As the internet continues to evolve, so does the infrastructure that powers it. One of the most fundamental elements of that infrastructure is the IP address system—specifically, IPv4 and IPv6. Understanding the difference between the two is essential not only for network engineers but also for marketers, developers, and anyone working with proxies, automation tools, or multi-account environments.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences, benefits, and use cases of IPv4 and IPv6 in 2025—helping you make smarter decisions for your network or business setup.
1.What Is IPv4?
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol and the most widely used IP system today. It uses 32-bit addresses, which allows for approximately 4.3 billion unique IP addresses.
Example: 192.168.0.1
Key Characteristics
Address Format: 32-bit (e.g., 192.0.2.1)
Total IPs: ~4.3 billion
Widespread Compatibility: Supported by virtually all devices and systems
High Cost: Due to shortage, IPv4 addresses are increasingly expensive
Common Use Case: Residential proxies, web scraping, traditional hosting
2.What Is IPv6?
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the successor to IPv4, developed to solve the exhaustion problem of IPv4. It uses 128-bit addresses, supporting an almost unlimited number of unique IPs—approximately 340 undecillion.
Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
Key Characteristics
Address Format: 128-bit (e.g., 2001:db8::1)
Total IPs: 340 trillion trillion trillion (literally!)
More Efficient Routing
Built-in Security Features (IPsec)
Cheaper and More Scalable
Common Use Case: Automation, data scraping, non-human traffic, budget proxy setups
3.IPv4 vs. IPv6 – The Key Differences
Feature
IPv4
IPv6
Address Length
32 bits
128 bits
Address Format
Decimal (e.g., 192.0.2.1)
Hexadecimal (e.g., 2001:db8::1)
IP Pool Size
~4.3 billion
Virtually unlimited
NAT Support
Required
Not necessary (built-in support)
Configuration
Manual or DHCP
Auto-configuration available
Security
Optional (via external tools)
Native IPsec support
Speed & Efficiency
Slightly lower due to NAT
More efficient routing
Cost
Higher due to scarcity
Generally lower and scalable
4.When Should You Use IPv4?
You might prefer IPv4 if:
You need high trust or residential IPs
Your tools or software do not fully support IPv6
You’re managing accounts on platforms that still prioritize IPv4 detection
You’re targeting websites with strict anti-bot systems that block IPv6 ranges
5.When Should You Use IPv6?
IPv6 is ideal if:
You’re doing high-volume data scraping or automation
You need cost-effective, scalable IPs
You want less competition for IP ranges
You’re running modern applications with IPv6 support
At QuarkIP, for instance, IPv6 proxies are often recommended for budget-conscious users or those running high-scale RPA workflows that don’t require IPv4 compatibility.
⚠️Please note that not all websites or services support IPv6. Before purchasing an IPv6 proxy, it’s recommended to search for an IPv6 testing tool on Google to check whether your target website or application supports the IPv6 protocol
Future Outlook: Is IPv6 the Future?
Yes—and it’s already here. As more ISPs, CDNs, and services roll out IPv6 support, the internet is gradually transitioning toward IPv6 as the default. However, IPv4 isn’t going away anytime soon, especially in residential and mobile contexts.
For the best flexibility, many businesses and advanced users opt for dual-stack support, using both IPv4 and IPv6 depending on the task.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 can help you:
Optimize your proxy setup
Save costs
Improve automation reliability
Future-proof your infrastructure
At QuarkIP, we provide both IPv4 and IPv6 proxies tailored to your specific use case. Whether you’re running a single account or managing thousands, choosing the right IP version is critical for long-term success.
By
