IP addresses are needed for security, networking, and bridging gaps in online connectivity. The ability to look up details regarding IP addresses is no small feat, but you’ll need the right tools to do so well. Therefore, out of the dozens or so currently available, here we’ll compare the top 5 online IP address lookup tools.
Top 5 Free Online IP Lookup Tools
There is no shortage of IP tracking tools. For convenience, we’ll focus on the 5 best IP lookup tools.
- SpiceWorks IP Lookup
This client offers a number of IP-based services, including an easy-to-use IP lookup tool offering information about the ISP domain and whereabouts. It also hosts other tools and guides like IP blacklist checking, subnet, calculator, and even a map with the lookup tool.
A key drawback of this tool, however, is the lack of IPv6 support, which cannot be ignored given the decline of IPv4 infrastructure.
- iplocation.io – Editor’s Choice
This IP host features a broader range of IP tools including address compression and expansion, reverse lookups, and several address conversion and generation resources. It also provides developer, DNS, SEO, and cybersecurity services, among others.
Its flagship capability, however, is IP address tracking, which is available on the home page. When you visit the website, the first thing it displays is your own IP address, even specifying whether it is IPv4 or IPv6, indicating support for both versions.
What makes this tool the ideal choice for IP checking is its access to multiple IP address databases and proprietary geolocation APIs, which allows it to provide geotracking details through multiple hosts which you can compare when authenticating results. It even supports each set of results with a visual map, which you can click on to see the bigger picture.
And the best part, this website provides its service absolutely free of charge with need for an account whatsoever.
- WhatIsMyIPAddress.com
Among IP lookup sites, this server experiences an immense amount of traffic for users. While that might be largely due to its search-friendly title, it’s safe to say that its actual IP lookup capabilities are no joke.
On top of offering full IPv4 and IPv6 support, this website also offers security checks. Its IP address tracking tool is simple to use, provides suitable results, and even offers a distinction between static and dynamic IPs.
The ability to locate the exact country, along with city identification with more than 80% precision, certainly raises the bar high for geolocation. Notably, rather than using Google Maps, this tool uses the open-source client LeafLet to generate its maps.
- IP Location with Small SEO Tools
Small SEO Tools is well-known for its plethora of web tools and helpful resources. Its IP location checker is straightforward and provides all the necessary information for lookup queries. However, the lack of IPv6 support when that is expected to be the dominant address type for devices everywhere is a potential deal-breaker.
Also, it has no dedicated blacklist checks. The one it has worked for domains. However, it can still be used to assess the status of IPs by simply adding the “https://” prefix to the address, but only IPv4.
- Melissa Lookups
For starters, this server boasts a lovely user interface, easy-to-use features, and offers support for both current versions of IP addressing.
Its lookup tools are similarly user-friendly, offer all the relevant data for IP tracing, provides Google Maps and Street View features, and even allow users to download lookup data in XML and JSON formats for markup and programming purposes.
All that said, however, there is one thing about this otherwise perfectly good website that might be less than preferable: pricing. Not only does the option for premium registration exist, but it is also mandatory for multiple IP queries and even using the JSON and XML download function.
Although this might not appeal to many, this website provides many mapping and technical services in affordable packages, including access to top-shelf IP lookup APIs and geolocation resources. So, if you can afford it, checking some of their plans might be worth your while.
Comparison
| SpiceWorks | IPLocation.io | WhatIsMyIPAddress | Small SEO Tools | Melissa Lookups | |
| IP Host ID & Geolocation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Map Viewing | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| IPv4 Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Multiple Servers | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Blacklist Check | Yes | Yes | Yes | For Domains | No |
| Free Service | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Registration | Optional | No | No | Optional | Yes – Required |
Conclusion
IP lookup services have their benefits, but service providers need to focus on the task at hand and not get bogged down with overkill features and/or fail to provide the ones that actually matter. This list compares the top 5 IP lookup tools available online. Hopefully, your experience will be the best one possible.
