In this article: A complete guide to choosing between IPv4 and IPv6 proxies in 2025. You will learn about the IPv4 address shortage, market pricing ($35-60 per IP), protocol differences, website compatibility, dual-stack solutions, and recommendations for various use cases. The material is based on current data regarding IPv6 adoption (43-48% globally).
๐ Table of Contents Part 1
๐ What are IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol, developed in 1981, and remains the primary standard for addressing devices on the network. IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, providing a theoretical maximum of 4.3 billion unique IP addresses.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the sixth version of the Internet Protocol, designed to replace IPv4. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, which provides a virtually unlimited number of addressesโapproximately 340 undecillion (340 trillion trillion trillion).
Key Facts about IPv4 and IPv6
IPv4
- Address Size: 32 bits
- Format: 192.168.1.1 (Decimal notation)
- Number of Addresses: 4.3 billion
- Release Year: 1981
- Status: Addresses exhausted since 2011-2019
- Support: 100% of websites and devices
- Price per Address: $35-60 (2025)
IPv6
- Address Size: 128 bits
- Format: 2001:0db8::1 (Hexadecimal)
- Number of Addresses: 340 undecillion
- Release Year: 1998
- Status: In deployment (43-48% adoption)
- Support: ~28% of top-1000 websites
- Price per Address: Virtually free
๐ History of IP Protocol Development
Evolution of IPv4 (1981-2025)
When IPv4 was developed in the early 1980s, no one could imagine the Internet growing to its current scale. 4.3 billion addresses seemed more than sufficient for the experimental network that the Internet was at the time.
Key Milestones in IPv4 History:
1981: Publication of RFC 791 โ the official IPv4 specification
1990s: The Internet begins to grow exponentially, and issues with the address space become apparent
1993: IETF begins work on IPv6 as a long-term solution
1994: Introduction of NAT (Network Address Translation) as a temporary fix
2011: IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) exhausts its pool of free IPv4 addresses
2011-2019: All five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) announce the exhaustion of their pools
2020-2025: Formation of a secondary IPv4 address market, rising prices, active deployment of IPv6
Development of IPv6 (1998-2025)
IPv6 was developed in response to the looming IPv4 address shortage. The protocol not only expanded the address space but also introduced numerous architectural and functional improvements.
Key Milestones in IPv6 Deployment:
1998: Publication of RFC 2460 โ the first IPv6 specification
2006: Start of commercial IPv6 deployment
2011: World IPv6 Day (June 8) โ the first large-scale test
2012: Permanent activation of IPv6 by major companies (Google, Facebook, Yahoo)
2020: Global IPv6 adoption reached 30%
2025: Global adoption at 43-48%, with leaders (France, Germany, India) at 74-80%
Forecast: Full adoption expected by 2045
๐ก Fun Fact: Despite IPv6 being developed over 25 years ago, its mass adoption is slow due to the need to update network hardware and software. Many organizations continue to use IPv4 with NAT instead of migrating to IPv6.
๐จ IPv4 Address Shortage in 2025
In 2025, the IPv4 address shortage continues to intensify. All five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) have exhausted their address pools and maintain only minimal reserves for IPv6 transition purposes.
Status of Regional Registries in 2025
ARIN (North America)
Status: Exhausted since September 2015. Only a waiting list for small blocks is available. The secondary market is highly active.
RIPE NCC (Europe, Middle East)
Status: Exhausted since November 2019. New members can only receive one /24 block (256 addresses). Active address transfer market.
APNIC (Asia-Pacific Region)
Status: Exhausted since April 2011 (the first region). Operating under strict rationing. Largest market for address transfers.
LACNIC (Latin America)
Status: Exhausted since June 2014. Allocation only of small blocks for critical needs.
AFRINIC (Africa)
Status: Exhausted since 2020. The last region to run out of addresses. Minimal reserves for new members.
Consequences of the Shortage for Business
Problems Companies Face:
- High Address Cost: $35-60 per single IPv4 address when purchasing, $0.44-0.47/month when renting
- Limited Availability: Inability to obtain large blocks of addresses without significant expense
- Reliance on NAT: Use of Network Address Translation, which complicates architecture and reduces performance
- Scaling Difficulties: Limitations in service expansion due to IP address scarcity
- Security Risks: Shared IP addresses create additional risks
- Reputation Issues: Purchasing "used" addresses might mean inheriting a bad reputation
โ Solution from ProxyCove: We offer both IPv4 and IPv6 proxies at competitive prices. IPv6 proxies are on average 70-80% cheaper than IPv4 due to the lack of shortage. Start with a trial period โ Use promo code ARTHELLO to receive +$1.3 to your balance!
๐ฐ IPv4 Address Pricing in 2025
The secondary market for IPv4 addresses has become a significant part of the internet economy. In 2025, prices continue to fluctuate, but the general trend shows stabilization after previous growth.
Current Prices for Purchasing IPv4 Addresses
| Block Size | Number of Addresses | Price per IP (2025) | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| /24 Block | 256 | $33-38 | $8,448 - $9,728 |
| /23 Block | 512 | $30-36 | $15,360 - $18,432 |
| /22 Block | 1,024 | $28-34 | $28,672 - $34,816 |
| /16 Block | 65,536 | $24-28 | $1.5M - $1.8M |
| Average Price | - | $35-52 | - |
๐ Trend: Interestingly, IPv4 prices show deflationary pressure in 2024-2025. Large blocks (/16) dropped from $50 in 2024 to around $24 in mid-2025, while smaller blocks (/24) remain around $33.
IPv4 Lease (Rental) Costs
For companies that do not require long-term ownership of IP addresses, renting can be a more economical solution.
Rental Prices in 2025:
- Cost per Address: $0.44 - $0.47 per month
- /24 Block (256 IPs): $150-350 per month (depends on region, demand, and contract length)
- /23 Block (512 IPs): $280-650 per month
- /22 Block (1024 IPs): $500-1,200 per month
๐ก When is Renting vs Buying Profitable:
Renting is beneficial if:
- You need addresses for a short term (less than 5-7 years)
- You have limited initial capital
- IP needs might change
- You do not want to deal with resale in the future
Buying is beneficial if:
- Addresses are needed for a long term (more than 7 years)
- You have capital for investment
- You consider IP as an asset for resale
- You want full control over the addresses
โ ๏ธ Important: When purchasing IPv4 addresses on the secondary market, always check the reputation of the addresses. They may have been used for spam or malicious activity, which can lead to blocks. Use IP reputation checking services before buying.
โ๏ธ Technical Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6
Packet Structure and Headers
One of the key differences between IPv6 and IPv4 is the simplified packet header structure, which makes traffic processing more efficient.
IPv4 Header
- Size: 20-60 bytes (variable)
- Fields: 12 main fields
- Checksum: Present (integrity check)
- Fragmentation: By routers
- Options: In the main header
- Processing: More complex, slower
IPv6 Header
- Size: 40 bytes (fixed)
- Fields: 8 main fields
- Checksum: Absent (simplifies processing)
- Fragmentation: By sender only
- Options: In separate headers
- Processing: Simpler, faster
๐ Performance: The simplified IPv6 header allows routers to process packets faster. The absence of a checksum in the IPv6 header relieves the load on routers, as upper-layer protocols (TCP, UDP) have their own integrity checks.
Comparison of Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Address Length | 32 bits | 128 bits |
| Number of Addresses | 4.3 billion | 340 undecillion |
| Notation Format | Decimal (192.168.1.1) | Hexadecimal (2001:db8::1) |
| Configuration | DHCP or Manual | SLAAC, DHCPv6 or Manual |
| IPSec | Optional | Mandatory (built-in) |
| NAT | Widely used | Not required |
| Broadcast | Supported | Replaced by multicast |
| Fragmentation | Sender and routers | Sender only |
| QoS | ToS field | Traffic Class, Flow Label |
| Security | Via applications | IPSec built-in |
๐ข Address Format and Examples
IPv4 Addresses
Notation Format:
192.168.1.1
10.0.0.1
172.16.254.1
Four octets (numbers from 0 to 255) separated by dots. Each octet represents 8 bits.
IPv4 Address Classes:
- Class A: 1.0.0.0 - 126.255.255.255 (for very large networks)
- Class B: 128.0.0.0 - 191.255.255.255 (for medium networks)
- Class C: 192.0.0.0 - 223.255.255.255 (for small networks)
- Private Networks: 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, 192.168.0.0/16
IPv6 Addresses
Notation Format:
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334 (compressed form)
2001:db8::1 (short form)
Eight groups of 4 hexadecimal digits separated by colons. Sequences of zeros can be compressed using ::
IPv6 Compression Rules:
- Leading zeros in groups can be omitted: 0db8 โ db8
- A sequence of zero groups can be replaced by :: (only once)
- Example: 2001:0db8:0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:0001 โ 2001:db8::1
- Loopback: ::1 (equivalent to 127.0.0.1 in IPv4)
Types of IPv6 Addresses:
- Unicast: Single recipient (Global, Link-Local, Unique Local)
- Multicast: Group of recipients (ff00::/8)
- Anycast: The nearest of a group of recipients
- Global Unicast: 2000::/3 (public addresses)
- Link-Local: fe80::/10 (local segment)
โจ Advantages of IPv6 over IPv4
Key Improvements in IPv6:
๐ 1. Vast Address Space
340 undecillion addresses mean every person on Earth can have trillions of unique IP addresses. This solves the shortage problem permanently and eliminates the need for NAT.
๐ 2. Built-in Security (IPSec)
IPSec is a mandatory part of IPv6, providing encryption and authentication at the network layer. In IPv4, IPSec is optional and rarely used.
โก 3. Simplified Packet Processing
The fixed 40-byte header without a checksum speeds up packet processing by routers. Optional extensions are moved to separate headers, not affecting basic routing speed.
๐ง 4. Autoconfiguration (SLAAC)
Stateless Address Autoconfiguration allows devices to automatically obtain IPv6 addresses without a DHCP server. The device generates its address based on its MAC address and the network prefix.
๐ก 5. Improved Multicast and Anycast Support
IPv6 replaces broadcast with more efficient multicast, reducing network noise. Anycast addresses allow packet delivery to the nearest node in a group, ideal for load balancing.
๐ฏ 6. Enhanced QoS (Quality of Service)
The Flow Label in the IPv6 header allows routers to identify and process data streams more efficiently, which is critical for real-time video and VoIP.
๐ซ 7. No Need for NAT
Thanks to the vast address space, every device can have a public IP. This simplifies peer-to-peer connections, VoIP, online gaming, and eliminates NAT traversal complexities.
๐ 8. More Efficient Routing
The hierarchical structure of IPv6 addresses and route aggregation reduces the size of routing tables in global routers, improving the efficiency of the Internet as a whole.
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Start Now โTo be continued... In the next part, we will compare IPv4 and IPv6 proxies in detail, examine compatibility, pricing, performance, geolocation, blocking, and create a comprehensive comparison table to help you choose.
In Part Two: Detailed comparison of IPv4 and IPv6 proxy servers. We will cover compatibility with websites (28% of top-1000 support IPv6), price differences (IPv6 is 70-80% cheaper), performance, geolocation, blocking, and create a comprehensive comparison table for decision-making.
๐ Table of Contents Part 2
๐ IPv4 and IPv6 Proxies: The Basics of Operation
IPv4 proxies and IPv6 proxies operate on the same principle: they act as intermediaries between your device and the target server. The main difference lies in the type of IP addresses they use for outgoing connections.
How IPv4 Proxies Work
Operation Flow:
- Your device sends a request to the proxy server
- The proxy receives the request and rewrites the outgoing IP to its IPv4 address
- The request is sent to the target website from the proxy's IPv4 address
- The website responds to the proxy's IPv4 address
- The proxy forwards the response back to your device
โ Advantages of IPv4 Proxies:
- Universal Compatibility: Works with 100% of websites and services
- Accurate Geolocation: GeoIP databases for IPv4 are very precise
- Established Reputation: Reputation systems work well with IPv4
- Broad Tool Support: All scrapers, bots, and applications support IPv4
- Business Standard: All corporate applications work with IPv4
โ Disadvantages of IPv4 Proxies:
- High Cost: Address scarcity makes IPv4 proxies expensive
- Limited Availability: Difficult to obtain large pools of clean IPs
- Risk of "Dirty" IPs: The secondary market means potentially inheriting bad reputations
- High Blocking Probability: IPv4 addresses are actively monitored and blocked
- Overloaded Subnets: Popular ranges may be blacklisted
How IPv6 Proxies Work
Operation Flow:
- Your device sends a request to the proxy server (via IPv4 or IPv6)
- The proxy receives the request and rewrites the outgoing IP to its IPv6 address
- The request is sent to the target website from the proxy's IPv6 address
- The website (if it supports IPv6) responds to the proxy's IPv6 address
- The proxy forwards the response back to your device
โ Advantages of IPv6 Proxies:
- Low Cost: IPv6 addresses are nearly free, proxies are 70-80% cheaper
- Huge Pools: Millions of unique IPv6 addresses can be obtained
- Clean Reputation: IPv6 addresses are new, without history of abuse
- Fewer Blocks: Security systems block IPv6 less frequently
- Better Performance: Simplified header processing, no NAT
- Scalability: Unlimited potential for IP rotation
โ ๏ธ Limitations of IPv6 Proxies:
- Limited Compatibility: Only ~28% of top-1000 websites support IPv6
- Geolocation Issues: GeoIP databases for IPv6 are less precise
- Requires IPv6 Connectivity: The target site must support IPv6
- Fewer Providers: Not all proxy services offer IPv6
- Tool Complexity: Older applications may not support IPv6
๐ Website Compatibility in 2025
One of the most critical issues when choosing between IPv4 and IPv6 proxies is compatibility with target websites. In 2025, the situation has improved significantly, but IPv6 is still far from universal support.
IPv6 Support Statistics in 2025
IPv6 Support by Website Category:
| Category | IPv6 Support | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Major IT Companies | 90-100% | Google, Facebook, YouTube, Netflix |
| CDN Providers | 85-95% | Cloudflare, Akamai, Fastly |
| Social Media | 70-80% | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn |
| Search Engines | 100% | Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo |
| E-commerce | 30-40% | Amazon (yes), eBay (no), Alibaba (partial) |
| News Sites | 25-35% | BBC (yes), CNN (no), Reuters (partial) |
| Small Business | 5-10% | Most do not support |
| Banking Services | 10-20% | Most major banks do not yet support |
Regional Differences in IPv6 Support
IPv6 Adoption Leaders (2025):
โ ๏ธ Practical Significance: If your target audience or websites are primarily in France, Germany, or India, IPv6 proxies will work great. For other regions and especially for small businesses, IPv4 or dual-stack solutions are better.
๐ต Price and Cost Comparison
The cost difference between IPv4 and IPv6 proxies is one of the main factors in the choice. In 2025, IPv6 proxies are significantly cheaper due to the lack of address scarcity.
Market Prices for Proxies (2025)
| Proxy Type | Price per IP/Month | 100 IPs/Month | 1000 IPs/Month | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datacenter IPv4 | $2.00-3.50 | $200-350 | $2,000-3,500 | - |
| Datacenter IPv6 | $0.50-0.80 | $50-80 | $500-800 | 75-77% |
| Residential IPv4 | $10-15/GB | ~$1,000 | ~$10,000 | - |
| Residential IPv6 | $2-4/GB | ~$200 | ~$2,000 | 80% |
| Mobile IPv4 | $20-30/GB | ~$2,000 | ~$20,000 | - |
| Mobile IPv6 | $5-8/GB | ~$500 | ~$5,000 | 75% |
ProxyCove Pricing (2025)
๐ฏ Our Competitive Prices
Datacenter IPv4
- HTTP/HTTPS/SOCKS5
- Unlimited traffic
- 99.9% uptime SLA
- IP change on request
Datacenter IPv6
- HTTP/HTTPS/SOCKS5
- Unlimited traffic
- 99.9% uptime SLA
- Huge address pools
Dual-Stack
- IPv4 + IPv6 in one
- Automatic fallback
- Maximum compatibility
- Optimal routing
๐ Special Offer: Use promo code ARTHELLO upon registration and receive +$1.3 to your balance!
Register Now โ๐ก Savings Calculation: By using 1000 IPv6 proxies instead of IPv4, you save approximately $2,000-2,700 per month ($24,000-32,400 annually). This is a significant difference in operating expenses for large operations.
โก Performance and Speed
Theoretically, IPv6 should be faster due to simplified header processing. However, in practice, performance depends on many factors.
Factors Affecting Speed
๐ Speed Comparison (Typical Metrics):
| Metric | IPv4 | IPv6 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Header Size | 20-60 bytes | 40 bytes | Fixed size |
| Router Processing | ~100-200 ยตs | ~80-150 ยตs | 20-25% faster |
| NAT Overhead | Present | Absent | No NAT latency |
| Connection Time | Baseline | -5% to +10% | Depends on network |
| Throughput | Standard | ยฑ5% | Roughly the same |
โ When IPv6 is Faster:
- For direct connections without NAT
- On modern routers with hardware IPv6 support
- In networks with optimized IPv6 routing
- When transferring large amounts of data (less overhead)
- In peer-to-peer applications
โ ๏ธ When IPv6 Might Be Slower:
- When using tunneling (6to4, Teredo)
- On old equipment without hardware IPv6 support
- Due to non-optimized IPv6 routing
- If the provider has poorly configured IPv6
- When IPv6-to-IPv4 translation is required at the proxy
๐ฏ Practical Conclusion: In reality, the speed difference between IPv4 and IPv6 proxies is minimal (usually within 5-10%). Server quality, geographic distance, and channel quality have a much greater impact.
๐บ๏ธ Geolocation and Geographic Targeting
The accuracy of geolocation determination is a crucial factor for many proxy applications, especially for parsing localized content, testing regional website versions, and bypassing geo-blocks.
Accuracy of GeoIP Databases
IPv4 Geolocation
- Country Accuracy: 95-99%
- City Accuracy: 75-85%
- Database: Very extensive, regularly updated
- Providers: MaxMind, IP2Location, ipinfo.io
- Stability: IP addresses rarely change location
IPv6 Geolocation
- Country Accuracy: 80-90%
- City Accuracy: 50-70%
- Database: Less complete, actively developing
- Providers: Same, but with less coverage
- Stability: New blocks might be unknown
โ ๏ธ Important for IPv6: Many GeoIP databases are not yet fully covering the IPv6 address space. New IPv6 blocks may be incorrectly identified or not identified at all. This is improving, but still lags behind IPv4.
๐ก๏ธ Blocking and Proxy Detection
Probability of Blocking
Proxy Detection Factors:
IPv4 Proxies
- Blacklist Databases: Extensive lists of known proxies
- ASN Detection: Datacenter ASNs are easily recognizable
- IP History: "Dirty" IPs with a history of abuse
- Usage Patterns: Multiple requests from a single IP
- IP Range Blocking: Entire subnets on blacklists
IPv6 Proxies
- Fewer Blacklists: IPv6 addresses are newer and cleaner
- Huge Pools: Harder to track all addresses
- Clean Reputation: No history of abuse
- Less Security Scrutiny: Fewer WAFs check IPv6 thoroughly
- Easier Rotation: Millions of available addresses
๐ Full Comparison Table: IPv4 vs IPv6 Proxies
| Criterion | IPv4 Proxies | IPv6 Proxies |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | โ 100% of sites | โ ๏ธ ~28% of top-1000 sites |
| Price (Datacenter) | $2.00-3.50/IP/mo | $0.50-0.80/IP/mo (75-77% cheaper) |
| Address Availability | Shortage, limited pools | Virtually unlimited |
| IP Reputation | Can be "dirty" (secondary market) | Clean, new addresses |
| Blocking Probability | High (extensive blacklists) | Low (fewer blacklists) |
| Geolocation | Very accurate (95-99% country) | Less accurate (80-90% country) |
| Performance | Standard, NAT overhead | Slightly faster, no NAT |
| IP Rotation | Limited pools | Millions of addresses for rotation |
| Tool Support | 100% of applications | Modern applications (90%+) |
| Security | IPSec optional | IPSec built-in |
| Setup Speed | Instant (familiar format) | Instant (compatibility check needed) |
| Scalability | Limited by shortage | Virtually limitless |
| Best For | Universal use, maximum compatibility | Massive scraping, cost savings, large IP pools |
| Outlook | Becoming obsolete, getting more expensive | The future of the internet |
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Get Bonus โTo be continued... In the final part, we will cover dual-stack proxies, provide recommendations for different scenarios, discuss the future of IPv6, and summarize the key takeaways for making the right decision.
In the Final Part: Dual-stack proxies as the best of both worlds, detailed recommendations for choosing based on various scenarios (scraping, SEO, e-commerce, social media), forecasts for the future of IPv6 (full adoption by 2045), practical tips, and final conclusions to help you make the right choice.
๐ Table of Contents Final Part
๐ Dual-Stack Proxies: The Best of Both Worlds
Dual-stack proxies are proxy servers that support both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols simultaneously. They automatically select the most appropriate protocol for each connection, ensuring maximum compatibility and optimal performance.
How Dual-Stack Proxies Work
๐ Operation Mechanism:
Step 1: Client sends a request to the dual-stack proxy
Step 2: Proxy checks the target domain via DNS (A and AAAA records)
Step 3: If the site supports IPv6 (has an AAAA record), the proxy uses IPv6
Step 4: If the site only supports IPv4 (only A record), the proxy uses IPv4
Step 5: If both protocols are available, the Happy Eyeballs algorithm is applied
๐ก Happy Eyeballs (RFC 8305)
The Happy Eyeballs algorithm attempts to establish connections over both IPv6 and IPv4 simultaneously, choosing the one that responds first. This ensures maximum speed and connection reliability.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual-Stack
โ Advantages
- Universal Compatibility: Works with all sites (IPv4 and IPv6)
- Automatic Selection: No need to decide which protocol to use
- Optimal Performance: Uses IPv6 where possible, IPv4 where necessary
- Future-Proof: Ready for the future with IPv6
- Fault Tolerance: Fallback to IPv4 if IPv6 encounters issues
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper than pure IPv4, but more expensive than pure IPv6
โ ๏ธ Disadvantages
- Higher Price: More expensive than pure IPv6 (but cheaper than pure IPv4)
- Complex Setup: Requires support for both protocols on the server
- More Resources: Needs to maintain two network stacks
- Potential Routing Issues: Rarely, conflicts can occur
- Debugging Complexity: Requires checking both protocols when issues arise
Dual-Stack Implementations in Cloud Providers (2025)
Major Providers Have Added Dual-Stack Support:
๐ท AWS
AWS IAM added dual-stack endpoints in March 2025. AWS Step Functions and Amazon ElastiCache also support dual-stack. Application Load Balancer and Network Load Balancer fully support IPv4/IPv6.
๐ถ Google Cloud
Google Cloud Load Balancing supports dual-stack for Application and proxy Network Load Balancers. Connection from client to load balancer and from load balancer to backend is configured independently.
๐ท Azure
Microsoft Azure has offered dual-stack virtual networks and load balancers since 2023. Dual-stack support is expanding to all new services.
๐ ProxyCove Dual-Stack Solution
Our dual-stack proxies automatically select the optimal protocol for each request, ensuring 100% compatibility with any site and maximum performance.
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๐ฏ Choosing Proxies for Different Tasks
The choice between IPv4, IPv6, and dual-stack depends on the specific tasks and requirements of your project. Here are detailed recommendations for various use scenarios.
Web Scraping and Data Parsing
Choice Based on Target Websites:
โ Use IPv6 if:
- Scraping large IT sites (Google, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter)
- Working with CDN content (Cloudflare, Akamai)
- You need large volumes of unique IPs for rotation
- The budget is limited (70-80% savings)
- Targets are in countries with high IPv6 adoption (France, Germany, India)
โ Use IPv4 if:
- Scraping e-commerce sites (most do not support IPv6)
- Working with small businesses and niche sites
- Accurate geolocation is critical
- You need a 100% guarantee of access to any site
- Working with legacy systems
โญ Use Dual-Stack if:
- Scraping diverse sites (mix of IPv4 and IPv6)
- Maximum reliability and compatibility are required
- The budget allows for a mid-range option
- You don't want to worry about the compatibility of every site
SEO Monitoring and Position Checking
๐ฏ Recommendation: IPv4 (Priority)
Reasons: Search engines (Google, Bing, Yandex) fully support IPv6, but accurate geolocation is critical for checking local rankings. IPv4 GeoIP databases are significantly more accurate (95-99% vs 80-90%), which is important for checking positions in specific cities and regions.
Alternative: Dual-stack for countries with high IPv6 adoption where IPv6 geolocation is sufficiently accurate.
Social Media (Multi-accounting)
๐ฏ Recommendation: IPv6 or Dual-Stack
Reasons: Most major social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) support IPv6 well. Huge pools of clean IPv6 addresses are ideal for mass multi-accounting. Fewer blocks due to the clean reputation of new addresses.
- Facebook/Instagram: IPv6 โ (Dual-stack for maximum reliability)
- Twitter/X: IPv6 โ
- LinkedIn: IPv6 โ
- TikTok: IPv4 recommended (limited IPv6 support)
- Pinterest: IPv4 recommended
E-commerce and Price Monitoring
๐ฏ Recommendation: IPv4 or Dual-Stack
Reasons: Most e-commerce sites do not yet support IPv6 (only ~30-40% of major ones). Regional pricing requires accurate geolocation, which IPv4 provides better.
- Amazon: Partial IPv6 support โ Use IPv4 or dual-stack
- eBay: No IPv6 โ IPv4 required
- Alibaba: Partial support โ IPv4 or dual-stack
- Shopify Stores: Depends on configuration โ Dual-stack is safer
Sneaker Bots and Limited Drops
๐ฏ Recommendation: Dual-Stack (Priority) or IPv6
Reasons: Huge pools of clean IPs are needed for mass requests. IPv6 provides millions of addresses and is less frequently blocked. Dual-stack ensures a fallback to IPv4 if needed.
Tip: Many sneaker sites (Nike, Adidas, Supreme) support IPv6 via CDNs (Cloudflare, Akamai). Check the specific site before a release.
Ad Verification and Brand Protection
๐ฏ Recommendation: IPv4 (Critical)
Reasons: Ad verification requires the most accurate geolocation (down to the city level). IPv4 GeoIP databases are significantly more accurate. Residential IPv4 proxies are ideal for mimicking real users.
๐ฎ The Future of IPv6: Forecasts up to 2045
In 2025, we are in the middle of a long transition period from IPv4 to IPv6. Experts predict that full IPv6 adoption will take about 20 more yearsโuntil 2045.
IPv6 Adoption Forecast by Year
๐ Expected Adoption Dynamics:
2025 (Current): 43-48% Globally
Leaders: France (80%), Germany (75%), India (74%), USA (52%). Most major IT companies fully support IPv6.
2027-2028: Forecast 55-60%
Tipping point: Most users will have IPv6. Major e-commerce platforms will begin mass IPv6 deployment.
2030: Forecast 65-70%
IPv6 becomes the dominant protocol. Most new devices will be IPv6-first with IPv4 fallback.
2035: Forecast 80-85%
IPv4 will be used primarily for legacy systems. New services will launch as IPv6-only with NAT64 for IPv4 clients.
2040-2045: Forecast 90-95%
Near-complete IPv6 adoption. IPv4 remains only for supporting older systems. IPv4 prices may rise again due to collector value.
Factors Accelerating the Transition
โ Accelerating Factors
- IPv4 deficit and high cost
- IoT devices (billions of new devices)
- 5G networks (require a huge number of IPs)
- Support from all modern OSs
- Government mandates in some countries
โ Slowing Factors
- Success of NAT as a temporary solution
- Cost of modernizing legacy systems
- Lack of IPv6 knowledge among administrators
- Inertia of small and medium-sized businesses
- Lack of urgency ("IPv4 works")
๐ก Practical Conclusion: IPv6 is the inevitable future, but the transition will take decades. In the next 5-10 years, dual-stack solutions will be optimal for most businesses. IPv4 will remain critical until at least 2030-2035.
๐ IPv4 to IPv6 Migration: A Step-by-Step Plan
Migration Strategy for Business
Phase 1: Assessment and Planning (1-2 months)
- Inventory: List all target websites and check their IPv6 support
- Testing: Verify your tools and scripts for IPv6 compatibility
- Traffic Analysis: Estimate what percentage of your requests can go over IPv6
- ROI Calculation: Calculate savings from switching to IPv6 or dual-stack
Phase 2: Pilot Project (1-2 months)
- Small Scale: Run 10-20% of traffic through IPv6 or dual-stack
- Monitoring: Track errors, performance, and blocks
- Comparison: Compare results against IPv4 (success rate, speed)
- Optimization: Resolve any issues found
Phase 3: Gradual Scaling (3-6 months)
- Phased Transition: 20% โ 50% โ 80% โ 100% (for compatible sites)
- A/B Testing: Compare results at each stage
- Documentation: Record best practices and encountered problems
- Team Training: Train specialists to work with IPv6
Phase 4: Optimization and Maintenance (ongoing)
- Regular Audits: Check new target sites for IPv6 support
- List Maintenance: Maintain white/blacklists of IPv6 sites
- Change Monitoring: Track changes in IPv6 support status
- Continuous Improvement: Constantly optimize the strategy
๐ก Practical Recommendations from ProxyCove
Our Proxy Selection Recommendations
๐ฅ The Golden Rule of Proxy Selection in 2025
If the budget allows: Start with dual-stack proxies (/mo). This provides versatility, reliability, and future-proofing without compatibility headaches.
๐ฐ For the Budget-Conscious
Use IPv6 (ะพั $1.5/ะะ/mo) for all compatible sites + a small pool of IPv4 for the rest. Savings up to 70%.
๐ฏ For Perfectionists
Use IPv4 ($2.50/IP/mo) for critical tasks requiring 100% compatibility and accurate geolocation.
โ๏ธ For Pragmatists
Dual-stack ($3.00/IP/mo) offers the best balance of price, functionality, and peace of mind. It works everywhere, always.
Decision Checklist
Answer these questions:
Result: If you checked 1-2 items โ IPv4 should suffice. If 3-4 โ consider dual-stack. If 5-6 โ IPv6 might be an excellent option.
โ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use IPv6 proxies for sites that do not support IPv6?
No. An IPv6 proxy can only connect to sites that have IPv6 addresses (AAAA DNS records). For sites with only IPv4, you need IPv4 or dual-stack proxies.
Can an IPv6 proxy be faster than IPv4?
Theoretically yes, practically the difference is minimal. IPv6 has simplified headers and does not require NAT, which can offer a 5-10% advantage. However, real speed depends more on server quality and network conditions.
Why are IPv6 proxies so cheap?
Due to the lack of address scarcity. There is a virtually unlimited supply of IPv6 addresses (340 undecillion), so their cost is close to zero. The main cost is server infrastructure, traffic, and support.
Will IPv4 be completely replaced by IPv6?
Yes, but not soonโby 2045. IPv4 will be gradually phased out over the next 20 years. Some legacy systems may use IPv4 even longer.
Do I need IPv6 on my computer to use IPv6 proxies?
No. You can connect to the proxy server via IPv4, and the proxy itself will use IPv6 for outgoing connections. Dual-stack proxies support both connection methods.
What tools support IPv6 proxies?
Most modern ones. Python (requests, aiohttp), Node.js (axios, node-fetch), curl, wget, Selenium, Puppeteer, Playwrightโall support IPv6. Issues might arise with older or highly specialized tools.
Can I mix IPv4 and IPv6 proxies in one project?
Yes, this is a common practice. Use IPv6 for compatible sites (cost savings) and IPv4 for others. Or use dual-stack and avoid worrying about compatibility.
๐ Final Conclusions
Key Takeaways from the Article
1. IPv4 vs IPv6 in 2025:
- IPv4: Universal (100% of sites), expensive ($2.50/IP), address shortage
- IPv6: Limited compatibility (28% of top-1000), cheap (ะพั $1.5/ะะ), unlimited addresses
- Dual-Stack: Best of both worlds ($3.00/IP), maximum compatibility
2. Choice Depends on the Task:
- Scraping Large Sites: IPv6 or dual-stack
- E-commerce, SEO: IPv4 or dual-stack (geolocation matters)
- Social Media: IPv6 (excellent support, cheap)
- General Use: Dual-stack (you can't go wrong)
3. The Future is IPv6:
- Full adoption expected by 2045
- IPv6 will become the majority (>50%) between 2027-2028
- Investment in IPv6 infrastructure will pay off
- Dual-stack is the optimal transition strategy
4. Practical Recommendations:
- Start by testing both proxy types
- Check the compatibility of your target sites
- Use IPv6 where possible for cost savings
- Choose dual-stack for peace of mind
- Don't be afraid to experiment
Ready to Start?
ProxyCove offers all three proxy types: IPv4, IPv6, and dual-stack.
Choose the right option and start with a bonus!
IPv4
IPv6
Dual-Stack
๐ Bonus upon registration
Use promo code ARTHELLO and get +$1.3 to your balance
This is enough to test all three proxy types and choose the optimal one!
Start Now โQuestions remaining? Contact our 24/7 support
Email: support.com | Live Chat on site
๐ Thank you for reading to the end! We hope this article helped you understand the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 proxies and make the right choice for your project. Good luck with your proxy work! ๐