You’ve just learned about IP (Internet Protocol) addresses being equivalent to your home address online — but now it turns out they can be static or dynamic? Where do these internet nerds come off, making all this confusing stuff? Thankfully, we have a zero-nerd-shenanigan policy on this blog, so we’ll tell you all about the differences between static IP and dynamic IP in words normal humans can understand.
Static vs. dynamic IPs: what is the difference?
The difference between a dynamic and static IP address is that static IP refers to a device with an assigned IP address that doesn’t change. In contrast, a device with a dynamic IP address has a changing IP address every time it connects to a network.
Table of contents
Static vs. dynamic IP: benefits
Static IP address | Dynamic IP address |
|---|---|
Faster, easier DNS (Domain Name System) setup | Doesn’t cost extra to setup |
Provides more reliable VoIP (Voice over IP) and other live digital communication | Makes your physical location harder to find |
Allows for more accurate geolocation. | Easy to set up |
What is a static IP address?
A static IP address is an IP address that doesn’t change. This means that once your device is assigned that specific IP address, it won’t change today, tomorrow, or any other day.
This is great for devices like servers. Always having the same IP means a website will be easier to set up with a DNS, and people joining a game server will have a smoother time.
Of course, getting to use a static IP isn’t that easy and your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may ask to pay for this service. But you can live the dream of static IP with Surfshark VPN’s Dedicated IP feature. With it, you’ll have a VPN server to connect to that can host a static IP address you won’t share with any other user. Try it out today!
Pros & cons of a static IP address
Pros
- Eases work with websites and services that rely on checking the IP address;
- Maintains uninterrupted connectivity a lot better than a dynamic IP address;
- Allows for more accurate geolocation;
- Great for remote access applications (like the work VPN — Virtual Private Network — you can connect to from your home).
Cons
- More vulnerable to hacking as the hackers will always know that the device can be reached on the same IP address;
- May cost more as ISPs charge for this service;
- You may not want to be easier to locate.
What is a dynamic IP address?
A dynamic IP address is an IP address that changes from time to time. Your personal computer or smartphone goes through a few different IP addresses. Most users don’t need much more than that, as having a single, unchanging IP doesn’t boost your ability to comment on cat pictures online.
Dynamic IP addresses aren’t unique, so you may get an IP address that has been in use by another user before. This may lead to you experiencing bans that the other user had accrued while using that IP address. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about IP availability as the system automatically sets a new dynamic IP address.
That is not to say that dynamic IP addresses hide your presence online. If merely having a dynamic IP address was enough to keep snoopers and advertisers off your trail, we wouldn’t be publishing this article. The World Wide Web infrastructure is smart enough to point at your device despite the changes in the assigned address.
If you want to hide your IP address, you need something beefier than a dynamic IP address or incognito mode. Get a VPN instead.
Pros & cons of a dynamic IP address
Pros
- Easy setup and use;
- No trouble with overlapping/repeated IP address issues;
- Makes it harder to track you online and/or pin down your physical location.
Cons
- Geolocation is not as accurate;
- Websites that rely on IP to identify users in some way may not play nice with you;
- Not great for remote connectivity.
How to check if my IP is static or dynamic
The easy way to check if your IP is static or dynamic is to find your IP, restart the device, then check again. To say it in bullet points:
- Check what your IP is with the Surfshark test;
- Reboot your device;
- Check what your IP is again.
If the IP addresses are identical, surprise! You have a static IP. But if they’re different, then it’s dynamic. Either way, now you know!
In conclusion: which IP is better for me?
Whether you need static IP or dynamic IP depends on your needs. A dynamic IP serves perfectly fine for everyday users checking their email and doom-scrolling on social media. But a static IP is better if you want to remotely access printers, create a game server, or host a website. And if you want a dedicated static IP experience, why not try our Dedicated IP feature?
FAQ
Is it hard to change IP from static to dynamic?
For regular consumer devices, it’s very easy to change from static IP to dynamic. In fact, it’s harder — and may actually be expensive — to change it the other way around.
Is static IP faster than a dynamic one?
No, static IP isn’t faster than a dynamic one. However, it provides a more stable connection for VoIP purposes.
Is static IP better for the home network?
No, a static IP isn’t better for the home network unless you want to access your home devices like printers and such remotely.
Can a VPN help me change the type of IP?
A VPN can’t change the type of IP your device has, but, for example, you can connect to Surfshark servers that have static IPs or even get a dedicated IP you won’t share with any users.
Is static or dynamic IP better for gaming?
Static IP has marginal benefits for gaming over dynamic IP. It provides a more stable connection if you’re hosting a server and helps avoid the occasional frustrating IP ban you can encounter when you have a dynamic IP.
