IPv4 vs. Bitcoin: Which Digital Asset Is the Better Investment?

As of 2025, IPv4 addresses typically sell for $45 to $60 per IP, with prices varying based on block size, address reputation, and geographic region. Larger blocks – such as /16 or /18 – often fetch higher per-IP rates due to their efficiency and market desirability.

With the supply of IPv4 addresses continuing to decrease, some investors and businesses are asking: Is IPv4 the next Bitcoin? Both assets share key traits – limited availability, rising demand, and foundational importance in the digital world – making IPv4 a compelling option for those seeking alternative technology investments.

But is it fair to compare IPv4 vs. Bitcoin as an investment?

We’ll examine the true investment potential of IPv4, explore the key risks and rewards, and unpack how IPv4 differs from speculative assets like BTC.

IPv4 Review

IPv4 addresses function like digital real estate – unique, limited, and increasingly valuable. Since Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) have exhausted their supply of new IPv4 blocks, the remaining addresses have become scarce. This shortage has driven up demand and prices, transforming IPv4 addresses into sought-after, tradable assets in the global internet marketplace.

Similar to Bitcoin, IPv4 addresses:

A finite resource—all 4.3 billion addresses were allocated by IANA by 2011.
Experience growing demand as more businesses and devices come online.
Can be traded and leased on specialized secondary markets.

These factors have positioned IPv4 as a potentially attractive investment for businesses and investors seeking to capitalize on digital asset scarcity.

IPv4 vs. Bitcoin: Good Investments?

Despite similarities, IPv4 addresses and Bitcoin differ significantly as investments:

Intrinsic Utility and Stability

IPv4: Offers intrinsic value based on its direct, essential role in global internet connectivity. IPv4 addresses are tangible digital assets required for everyday business operations, data transfers, and online interactions.
Bitcoin: Its value is primarily speculative, driven largely by market sentiment, perception of value, and speculative trading. Bitcoin’s utility remains largely as a store of value rather than as a universally accepted medium of exchange.

Price Volatility and Predictability

IPv4: Historically demonstrates more stable pricing trends due to steady demand and the ongoing need for business-critical infrastructure. Price increases have typically been gradual, driven by genuine scarcity and growing demand.
Bitcoin: Highly volatile with rapid price swings influenced by market speculation, regulatory developments, and investor sentiment.

Market Liquidity and Accessibility

IPv4: Trades through specialized brokers and marketplaces, typically involving detailed compliance procedures and secure transactions. While IPv4 is tradable, liquidity is more controlled and predictable, with transactions generally being more structured and business-oriented.
Bitcoin: Offers high liquidity on global exchanges with near-instant transaction capabilities and fewer regulatory constraints, making Bitcoin easy to buy and sell quickly, but also prone to rapid speculative price swings.

IPv4 Risks and Benefits

Potential Benefits:

Stable Value Growth: IPv4 addresses have shown consistent appreciation driven by genuine demand rather than speculation alone.
High Intrinsic Utility: The necessity of IPv4 addresses for everyday business and consumer connectivity makes them less susceptible to speculative bubbles.
Predictable Demand: As global internet connectivity grows, demand for IPv4 addresses remains strong, providing a price floor based buyer needs.

Risks to Consider:

Market Regulation: Changes in RIR policies, government regulations, or increased IPv6 adoption could impact IPv4 demand and pricing. Currently difficult to “invest” in IPv4 without a legitimate network need since, outside of the RIPE region, RIRs impose spurious “needs assessments” prior to approving transfers/sales.
Technological Shifts: A quicker-than-anticipated global adoption of IPv6 might reduce the long-term value of IPv4 investments.
Liquidity Constraints: IPv4 assets are less liquid than traditional investment assets or cryptocurrencies, making buying and selling potentially slower and more complex.

How to Invest in IPv4 Addresses

Investing in IPv4 addresses typically involves purchasing IP address blocks on the IPv4 secondary market. Businesses needing IPv4 addresses for operational growth, long-term investors, and investors with a deep understanding of internet infrastructure and connectivity markets may find IPv4 an attractive investment opportunity.

To ensure safe and compliant transactions, it’s advisable to work with experienced IPv4 brokers like IPTrading because we provide:

Expert market analysis and guidance.
Transaction management, including RIR compliance.
Secure transfer processes and transparent pricing.

Invest in IPv4 Strategically with IPTrading

While IPv4 shares certain characteristics with Bitcoin—limited supply, increasing demand, and potential for value appreciation—the two assets differ significantly in utility, volatility, and market dynamics. IPv4 addresses offer investors a compelling opportunity for stable, predictable growth rooted in real-world utility.

If you’re considering IPv4 as an investment or strategic business asset, IPTrading provides comprehensive brokerage services, expert guidance, and secure, compliant transactions. Visit IPTrading.com to learn more about investing strategically in IPv4 addresses and making informed decisions about your digital asset portfolio.