IPv4 Leasing vs. Buying: Which Is Cheaper in 2025? (Cost Calculator)
In the ever-growing digital world, businesses face a persistent challenge: should you lease or buy IPv4 addresses? The supply of IPv4 addresses is dwindling, with fewer new blocks available each year. This scarcity drives prices up, leaving businesses to decide between two options: leasing or purchasing IPv4 addresses. Each choice has its pros and cons, and the decision largely depends on factors like business needs, cash flow, and long-term goals. This article explores the costs of both leasing and buying IPv4 addresses, helps you calculate which option is more cost-effective for your business in 2025, and looks at the current market dynamics.
The IPv4 Market in 2025
IPv4 is still the backbone of the internet, even though IPv6 is gradually gaining traction. It remains the dominant protocol used by millions of legacy systems, VPN providers, web hosting companies, and organizations across the globe. Although IPv6 adoption is increasing, many businesses continue to rely on IPv4 for their operations due to compatibility issues and the high costs of switching over.
However, the shortage of IPv4 addresses continues to impact internet infrastructure. As demand outpaces supply, the cost of IPv4 blocks continues to climb. In 2025, businesses are left with two primary options: leasing or purchasing IPv4 address blocks.
How Much Does IPv4 Leasing and Buying Cost?
Let’s break down the costs to help you better understand how much each option might cost in 2025. Below is a simple calculator that compares the purchase price of an IPv4 block against the lease price and the overall cost for the first year:
| Block Size | Number of IPs | Purchase Price | Monthly Lease Price | 1-Year Lease Cost | Break-Even (Months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| /24 | 256 | $10,000 | $200 | $2,400 | ~50 months |
| /23 | 512 | $18,000 | $350 | $4,200 | ~51 months |
| /22 | 1,024 | $30,000 | $600 | $7,200 | ~50 months |
Understanding the Break-Even Point
The break-even point in the table above is the number of months it would take for the total cost of leasing to equal the purchase price. For example, with a /24 block (256 IPs), leasing costs $2,400 in the first year, while buying costs $10,000 upfront. The break-even point is approximately 50 months (around 4 years). If your business plans to use the addresses for less than four years, leasing may be the more affordable option in the short term. However, if your company plans to keep using these addresses for five years or more, buying would be the more cost-effective choice.
When to Lease IPv4 Addresses
Leasing IPv4 addresses can be a smart decision for businesses with short-term needs, limited capital, or uncertain long-term growth. Startups, VPN providers, and companies with temporary infrastructure that need to scale quickly will benefit from leasing. Key advantages include:
- Flexibility: Lease agreements often have shorter terms, allowing businesses to adjust resources as their needs change.
- Lower Initial Cost: Leasing requires no upfront purchase, allowing businesses to allocate their funds elsewhere.
- No Depreciation: IPs are leased on a temporary basis, so there’s no need to worry about asset depreciation or selling unused addresses.
Leasing is also ideal for businesses with fluctuating traffic or demand, as it allows for quick scalability without long-term commitment.
When to Buy IPv4 Addresses
On the other hand, buying IPv4 addresses can be a wise move for businesses that need long-term stability, such as ISPs or cloud providers. Some reasons to consider buying include:
- Ownership: When you buy an IP address block, it is yours to keep permanently, and you can use it as long as you need it.
- No Ongoing Lease Payments: Buying eliminates monthly leasing fees, which can add up over time.
- Appreciating Asset: Historically, IPv4 address blocks have appreciated in value, making them a potentially profitable investment in the long run.
However, it’s important to conduct thorough due diligence before buying, ensuring that the IP addresses are clean (free from blacklisting) and that the transaction follows proper ownership transfer protocols through RIRs (Regional Internet Registries). For this, it’s best to work with a trusted broker or consultant who specializes in IPv4 transactions.
What’s the Future of IPv4 Costs?
As IPv4 addresses become even more scarce, prices are expected to continue rising in 2025 and beyond. Leasing will become a more attractive option for businesses with short-term needs or uncertain growth projections. However, many businesses with large-scale infrastructure needs will continue to purchase IPv4 blocks as a long-term investment.
In 2025, the average price for a permanent IPv4 address ranges between $35 and $50 per IP, depending on region and IP quality. The cost of leasing a /24 block (256 IPs) is typically between $150 to $250 per month.
Experts predict that with the increasing adoption of hybrid networks and the IPv6 transition, businesses will use a mixed strategy: renting IPv4 addresses for immediate, short-term needs, and buying core address space for critical infrastructure.
IPv4Hub.net: Your Trusted IPv4 Broker
At IPv4Hub.net, we offer a range of flexible leasing and purchasing options for businesses of all sizes. Whether you need to lease or buy IPv4 address blocks, we provide clear pricing, verified IP blocks, and hands-on support to help you make the best decision for your business.
If you’re unsure about whether to lease or buy IPv4 addresses, or if you’re looking for a reliable IPv4 broker, reach out to IPv4Hub.net. Our dedicated support team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you get the best deal for your needs.
Leasing vs. Buying IPv4 in 2025
The decision to lease or buy IPv4 addresses comes down to your business’s needs, timeline, and financial situation. Leasing is often the more affordable option for businesses with short-term needs, while buying offers the benefits of ownership and long-term cost savings. By using our cost calculator and evaluating your business’s goals, you can make an informed decision that will help you stay connected and grow your digital infrastructure in a world where IPv4 addresses are becoming more valuable and harder to find.