A cheap VPS can stop being cheap when a required public IPv4 address is added at checkout. IPv4 addresses are scarce, and providers handle that cost differently: some include one address, some charge separately, and some encourage IPv6-first or IPv6-only configurations.
For most buyers, the important number is the effective monthly cost of the working server rather than the compute-only headline price.
Key takeaways
- Always check whether a public IPv4 address is included in the VPS price.
- IPv6-only servers can work for some workloads but are not universal replacements for IPv4.
- A separately priced IPv4 address should be included in any budget comparison.
- Backups and storage can change the effective cost as much as the IP address.
- Use the final checkout configuration when comparing providers.
Why some VPS providers charge for IPv4
The available global pool of IPv4 addresses is limited, so addresses have economic value. Hosting providers acquire, route, manage, and sometimes lease address space. Charging separately can make that cost visible instead of hiding it inside every VM.
This creates confusing comparisons because one provider may advertise compute without IPv4 while another includes an address in the bundle. Comparing only the server line item can therefore produce the wrong conclusion.
Do you actually need IPv4?
Many public websites still benefit from IPv4 because client networks, integrations, and administrative access are not uniformly IPv6-ready. A dual-stack server is the simplest general-purpose choice when broad compatibility matters.
IPv6-only servers can work for internal services, development, certain modern networks, or systems behind proxies that provide IPv4 connectivity. The suitability depends on every client and external dependency the application needs to reach.
How to calculate the real price
Take the recurring compute price and add the required public IP, backups, block storage, snapshots, tax, and any minimum commitment. If the plan is promotional, write down the renewal price separately. The result is the number that belongs in a budget comparison.
This is especially important for categories such as VPS under $5 or VPS under $10. A plan that crosses the ceiling once IPv4 is added should not be presented as if the buyer can deploy a normal public server for the lower number.
When IPv6-only can save money
If all clients and upstream services support IPv6, an IPv6-only VPS can be a simple and inexpensive choice. It can be useful for testing, internal infrastructure, or modern networks where IPv4 compatibility is provided elsewhere.
Do not choose IPv6-only purely to save a small amount without testing the application. DNS, monitoring, package repositories, third-party APIs, remote users, and corporate networks may introduce compatibility requirements that are easy to overlook.
Frequently asked questions
Do all VPS plans include IPv4?
No. Some providers include an address, some charge separately, and some offer IPv6-first configurations.
Can I host a website without IPv4?
Yes in some architectures, especially behind a proxy or CDN that provides IPv4 connectivity, but direct client and service compatibility must be tested.
Should IPv4 cost count toward a $5 VPS budget?
Yes when the address is required for the intended deployment. Budget comparisons should use the working configuration.
Is IPv6 free on VPS providers?
Often it is included more generously than IPv4, but policies vary. Check the provider's current network pricing.