A static IP address is a fixed IP address that is manually assigned to a computer or device, while a dynamic IP address is one that is assigned by a network or Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is subject to change.

Static IP addresses are beneficial for website hosting, email servers, game servers, and other services that require a permanent or consistent IP address. This is because static IP addresses are easier to remember and make it easier for websites and services to identify the device and send data to it. Dynamic IP addresses, on the other hand, are ideal for casual home internet users as they are assigned automatically and change regularly, making them more secure and less prone to malicious attacks.