IPv4 leasing is now a key strategy for businesses in 2025, offering flexibility and cost savings as IPv4 addresses become increasingly scarce and expensive. Here’s what you need to know:
- Price Surge: Buying an IPv4 address costs $40–$50 each, while leasing ranges from $0.30–$2.50 per month per address, saving up to 85% in the first year.
- Short-Term Leasing Benefits: Ideal for businesses with fluctuating needs, like startups and seasonal campaigns, short-term leases allow quick scaling without heavy upfront costs.
- Long-Term Leasing Benefits: Better for stable needs, offering predictable costs but less flexibility. Leasing saves money compared to buying, but only for the first 3–4 years.
- Market Drivers: IoT growth (19 billion devices by 2025) and legacy infrastructure keep IPv4 in demand despite IPv6 adoption.
- Risks: Price fluctuations, renewal uncertainty, and potential IP reputation issues are challenges businesses must navigate.
| Aspect | Short-Term Leasing | Long-Term Leasing |
|---|---|---|
| Стоимость | $0.39–$0.59/month per IP | $0.29–$0.44/month per IP |
| Гибкость | High – adjust resources quickly | Low – locked into contracts |
| Best For | Seasonal needs, temporary projects | Stable, predictable requirements |
| Duration | Weeks to months | One year or more |
| Availability Risk | Higher – renewal uncertainty | Lower – guaranteed allocation |
Bottom Line: Leasing IPv4 addresses is a practical solution to rising costs and limited availability. Short-term leases suit dynamic needs, while long-term leases work for stable requirements. Choose based on your business’s goals and resource needs.
IPXO Вебинар: Перспективы использования IPv4 в лизинге на 1/2 квартал 2025 года
1. Short-Term IPv4 Leasing
Short-term IPv4 leasing has emerged as a practical solution for businesses needing flexibility without committing to long-term contracts. This option allows companies to manage their IP resources dynamically while keeping expenses under control.
Стоимость
Leasing IPv4 addresses on a short-term basis can be far more economical than outright purchasing. In 2025, leasing costs ranged between $0.35 and $0.45 per IP address per month, making it about ten times cheaper than buying, where prices hovered around $40 to $50 per address. Longer commitments can lead to even lower rates, though prices vary by region – for instance, APNIC regions averaged $0.83 per address, while AFRINIC regions saw rates closer to $0.42. This pricing trend reflects a broader shift toward operational expense models in response to the limited availability of IPv4 addresses.
"Более 95% IP-адресов на IPXO Marketplace поступают от RIPE NCC и ARIN благодаря более мягкой политике устойчивого развития этих реестров, которая полностью допускает монетизацию IP-адресов. Такая концентрация предложения объясняет, почему RIPE NCC сохраняла наиболее стабильные цены (в среднем 0,43 доллара) на протяжении всего 2024 года".
– Paulius Judickas, VP of Strategic Alliances at IPXO
Гибкость
One of the biggest advantages of short-term leasing is the ability to scale resources in real time. Businesses can adjust their IP allocations as needed, whether to meet fluctuating demand or to test new markets – all without the burden of hefty upfront investments. Additionally, access to regional IP ranges on demand helps companies expanding internationally comply with local regulations and improve performance.
"A short-term lease lets you scale without the long-term commitment, which is a huge plus in fast-moving industries."
– LARUS Staff
Use Cases
The versatility of short-term leasing has led to its adoption across various industries. E-commerce platforms, AdTech companies, and cloud service providers rely on this approach to handle seasonal traffic spikes, execute marketing campaigns, and address sudden surges in customer demand. The model also ensures businesses have access to clean IP addresses, which is especially critical for maintaining performance and reputation during transitions to IPv6.
For instance, in February 2025, Danish cloud hosting provider Webdock partnered with IPXO to simplify its IP management. Through the IPXO portal, Webdock could instantly search for available prefixes and view associated costs, enabling quick and efficient scaling.
While these benefits are compelling, businesses must remain aware of potential risks in the leasing market.
Market Risks
Short-term leasing does come with challenges, including unpredictable price fluctuations and the operational disruptions caused by IP migration at the end of a lease term. These factors can lead to unexpected costs if not carefully managed.
"Количество участников рынка, желающих продавать IP-адреса, сокращается быстрее, чем растет спрос на IP-адреса".
– Jake Brander, Founder at Brander Group
Another concern is the concentration of supply. With over 95% of leased IPs originating from RIPE NCC and ARIN regions, businesses may face limited options or regional constraints during high-demand periods. Additionally, reputation risks arise if leased IPs have been previously flagged for spam or malicious activities. Fortunately, many providers now offer reputation-checked IPs to mitigate this issue. Companies like V4 Capital PartnersПартнер V4 Capital also provide brokerage services to help businesses navigate these complexities and optimize their IP strategies effectively.
2. Long-Term IPv4 Leasing
Long-term IPv4 leasing offers steady costs and predictability, but it comes at the expense of flexibility. This approach contrasts with short-term leasing, which prioritizes adaptability over stability.
Стоимость
In 2025, buying an IPv4 address costs between $35 and $60 per IP, while monthly lease rates range from $0.30 to $2.50 per IP. The financial tipping point typically occurs after 3–4 years.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost differences between buying and leasing. For instance, at a purchase price of $50 per IP and a leasing rate of $1 per IP per month:
| Duration | Buying Cost (per IP) | Leasing Cost (per IP) | Cost Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | $50 | $12 | $38 savings |
| 3 Years | $50 | $36 | $14 savings |
| 5 Years | $50 | $60 | $10 loss |
After five years, leasing costs can surpass the price of purchasing, making outright ownership more economical in the long run. Additionally, purchased IPs maintain their value and may even appreciate, unlike leased addresses, which provide no return on investment.
While these numbers highlight potential savings, the rigidity of long-term contracts can limit their appeal for some businesses.
Гибкость
Long-term leasing focuses on cost stability but sacrifices the adaptability of shorter agreements. These contracts align with subscription-based "as-a-service" models, offering predictable pricing but less agility to respond to changing needs. As a result, many organizations are shifting toward shorter, more flexible arrangements to avoid being locked into extended commitments.
Compared to purchasing, long-term leases also provide less control over reallocation or longevity, which can hinder a company’s ability to pivot quickly when needed. However, for businesses with stable IP requirements, long-term leasing can reduce first-year costs by up to 85%, making it an appealing option for those prioritizing budget management.
"Leasing enables businesses to secure the IP addresses they need without the large upfront investment of a purchase." – IPTrading
Use Cases
Long-term IPv4 leasing is particularly useful for large businesses with consistent IP needs. Industries such as hosting, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and business intelligence often benefit the most.
- Telecommunications companies use leased IPv4 addresses for 5G network expansion, especially in semi-urban areas with planned infrastructure growth. They also leverage these addresses to offer cloud and hosting solutions to startups.
- Cloud hosting providers, like Danish company Webdock, rely on long-term leases to secure affordable, sustained IP resources.
- Cybersecurity and VPN services use leased IPs to maintain clean blocks for rotating exit nodes, ensuring anonymity without risking IP reputation.
- Content delivery networks (CDNs) benefit from leasing by expanding their global reach without the heavy upfront costs of ownership.
Market Risks
Long-term leasing brings its own set of risks. One major concern is cost escalation – after the 3–4 year break-even point, leasing can become significantly more expensive than buying outright. Additionally, the lack of flexibility in long-term contracts can leave businesses stuck with resources they no longer need, especially as IPv6 adoption continues to grow.
Another factor to consider is the opportunity cost. Leasing preserves cash flow initially but prevents companies from building IP assets that could increase in value over time. With IPv4 addresses steadily appreciating, this could represent a missed financial opportunity.
To navigate these risks, companies like V4 Capital PartnersПартнер V4 Capital offer consulting services. They help businesses weigh the pros and cons of long-term leasing against their operational needs and financial goals, ensuring smart decisions for IP address strategies.
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Преимущества и недостатки
This section breaks down the pros and cons of short-term and long-term IPv4 leasing to help businesses make informed decisions.
Short-Term Leasing Benefits
Short-term leases offer flexibility, allowing businesses to scale their IP resources quickly – often within weeks or months. This makes them ideal for temporary projects or seasonal spikes in demand, all while requiring a lower upfront commitment. Companies navigating rapid changes or uncertain markets can particularly benefit from this adaptability.
Another advantage is quick market responsiveness. Short-term leases let businesses adjust their IP allocations or pivot strategies without the burden of long-term financial commitments.
Short-Term Leasing Drawbacks
However, short-term leases come with higher costs. Pricing typically ranges from $0.39 to $0.59 per IP for /24 blocks, which can add up for businesses needing a large number of addresses.
There’s also the issue of renewal uncertainty. Businesses may struggle to secure the same IP blocks when contracts expire, especially in competitive markets.
Long-Term Leasing Benefits
Long-term leasing, on the other hand, prioritizes cost stability over flexibility.
One major advantage is cost efficiency. Over a five-year period, leasing can save businesses over 42% compared to purchasing. Long-term leases also tend to have lower per-IP rates, typically ranging from $0.29 to $0.44 for /20 blocks.
Predictable budgeting is another plus. Fixed monthly rates over an extended period allow organizations to plan their networking expenses more accurately.
Additionally, guaranteed availability ensures that businesses maintain access to the IP blocks they need, even as demand increases.
Long-Term Leasing Drawbacks
The main downside of long-term leases is limited adaptability. Businesses may find themselves locked into contracts that don’t align with changing needs.
There’s also the risk of opportunity costs. Leasing doesn’t provide ownership or the potential for asset appreciation, which can be a drawback for companies leasing more IPs than they actually need.
| Aspect | Short-Term Leasing | Long-Term Leasing |
|---|---|---|
| Ежемесячная стоимость | $0.39–$0.59 per IP | $0.29–$0.44 per IP |
| Гибкость | High – adjustments within weeks | Low – locked into contracts |
| Административные усилия | High – frequent renewals | Low – minimal once established |
| Availability Risk | Higher – renewal uncertainty | Lower – guaranteed allocation |
| Best For | Seasonal needs, temporary projects | Stable, predictable requirements |
| Duration | Weeks to months | One year or more |
Ultimately, the decision depends on balancing flexibility with cost predictability. Businesses with dynamic IPv4 needs might lean toward short-term leases despite higher costs, while those with stable requirements can take advantage of long-term savings and reliability.
For companies unsure about which path to take, consulting experts like V4 Capital PartnersПартнер V4 Capital can help evaluate leasing options based on specific business goals and market conditions.
Вывод
The IPv4 leasing market in 2025 highlights a noticeable shift toward adaptability and strategic resource allocation. Short-term leasing has become an essential tool for businesses undergoing rapid digital change, offering the flexibility needed to keep pace in today’s fast-moving marketplace.
The data tells the story. With IPv4 purchase prices soaring and leasing options reducing first-year costs by as much as 85%, more businesses are leaning into leasing as a practical solution. Subscription-based leasing models have added another layer of appeal by providing predictable expenses and allowing organizations to scale their IP resources based on real-time demand.
To make the most of these cost advantages, businesses should carefully evaluate their cash flow, long-term IP requirements, and operational goals before deciding on a strategy. Partnering with trusted providers who offer clean, thoroughly vetted IP ranges and clear pricing structures is critical. Additionally, negotiating flexible contract terms can help businesses avoid being locked into deals that might not align with future needs.
The market itself is evolving quickly. AI-powered tools are transforming how IPv4 resources are managed, with some systems resolving 97.23% of abuse incidents without human intervention. Experts predict that prices will continue to rise for both purchasing and leasing options.
For businesses unsure of their best course of action, working with seasoned brokers like V4 Capital PartnersПартнер V4 Capital can provide valuable insights and ensure the best leasing arrangements. These partnerships also help organizations navigate compliance challenges and address regional restrictions as regulations grow more complex.
Looking ahead, combining IPv4 leasing with a robust digital asset management strategy can set businesses up for long-term success. Companies adopting dual-stack deployments while leveraging flexible leasing options will be well-positioned to seize growth opportunities in an increasingly connected world.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
What are the risks of short-term IPv4 leasing, and how can businesses address them?
Short-term IPv4 leasing comes with its share of risks that businesses need to be aware of. A key issue is the chance that the lessor might reclaim the IP addresses before the lease period is over, which could lead to unexpected operational interruptions. Another concern is the misuse of these IPs – if a lessee uses them for spam or harmful activities, the addresses may end up blacklisted, rendering them temporarily unusable.
To address these challenges, businesses should implement a few precautionary measures. Start by conducting thorough Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to ensure lessees are reliable and will use the IPs responsibly. Collaborating with established brokers who have a solid track record can also help reduce the risks of fraud or misuse. Lastly, having well-defined contractual agreements and keeping a close eye on how the IPs are being used can go a long way in preventing issues and maintaining uninterrupted operations.
How are IoT growth and legacy systems driving demand for IPv4 addresses, even with IPv6 adoption?
То Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding at an incredible pace, fueling a growing need for IPv4 addresses – even as IPv6 adoption steadily moves forward. By 2025, IoT devices are projected to surpass 19 billion, and many of these devices will still depend on IPv4. Why? Because much of the existing legacy infrastructure across industries is built to work with IPv4, making it the go-to option for compatibility.
At the same time, the shift to IPv6 has been slower than expected, with adoption rates hovering around 40%. One major hurdle is that many businesses are still tied to older hardware and systems that don’t fully support IPv6. This makes IPv4 critical for keeping operations running smoothly while companies work on upgrading to modern technologies. These factors combined mean that IPv4 will remain a key player for the foreseeable future.
What should businesses consider when choosing between short-term and long-term IPv4 leasing?
When choosing between short-term and long-term IPv4 leasing, businesses need to consider factors like cost, flexibility, и, и future requirements. Each option has its own advantages and challenges, depending on the specific needs of your organization.
Short-term leases are a good fit for temporary projects or fluctuating demand, offering more flexibility. But this convenience often comes with higher monthly costs and the risk of limited availability due to market demand.
Long-term leases, by contrast, tend to offer lower monthly rates and greater stability, making them more suitable for ongoing operations. They also simplify planning with predictable costs and eliminate the hassle of frequent renewals. However, they require a stronger commitment, which could pose risks if market conditions or address requirements change by the end of the lease.
To decide the best option, take a close look at your organization’s goals, budget, and resource needs. Balancing these factors will help you create a leasing strategy that aligns with your business objectives.