Quick Answers

Static vs Dynamic IP: What's the Difference?

A static IP stays the same; a dynamic IP can change whenever your ISP reassigns it. Most homes have dynamic IPs, which is part of why residential proxies rotate.

By Team of Monkeys Editorial Updated 1 min read Affiliate disclosure

This guide contains affiliate links to Geonode, Webshare and Rayobyte. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Static vs Dynamic IP: What's the Difference illustration: a static IP stays the same; a dynamic IP can change whenever your ISP reassigns it 3jdej38j4

The short answer

  • Static IP: permanently assigned. Servers, businesses and ISP proxies use them.
  • Dynamic IP: handed out by your ISP and can change after a router restart, a lease expiry, or at the ISP's whim. Most home and mobile connections are dynamic.

Why it matters

Because home IPs naturally change, websites are used to seeing a household on a new IP, which helps rotating residential proxies blend in. If you need the same IP for weeks, for an account or allowlist, buy a static ISP or dedicated proxy.

A monkey meets a proxy server for the first time (animated GIF) 3jdej38j4
A monkey meets a proxy server for the first time. GIF via Tenor

Also known as

Fixed IP vs changing IP, permanent IP vs DHCP-assigned IP.

Learn more

Affiliate disclosure: Team of Monkeys is an affiliate of Geonode, Webshare and Rayobyte. Links and banners marked as sponsored, and links to Geonode, Webshare and Rayobyte in the text, use our referral links, and we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our explanations and comparisons are written to be useful whichever provider you choose.

Editorial note: Proxy providers change their pools, features and prices often, so treat any figures here as typical ranges at the time of writing and confirm current terms with the provider before you buy.
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