Public IP vs Private IP: An Easy-to-Read Comparison

IP addresses are essential for devices and networks to connect and communicate over the internet. They are generally categorized into two types: public and private, each serving a distinct purpose.

Public IP addresses are used for identifying devices across the internet, while private IP addresses operate within local networks like homes, offices, or schools. Private IPs also play a key role in technologies like VPNs(e.g., LightningX VPN), which use them to secure internal communication.

Keep reading to explore the key differences between public and private IPs and how they affect your internet experience.

Definitions of Public IP and Private IP

A public IP address is an IP address that is assigned to your device or network by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is accessible over the Internet. It is globally unique, meaning no two devices on the internet can share the same public IP.

A private IP address is an IP address that is used within a local network (LAN) and is not routable over the Internet. It is used for communication between devices within the same network (LAN).

Public IP vs Private IP: Security

Generally, public IPs are less safe than private IP addresses for several reasons.

First, the public IP address is accessible from the internet, meaning it can be traced by website servers, ISPs, and hackers. However, since the private IP is used within a private network instead of the open internet, it cannot be seen by strangers.

Second, devices using public IP addresses are more vulnerable to direct internet attacks, such as port scanning, DDoS attacks, or unauthorized remote access attempts. In contrast, private IP addresses are typically protected behind a router or firewall using Network Address Translation (NAT), which serves as a barrier between the private network and the open internet.

Lastly, public IP addresses are usually static or change infrequently, which makes it easier for third parties to track a user’s online behavior over time. In contrast, private IP addresses are dynamic within a local network and are not visible on the internet, offering an additional layer of privacy.

To enhance security and privacy when using a public IP address, especially on unsecured networks, using a reliable VPN is highly recommended. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and masks your real IP address, making it much harder for hackers, advertisers, or even your ISP to track your online activity.

LightningX VPN, for example, provides strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and fast global servers, helping users stay anonymous and protected even when using public networks or IPs. It offers 2,000+ servers in 70+ countries, each node with a super-fast download speed of up to 800Mbps. It allows 3 simultaneous connections on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and Linux. Download LightningX VPN now for a free trial!

Public vs Private IP Address: Range

The address range of a public IP is much larger than that of a Private IP because it is used to assign unique addresses to billions of devices worldwide. In contrast, a private IP is only a small portion reserved for internal networks, designed to conserve IP resources and enhance network security. And once IPv6 becomes fully widespread, this gap in numbers will become even greater.

The private IP address has three ranges, including:

Class A: 10.0.0.0 — 10.255.255.255
Class B: 172.16.0.0 — 172.31.255.255
Class C: 192.168.0.0 — 192.168.255.255

Each class is suitable for different scales of organizations or networks.

Class A: super-large enterprises or global networks
Class B: medium-sized organizations like universities and companies
Class C: small networks, like home and office

Besides private IP addresses, the rest are public.

Public IP vs Private IP: Use Case

Based on the higher level of security and resource savings, private IP addresses are often used within networks of companies, families, and other institutions with high privacy protection requirements.

Private IPs are commonly used for:

Connecting smart devices (like printers, smart TVs, or computers) within a home or office
Sharing resources such as files, printers, and internet access internally
Creating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for secure remote access
Setting up Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to segment and manage traffic
Enhancing local security by keeping devices hidden from the public internet

Public IP addresses are mainly used to connect individual devices or entire networks to the internet. They enable online services such as hosting websites, remote server access, online gaming, and email communication. Each device or router with a public IP can be directly reached from outside its network, which is essential for internet-based interactions but also requires more robust security measures.

Public IPs are commonly used for:

Hosting websites and email servers
Providing remote access to systems or services
Supporting cloud-based platforms and applications
Connecting IoT devices that need to be managed remotely
Enabling video conferencing, VoIP, and online gaming

How to Check My IP Address?

It’s simple to identify whether your IP address is private or public.

First, search for “what’s my IP” in the browser, open a reliable website, and write down the on-screen IP address.

Second, go to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Status”. Then, click “Properties” under the “Network Status” section. Scroll down and find your device’s IP address.

If the two IP addresses are the same, it means you are using the public IP address. If the two IP addresses are different, for example, the local IP address is 192.168.1.15, and the browser detects 203.0.113.25, this indicates that you are using NAT conversion, and your local machine is using a private IP address.

Final Verdict

Public and private IPs each have their strengths — public IPs connect you to the world, while private IPs keep your local network secure and efficient. Knowing the difference helps you understand how the internet works.