Determining the number of dedicated IPs needed for sending email volume depends on a multitude of factors. These include sending volume, network infrastructure, available resources (dev ops, sysadmin, budget), desired control over sender reputation, and segmentation strategies. Shared IPs are generally suitable for low-volume senders (under 50,000 emails/month or even a few thousand), especially when budget is a concern, provided the ESP has a strong reputation. As sending volume surpasses 50,000 to 100,000 emails per month, dedicated IPs become increasingly beneficial for maintaining control and improving deliverability. Very high-volume senders (millions of emails/month) may distribute their traffic across multiple IPs to mitigate reputation risks. Regardless of the IP configuration, proper IP warming, regular reputation monitoring, robust authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and adherence to email best practices are paramount for optimal deliverability.
11 marketer opinions
Determining the number of dedicated IPs needed for sending email volume depends on several factors, primarily the volume itself, sending frequency, desired level of control over sender reputation, and segmentation needs. Shared IPs are generally suitable for low-volume senders (under 50,000 emails/month, or even a few thousand) and smaller businesses with limited budgets, provided the ESP has a good reputation. As sending volume increases (above 50,000-100,000 emails/month), dedicated IPs offer more control over sender reputation and can improve deliverability. Very high-volume senders (millions of emails/month) may benefit from spreading their volume across multiple dedicated IPs to mitigate the impact of reputation issues. Effective IP warming, good sending habits, and implementing email authentication protocols are crucial for maintaining a positive IP reputation, regardless of the number of IPs used.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum shares that when sending large volumes (millions of emails per month), spreading the volume across multiple dedicated IPs can help mitigate the impact of reputation issues on any single IP.
12 Mar 2025 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit suggests that for very low-volume senders (e.g., a few thousand emails per month), using a shared IP pool from a reputable ESP is usually sufficient and more cost-effective than managing a dedicated IP.
19 Oct 2024 - Reddit
7 expert opinions
The number of dedicated IPs needed for sending email volume depends on several factors, including the specific sending volume, network engineering considerations, the resources available to the sender, and the desired level of control over sender reputation. While thresholds exist (e.g., 1MM per day mentioned, or even 20M/day/IP in some cases), specific setups should take into account network load balancing needs, available infrastructure, and the sender's capacity to manage their email program effectively. Dedicated IPs are preferred when the sender wants direct control over their reputation, while shared IPs expose the sender to others' actions. Monitoring IP reputation and gradually warming up new IPs are critical for success.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that recommendations for clients take into account resources, dev ops, sysadmin, delivery teams and cash, and who they are. Also explains sometimes they can get a little more detail around what is happening to their mail from google if they are big enough to get google on the phone.
24 Apr 2025 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource shares that it is critical to monitor your IP reputation regularly. Use tools like Google Postmaster Tools to track spam complaints and delivery issues.
5 Jun 2022 - Spam Resource
5 technical articles
Regardless of the number of dedicated IPs used for sending email volume, it's important to focus on building and maintaining a positive sender reputation. Key strategies include gradually warming up IPs with small sending volumes, actively monitoring bounce rates and spam complaints, implementing email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and adhering to best practices for subscriber list management and email content. By focusing on these foundational elements, senders can improve their deliverability regardless of whether they're using dedicated or shared IPs.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft suggests best practices for bulk emails involves authentication protocols, subscriber lists and email content. Following these guidelines can help keep emails out of junk folders.
9 May 2023 - Microsoft
Technical article
Documentation from RFC explains implementing proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) helps to improve email deliverability. This will help to establish trust with ISPs, regardless of dedicated or shared IP.
2 Oct 2022 - RFC-Editor
Do ESPs charge for dedicated IPs and how much do dedicated IPs cost?
How many emails can I send from one IP address per day?
How many emails can I send per dedicated IP address before needing another one?
Is a dedicated IP address needed for sending 150K-200K emails per month?
Is a dedicated IP address suitable for a compliant sender with a weekly sending pattern of 1M+ emails, and how should it be warmed up?
What is the ideal email volume per IP address per day?