Static vs Dynamic IP Address: Which One Is Perfect For You?

July 16, 2025 ByJohan CurtisNo Comments 7 minutes

You must have already heard about the two types of IP addresses: the Static and the Dynamic ones. However, for once, have you actually wondered what any of them are? Are their features the same, or is there any difference between them? Well, luckily for you, we have written this blog post to guide you through the obstacle of a Static vs Dynamic IP address. 

NOTE: If you are confused about which IP address is best for your personal use, then a dynamic IP address is the way to go. A premium VPN like FastestVPN offers a dynamic IP address to reroute your internet traffic and make you invisible to your ISP and potential cyberbullies monitoring your activity. 

A static IP address remains the same for you anytime you visit any website on the internet. With a dynamic IP, however, it changes every time you visit a website online. So, let’s indulge in the blog then!

Get a Dynamic IP Address with FastestVPN

A dynamic IP address lets you stream your favorite content from anywhere in the world without any hassle. Here’s how you can watch your favorite titles on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, etc, and enjoy sports streaming to the fullest:

1. Visit the FastestVPN website
2. Choose a package
3. Subscribe > Download the app
4. Connect to the server of your choice
5. Open the streaming platform you want to watch 

Enjoy streaming to the fullest with a built-in dynamic IP address!

IP Addresses Overview

An IP address is a unique number that is different for every device on a particular network. Just like your home address and the people living in your home share a different identity but the same home, an IP address makes it known that you share the same network root but a slightly different address. 

There are two main types of IP addresses: static (permanent) and dynamic (temporary). Picking the wrong one will make you face headaches like devices going “offline,” unreliable remote access, or even blocked logins. 

For example, if you run a small business server on a dynamic IP, a simple router reboot could make your entire website vanish for hours. That’s why matching your IP to your actual needs is damage control.

So, a static vs. a dynamic IP address, what is what? Well, a dynamic IP address is when you connect to the network, and every time that you connect, your router assigns you a new IP address. On the other hand, a static IP address stays the same whenever you connect to the router. 

What Is A Static IP Address?

A static IP address is a permanent, unchanging number assigned to your device or network. Think of it like owning a physical storefront: customers always know where to find you. Unlike dynamic IPs (which are covered next), your ISP manually sets this up for you, and it never shifts, even if you restart your router or lose power. 

Businesses often use these for critical services like email servers, VPN gateways, or e-commerce sites. Why? Because “always reachable” matters when downtime costs money or frustrates customers.

When to Use a Static IP Address

So, when must you use a Static IP address? Let’s have a look:

• You host a website, game server (like Minecraft or Valheim), or email server from home, and you’re tired of friends/customers complaining they “can’t connect.”
• Your security cameras, NAS drive, or smart home devices keep dropping offline when you check them remotely.
• You’ve set up port forwarding for a Plex media server or torrent client, but it stops working randomly.
• Your work VPN disconnects constantly because your home IP keeps changing.
• Online services (like banking apps) flag your account for “suspicious logins” when your IP shifts.

Pros and Cons of Static IP Addresses

Pros

• 24/7 Accessibility: Host servers, websites, or IoT devices without connection drops.
• Simpler DNS Setup: Point domain names (like yourwebsite.com) to your server without constant updates.
• Stable Port Forwarding: Apps that need open ports (FTP, gaming servers) work consistently.
• Trust Factor: Banks and APIs rarely block static IPs as “suspicious.”

Cons

• Costs Extra: ISPs charge more for static IPs (unlike free dynamic ones).
• Security Risks: Fixed addresses are easier targets for hackers (always be connected to a firewall!).
• Manual Configuration: Requires you (or your IT person) to set it up.

What Is A Dynamic IP Address?

A dynamic IP address is a temporary number assigned by your ISP each time you connect to the internet. Picture it like a cafe’s Wi-Fi: you get whatever’s available that day, and it changes when you leave. 

Most home networks use these because they’re automated, free, and managed by your router via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). When you reboot your modem or your ISP refreshes leases (usually every 24 hours), your IP resets. It’s the “set it and forget it” option for casual users.

When to Use a Dynamic IP Address

Dynamic IPs work great for the majority of home users. Here’s when to use a dynamic IP:

• You mainly browse, stream Netflix or some other OTT, or shop online, and don’t host anything.
• You’ve never touched your router settings.
• You like the idea of your IP changing regularly (a minor privacy perk against basic tracking).
• You run a simple home network with phones, laptops, and smart TVs.

Why Choose a Dedicated IP Over a Static IP?

It’s not just cheaper to get a dedicated IP address than a static IP. More such reasons why you must use a dedicated IP include:

• If you run an e-commerce site
• You need an SSL certificate
• You use online banking or APIs that whitelist specific IPs.
• Or if you hate CAPTCHAs or “suspicious activity” locks 

How to Get A Dedicated IP Address from FastestVPN

You don’t have to do anything fancy to get a dedicated IP address, especially if you sign up with the best premium VPNs, such as FastestVPN. Everyone loves content, and let’s be honest, not all content on a particular platform is available on that region’s content library—but it is available in another country, for example, Netflix. 

All you have to do is sign up with FastestVPN, choose your dedicated server (usually representing the country whose content library you wish to access), and get to stream your preferred title from that region, without paying extra for any other OTT!

Pros and Cons of A Dynamic IP Address

Pros

• Zero Cost: Included with most residential internet plans.
• Auto-Managed: Your router handles everything—no tech skills needed.
• Basic Privacy: Shifting IPs makes you slightly harder to track across sites.
• Scalable: Great for large networks (e.g., coffee shops, offices).

Cons

• Unreliable for Hosting: Can’t run a stable website/server (IP changes break connections).
• Remote Access Issues: Security cameras/NAS may be inaccessible when IP addresses are refreshed.
• Security Blocks: Services like Netflix or banking apps may flag “suspicious” logins.
• Gaming Instability: Some multiplayer games kick you if your IP changes mid-session.

The End

Well, now you know a complete overview of IP addresses and what the two types of them are. A static IP address, as the name suggests, remains constant over time, every time you log in to your network. However, a dynamic IP address changes over the course of time. With that said, it’s not about which is better than the other, because the use cases of both IP addresses are different for different industries. 

With FastestVPN, you get a dynamic IP address to help you stream your favorite titles on your subscribed OTTs by connecting to your preferred server, with the added security of your data. Check out the packages for yourself today!