What is an IP Address: 13 VPNs to Hide IP Address in 2024

You have probably heard of IP addresses before and understand they are somehow connected to your internet. However, if you don’t know what is an IP address – you’re not alone. 

An IP address is one of the most important aspects of the internet. Understanding the basics of an IP address and VPNs to hide it will put you ahead of most internet users. 

But remember that the topic of IP addresses is vast, with different types of IP addresses and their working mechanisms. 

I will break down what is an IP address, and explain the basics in layman’s terms. I will also highlight the best VPNs to hide and protect your IP address. 

1. What is an IP address?

IP address stands for Internet Protocol Address. An IP address is a unique set of rules for maintaining Internet communication, including streaming videos, sending emails, and connecting to a website. 

Internet protocols manage to assign an IP address to each unique device. (Internet protocols perform various functions, such as routing internet traffic.) This allows you to easily observe which devices on the Internet are sending, requesting, and receiving information.

IP addresses and phone numbers serve a similar purpose. When you call someone, your phone number identifies you and ensures that the person answering the phone knows who you are. 

IP addresses perform the same function while you're online, which is why every device that connects to the internet has an IP address.

Remember that there are two types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. The IPv4 addresses comprise four digits ranging from 0 (excluding the first) to 255, separated by a period — for example, 5.62.42.77.

On the other hand, IPv6 addresses comprise eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, each separated by colons. 

An example IPv6 address may seem like this: 2630:0cba2:0d01:2632:0010:8c6d:d270:72a4.

1.1. What are the parts of an IP address?

An IP address has two parts: a network ID and a host ID. The network ID is the first three numbers of an IP address. Meanwhile, a host ID is the fourth number of an IP address.

Let’s take an IP address—192.168.0.1—as an example. The first three digits are the network ID, and the last digit is the host ID. 

The Network ID tells the network the device is currently connected to. The Host ID identifies the individual device on the network. (Usually, your router is .1, and each successive device is allocated .2,.3, etc.

You may not always want the outside world to know what device and network you are using. In this instance, you can use a Virtual Private Network to hide your IP address. 

When you use a VPN, your network does not show your IP address. We will discuss VPNs later in the article. 

1.2. What is the origin of an IP address?

IPv4 was first introduced in the early 1980s, when the internet was a private military network. IPv4 has a total pool of 4.3 billion addresses, which seems like a lot. 

However, with so many computers, cellphones, and tablets connected to the internet, much alone IoT devices, we have run out of IPv4 addresses. 

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), which creates the backbone technology of the internet, developed IPv6 roughly a decade ago. 

It contains a possible pool of 340 undecillion addresses (340 followed by 36 zeroes), which means I will (in principle) never run out of addresses. 

1.3. Public vs local IP addresses

There are two sorts of IP addresses: external or public and internal or private, sometimes known as local or private. Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns you an external address. 

When you surf the internet, the site you visit must know who you are (for traffic monitoring purposes). Your internet service provider (ISP) connects you to a website using your external IP address.

Remember that you will have a different IP address for internal purposes. For instance, your IP address will be different when identifying the devices connected to a home network. 

The router will assign your system an internal or public IP address. This hardware then connects your local network to the Internet. Most of the time, the router's IP address is assigned automatically. 

2. What is the working mechanism of an IP address?

This is one of the most important things you need to know about IP addresses. Let me give you a real-life example before explaining how an IP address works. 

The post office uses your physical address to indicate the real-world location of a person, house, or company. This is how mail is routed, your home address and how people know where to locate you.

All of these definitions apply to an IP address in a digital context. An IP address is a virtual location for a computer. IP addresses may identify your computer, a favorite website, a network server, or even a gadget (like a camera).

Without an IP address, you cannot send or receive information. IP addresses route the internet traffic where it needs to go. As long as you have an active device on the internet, it will have an IP address. 

3. Types of IP Address: Dynamic vs static 

IP addresses can be dynamic or static. When it’s dynamic, it implies a temporary solution. Meanwhile, static means permanent IP addresses. 

The primary difference between dynamic and static is that dynamic will never change, but static can and do. 

Static addresses are mostly utilized by corporations since their websites and online applications must be constantly available. However, your home IP address does not have to remain the same because it is only required when you use the internet.

Your ISP will typically assign you a dynamic IP address. While your IP address may not change frequently, your ISP will likely assign you a new one each time you reset your computer. 

The same applies to the local IP addresses your home wireless router allocates to your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. When you restart your router, these devices may receive a new IP address.

The only true disadvantage of dynamic addresses is that a specific computer cannot be reliably discovered. Many ISPs allow you to set up a business connection with a static address to host a server.

4. What is the purpose of an IP address?

The primary purpose of an IP address is to handle the connection between devices. However, that’s not all an IP address does. 

It also sends and receives specific information across a vast network system. An IP address can easily identify all devices on the Internet. 

IP addresses help computers and other electronic devices communicate with streaming services and websites. They let them know who is trying to connect. 

An IP address also serves as a return address on postal mail. If a letter you addressed is delivered to the wrong address, you will receive it back if you include a return address on the envelope.

The same is true with emails. When you send an email to an invalid recipient (for example, someone who has left their job and no longer has a work email address), your IP address allows the firm's mail server to give you a bounce message indicating that your email is failed to send to the correct address.

5. Can a VPN hide your IP address?

If you don't want everyone to know roughly where you are, try using a VPN to hide your IP address. Hiding your IP address is extremely important to protect against cyber criminals. Optimizing your cloud security architecture will also help you enhance protection.

This is where VPNs come into the picture. A Virtual Private Network, also known as a VPN, can encrypt your online traffic and hide your IP address. 

When you install a VPN, cybercriminals won’t be able to access your virtual location or online activity. Besides them, ISPs, websites, and restrictive governments cannot spy on you. 

When you connect to a VPN server, your device is assigned a new IP address, which your ISP does not possess. Your online activity is now linked to the VPN's IP address and cannot be traced back to you (or your digital identity).

Your digital profile is a collection of information about you and your online activities gathered over time. This profile, often known as your digital footprint, captures your online activities and habits and may be accessible to various platforms or services.

While having this information about you allows businesses to focus and optimize their marketing efforts, it also creates privacy and security threats. Companies know a bit too much about you, and your digital profile may create an opportunity for cybercriminals to launch assaults.

A VPN protects your data and digital trace by hiding your true IP address. Your ISP can no longer view your online behavior, making it safer and more private.

6. What are the benefits of hiding an IP address?

The primary purpose of an IP address is to handle the connection between devices. However, that’s not all an IP address does. 

It also sends and receives specific information across a vast network system. An IP address can easily identify all devices on the Internet. 

IP addresses help computers and other electronic devices communicate with streaming services and websites. They let them know who is trying to connect. 

An IP address also serves as a return address on postal mail. If a letter you addressed is delivered to the wrong address, you will receive it back if you include a return address on the envelope.

The same is true with emails. When you send an email to an invalid recipient (for example, someone who has left their job and no longer has a work email address), your IP address allows the firm's mail server to give you a bounce message indicating that your email is failed to send to the correct address.

A VPN can replace your original IP address with a VPN IP address. This way, it can protect your privacy to a great extent. Here are the reasons why hiding your IP address is beneficial:

6.1. More privacy

Hiding your IP address will help you stay anonymous regarding your web privacy. If you don’t want your data to be stored somewhere, using a VPN is the best option. 

Let’s say you’re accessing a website where you don’t want your actual IP address to be revealed. In such cases, the IP address from a VPN will help you hide your sensitive information. This way, you can protect your website data.

However, remember that the effectiveness of IP addresses depends on the VPN itself. If you use a free VPN, it cannot protect you properly. 

6.2. Less web tracking

When you connect to a VPN server, the websites you visit can no longer determine where you are connecting from or if you have previously visited the site. As a consequence, they can't monitor you as closely.

6.3. Bypass restrictions

Many governments, websites, and internet businesses utilize IP addresses to implement regional bans. A VPN allows you to connect to a place with no content restrictions and mislead IP blocks into thinking you're browsing the Web from another area. 

As you can see, hiding your IP address may benefit privacy and security. Protecting your IP address improves internet privacy and gives you more control over what online platforms may learn about you.

7. Shorlisting best VPNs to protect your IP address

Now you know VPNs can protect and hide your IP addresses from online threats. So, you might be eager to install and start using a VPN immediately. 

However, installing the wrong VPN will cause you more harm than good. As the internet is filled with different types of VPNs, how can you ensure you choose the right one?

To prevent you from making mistakes, I have listed some of the best VPNs on the market. I have hands-on experience with each of these VPNs, so I can vouch for their effectiveness and reliability. 

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is undoubtedly the best VPN for hiding your IP address. With more than 5,900 servers in around 60 countries, it can also protect your online identity. 

This VPN also helps to unblock banned or geo-blocked content. Whether you want to safeguard your privacy by hiding your IP address or unblocking a foreign website, NordVPN can help. 

NordVPN

• Safe browsing
• Password security
• Encrypted files
• Online security

It supports OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols, as well as AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption. NordLynx is built on WireGuard, so you get lightning-fast performance and top-tier security.

There is a kill switch with the option to specify which apps should be closed when there is an unexpected connection. Split tunnelling and a no-logs policy (which has been audited several times) are also available.

The monthly plans may look expensive. If you want to save a significant amount of money, you can choose the yearly plans.

NordVPN subscriptions allow for up to six simultaneous connections. You'll also receive modern-looking software for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Android, and a variety of other popular platforms (routers are also included).

NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked. Furthermore, there is 24/7 live chat assistance available to answer your queries, as well as several installation tutorials and other written materials.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is another reputed option for protecting your IP data privacy. If you know what is an IP address, you will face no problem using Surfshark to protect it. 

Surfshark provides 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries. Hence, you will have countless options to obtain an IP address of any specific country. 

Surfshark

• Unlimited devices
• Fewer public Wi-Fi risks
• Real-time email breach alerts
• Cookie pop-up blocker

This VPN is based on robust VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, as well as safe encryption ciphers like AES-256 and ChaCha20. 

Then there's an audited no-logs policy, which ensures Surfshark doesn't gather personal information. There's also a kill switch to avoid data breaches, as well as split tunnelling for more experienced users.

Surfshark also supports optional obfuscation. So, if you want to alter your virtual location in a nation with significant restrictions, this VPN appears to be the best option. 

This VPN can also unblock any website, allowing you to access restricted and geo-blocked content without restriction.

Surfshark is one of the fastest VPN services. Even without optimization, you'll receive fast speeds regardless of whether you use a close or faraway server. 

You can also access an infinite number of simultaneous connections and applications for almost any platform. This covers Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, and many more.

3. ExpressVPN

Coming third on my list is ExpressVPN. With a long-lasting reputation, it offers 3,000+ servers in 100+ different countries. 

Remember that ExpressVPN does more than just hide your IP address. It can also unlock banned and geo-blocked content effortlessly every time. 

ExpressVPN

• Network lock kill switch
• Lightway protocol
• Private DNS
• Best protection

That's because it uses ultra-strong protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway, as well as AES-256 encryption. It also has an audited no-logs policy, meaning no data recording or tracking occurs.

ExpressVPN claims that all servers are obfuscated. So, you can mask your IP address even on the most restricted networks. 

Aside from that, you receive a kill switch (called ‘Network Lock') that keeps you safe from IP leaks at all times.

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, ranking just after Surfshark. It supports eight simultaneous connections and can be used on any device. 

Finally, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. If you have any problems or technical concerns, its assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via live chat. 

If you live in a country where ChatGPT is blocked, you can use ExpressVPN to access it. The specific VPNs for ChatGPT will help you access this AI chatbot.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has many tricks to make your IP address disappear. This way, you will have numerous options to protect your online data. 

Unlike many other VPNs, CyberGhost features 10,000+ servers in 100+ countries and provides dedicated IPs, especially if you’re looking for a permanent VPN address. 

CyberGhost

• 100% no logs policy
• Protection for up to 7 devices
• Free ID guard monitoring
• 100 server countries

When it comes to unblocking censored and geo-locked content, this VPN will not disappoint. It provides a variety of specialized servers for unblocking the internet, video streaming, and even gaming. 

All of this is possible because of CyberGhost's OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, which are combined with AES-256 and ChaCha20.

Unfortunately, you won’t get any obfuscated servers with this VPN. So, if you're utilizing a limited network, go with one of my previous options. 

Nonetheless, you'll get a kill switch and split tunneling, so even professional users should be satisfied. Additionally, a no-logs policy is provided.

CyberGhost also performs nicely. It's slower than my other recommendations – but you should be more than happy with its performance on nearby and remote servers. You'll also get seven simultaneous connections, which seems generous enough.

5. Hotspot Shield

I chose Hotspot Shield because of its innovative VPN technology, Hydra. Hotspot Shield developed Hydra totally in-house. It is a fast and efficient mechanism for navigating content blocks. 

Hotspot Shield provides proof in the form of a transparency report. That report reveals the number of subpoenas and government requests Hotspot Shield gets. 

Hotspot Shield is one of the fastest VPNs I have tested, with an average download speed of about 242 Mbps on my 250 Mbps network. 

Hotspot Shield

• Military-grade encryption
• Fastest VPN connection
• Anti-phishing protection
• IP Leak Protection

I consider that a near-lossless VPN speed, with only about a 3% reduction. However, Hotspot Shield's upload speed was not particularly impressive. 

It has an average speed of 50 Mbps, which is just 20% of my network's speed. It's ideal for downloading but not so good for online posting.

Hotspot Shield provides security through several built-in app features. For starters, it has IP leak prevention, which protects DNS and WebRTC breaches by providing a private IP address. This was enabled by default. As soon as I connected to Hotspot Shield, it protected my IP address.

The protocol also plays an important part in Hotspot Shield's security. Hydra is available on all platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android).  

I still suggest Hydra in this scenario, though. While WireGuard is safe, it does not enable 256-bit AES encryption (instead, it utilizes the less reliable ChaCha20). 

6. Norton VPN

Norton is famous for its excellent antivirus and LifeLock. If you’re using these features, installing Norton VPN will help you enhance the ecosystem. 

I like the dynamic shared IP addresses of Norton VPN. This is something you won’t find in any VPNs. Not to mention, it’s more beneficial than static IP addresses. 

Norton VPN

• Online privacy
• Wi-Fi security
• Content access
• Split tunneling

The download speed of Norton is impressive. When I use Norton, I only see a speed loss of less than 12%. However, the upload speed is my only concern. 

Norton's software boosted my digital security in a variety of ways, but one particularly useful security feature stood out. It recognizes whether I’m connected to a suspect Wi-Fi network, such as a password-free coffee shop Wi-Fi.

I do have to point out that Norton Secure VPN does not have as many servers as other VPNs. It operates servers in just 29 countries. That is less than one-third of ExpressVPN's 105 countries and Surfshark's 100 nations. 

Norton Secure VPN uses 256-bit AES to encrypt my web activities and hide my IP address. But that is nothing new. Most VPNs utilize the same encryption technology.

What I really like about Norton Secure is that it supports multi-hop, which is only available from top-tier VPNs such as NordVPN and Surfshark.

7. Private Internet Access

Are you looking for a high-end VPN provider? Look no further than Private Internet Access. This VPN provides a comprehensive suite of features geared towards experienced users. 

It will also cover the basics for beginners. Private Internet Access comes with thousands of servers spanning over 90+ countries. It also covers every single US state. 

Private Internet Access

• No logs policy
• Fast connection speed
• Free email breach monitor
• 24/7 customer support

Unsurprisingly, OpenVPN and WireGuard are present here. What's remarkable is that you can select a bespoke level of encryption, allowing you to strike the ideal balance between security and performance. 

There is also a no-logs policy and open-source applications. Additionally, PIA has a complex kill switch and split tunneling.

I found PIA's performance highly appreciable. It has pretty speeds, which may be improved further by adjusting its settings. 

As a result, PIA is ideal for any online activity, including circumventing geo-blocks. Moreover, you will get simultaneous connections and software that is compatible with many devices. 

Like other trustworthy VPNs, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you ever need assistance, you may resort to their 24/7 live chat support. PIA also provides email help, customer support requests, and more.

8. IPVanish

IPVanish is another excellent addition to my list. Besides providing superb security, it’s also one of the fastest VPNs I’ve ever tested so far. 

It's wonderful that it has all of the characteristics I look for in a safe VPN. It has a kill switch, supports many VPN protocols, employs 256-bit AES encryption, and passes my DNS and WebRTC leak tests. 

IPVanish

• Advanced encryption
• No data transfer caps
• Verified no-traffic logs
• Multiple connection protocols

Overall, it's a reliable and safe VPN. It's fantastic that it meets all of the criteria I seek in a secure VPN. 

It has a kill switch, supports a variety of VPN protocols, uses 256-bit AES encryption, and passes my DNS and WebRTC leak tests. Overall, it is a stable and secure VPN.

This year, the Leviathan Security Group assessed IPVanish's privacy and security standards. They’ve found that IPVanish’s claim that it doesn’t log browsing and usage data is true. 

The company also decided that IPVanish is not intrusive to its customers' privacy, making it a reliable VPN for privacy-conscious consumers.

9. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is the best free option on the market. It provides unlimited bandwidth and generous usage limitations. 

Besides offering its services for free, ProtonVPN won’t restrict the amount of data you send or receive. It also provides a dozen servers in three different countries. 

ProtonVPN

• 4500+ servers across 90+ countries
• Protect ten devices at a time
• VPN accelerator
• Ad-blocker & malware protection

The nations are the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. You can expect faster speeds if you are in one of those nations or nearby. 

However, because Proton VPN's free servers might get busy sometimes, you may experience some performance limitations. Another limitation is that you will only get a single connection. 

Nonetheless, you'll receive a solid no-logs policy that has been audited several times. There are additional protocols, such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, which work with AES-256 and ChaCha 20 encryption ciphers. 

That means you'll securely disguise your IP address, eliminating the possibility of someone tracking your original IP or location. Naturally, a kill switch is also included.

10. Windscribe

Windscribe is a feature-rich VPN that easily hides your IP address. However, it has a limited data allotment. 

By default, you receive 2GB of data each month. Registering your email address allows you to receive 10GB of monthly data.

Windscribe

• Unlimited data
• Unlock all locations
• Ad blocker
• Config generator

On the good side, Windscribe has dozens of servers in 11 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Romania, Turkey, and Hong Kong. 

That's a big server spread for a free VPN service. Furthermore, you are entitled to an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

This VPN also has a no-logs policy, which means no data is logged. It also supports protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, in addition to Stealth and Wstunnel. 

They are all combined with robust encryption, making data breaches extremely improbable. You will also get a kill switch with Windscribe.

Windscribe also offers limitless speeds. However, this means you'll rapidly run out of your monthly bandwidth, so be cautious about how much you use this VPN. 

Unfortunately, there is no live chat assistance; instead, you will find a semi-helpful bot. Windscribe also comes with a limited three-day money-back guarantee covering 10GB of data.

11. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is owned by the same company that created Nord VPN. So, you may imagine its reputation and reliability. 

While Atlas VPN's features and benefits are remarkable, it’s a completely free VPN, so you can expect some limitations. 

Atlas VPN

• Security shield
• Wireguard protocol
• Block malware
• MultiHop+

Speaking of limitations, Atlas VPN provides 5GB of data per month. The free version doesn’t provide any option to increase that limit (unless you pay, of course). 

It also has servers in only three locations: the Netherlands and the United States (East and West Coasts).

Atlas VPN is still not as popular as my previous suggestions, so you can anticipate pretty fast speeds because its servers aren't overcrowded. Its free US-based servers are also tailored for streaming, so you'll receive more than simply IP address concealment.

Additionally, this VPN is quite secure. It does not support OpenVPN, but it does provide WireGuard, which is both fast and secure. 

You can rely on a robust no-logs policy and unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you'll easily disguise your IP address from any device without sacrificing performance.

12. UltraVPN

VPNs do not necessarily have to be as feature-packed as NordVPN and Surfshark. Sometimes, a simple solution is preferable as long as it protects your privacy. That is UltraVPN's benefit. 

UltraVPN underperformed in terms of speed. It should have been quick because it employs Hydra, Hotspot Shield's proprietary VPN technology. 

UltraVPN

• 125 global locations
• Unlimited bandwidth
• RoundedKill switch & split tunneling
• Industry leading encryption

My download speed averaged 160 Mbps. That's approximately a 40% decrease from my actual network speed. It was alright. However, UltraVPN is not as quick as Hotspot Shield.

Despite using Hydra's speed inadequately, UltraVPN leverages the protocol effectively to ensure online security. 

It looks for and bans malware-infected sites. It also encrypts communications with 256-bit AES and safeguards me against IP address leaks. 

Even the fact that it employs Hydra makes UltraVPN a secure choice. Cyberattackers are more likely to target popular protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. As SSL certificate on your website will also prevent them from attacking.

UltraVPN made a wise decision to employ a proprietary protocol that is only used by a few VPNs.

13. TorGuard VPN

Coming last on my list is TorGuard VPN. If you’re looking for a versatile VPN that can hide your IP address, you should use TorGuard VPN. 

TorGuard is famous for its excellent services. Its features safeguard users from malware attacks while focusing on top-notch connections. 

TorGuard VPN

• Unlimited speed
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Port forwarding
• Free dedicated IP

It will provide you with an anonymous IP address. This way, you can browse securely without worrying about data theft. It will also implement end-to-end encryption. 

It supports powerful protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. With limitless bandwidth and speed, you can enjoy uninterrupted browsing.

It supports various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. 

TorGuard VPN ensures your connections are safe and secure; no third party may attack your devices.

Ready to hide your IP address with VPNs?

By default, your location metadata makes you vulnerable to monitoring and privacy violations. Also, geo-blocks depend on IP addresses, so you can't get around them until you have a foreign IP. 

That's where VPNs come in handy. Since they are the only method to alter your virtual location, you can ensure no one monitors you online.

However, don't simply use any VPN, because not all can modify your location security. Choose anything from my list to get top-notch privacy and security. 

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