Choosing between a shared IP and a dedicated IP address is like deciding between using a public Wi-Fi network and having your private Internet connection. With a shared IP, it’s like connecting to a public Wi-Fi, where multiple users share the same network. In contrast, a dedicated IP is like having your private Internet connection solely for your use.
With 347.3 billion emails sent and received daily in 2024—a 4.3% increase from 2023—the choice of IP address can impact your email deliverability and security.
This blog will help you see how the options differ and what each one’s advantages and disadvantages are. Whether you’re a blogger or an online business owner, knowing which IP address suits your needs can make a significant difference.
Understanding IP Addresses: Their Role in Hosting Websites
An IP address is a unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network. This is the type of IP address you’re probably most familiar with—the one attached to your personal computer.
When you do anything online, your IP address is how the web knows to send information back to you. Think of it like a return address on a letter you send out.
Just like your computer, the server your website is on also has an IP address. When setting up DNS, you’ll need your server’s IP address to get everything working correctly. You can usually find this in your web host’s dashboard.
When someone types in your website’s custom domain name, the browser translates it into the IP address to find the server with your site’s data.
What Is a Shared IP?
A shared IP address is a unique identifier used by multiple email senders, typically through an email service provider (ESP). It’s a cost-effective and practical solution for businesses that send emails at a low volume or on irregular schedules.
How Does a Shared IP Address Work?
Multiple senders use the same IP address, managed by the email service provider (ESP). The ESP splits the IP into pools, each handling a set number of emails. These pools are managed by metrics like complaint rates, bounce rates, and open and click rates. This setup lets senders benefit from the good reputation built by others in the pool, making establishing a positive sender reputation easier.
Pros and Cons of Using a Shared IP Address
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective | Security Risks |
| Easy to set up | Performance Issues |
| Suitable for low-volume senders | Others can hurt your reputation |
| Quick access to email services | Limited control over emails |
What Is a Dedicated IP?
A dedicated IP address is a unique IP address given to just one website or server. Unlike shared IP addresses, it’s not used by multiple websites or users.
How does a Dedicated IP Address Work?
Each website or server gets its unique IP address that isn’t shared with others. This dedicated IP address is only for that website or hosting account, giving you more control, security, and customization options compared to a shared IP address.
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Pros and Cons of Using a Dedicated IP Address
| Pros | Cons |
| Full control over reputation | Higher cost |
| Easier to resolve issues | One mistake can harm the reputation |
| Consistent email volume is needed | Requires warming for new IPs |
| No need to share with others | Must send a large number of emails |
Shared IP vs. Dedicated IP: Understanding the Key Differences
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Performance and Speed
Shared IP:
A shared IP’s performance can change depending on how many other users are using it. When many people use the shared IP at the same time, it can become overloaded, causing slower speeds.
Dedicated IP:
Dedicated IP addresses provide the best performance and speed since the resources are just for one user. This makes them perfect for essential tasks or heavy usage, where consistent and reliable performance is needed.
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Email Deliverabilit
Shared IP:
In a shared IP setup, everyone using the same IP shares their email reputation. This means that if one user sends bad emails, it can hurt the email delivery for everyone else on that IP.
Dedicated IP:
A dedicated IP keeps a reliable email reputation, which helps improve the chances of your emails getting delivered.
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Security and Privacy
Shared IP:
Shared IP addresses can be risky for security. Since many users share the same IP, if one user has a problem, it could put everyone else at risk, increasing the chance of security issues and data breaches.
Dedicated IP:
A dedicated IP keeps a reliable email reputation, which helps improve the chances of your emails getting delivered.
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Resource Allocation
Shared IP:
In a shared IP setup, many users share the same resources. This means that during busy times, performance might slow down because everyone using that IP has resources divided among them.
Dedicated IP:
With a dedicated IP, the user has access to their own resources, such as server power, memory, and bandwidth. This ensures reliable and consistent performance because these resources are not shared with anyone else.
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Email Volume
Shared IP:
It’s perfect for sending fewer than 100,000 emails a year, making it a good choice for startups or small businesses that don’t send many emails.
Dedicated IP:
It’s best for sending more than 100,000 emails a year. It’s a good fit for large businesses or those running large email marketing campaigns.
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SEO Implications
Shared IP:
Shared IPs won’t directly harm SEO, but there is a risk. The reputation of your website may suffer and it may become more difficult for users to find you in search results if the shared IP address is linked to spammy websites.
Dedicated IP:
A dedicated IP doesn’t directly affect a website’s SEO, which goes against what many people think about different types of IP addresses. Google has said that the type of IP address—whether dedicated or shared—doesn’t play a significant role in their ranking system.
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Reputation
Shared IP:
The reputation can be harmed by the activities of other users sharing the same IP.
Dedicated IP:
Users have complete control over their sending reputation, which lowers the risk of being blacklisted because of actions taken by others.
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SSL certificate
Shared IP:
In the past, an SSL certificate required a dedicated IP, but now, technology like Server Name Indication (SNI) allows multiple SSL certificates on a single shared IP. This makes it easier for websites on shared hosting to implement SSL encryption, improving security and search visibility.
Dedicated IP:
While dedicated IPs are no longer required for SSL certification due to SNI, they provide advantages such as greater control over security features and better email deliverability. Although both shared and dedicated IPs can support SSL today, dedicated IPs still offer additional benefits beyond just security.
How can AccuWeb Hosting help?
Many hosting providers don’t offer a dedicated IP with shared hosting, but AccuWeb Hosting does! This allows you to enjoy the benefits of a dedicated IP without having to upgrade to VPS or dedicated hosting, making it an affordable option for your website. So, why wait? Sign up with AccuWeb Hosting today!
AccuWeb Hosting recommends a dedicated IP for better control and security, making it a smart choice for many businesses and email users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right IP address—shared or dedicated—is vital for your online success. Although shared IPs are cheap and easy to set up, because so many people use them, reputation and speed concerns may arise.
Dedicated IPs offer enhanced control, security, and email delivery, making them an ideal choice for businesses that send lots of emails. Think about your needs and budget before deciding. Choosing the correct IP address can improve your website’s performance and overall reputation online.
