When it comes to preserving online privacy while ensuring efficient and secure access to digital services, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool. For users and businesses that require consistent IP address behavior for secure access to servers or web apps, a dedicated IP address becomes vital. While ExpressVPN is renowned for its best-in-class encryption and robust privacy features, users often wonder whether it’s possible—and how—to set up a dedicated IP through their service.

TLDR: How to Set Up a Dedicated IP with ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN does not offer traditional dedicated IP addresses at this time. However, there are alternative ways to create consistency using ExpressVPN, such as setting up your own static IP via a home server, using split tunneling, or exploring other VPN services that support dedicated IPs while pairing them with ExpressVPN for full privacy features. Read on to learn your options and how to implement them properly.

What is a Dedicated IP Address?

A dedicated IP address is a unique internet protocol (IP) address assigned exclusively to a single user or service. Unlike shared IPs—typical among most VPNs—a dedicated IP ensures that only you are using that address for all your internet connections.

Advantages of a dedicated IP include:

• Less risk of CAPTCHAs and blacklisting
• Better reliability when accessing secure networks and systems
• Preferred whitelisting for corporate environments or remote server access
• Possible improvements in certain streaming and VoIP services

Does ExpressVPN Provide Dedicated IP Addresses?

Sadly, ExpressVPN does not offer dedicated IP addresses as of 2024. Their network infrastructure focuses on anonymous, shared IP usage to maximize privacy and user security.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are safe and effective ways to simulate or implement functionality similar to a dedicated IP while still leveraging ExpressVPN’s stellar encryption.

Alternative Approaches with ExpressVPN

1. Combine ExpressVPN with a Static IP Home Server or VPS

A popular workaround is to use a static IP address hosted on a home server or virtual private server (VPS), then route traffic to and from that server using ExpressVPN for encryption.

Here’s how it works:

1. Set up a VPS or home server with a static public IP through a provider like DigitalOcean, AWS, or Linode.
2. Install a secure tunnel (e.g., OpenVPN, WireGuard) between your device and the server.
3. Route your online traffic through the server, which functions as your ‘static IP’ host while still encrypting traffic via ExpressVPN.

You’ll enjoy faster authentication with remote systems while preserving VPN-grade encryption.

2. Use Split Tunneling for App-based Control

Split tunneling is a built-in feature in ExpressVPN’s apps. While this doesn’t provide a dedicated IP, it enables you to control which applications use the VPN tunnel and which don’t.

Here’s why this is useful:

• You could configure certain apps to connect via your ISP (retaining your real IP) while others route through the VPN.
• You maintain access to services that require whitelisting your real IP, while protecting your privacy elsewhere online.

To enable split tunneling:

1. Open the ExpressVPN app.
2. Navigate to Settings or Preferences.
3. Find the Split Tunneling option and configure which apps bypass the VPN.

3. Consider Using a Dedicated IP VPN Alongside ExpressVPN

If a dedicated IP is critical for your workflow, consider using an additional VPN provider that does offer static IPs—such as NordVPN, PureVPN, or CyberGhost—in conjunction with your ExpressVPN setup.

This dual-VPN approach can be configured using virtual machines, proxies, or split tunneling. While this increases complexity, it gives you the best of both worlds: anonymity and consistency.

How to Set Up Your Own Static IP VPN Server

If you’re tech-savvy and want full control, one of the most powerful solutions is to spin up your own VPN server with a dedicated IP.

Steps to create your own VPN server:

1. Choose a VPS provider (recommended: DigitalOcean or Vultr).
2. Select a plan that includes a static IP address.
3. Install OpenVPN or WireGuard using automated tools like this WireGuard script.
4. Set up ExpressVPN on the VPS or route the traffic back to your device after encryption.
5. Secure your server with firewalls, SSH keys, and two-factor authentication.

This method requires some sysadmin knowledge but gives you complete control—and essentially, a dedicated VPN IP.

Reasons ExpressVPN Avoids Offering Dedicated IPs

While some might see it as a limitation, ExpressVPN’s choice not to offer dedicated IPs is rooted in its commitment to user anonymity.

Reasons include:

• Dedicated IPs introduce fingerprinting risk and can link activity to specific individuals.
• Maintaining dedicated IPs reduces the network’s flexibility and resilience.
• ExpressVPN’s core objective is to deliver zero-log, shared infrastructure that maximizes user privacy over convenience features.

Best Practices When Using a Static or Dedicated IP

If you decide to set up a personal VPN server or use a third-party static IP service, keep these best practices in mind:

• Never disable encryption even if the server is yours. Always use a VPN protocol like WireGuard to protect data.
• Use a provider that supports modern encryption standards and two-factor authentication for access.
• Keep your server software and OS up to date to ensure security patches are applied promptly.
• Consider using access control lists (ACLs) or whitelisting to govern who can connect to the static IP point.

BOTTOM LINE: Is a Dedicated IP with ExpressVPN the Right Move?

While ExpressVPN does not directly offer dedicated IP functionality, the flexibility of its software, along with third-party workarounds, means tech-savvy users can achieve similar results. Whether through hosting your own VPN with a static IP, carefully configured split tunneling, or using dual VPNs, it’s possible to gain the benefit of a dedicated IP without sacrificing ExpressVPN’s superior security and performance.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your use case. Businesses and remote workers needing static IPs might want to combine ExpressVPN with another provider or host their own solution, while privacy-maximizing users will likely prefer to stick with ExpressVPN’s existing infrastructure.

With careful planning and the right configuration, you can have the privacy of ExpressVPN and the consistency of a dedicated IP address safely and effectively.