IP Types
Learn about Residential, Datacenter, and Mixed IPs and their best use cases.
This guide will help you understand what IP types are and the different ways Geonode provides them for various use cases.
What Are IP Types?
IP types determine how an IP address is assigned and used in proxy services. Geonode offers three types of proxy IPs:
- Residential IPs – Real user IPs provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
- Datacenter IPs – IPs from third-party data centers.
- Mixed IPs – A combination of Residential and Datacenter IPs for flexibility.
Each type serves different needs, from bypassing restrictions to high-speed automation.
1. Residential IPs
What Are Residential IPs?
Residential IPs are assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to real users. These IPs come from home connections, making them appear legitimate to websites.
Best For:
- Web Scraping – Avoids detection as a bot.
- Bypassing Geo-Restrictions – Access region-locked content.
- E-Commerce & Social Media – Prevents account bans.
- Streaming & Gaming – Allows access to local content securely.
Pros:
✔️ High trust level – Less likely to be blocked.
✔️ Works with strict websites that detect datacenter proxies.
Cons:
❌ Slower than datacenter IPs due to real-user routing.
❌ More expensive since they are harder to obtain.
2. Datacenter IPs
What Are Datacenter IPs?
Datacenter IPs are generated by third-party servers instead of ISPs. They are faster and cost-effective but easier to detect by websites.
Best For:
- Bulk Web Scraping – Fast and affordable.
- SEO Monitoring & Competitive Research – Great for large-scale data collection.
- General Automation – Works well for bot-based activities.
Pros:
✔️ High-speed performance – Faster than residential IPs.
✔️ Affordable – Cheaper than residential proxies.
Cons:
❌ Easier to detect and block on strict websites.
❌ Less effective for accessing geo-restricted content.
3. Mixed IPs
What Are Mixed IPs?
Mixed IPs include both Residential and Datacenter IPs, providing flexibility between legitimacy and speed.
Best For:
- Web Scraping & Automation – Balance between anonymity and efficiency.
- Testing & Development – Useful for trial runs and application testing.
- E-Commerce & Social Media – Reduces detection risks while ensuring speed.
Pros:
✔️ Balances speed, security, and cost.
✔️ More flexibility for different tasks.
Cons:
❌ Not as anonymous as pure residential IPs.
❌ Some tasks may require a dedicated residential or datacenter IP.
Comparison Table: Residential vs. Datacenter vs. Mixed IPs
| Feature | Residential IPs | Datacenter IPs | Mixed IPs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Moderate | Fast | Balanced |
| Anonymity | High (Real user IPs) | Low (Easily detected) | Moderate |
| Cost | Expensive | Affordable | Mid-range |
| Best For | Geo-restricted access, social media, streaming | Bulk web scraping, SEO, automation | Versatile tasks requiring both reliability & speed |
How to Choose the Right IP Type
- Use Residential IPs if you need high anonymity and geo-restricted access.
- Choose Datacenter IPs for high-speed data collection and automation.
- Go with Mixed IPs if you need both reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Final Tips
- Use Residential IPs if you need high anonymity and geo-restricted access.
- Choose Datacenter IPs for high-speed data collection and automation.
- Go with Mixed IPs if you need both reliability and cost-effectiveness.
- Test different IP types to see which works best for your use case.
- If accessing strict websites, use Residential IPs to reduce the risk of getting blocked.