If you’re looking for the best VPN service on the market, chances are that you’ve already heard of IPVanish, a US-based VPN that offers a solid network of over 2,000 servers in more than 50+ countries. It’s an excellent choice for users who want to protect their privacy and access streaming platforms or other blocked sites without breaking the bank.
Since IPVanish is based in the US, it’s subject to the 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes, and 14-Eyes jurisdictions. However, we were glad to find out that the company has a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited and verified. This means that even if a government agency requests your data, IPVanish won’t have any record of it to share.
IPVanish uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data and features a handy kill switch and DNS leak protection. It also offers split tunneling, allowing users to choose which traffic to route through the VPN, leaving everything else outside of their VPN tunnel.
IPVanish can unblock a number of popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It supports P2P traffic on all its servers and has even added support for SOCKS5 proxies to facilitate P2P file sharing and torrenting.
These are all top-tier features, but we wanted to test them out so you could see if they’re a good fit for you. However, before we dive into our detailed IPVanish review, here’s an overview of the key features to help you get a sense of what to expect.
In this IPVanish review, we’ll dig deeper into the VPN’s features and explore its strengths and weaknesses. We’ll also talk about IPVanish’s jurisdiction, server network, supported platforms, and more.
If you want to learn more about our testing process, take a look at our guide on how we review VPN services. And now, let’s begin our in-depth IPVanish VPN review!
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation
Even though IPVanish comes with a very turbulent past, it's now quite transparent and willing to go through regular audits, proving its commitment to its no-logs policy. Our Score: 7/10
VPN services deal with a massive volume of sensitive information supplied by their customers. With that said, you want to ensure that your VPN doesn't exploit your trust in any way. So, let's see whether you can trust IPVanish with your sensitive data.
Where Is IPVanish Based?
IPVanish is based in the United States. It launched in 2012 as a VPN service from a company called Mudhook Media. This was a subsidiary of Highwinds Network Group, whose headquarters were in Florida, USA.
Initially, this was a basic VPN designed for Windows PC users. However, it didn't take long for the company to grow its service to cover other devices and more advanced features. During that time, this VPN found itself at the center of a privacy-related scandal, which we'll discuss in the following segment of this review.
Things started to change in 2017 when Highwinds Network Group became a part of a company called StackPath. We can't say this VPN changed drastically except for one thing. The new management team, along with its CEO Lance Crosby, decided to turn IPVanish into a no-logs VPN, promising not to collect a single file pointing to your online whereabouts.
Today, IPVanish is owned by NetProtect, a brand owned by Ziff Davis (previously known as J2 Global). You probably haven't heard about this company until now, but it owns several major VPN brands. We're talking about VPNs such as StrongVPN, SaferVPN, Encrypt.me (which merged with Buffered VPN in the meantime), ibVPN, OverPlay VPN, and WLVPN (which acts as a white-label VPN service), among others.
These VPNs fall under the same corporate umbrella, but they have their own no-logs policies and security features. This means they shouldn't be able to access or affect IPVanish’s data or performance.
Finally, it's important to highlight that IPVanish (still) comes from the USA. The country is one of the founding members of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance – created for the purpose of intelligence sharing. To mitigate that downside, IPVanish now goes through regular audits to prove its no-logs claims, as explained below.
Did IPVanish Leak Private Data in the Past?
In 2016, it was discovered that IPVanish used to log some personal data – even though this VPN claimed to have a strict no-logs policy since 2012. As can be seen from this affidavit, that case involved child abuse and pornography, as well as a suspect who was investigated by the US Department of Homeland Security.
As per the criminal affidavit, the US Department of Homeland Security asked for data records from Highwinds Network Group, the parent company of IPVanish at the time. After some discussion, the VPN provider decided to hand over 2 types of information:
- Source IP address of the suspected user;
- Dates and times that clearly describe when the accused individual was actively using IPVanish.
As you can see, that information proved that IPVanish wasn't only willing to work with the authorities – it actually recorded plenty of personal data as well. Of course, we can't blame IPVanish for helping the authorities resolve such a severe crime. Still, we need to highlight that IPVanish did, in fact, log private data despite what its privacy policy said.
Of course, everything said above applies to when Highwinds Network Group was in charge of IPVanish. It changed two owners in the meantime and is now owned by Ziff Davis (J2 Global), which means its management and policies have evolved in the meantime.
Therefore, we should acknowledge these past incidents - but keep in mind that they no longer define IPVanish as a VPN service. Until proven otherwise, we don't have a reason to believe that IPVanish is (once again) logging private information.
The latest security audit was done in March 2022 by "Leviathan Security Group" to prove IPVanish's commitment to its Privacy Policy. As per the results of that audit (available to all IPVanish subscribers via their online dashboards), IPVanish doesn't log any personally identifiable information and is in full compliance with its publicly available Privacy Policy.
Is IPVanish Safe?
Yes, IPVanish is a safe VPN, as it uses military-grade encryption and offers world-class security features to safeguard your data. It is a no-logs VPN that has been tested and verified through independent third-party audits.
IPVanish VPN comes with a kill switch that disconnects you from the Internet if your VPN connection drops. It’s a useful feature that prevents accidental exposure of data that could be leaked through an unprotected connection. The kill switch worked great for us during our tests.
IPVanish also offers DNS/IP leak protection and even a Scramble feature that works with the OpenVPN protocol. The Scramble feature disguises your VPN traffic as normal Internet traffic, thus adding obfuscation to your connection. No one will know you’re even using a VPN!
Supported Platforms & Devices
IPVanish covers a wide range of platforms and devices, including media streaming devices and routers - but it doesn't offer extensions for Web browsers. Our Score: 8/10
One of the first things we look for in a VPN is platform compatibility. After all, a capable VPN should provide native software across the board. So, here's what IPVanish offers.
We can see that IPVanish has done an excellent job covering a whole slate of devices and platforms. You're allowed to use IPVanish VPN on multiple devices - your computer, smartphone, tablet, and even on media streaming devices. With that said, the only thing that's missing is support for Web browsers.
However, keep in mind that Web browser extensions don't typically act as fully-featured VPNs. Instead, they act as proxies, which means you won't use your VPN's full encryption. So, the decision of this VPN to avoid offering browser extensions is understandable.
Also, IPVanish now supports unmetered VPN connections, which is still a rare thing to find in the world of commercial VPN services. In other words, your subscription has no device limit and will let you install as many apps as you want while using as many VPN servers as you need (simultaneously).
Installation & Initial Configuration
The process of installing IPVanish is straightforward. You download the installer, run it, and you'll have your new VPN ready to be used within minutes. Our Score: 10/10
In this part of our IPVanish VPN review, we'll show you how to download IPVanish, install it, and set it up on your device. It's actually quite easy, so you won't have any trouble with the process.
How to Download and Use IPVanish?
You need to sign up for IPVanish, download the installation file, and install the VPN app on your device before you can use it. This process only takes a few minutes. Here's what you have to do:
- Subscribe to IPVanish using your preferred Web browser.
- Download the IPVanish app on your device to get the installation file.
- Double-click the downloaded file and install IPVanish on your device.
- After installation, enter your credentials and log in to the app.
- Choose a server location and click “Connect.” That's it!
If you use macOS, you simply need to drag and drop IPVanish's icon onto your Applications folder. For mobile devices and media streaming platforms, IPVanish has listed its app across many digital stores. That means you can turn to Apple's, Google's, or Amazon's App Store to download IPVanish, which means no manual configuration is involved.
What's interesting is that IPVanish comes already configured based on your system's specs, so you're ready to start using the application as soon as you log into your account.
Prominent Features
IPVanish has good coverage of basic features and also provides some advanced options, but those are not available on all their VPN applications. Our Score: 6.5/10
IPVanish has a strong foundation covering the essential features of a VPN service. However, some features are exclusive to certain platforms, so not all of IPVanish's applications will offer the same capabilities.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect from IPVanish's features:
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections – IPVanish allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can use as many devices as you want under a single subscription without bandwidth restrictions. However, it's important to note that IPVanish prohibits sharing accounts with multiple parties, as it goes against their Terms of Service.
- Kill Switch – IPVanish includes a system-wide kill switch on Windows, macOS, and Android, which is activated when your connection becomes unstable or disconnects from a secure server. While some VPNs allow customization of their kill switches, such as choosing which apps are affected, IPVanish's kill switch is system-level with no granular controls. You can only turn it on or off.
- Split Tunneling – IPVanish provides split tunneling exclusively on Android and Fire OS devices, allowing users to choose which applications use the VPN tunnel and which use their regular Internet connection. This means specific apps can access full bandwidth without throttling from the VPN connection.
- SOCKS5 Proxy – IPVanish's SOCKS5 proxy is a flexible alternative to traditional proxies that provides greater IP address privacy protection without encryption, allowing for faster speeds. This is especially helpful for activities requiring high-speed connections, such as streaming or gaming.
- DNS Leak Protection – IPVanish's built-in DNS leak protection is automatically activated to ensure that your Internet traffic and true location are always kept private within the VPN network. This prevents your ISP from intercepting and tracking your online activities.
IPVanish's mobile and desktop apps have varying features, with some discrepancies between the Android and iOS apps. The Android app includes split tunneling and a kill switch, while the iOS app lacks these features. Additionally, IPVanish doesn’t offer a dedicated IP, and split tunneling isn't available on desktop apps.
Server Count & Infrastructure
IPVanish brings over 2,200+ VPN servers that seem strategically placed around the planet. However, you'll find those servers in 50+ countries only. Our Score: 7/10
Having plenty of servers means that a VPN can accommodate numerous users without technical difficulties. With that said, here's some basic IPVanish server info.
Unlike most VPN services, this one gives you an excellent overview of its more than 2,200-server network, making it one of the VPNs with the most servers. You can select a country, a city, and even an individual server.
When it comes to VPNs and their general usage, some countries are more popular than others. Therefore, it's not surprising that some countries have plenty of servers, like the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia. That's the case with IPVanish's server locations as well.
Additionally, IPVanish features 'Scramble,' which is exclusively available for OpenVPN. This feature helps hide your connection in countries that can detect OpenVPN traffic and block your VPN. With this feature enabled, you can access thousands of obfuscated servers, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.
The only thing missing here is an option to pick specialized servers, such as media streaming- and P2P-optimized ones. However, this may indicate that all of IPVanish's servers are optimized for these activities, which we'll test later in this review.
Does IPVanish Use Virtual Server Locations?
No, IPVanish doesn't offer virtual VPN server locations. Its entire server network is based on physical servers, according to its customer support agents.
Interestingly enough, IPVanish doesn't provide a definitive answer regarding virtual servers via its website. Therefore, we had to contact the VPN via its customer support. After being pointed to a list of servers present on the VPN's website, we pushed further to find out whether any of those were virtual.
In the end, we've received assurances that IPVanish doesn't have a single virtual server in its offer. That means all its servers are physical, located in their "end" locations. So, If you connect to a server in Norway (for example), you can be sure that you're connecting to a server that's physically located in Norway.
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
Even though it doesn't bring the most modern-looking UI, we're sure you won't have a hard time using IPVanish's software (in the long run). Our Score: 7.5/10
IPVanish offers applications for desktop and mobile operating systems, and we'll show you how they look and work.
How Well Does IPVanish Work on Desktop Platforms?
IPVanish works well on desktop platforms. When you launch IPVanish on desktop, you'll see a series of 'sections' or tabs in the left-placed sidebar. Therefore, the best way to explain how IPVanish works is by taking a quick look at its sidebar, which you can learn more about below.
- Quick Connect: This is IPVanish's home screen, using which you can connect to its VPN servers. The 'Quick Connect' tab gives you 3 options. In the bottom-right corner, you can select a country. Based on the chosen country, you can select a city and even an individual server. To find the best server based on your location, click 'Connect' after selecting a country, and the IPVanish app will do the rest of the job.
- Server List: This tab gives you more freedom when checking IPVanish's servers. You can browse its list of servers, where you can see their individual occupancy. You can then browse a map or filter the servers based on their country of origin and latency. At any moment, you can make a server your 'favorite' and connect to it at a later time.
- Account: You can imagine what this one does. Using this tab, you can check your account's basic information, including when it's due to expire, and you can log out as well.
As promised, we will also take a closer look at the application's settings – as this is where you can fine-tune your user experience. So, here's what you'll find there:
- General: Using this tab, you can switch between different protocols (this is where you'll find the newly launched WireGuard protocol), enable IPVanish to launch on system startup, opt for beta updates, auto-connect to a server, and change between different themes.
- OpenVPN: If you decide to use the OpenVPN protocol, this is where you can enable the VPN's kill switch, scramble your Web traffic, enable IPv6 leak protection, and more.
- Auto Connect: Using this tab, you can instruct IPVanish on how to behave in certain situations. It can connect on-demand and stay connected once you quit the app. Then, you can instruct the VPN to "trust" certain networks, automating your VPN protection.
- Diagnostics: Lastly, this is where you'll find IPVanish's diagnostic data that might be of help to the company's support team. You'll also see an option there to archive your app's diagnostic information, letting you upload it to IPVanish's customer support agents (if required, of course).
All in all, IPVanish is a really simple application. We can't say it's the best-looking VPN, as you'll easily find more polished alternatives. However, it's worth noting that IPVanish is in the process of redesigning its interface, which should reach Windows and Android first.
Of course, we'll make sure to update this review once IPVanish's next design iteration becomes widely available.
How Well Does IPVanish Work on Mobile Platforms?
IPVanish VPN works effectively on mobile platforms. As noted earlier, IPVanish doesn't offer an identical app for all its supported platforms. However, it uses the same design language across its software, which is always a welcome thing to see. So, let's talk about IPVanish's Android and iOS apps.
IPVanish on mobile now brings an overhauled Android app that looks cleaner than before. On the home screen, you'll see your IP address and location. You can connect to the nearest server from there or tap on "Locations" to reveal all locations.
As soon as you connect to a server, your actual IP and your geo-location data are replaced by IPVanish's virtual information. You'll also see a real-time graph showing helpful information about your sessions, such as your VPN connection speed and bandwidth.
To dive deeper, tap on the "hamburger" tab at the bottom. That's where you can switch from different protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 on Android), allow LAN access, set up split tunneling, enable the app's kill switch, and more.
Now, the IPVanish app also brings a dedicated "Help" tab. You can use it to chat with IPVanish's team, send an email, as well as review other customer support channels.
On iOS, IPVanish offers an interface similar to what you'll find on Android. This means the home screen is reserved for picking a server, checking your actual and virtual information, as well as checking your VPN connections' real-time data.
Diving into IPVanish's settings on iOS is done by tapping the "Settings" tab. However, you won't find too many options to fine-tune. For example, you can change a VPN protocol, set up IPVanish's on-demand connections, change a theme, and similar.
All in all, IPVanish brings fully functional apps on iOS and Android. Still, there are significant differences between them, where the Android app takes the win. Also, these aren't the most polished apps in terms of their UI/UX design, but they get the job done.
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support
IPVanish seems suitable for streaming as it unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and tons of other streaming services. It also supports P2P and can even be used for gaming - but you'll need to make some optimizations and pick your servers wisely. Our Score: 8/10
VPNs do more than just protect your online privacy. They help you access blocked sites, download large files, and enjoy lag-free gaming. We tested IPVanish in these areas, and here's what we found.
Is IPVanish VPN Good for Streaming?
Yes, IPVanish is a good choice for streaming because it has a large network of servers in many countries. This allows you to access content from across the globe, even if it’s not available in your region. The service also has a fast connection speed, which is important for streaming without buffering or lag.
Additionally, IPVanish uses strong encryption to protect your data and doesn’t log any user activity. This makes it an excellent choice as a VPN for streaming, as it ensures your peace of mind.
Here are some of the most notable US-based streaming platforms this VPN unblocks.
Here are some non-US examples that you can enjoy with this service.
We found that IPVanish's servers in Boston gave us the best speeds. They were great for Netflix and Disney+. If they don't work for you, you can try the servers in New York.
To unblock streaming sites, we recommend using the OpenVPN UDP protocol. WireGuard didn't work well for us, so you may want to try other protocols. In case of any issues with trying to stream Netflix, check out our dedicated guide on what to do when IPVanish doesn't work with Netflix.
Is IPVanish VPN Good for Torrenting?
Yes, IPVanish is good for torrenting - and there are several reasons why. Firstly, IPVanish allows torrenting without any restrictions on all of its servers. This means that you can use any server location without having to search for specific servers optimized for torrenting.
However, it's important to exercise caution because IPVanish is based in the USA, a country with stringent copyright laws. To avoid any potential trouble, it’s recommended to only use legal torrent sites while using IPVanish.
Additionally, IPVanish provides users with a SOCKS5 proxy that can be integrated with many torrent clients. By utilizing this proxy, you can maintain your anonymity while achieving fast download speeds. This feature is particularly useful for torrent enthusiasts who prioritize both privacy and performance.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remain vigilant when using IPVanish for torrenting. Despite its no-logs policy, it may not offer sufficient protection against anti-piracy agencies or copyright infringement claims. To mitigate these risks, you need to be cautious, follow local laws, and use legal sources for your torrenting activities.
For more torrenting options, check out our guide on the best VPN for torrents.
Is IPVanish VPN Good for Gaming?
Yes, IPVanish is a good VPN for gaming, despite not appearing as such at first glance. One notable feature of this VPN is its ability to preview server performance before connecting. This feature is available in its apps and allows you to view the current load and ping values of each server on any supported platform. By selecting a server with a low ping, you can ensure minimal lag.
Furthermore, IPVanish provides a range of VPN protocols to choose from. These protocols allow you to customize your VPN connection based on your specific needs and optimize your Web connection speed for gaming. Picking an appropriate protocol can drastically reduce latency and improve overall network performance while gaming.
In addition to these features, IPVanish offers a vast server network in various locations around the world. The extensive network allows them to access geo-restricted content and play games with players from different parts of the world.
Security & Privacy
Despite controversies in the past, IPVanish remains a trusted VPN that ensures your security and privacy with reliable tunneling protocols, zero logs policy, and leak protection. Our Score: 9/10
To see if we can trust IPVanish with our data, we need to look at three aspects: VPN protocols, logging policy, and IP/DNS leaks. These will show us how the service protects and uses our personal information.
Generally, the best VPNs don’t log our data at all. They have a no-logs policy and prevent anyone from finding our true location. Let’s find out how IPVanish performs in these areas.
IPVanish VPN Protocols
Before we explain IPVanish's VPN protocols, take a look at the table below. It shows which protocols are available on each platform.
- WireGuard: This is a new and promising VPN protocol that offers high-speed performance and advanced security features. Unlike its competitors, it’s faster, stronger, and more lightweight. However, it’s still in development and may not be fully stable yet.
- OpenVPN: According to many experts, this is the most reliable VPN protocol available today. It provides fast performance and easy connectivity across various devices and platforms. OpenVPN also has a high level of security and encryption.
- IKEv2: This is a secure version of the IPSec protocol, mainly used on mobile devices. It’s not as secure as OpenVPN, but it’s very fast and stable. It can also reconnect quickly after losing connection.
- IPSec: This isn’t a VPN protocol by itself but a framework for secure data transmission. It’s often paired with IKEv2 to form a VPN protocol. IPVanish offers this option as well, which combines the speed of IKEv2 with the security of IPSec.
Does IPVanish Keep Logs?
No, IPVanish doesn't keep logs. But we have to mention that in 2017, the service was embroiled in a privacy-related scandal when it was revealed that the company had been logging user data.
However, since then, IPVanish has been acquired by NetProtect and Ziff Davis/J2 Global, and it has since undergone an independent audit by Leviathan Security Group. The audit found that the provider doesn’t log any user data, including browsing history, traffic, or activity data.
The audit provides strong evidence that IPVanish is a trustworthy VPN service that doesn’t log user data. The only information that it collects is your email address and payment method to process transactions.
Does IPVanish Leak/Expose Your Private Data?
No, IPVanish doesn’t leak your private data. To check for data leaks, we've connected to several IPVanish servers. Then, we ran data leak tests, checking whether our "real" IP address, DNS data, or geolocation data would find its way to the Web.
As you can see from the screenshot in this segment, IPVanish provided a leak-free tunnel. That means our "true" information remained hidden. No third parties could have reached our personal data while connected to IPVanish's servers.
In other words, IPVanish gave us a new IP address pointing to a virtual location, protecting our identity. Therefore, we conclude that IPVanish has the means and the power to keep you safe and private on the Web.
Speed & Performance
IPVanish is not a standout performer when it comes to speed. While testing this VPN, we found that it reduced our connection speed by approximately 78%. Our Score: 4/10
To see how IPVanish performs in real-world usage, we connected to several servers around the world and tested their speeds. We first established a baseline by running a speed test on our regular Internet connection without IPVanish enabled.
Our baseline test clocked a download speed of 104.53 Mbps and an upload speed of 112.89 Mbps. While we expect some amount of throttling from any VPN connection due to security measures, some VPNs promise fast speeds but fail to deliver. Let's see if IPVanish lived up to its claims.
Here are our server test results:
- Italy Server – Testing the Milan server of IPVanish VPN resulted in a significant speed drop of 92.3%, with a download speed of 8.09 Mbps compared to the baseline speed of 104.53 Mbps. This is much slower compared to other VPNs available on the market.
- UK Server – The London server performed slightly below average during testing, with a download speed of 33.87 Mbps. The speed reduction was 67.6%, which is a borderline-acceptable drop.
- US Server – The New York server achieved a download speed of 3.71 Mbps during testing, resulting in a significant speed drop of 96.5% compared to the baseline speed.
- Canada Server – The Vancouver server performed very slowly during testing, with a speed drop of 92%. It achieved a download speed of 8.33 Mbps and an upload speed of 1.10 Mbps.
- India Server – The Mumbai IPVanish VPN server resulted in the most disappointing performance of all, with a speed drop of 99.6% during testing. We got a download speed of 0.44 Mbps, which is much slower than what we were expecting.
- Australia Server – The Sydney server achieved above-average speeds during testing, with a download speed of 82.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 1.79 Mbps. The speed reduction was 21.2%, which is ideal.
IPVanish's servers show significant variations in speed performance. While servers in the UK and Australia performed well, others in the US and India showed abysmal drops in speed. After thorough speed tests, we've determined that IPVanish reduces our Internet connection speed by an average of 78.2%.
While we're not at all impressed by its performance, we're not completely disappointed either. IPVanish doesn't stop us from doing our favorite online activities as long as we are connected to the right server. That said, if you need consistent, excellent server speeds, you may want to explore the fastest VPNs.
Customer Support
There are plenty of helpful resources on the official IPVanish website, offering a dedicated customer support center and 24/7 live chat. Our Score: 10/10
Now, we'll take a look at IPVanish's customer support resources. There are different ways to find help and have your questions answered. Here are some of them:
- Live Chat Support: Older and outdated reviews will tell you that IPVanish doesn't have live chat support. However, this VPN has recently implemented that option, now available on any page of its official site. Furthermore, their live chat reps are available 24/7.
- Email Support: You can also send an email, creating a new support ticket along the way. This could be a good way to get help if you're not in a rush.
- Phone Support: Among the newly introduced types of customer support, IPVanish now has a dedicated phone number. This is perhaps the fastest way to have your questions answered, and we're happy to see IPVanish offering this option.
- Frequently Asked Questions: IPVanish understands that a number of its customers might come up with common questions. For example - how to reset your password, how much the service costs, and so on. Their FAQ section answers most of those, though the number of FAQs is pretty limited for now.
- Setup Guides: Finally, it's good to know that you can find many setup guides covering pretty much any compatible device.
Lastly, we'll note that contacting IPVanish has never been easier. That especially applies to its mobile apps, which now feature direct communication channels.
Pricing
If you want to invest in a VPN in the long term, IPVanish is an affordable option. Still, make sure to read the fine print before you sign up (more on that below). Our Score: 7.5/10
IPVanish offers multiple plans to suit different needs and budgets. You can choose from monthly, yearly, or 2-year plan options and enjoy various benefits. Here's what you need to know.
How Much Is IPVanish?
IPVanish starts at $3.33/month and currently offers three types of subscriptions. Even though this VPN often comes up with deals and special offers, here’s a breakdown of each plan and what you can expect.
- Monthly Plan: If you're looking for a short-term VPN solution, you might consider IPVanish's monthly plan. It will cost you $11.99 per month, which is a reasonable price for a premium VPN service. You can also simultaneously connect to unlimited devices and enjoy 24/7 customer support.
- Yearly Plan: If you want to save some money and get a longer-term VPN subscription, you should check out IPVanish's yearly plan at $4.49/month. It's only $53.88 for the first year, which means you'll get a 62% discount compared to the monthly plan. You'll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.
- 2-Year Plan: IPVanish has an even better offer for you: the 2-year plan. This is the best value option, as it costs only $3.33 per month. That's a whopping 72% off the regular price. You'll pay $79.99 for the first two years of your subscription and then renew at the same rate. This is a fantastic opportunity to secure your online privacy and freedom for a long time with one of the best VPNs on the market.
You can have significant savings of up to 72% if you choose the 2-year plan. IPVanish also offers a risk-free trial. You can try its yearly or 2-year plans for 30 days and get a full refund if you're not satisfied.
To get a refund, you must request it within 30 days of purchase and sign up for the service on IPVanish's website, not through its iOS/Android app. If you sign up through its apps, you'll need to contact Apple or Google for a refund.
IPVanish accepts various payment methods, including credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and more), PayPal, and Google Pay. However, if you want to pay anonymously, you're out of luck.
Is IPVanish Free?
No, IPVanish isn’t free. It’s a premium service that offers a 7-day free trial that you can get through Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store. Although the free trial is processed through the app stores, it provides access to the entire IPVanish software suite, so you can use it on your desktop or streaming devices if you want.
You can cancel your plan anytime you want during the trial period without incurring any charges. However, once the free trial period ends, you’ll be charged the subscription fee for the plan you selected, even if you cancel your subscription.
IPVanish VPN Comparison with Other VPN Providers
In this section, we'll compare IPVanish with other top VPN providers. This comparison will help you assess the strengths and differences between IPVanish and the other VPNs that we've reviewed.
- IPVanish vs. ExpressVPN: At an affordable cost, IPVanish presents an array of premium features that are truly impressive. However, if we talk about server networks and security capabilities, ExpressVPN wins. Both support multiple devices, but ExpressVPN excels with router compatibility and browser extensions. Plus, ExpressVPN has built-in obfuscation on all servers, whereas IPVanish only offers this feature through the OpenVPN protocol.
- IPVanish vs. NordVPN: NordVPN boasts a more secure jurisdiction in Panama than IPVanish in the US. IPVanish hosts 2,200 servers+ but falls far short of NordVPN's expansive network, surpassing 5,700 servers. Also, IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections and devices, while NordVPN limits this to 6. Both provide a SOCKS5 Proxy, but NordVPN goes further by offering dedicated IPs.
Final Thoughts - Is IPVanish Good?
Yes, IPVanish is a good VPN overall. It comes with everything you need in a VPN and even offers some advanced tools. It has robust security features such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and VPN scrambling, and it also has powerful unblocking capabilities.
You can connect unlimited devices to it with just one subscription (which isn’t common in the VPN industry!). You also get an extensive server fleet, a zero-logs policy, and responsive customer support — so you can get help with any questions you might have along the way.
Although it isn’t quite as fast as some other VPNs, and its reputation doesn't really come intact, the company has been actively trying to iron those issues out. If you’re looking to protect your devices, mask your location, or unblock streaming platforms, IPVanish is a great option.
You can sign up for IPVanish completely risk-free, and if you aren’t fully satisfied with the purchase, you can claim a refund within 30 days.
PROS
- Supports multiple platforms and devices.
- Large selection of VPN protocols.
- Unlimited VPN connections.
- Powered by AES-256 encryption.
- Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and iPlayer.
- Allows P2P traffic.
- Straightforward setup.
- Real-time VPN connection analytics.
- Live chat support.
CONS
- Based in the United States.
- Data logging in the past.
- Owned by a corporation.
- Doesn't work in China.
- Slower than its competitors.