> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.mysmtp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Shared IPs or Dedicated?

> Learn the differences between shared and dedicated IPs for email sending, including pros, cons, and which option fits your volume and control needs.

### **Dedicated IP: Your Own Sending Reputation**

A **dedicated IP** is an IP address that is assigned exclusively to your email-sending account.

#### **Pros:**

✅ **Full Control Over Reputation:** Since no one else sends emails from this IP, your reputation is only affected by your sending habits. If you follow best practices, you can build a strong sender reputation.<br />✅ **Better Deliverability (If Managed Well):** ISPs (like Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook) trust senders with a **consistent, clean reputation**, which can improve inbox placement.<br />✅ **Ideal for High-Volume Senders:** If you send a large number of emails (e.g., marketing campaigns, transactional emails), a dedicated IP ensures your emails don't compete with others.

#### **Cons:**

❌ **Requires Warm-Up:** A new dedicated IP has no reputation, so you need to gradually increase email volume over time (**warming up**) to avoid being flagged as spam.<br />❌ **More Expensive:** Typically costs more than shared IPs, as you need to lease or purchase the IP.<br />❌ **Risk of Poor Reputation:** If you don't follow best practices (e.g., sending spammy content, high bounce rates), your IP reputation can suffer, harming deliverability.

### **Shared IP: A Group Effort**

A **shared IP** is used by multiple senders, typically managed by an email service provider (ESP).

#### **Pros:**

✅ **No Need to Warm Up:** Since the IP is already used by many senders, it has an established reputation. You can start sending right away.<br />✅ **Lower Cost:** Shared IPs are more affordable because the cost is split among multiple users.<br />✅ **Managed Reputation:** ESPs monitor shared IPs to maintain a good sender reputation, reducing the risk of being blocked.

#### **Cons:**

❌ **Less Control Over Reputation:** If other senders misuse the IP (e.g., spam, poor list hygiene), it can affect **your deliverability**, even if you follow best practices.<br />❌ **May Have Sending Limits:** Some shared IP pools have restrictions on email volume or sending frequency.<br />❌ **Not Ideal for High-Volume Senders:** If you send a lot of emails, a shared IP might not be enough to handle your needs efficiently.

### **Which One Should You Choose?**

* **Use a Dedicated IP** if you send large volumes of email regularly and want full control over your sender reputation.
* **Use a Shared IP** if you send lower volumes, need a quick start, and prefer the convenience of a managed reputation.


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