extra for port forwarding.

Security is reliable with PureVPN. The apps include AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, and a strict no-logging policy. These features are crucial for bypassing restrictions and gaining online privacy whether at work, at home, or using public wi-fi.

Although the live chat support’s response time was a bit long, the VPN is particularly good value for people looking for a dedicated IP. Plus, you can try it risk-free for 31 days. Just bear in mind that you can’t get a refund on a dedicated IP, so test the VPN first to ensure you like it.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You don’t mind paying extra for a dedicated IP address
  • You want simplified access to streaming platforms
  • You’re connecting from China

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a built-in ad-blocker
  • You need multi-hop servers

AMAZING VALUE:PureVPN makes it cheap to access international streaming services. Offers dedicated IPs in 10+ countries. Strong no-logs policy and robust AES-256 encryption. Comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself. Fast speeds for torrenting, gaming, and streaming.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

PureVPN Coupon
85% off the 5-yr standard plan
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 5.9 / 10
Ease of use: 8.6 / 10
IP availability: 3.6 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10
UK speed: 1.0 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN has static IP addresses available in the Czech Republic, UAE, Indonesia, Austria, Peru, Chile, and Slovakia. As well as static IP addresses, PrivateVPN is one of the few providers that allows port forwarding. It’s also one of the few that works in China (when in Stealth mode).

Although its server network is relatively small, it covers lots of countries — 63 at the time of writing — and it works with the major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

To find out what sort of speeds users might expect while connected, we carried out several speed tests using PrivateVPN’s UK servers.

As you can see from the above, PrivateVPN achieved an average download speed of 80.61 Mbps across all three tests. While not the fastest provider on this list, PrivateVPN is nevertheless suitable for everyday tasks like streaming, provided that you have a decent base connection speed (for reference, our test machine’s speed was 250 Mbps). If you have particularly slow broadband, opt for one of our other recommended providers. 

PrivateVPN allows users to reduce the level of encryption used on their data from 256-bit AES to 128-bit AES. This can provide a useful speed bump when needed, whilst still maintaining security.

Apps are available for Windows, Android, iOS and mac OS. They include a kill switch, leak protection, and automatic start-up.

PrivateVPN subscriptions are great value, with a three-year plan costing the equivalent of $2 a month. The provider has solid customer support and offers remote control assistance to users who need it.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for a low-cost long-term subscription
  • You’re connecting from China
  • You want port forwarding

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the fastest speeds
  • You want access to a large server network

STATIC IP:PrivateVPN has multiple static IP address locations available. It’s a good option for streaming and has plenty of customization options. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

PrivateVPN Coupon
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
Get Deal >
Discount applied automatically

Recent VPN Product Updates

VPN providers are constantly adding new features and making improvements. We keep track of these changes and update our scoring accordingly. Here are some of the most significant recent updates:

NordVPN

  • Incorporated virtual server identification system within country selection interface for improved transparency. (September 2024)
  • Deployed intelligent Wi-Fi security monitoring system with vulnerability alerts. (September 2024)
  • Introduced comprehensive Threat Protection Plus platform integrating malware defense, tracking prevention, and anti-phishing measures. (September 2024)
  • Enhanced browser extension to preserve configuration state across sessions. (September 2024)
  • Deployed modernized Threat Protection Proâ„¢ user interface. (October 2024)
  • Deployed reconstructed browser extension with fortified security architecture. (December 2024)
  • Released a new obfuscation protocol, NordWhisper, for imroved service in countries with heavy restrictions. (January 2025).

Surfshark

  • Formed strategic alliance with Streamlabs to enhance gaming and streaming capabilities. (September 2024)
  • Introduced dedicated IP allocation service. (September 2024)
  • Unveiled static IP address provision service. (September 2024)
  • Deployed complimentary data breach detection utility. (October 2024)
  • Introduced iOS-specific VPN bypass utility for selective connection management. (October 2024)

ExpressVPN

  • Deployed integrated credit surveillance system in US apps. (November 2024)
  • Partnered with Rhino.fi to introduce enhanced DeFi privacy solutions with extended service benefits. (September 2024)
  • Introduced ARM-optimized VPN client for Windows Copilot+ computing systems. (September 2024)

Finding the best VPNs for getting a dedicated or static IP: Our methodology

Not all VPNs offer the option of dedicated or static IPs. Even fewer of these VPNs are of good quality! To find which tick the right boxes, we tested each provider in the following areas:

Speed

There’s little point paying for a dedicated IP address if the resulting connection is painfully slow. To check that providers could offer users decent download speeds, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to each VPN.

We used the desktop version of the Ookla app to measure speed, which was installed on a rate-limited virtual machine. We used a base connection speed of 250 Mbps as this is the median average of fixed broadband speeds in the US — and thus representative of many of our readers.

NordVPN and Surfshark are typically the fastest VPNs in our tests, and this time was no different. Their high-speed connections make them ideal for streaming in high resolution (even in 4K). With unlimited bandwidth, they also allow you to torrent as much as you like without having to worry about connection throttling.

IP availability

We scored providers on whether they had the option of a dedicated, static IP address, or both. We also scored them on whether they had additional specialist servers, such as those providing multi-hop connections or one-click access to the Tor network. 

We combined these scores to give an overall score out of 10. You can see how the providers compared in the chart below.

Surfshark scored highest as it was the only provider that offers both static IP addresses and dedicated IP addresses. NordVPN is a good alternative, with a large number of dedicated IP address locations and plenty of specialised servers.

Security and privacy

At the very least, a quality VPN will provide 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Where possible, we look for VPNs that meet additional security and privacy criteria, such as those outlined in the table below. 

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivateVPNPureVPNPIA
IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logs
EncryptionAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higher
AuthenticationSHA-384SHA-512SHA-512SHA-256SHA-256SHA-256SHA-256
Keys4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit2048-bit4096-bit4096-bit
Perfect Forward SecrecyYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
DNS leak protectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
IPv6 leak protectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Private DNSYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Torrenting allowedYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Kill switchAll platformsMobile app-levelMobile app-levelAll platformsSome platformsSome platformsAll platforms
HQ outside 9 eyesYesNoYesYesYesYesNo
ObfuscationStealthStealthAutomaticStealthStealthAutomaticStealth
Supported protocolsOwn protocolSecure protocols onlyOwn protocolSecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlySecure protocols only
Anonymous payment optionsMultipleMultipleMultipleMultipleOneOneMultiple
Additional security featuresYesYesNoNoNoNoYes

Each of these criteria was given a score, which we combined to create an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to compare providers.

NordVPN and Surfshark scored highest for security and privacy, with effective obfuscation, strong encryption and independently audited no-logs policies. PIA is a solid alternative — particularly if you don’t need to connect from China.

Ease of use

Not all VPN apps are easy to use, especially for beginners. That doesn’t have to be the case, however. The best VPNs let you connect to a server in just a click or two. If you need help, 24/7 live chat and email support should be at hand. You can see which providers met which of our ease-of-use criteria in the table below.

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivateVPNPureVPNPIA
Novice-friendly designYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Ease of signup (reviewer to score)5 (easy)45 (easy)4435 (easy)
Router supportStandardStandardAppStandardStandardAppStandard
Unblocking consistencyGreatGreatGenerally worksGreatGenerally worksGreatGreat
Task specific serversYesNoNoYesNoYesYes
Network60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries60+ countries
Ease of cancellationVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easy
InterfaceWell-organisedA little clutteredWell-organisedA little clutteredWell-organisedA little clutteredWell-organised
Feature parityMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsAll features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versionsMost features available on all versions

Providers were scored on each of these criteria, and the scores combined to give an overall score out of 10 for comparison.

NordVPN and PIA were the easiest-to-use providers overall. They combined particularly user-friendly apps with a straightforward subscription process. ExpressVPN is also a great choice — particularly if you’re new to VPN software.

Streaming

One of the main benefits of a VPN is that it should allow you to access geo-blocked content. This may be a popular streaming service, a news site, social media platform, or even your online banking account. This makes VPNs particularly useful if you travel abroad on a regular basis. To find the best unblocking VPNs, we assessed providers using the metrics in the table below. 

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivateVPNPureVPNPIA
Regional speed test results300-500 Mbps500+ Mbps300-500 Mbps100-299 Mbps<100 Mbps100-299 Mbps<100 Mbps
Includes ad-blocker?YesYesYesYesNoNoYes
Works in high-censorship countriesYesYesYesNoYesYesYes
Offers a smart DNS serviceYesYesYesNoNoNoYes
Streaming device apps2+ apps2+ apps2+ apps2+ apps2+ apps2+ apps1 app
Can Unblock Tier 1 StreamingReliablyReliablyReliablyReliablyReliablyUnreliablyReliably
Can Unblock Tier 2 StreamingYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Can Unblock Tier 3 StreamingYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

We assigned a score to each of these metrics so that we were left with an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to directly compare providers.

NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN are all equally excellent choices for streaming. They work with every platform we’ve tested them with and come with additional streaming-friendly features such as smart DNS.

Dynamic and static IP addresses explained

On a typical residential internet service, you don’t get the same IP address every time you connect. Instead, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will allocate you an address from a pool that it owns. This system was invented to slow down the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses. The assumption is that the number of ISP customers that are connected at any one time is always lower than the total number of customers. Thus, the ISP can get away with owning fewer addresses by using a dynamic addressing system.

ISPs don’t usually use this system for commercial customers, particularly for those customers that run their own web servers. This is because the advertised IP address that is registered in DNS servers gets linked to the URL used for the company’s website. In these scenarios, the company would have to update every DNS server in the world whenever the ISP allocated a different address to the company’s connection service. This would be too complicated, so companies usually get a dedicated IP address for their web servers.

Many VPNs also assign dynamic IP addresses. Usually, VPN services own a small number of addresses for each of their servers. They allocate groups of customers at random to each of the addresses that they own as users connect. However, some VPN services offer static IP addresses for users who would like an IP address that doesn’t change.

A shared static IP address VPN service has advantages over the standard dynamic IP service. Where a static IP address is an optional addon, these addresses will tend to get less use than their dynamic counterparts. You might still have your internet freedom impaired owing to the actions of the other people sharing that IP address, but with fewer users sharing, the likelihood of that address ending up on a blacklist is going to be reduced.

Dedicated IP addresses and their advantages

A dedicated IP address is not shared and is only assigned to one customer. There are various scenarios where a dedicated IP address might be useful, for example, for running a business or gaming.

Not everyone is looking for total anonymity. In particular, those who want their servers to be discovered don’t want privacy. The dedicated IP address is the quickest, cheapest, and easiest way to overcome the effects of the dynamic address allocation system that ISPs use.

With a dedicated IP address VPN, you can front your small business web server with a larger server that is capable of absorbing DDoS attacks, and you can use a much cheaper residential internet service plan.

Privacy-conscious individuals can use the VPN as an address for a home games server and also get a fixed IP address that will enable them to connect to home computers running as file servers. With a dedicated IP address service, you can advertise your home server’s address without the worry of that address being changed periodically.

That being said, it is important to note that having a dedicated IP alone does not guarantee safety or security from cyber threats. It is still important to practice good online security habits, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication for accounts when possible, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or attachments.

Static/Dedicated IP address: FAQs

Are there any free static IP VPNs?

The vast majority of VPNs use rotating shared IPs, which means you can’t choose to connect to the same server each time. It is possible that you may be able to find a free VPN that does have some static IPs, however, we would generally recommend against using these for privacy and security reasons.

Static IPs can more easily be used to track your online habits back to you, and free VPNs are known to keep logs in order to track their users and create a revenue stream. This is the opposite of what a VPN is supposed to do, which is to provide online privacy.

Free VPNs have concerning privacy policies that allow them to sell your data to third parties such as advertisers and data brokers. They also often contain spyware in their apps to help track you.

Besides tracking their users, free VPNs are known to suffer from leaks and lack encryption. This means that the VPN is failing to give you even the most basic of protection against tracking. As a result, local networks, websites, and ISPs will still be able to monitor what you are doing online.

This makes using free VPNs a huge risk to your data and the health of your devices. So, even if you do manage to locate one that has static IPs, we would strongly recommend against using it without carefully considering its previous reputation and privacy policies.

How much does a dedicated IP address cost?

If we look at the best VPNs for a dedicated IP address, we can see that a dedicated IP address usually costs around $4 (USD) a month. Of course, you need to consider the fact that you need to purchase the VPN subscription as well. This may cost as little as $2-3 each month if you opt for a multi-year plan. Otherwise, you’re looking at around $5-6/month for a one year subscription or as much as $12-15/month for a month-to-month plan. Add this all together and you can pay as little as $6-9 a month for a VPN with a dedicated IP.

Why doesn't every VPN offer a static IP option?

Most VPNs provide access to dynamic IPs that change each time you connect to a server location. Users are assigned to these IPs automatically when they connect to the VPN, which allows the provider to engage in load management designed to prevent server congestion that causes slow speeds.

In addition to providing access to a pool of IPs in each location (assigned at random), most VPNs also primarily provide shared IPs. These IPs are used by multiple users each session, which mixes those users’ traffic together and helps to provide additional privacy.

VPNs that choose to provide dedicated static IPs have a pool of IPs that have been set aside to rent to individuals. This requires the VPN to have additional servers for this purpose, and not all VPN companies want to pay to have a pool of dedicated IPs set aside for subscribers who want them.

Which VPN has the best static IP for gaming?

NordVPN is considered one of the best VPNs for gaming, offering a dedicated IP address that ensures your identity and data are safe from hackers and other malicious actors. It provides a static IP address so that game servers can’t track or block your location.

A static IP address is beneficial for gaming as it provides a stable and dedicated internet connection that isn’t interrupted or influenced by other users’ online activities. This results in a smoother gaming experience with reduced latency and fewer connection issues. NordVPN’s fast connection speeds and extensive server network suit gaming.

See also: IP address blockers – the best free and paid services