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When buying proxies you may encounter two address options: IPv4 and IPv6. They differ not only in notation but also in price, compatibility and how sites perceive them. Let's explain in plain terms what the difference is, which is cheaper and which type to choose for your task.
What IPv4 and IPv6 are
- IPv4 — the "classic" address like
192.0.2.10. There are only ~4.3 billion of them and they've nearly run out, so they're more valuable. - IPv6 — the new format like
2001:db8::8a2e:370:7334. There's a practically endless supply, so they're cheaper.
The key difference in practice
It's not about the protocol itself but about whether the target site supports it. Many services still work over IPv4 only, so an IPv6 proxy simply won't connect to them. But where IPv6 is supported, it's cheaper and available in large pools.
| Parameter | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Site compatibility | Maximum (works everywhere) | Only where IPv6 is supported |
| Price | Higher (address scarcity) | Lower (plenty of addresses) |
| Pool size | Limited | Huge |
| Site trust | Familiar, trusted | Sometimes more suspicion |
| Best for | Any task | Mass tasks on IPv6 sites |
When to get IPv4
- Working with marketplaces, social networks and most Russian sites.
- Multi-accounting on platforms without IPv6 support.
- Any task where maximum compatibility matters.
When IPv6 fits
- Mass tasks on sites with IPv6 support (some Google services).
- When you need a large pool of addresses at minimal cost.
- Scraping IPv6-compatible resources. On data collection — proxies for scraping.
What matters more than the address type?
Account "survivability" and ban avoidance depend less on IPv4/IPv6 and more on the proxy type: mobile, residential or datacenter. That's what determines IP trust. A breakdown is in "Mobile vs Residential vs Datacenter Proxies".
Case study: saving on IPv6 backfired
A user got a cheap IPv6 pool for working with a marketplace and couldn't connect — the platform works over IPv4 only. After switching to IPv4 proxies, everything worked. The takeaway: first check whether the target supports IPv6, and only then save money. You can pick the right type in the PROXYLEET catalog.
FAQ
Which is better — IPv4 or IPv6?
For compatibility — IPv4 (works everywhere). For cheap mass tasks on IPv6 sites — IPv6. The universal choice is IPv4.
Why is IPv6 cheaper?
There's a practically endless supply of IPv6 addresses, while IPv4 is scarce — so IPv4 costs more.
Can I use IPv6 for social networks and marketplaces?
Often no — many platforms work over IPv4 only. Check support before buying.
Where can I get IPv4 proxies?
In the PROXYLEET catalog — IPv4 of various types (mobile, residential, datacenter).
