- Surfshark has just launched a Dedicated IP feature for its browser extension
- Users can choose from unique, static IP addresses in 20 cities across 15 countries
- The optional add-on is already accessible to all Surfshark subscribers
Surfshark has launched a Dedicated IP feature for its browser extension, further bringing it in line with its desktop and mobile counterparts.
Surfshark first launched its Dedicated IP feature on its Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS apps in 2023, allowing users to have their own unique, static IP addresses. It has since expanded its offering to 20 Dedicated IP locations in 15 countries and 20 cities.
The addition of the feature means users of Surfshark’s Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions can continue to benefit from Surfshark’s protection while also enjoying the benefits of having a Dedicated IP.
Using a Dedicated IP helps avoid shared-IP blacklisting and enables reliable access to services that restrict IP changes. Surfshark’s Dedicated IP address feature supports the best VPN protocols, WireGuard included, providing the fastest possible speeds.
What Surfshark’s Dedicated IP is and why it matters
Most VPNs, Surfshark included, offer shared IP addresses, which enhances anonymity by mixing users and their activities behind the same IP address. Yet there are times when a Dedicated IP address – that is, a unique static IP address assigned exclusively to a single VPN user – is more appropriate.
“A dedicated IP provides a consistent IP address for each browsing session, making it ideal for securely accessing private servers or corporate remote access systems,” said Senior Product Manager at Surfshark, Justas Pukys. “Unlike a standard VPN connection, which provides a shared IP address that changes with each session and is used by multiple users, a dedicated IP offers exclusive use.”
Shared IP addresses have a reputation for prompting human verification requests – those annoying CAPTCHAs that ask you to solve a puzzle or select traffic lights. Yet, Dedicated IP addresses minimize the frequency of CAPTCHA checks by presenting a consistent, trusted identity to websites, which are then less likely to flag traffic as suspicious.
Likewise, having a consistent Dedicated IP address makes it easier for users to access websites and apps that otherwise block shared IP addresses. This includes government websites or online banking services, which require consistent identification.
How Surfshark’s browser extension stacks up against its VPN apps
Surfshark’s browser extension is a lightweight version of its apps, making it even more straightforward to secure your connection. The extension offers many of the same features as Surfshark’s desktop apps, including access to Alternative ID, Surfshark Antivirus, and CleanWeb.
One of the key differences between a VPN browser extension and a VPN app is that an extension only secures your browser traffic and not that of any apps you’re using.
Further, Surfshark’s extension doesn’t offer a kill switch because it operates solely in the browser layer and, unlike the Surfshark app, can’t control or block system-wide traffic. Likewise, the browser extension doesn’t include access to Surfshark’s MultiHop servers.
Like the apps, however, Surfshark’s Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions now offer Dedicated IPs across 20 major cities.
These are: Australia (Sydney), Brazil (Sao Paulo), Canada (Toronto), France (Paris), Germany (Frankfurt am Main), Hong Kong (Hong Kong), Italy (Milan) Japan (Tokyo), the Netherlands (Amsterdam) Poland (Warsaw), Singapore (Singapore), South Africa (Johannesburg), Turkey (Istanbul), United Kingdom (London), United States (Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and San Jose).
Surfshark Dedicated IP is available to all Surfshark users and costs an extra $3.75 a month. You’ll find the option to add a Dedicated IP address to your Surfshark subscription via your Surfshark account or by clicking on the “Get Dedicated IP” button within Surfshark’s apps and extension.
