Sticky vs rotating proxies: which session type do you need?
Short answer
A rotating proxy can send each request from a different IP in the pool, while a sticky proxy keeps the same IP across requests for a set time. Use rotating sessions for independent requests such as page fetches and price checks. Use sticky sessions when consecutive requests must come from one address, such as a login, a cart or a multi-step form.
Sticky vs rotating proxies at a glance
| Feature | Rotating session | Sticky session |
|---|---|---|
| IP from one request to the next | Can change on every request | Stays the same until the session ends |
| How long one IP lasts | One request | Core Residential: usually around 10 minutes. Premium Residential: the length you set, 3 minutes to 24 hours |
| How you get it at BuyProxy | The default when you generate a line | Turn sticky on when you generate a line; each line is its own session |
| When the IP changes | Expected: each request stands alone | When the session ends, the next request on that line may get a new IP, with no error |
| Billing at BuyProxy | Per GB of traffic | Per GB of traffic: sticky is a setting, not a separate product |
| Typical uses | Search results, product pages, listings, price checks across many pages | Logins, carts, checkouts and multi-page flows that expect one visitor IP |
When to use each
Use rotating sessions when
- Each request stands alone, such as fetching search results, product pages or listings
- You check prices, stock or ads across many pages or locations
- You spread a large, permitted data-collection job over many IPs at a polite rate
- Nothing breaks if the next request comes from a different address
Use sticky sessions when
- You log in to an account you own and need to stay logged in
- You test carts, checkouts and other multi-step forms
- A site ties its session to the visitor's IP address
- You compare several pages of one localized flow from the same exit
How sticky sessions work at BuyProxy
You choose the session type when you generate a proxy line. Leave sticky off and requests rotate. Turn it on and each generated line becomes its own session, identified by a session ID inside the line's username: keep using that line to stay on its IP, and generate a new line for a new session.
Sticky is on or off on Core Residential: it usually keeps the same IP for around 10 minutes, and a longer session can move to another IP. For one IP for a set time, use Premium Residential, where you choose the length from 3 minutes to 24 hours.
Other per-GB plans state their own limits in the API: GET /v1/plans lists each plan's longest sticky session (maxStickyMinutes), and 0 means the plan has no sticky sessions. The sticky sessions docs show the calls, and session types compares the two modes in code.
What happens when a session ends
A sticky session doesn't end with an error. When it runs out, the next request on that line may leave from a different IP. Build your retry and re-login logic for an address that changes, and generate a fresh line when you start a new flow rather than assuming an old one is still pinned.
Match the session length to the task: long enough to finish the login or checkout, with a margin. On Premium Residential the length is written into the line's username, so each line keeps the length it was generated with.
Sticky is not static
A sticky session borrows one IP from a rotating pool for minutes or hours. A static proxy is an IP you rent for days, weeks or months, and it doesn't change until the rental ends. If a service has to recognise your address next week, for example an allowlist, you need a static IP. The static vs rotating guide covers that choice.
Session types on BuyProxy products
Rotating is the default on the per-GB pools. How long a sticky session lasts depends on the product.
Per-GB pools
- Core ResidentialRotating by default. Sticky is on or off and usually keeps the same IP for around 10 minutes; a longer session can move to another IP.
- Premium ResidentialSticky sessions with a length you set, from 3 minutes to 24 hours, plus state, city and ASN targeting.
- Other per-GB proxiesISP Rotating, Mobile, Datacenter IPv4 and IPv6 are rotating pools. Each plan states whether it has sticky sessions and the longest one.
Rentals
- Dedicated Mobile ProxiesMobile carrier IPs where you pick the rotation from the options for that carrier, such as a timed change or a change on request.
- Static ISP ProxiesNo rotation: the same ISP IP for the whole rental. Rented per IP for 1 week to 12 months, paid once from your wallet, with no auto-renewal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sticky and rotating proxies?
A rotating proxy can give each request a different IP from the pool. A sticky proxy keeps one IP across requests until the session ends. Rotating suits independent requests; sticky suits logins, carts and other multi-step flows.
How long does a sticky session last?
On Core Residential, sticky is on or off and usually keeps the same IP for around 10 minutes, and a longer session can move to another IP. On Premium Residential you set the length, from 3 minutes to 24 hours.
What happens when a sticky session expires?
Nothing fails. The next request on that line may leave from a new IP. Plan your retry and re-login logic for that, and generate a new line when you start a new flow.
Is a sticky proxy the same as a static proxy?
No. A sticky session holds one IP from a rotating pool for minutes or hours. A static proxy is a specific IP you rent for a period, from 1 week to 12 months at BuyProxy, and it doesn't change during the rental.
Can I try sticky sessions before I buy?
BuyProxy has no free trial period, but you can ask support in chat, on Discord or by email for 100 MB of free Premium Residential bandwidth, which supports sticky sessions with a length you set.
