Shared vs Dedicated IP for Email: Which One Do You Really Need?

Afruz Fatulla-zada12.15.2025

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Shared vs Dedicated IP for Email: Which One Do You Really Need?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about email verification.

What happens if I skip or rush the IP Warm-up process?

You risk your emails being throttled, rejected, or immediately sent to the spam folder by major ISPs. This can severely damage the new IP's reputation right out of the gate, which is difficult and time-consuming to fix.

What is "IP Warm-up," and why is it required for a Dedicated IP?

IP Warm-up is the process of gradually increasing the volume of email sent from a new, "cold" Dedicated IP over several weeks (typically 4 to 8 weeks). Why? ISPs view a sudden, large burst of email from a new IP as suspicious (like spammer behavior). A slow, consistent ramp-up signals that you are a legitimate sender who builds a reputation responsibly.

What is the main difference between a Shared and a Dedicated IP?

A Shared IP is used by multiple organizations simultaneously, pooling their sending reputations. A Dedicated IP is exclusive to one sender, giving you sole control and responsibility for its reputation.

Does my domain reputation matter more than my IP reputation?

Both matter! ISPs (Internet Service Providers like Gmail and Outlook) assess both. Your Domain Reputation is built on the quality of your content and recipient engagement, and it's always entirely yours. Your IP Reputation is tied to the volume and health of the traffic coming from the physical address. A good domain with a bad IP will struggle, and vice-versa.

Can a Shared IP hurt my deliverability, even if I follow best practices?

Yes. The primary risk of a Shared IP is the "bad neighbor" effect. If another sender in your shared pool suddenly sends a large volume of spam, it can temporarily or permanently hurt the shared IP's reputation, affecting your own deliverability until the ESP removes the bad sender or takes corrective action.

How much email volume is needed to justify a Dedicated IP?

The general consensus is that a dedicated IP is necessary when you are sending consistently high volume. Most experts recommend having a minimum of 100,000 to 150,000 emails per month (or 3,000+ daily) to keep the IP "warm" and actively build a positive reputation. If you send less than this, a Shared IP is usually better.

If I have deliverability issues on a Shared IP, will switching to Dedicated fix it?

Not necessarily. If your deliverability problems are caused by poor list hygiene, low engagement, or spammy content (a domain reputation issue), switching to a Dedicated IP will likely make the problem worse because your poor sending habits will now reflect entirely on your exclusive IP, leading to quicker blocks. A Dedicated IP is only a solution for a sender with a strong domain reputation and high volume.

Can I use a different IP for my marketing emails than for my transactional emails?

Yes, and it is highly recommended. Many high-volume senders use two separate Dedicated IPs: one for marketing (less sensitive) and one for transactional messages (highest priority). This strategy isolates the reputation; if a marketing campaign receives a high number of spam complaints, it won't impact the delivery of critical password reset emails.

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