IVPN Review 2024
Going into this VPN review, it was immediately apparent that IVPN’s focus is mainly on privacy and security. That’s because the provider appears uninterested in the bells and whistles its rivals offer. Instead, it has a reputation that attracts people who prioritize a VPN‘s primary purpose - encrypting and masking their data.
What it does, it does well. The Gibraltar-based VPN service sits outside the grasp of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. It has its zero-logs claims backed up with an independent audit and a clean history of leaks and breaches.
Furthermore, IVPN comes equipped with AES 256-bit encryption, top-of-the-line protocols, and other fundamental and advanced security features. Still, it’s lacking in areas like online streaming and mediocre in others, such as torrenting and gaming. Consequently, IVPN misses out on our list of the best VPN services.
Before we dive in, here’s an overview of what to expect from IVPN.
Our in-depth analysis will cover individual aspects of IVPN using the PRO version. We’ll discuss its background and jurisdiction, server network and infrastructure, design and user-friendliness, customer service, and more. We’ll also assess its performance, security, and privacy features. If you're interested in our hands-on testing methods, please check out how we review VPNs.
Our reviews are constantly updated to address developments that may impact online VPN privacy. If IVPN ever collaborates with authorities to disclose private data, rest assured that we’ll incorporate that information.
Table of Contents
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation
IVPN operates out of a data privacy-friendly jurisdiction. It has a clean background and undergoes regular independent audits. Our Score: 10/10
You depend on a VPN to mask your IP address and hide your data from prying eyes. Its headquarters and history are vital in determining whether you can trust it to carry out that service. With these in mind, here’s what IVPN has in store for you.
Where Is IVPN Based?
IVPN is based in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory in the Iberian Peninsula. The United Kingdom is a prominent member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. However, Gibraltar’s status as an independent territory means it doesn’t fall under that jurisdiction.
This is great, as the alliance is an intelligence-sharing coalition of countries with strict data retention laws and online monitoring of citizens.
The company that owns IVPN, Privatus Limited, founded in 2009 by Nicholas Pestell, has undergone a name change and is now known as IVPN Limited. As an independent player in the VPN industry, IVPN doesn't have any parent companies or own other VPN services. This stands in contrast to the growing trend of mergers and acquisitions in the sector.
IVPN facilitates an annual independent audit of its apps and infrastructure by German cybersecurity firm Cure53, known for conducting audits for providers like ExpressVPN. These checks cement a stamp on its trustworthiness, as most other VPN vendors have yet to tread this path.
Did IVPN Leak Personal Data in the Past?
No, IVPN has never leaked personal data in the past. The provider’s strict no-logs policy clarifies that it doesn’t collect or store any connection or activity logs.
Like many other VPNs, IVPN has to deal with data requests from governments and law enforcement agencies. The provider spells out that it only responds to information requests from agencies within the territory. It publishes guidelines on its legal processes following such requests and a transparency report on its website.
According to that report, IVPN has yet to hand out personal customer data in response to six requests since 2017.
Supported Platforms & Devices
IVPN’s platform reach spreads to desktops, mobile devices, and routers. Disappointingly, many other devices aren't compatible with the VPN. Our Score: 7/10
Ideally, if you pay for a VPN service, you want it to protect as many of your gadgets as possible. Here’s an overview of the devices that are compatible with IVPN.
Compared to its rivals, IVPN's platform and connection limitations might raise an eyebrow. You'll find it readily available on major desktop and mobile platforms, but niche devices and Web browser extensions are absent. And with only 2 simultaneous connections on the Standard plan, upgrading to Pro for 7 devices might be necessary for some users.
Additionally, IVPN doesn’t directly offer compatibility with your smart TV, streaming device, or game console. Although you can't use the official IVPN app on the Amazon version of Android, you can still use IVPN on your Firestick. IVPN provides a detailed tutorial on how to establish a secure connection by using the OpenVPN protocol for Android applications.
The good news is that IVPN works with Internet routers, presenting a workaround solution. IVPN offers integrated services, allowing you to buy a router with the VPN pre-installed. You can also import a configuration file generator from its website into your router if it includes a VPN client. Finally, if you use a Synology or QNAP NAS device, IVPN has you covered.
Installation & Initial Configuration
IVPN offers native clients across compatible devices. Installation is simple, and no manual configuration is required. Our Score: 9/10
In this segment of our IVPN review, we’ll walk you through installing and configuring the IVPN app on your device. It’s a straightforward process, depending on your device. You can install the app directly from the VPN’s website or an app store.
We’ll walk you through the process using a Windows computer, but the process is similar for macOS. Here’s what you need to do:
- Subscribe to IVPN using your preferred Web browser.
- Click “Apps” on the site’s navigation bar.
- Select your device or platform from the list presented.
- Click the “Download” button to get the installation file for your device.
- Double-click the installation file (usually in the Downloads folder).
- Once installed, launch IVPN and log in with your Account ID.
- Go to “General Settings.”
- Click the checkbox beside “Show application icon in system dock.”
- On the home screen, click to toggle on “Firewall.”
- Pick a server and connect to activate IVPN. That’s it!
Prominent Features
This VPN covers the bases with regard to privacy and security features, both standard and advanced. It also throws in a few extras, like an ad-blocker, but doesn’t offer dedicated IPs. Our Score: 7.5/10
IVPN takes privacy and security seriously and offers an arsenal of features to handle them. These are the prominent features you can expect to find:
- Firewall/Kill Switch: It protects your private data by automatically shutting down your Internet traffic as soon as there’s an interruption. IVPN incorporates the kill switch into its firewall feature, with the option offering further protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. This feature is available on desktop apps. While it was once available on iOS, IVPN made the decision to remove it due to concerns about Apple IP leak issues.
- Multi-Hop VPN: IVPN offers the option to route your traffic through two VPN servers in different jurisdictions before it reaches its destination. This chaining effect enhances your privacy by adding an extra layer to it. However, while it provides significantly higher levels of anonymity, multi-hop takes a toll on your VPN’s speed. This feature is exclusive to the IVPN Pro plan.
- Split Tunneling: While you want your devices to stay protected, you may prefer to bypass the VPN tunnel while performing certain activities. IVPN lets you add applications, such as Web browsers or torrent clients, to a split tunnel list, granting them direct access to the Internet. Split tunneling is available on Windows, Linux, and Android.
- AntiTracker: IVPN recently added a feature that blocks ads, malicious websites, and trackers - scripts that monitor and collect information on your Internet activities. It’s available on IVPN’s desktop and mobile clients. You can even enable this feature on routers by setting a DNS IP address. However, it’s not on Android apps downloaded from the Play Store due to a Google policy.
- Obfsproxy: You can bypass Internet censorship in heavily restrictive countries with this obfuscation feature. It disguises your VPN use by making it appear like you’re accessing the Internet directly. This feature is only available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- SOCKS5 Proxy: IVPN’s SOCKS5 proxy routes the traffic of an app, such as a Web browser, through a different server from the one you're currently connected to. That way, you’re able to connect to multiple servers simultaneously. It also works as a makeshift kill switch, preventing traffic from leaking during a disconnection.
- Pause VPN: This feature lets you temporarily bypass the VPN tunnel for specific tasks, like accessing local services. Hit the button, and your data will flow through your regular connection. Click it again to instantly re-encrypt everything.
- Trusted Wi-Fi Networks: With this feature, you can assign trust levels (trusted, untrusted, none) to Wi-Fi networks you've connected to. You can then customize automatic actions for networks based on their trust status. This feature is accessible on both desktop and Android apps.
Server Count & Infrastructure
This is one of the areas where IVPN fails to impress. Its server network is small and doesn’t have sufficient global coverage. Our Score: 2.5/10
An extensive network of VPN servers offers several benefits. For one, you're spoilt for choice. In theory, you also get better performance, as servers are unlikely to be overloaded.
IVPN isn’t getting on our list of VPNs with the most servers anytime soon. Based on our count, the provider has over 80 servers spread across 89 locations in 37 countries. In contrast, most top VPN services boast thousands of options in many more locations.
Most of IVPN’s servers are in Europe and North America. There’s a much lighter presence in Africa, Australia, and Asia, with servers in each region. Unlike some of its competitors, who rely on virtual VPN locations, IVPN operates exclusively with physical bear-metal servers.
This commitment to tangible infrastructure means consistent performance and reliable connections, wherever your digital journey takes you. Also, switching has no restrictions, so you can move between options at will. When you’ve found a server that works for you, IVPN lets you save it for later.
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
IVPN has a modern, well-designed user interface. While many customization options exist, the apps are also generally easy to use. Our Score: 8/10
We observed an oddity after launching IVPN on Windows and clicking on an area outside its interface. The app window automatically minimized to the system tray, disappearing from the screen. To fix that, we headed to its settings (Gear Icon > General Settings) and clicked “Show application icon in system dock.”
While it’s not a major design flaw, this issue can inconvenience users who aren't savvy enough to look for solutions within the settings. That said, IVPN boasts a sleek and user-friendly design on desktop and mobile, ensuring effortless navigation and usability.
IVPN’s home screen does away with the conventional design of many VPN clients. There’s no big button in the middle of the screen. Instead, it sports a world map design with pin-points showing the locations of each server. You can click on any of those points to quickly access a VPN server.
Below the simple connection toggle, you can easily access servers categorized by city and country, listed alphabetically for your convenience. Also, a search function can help you swiftly find specific server locations.
IVPN is big on customization as well. You can toggle on/off features like "Firewall" and "AntiTracker" from the home screen and switch between "Single" and "Multi-Hop" options. Moreover, the settings page offers additional options for tweaking.
Here's what IVPN allows us to customize on a Windows computer:
- General: This tab has an array of options, including letting the app launch at login and minimize to the system tray. You can also change the app’s color theme here. It contains autoconnect and exit tweaks as well.
- Connection: You can switch between the available protocols here. Each protocol offers configurations, including your preferred port and network proxy. Also, you can enable or disable obfuscation here.
- IVPN Firewall: There are two firewall settings: on-demand and always-on. Enabling the former allows the firewall to be manually or automatically activated when you connect to a server. As for the latter, the firewall stays active even when there’s no established VPN connection.
- Split Tunnel: Choose which apps bypass the VPN tunnel for a direct connection. You may add applications to the split tunnel list or remove them by reverting to default settings.
- WiFi Control: You can't trust every WiFi network out there. With IVPN, you get to decide which networks you can trust and what actions to take when you join a WiFi network.
- AntiTracker: Aptly named, the AntiTracker’s Hardcore Mode blocks websites that rely on user surveillance. This includes Google and Facebook. It handles ads, malicious websites, and third-party cookies in regular mode.
- DNS: You can use a custom DNS while connected to the VPN. However, if AntiTracker is enabled, it will override the DNS.
- Advanced: This tab lets you switch between two Multi-Hop settings. Additionally, you can choose to show ISP information for each server and enable (or disable) Enhanced App Authentication. EAA keeps malicious apps from manipulating the VPN tunnel behind your back.
Mirroring the desktop experience, IVPN's mobile apps offer a smooth and familiar journey. The intuitive home screen features a map where you can tap your desired location to connect, just like on your PC. A handy toggle button and two server options – Single-Hop for speed and Multi-Hop for enhanced privacy – sit readily accessible.
If you want to manage your account or dive deeper into settings, head to the top corners of the screen. Your account details and logout option await on the left, while the cogwheel button on the right grants access to a host of customization options.
You can adjust connectivity and server preferences, enable IPv6 for WireGuard, configure custom DNS, and even change the app's theme (exclusive to Android). But there's one thing to note: while IVPN excels on mobile and desktop, browser extensions remain a gap in its feature set.
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support
IVPN has unofficial support for torrenting and gaming but is pretty bad at unblocking content on streaming platforms. Our Score: 4/10
Many people use VPNs to watch online content, carry out torrenting activities, and play games online. Let’s see how well IVPN handles these tasks.
Is IVPN Good for Streaming?
No, IVPN isn’t the best VPN for streaming. The provider acknowledges that many users hop on VPNs to stream content unavailable in their current location. However, it plainly states that, as a privacy-focused provider, it can’t guarantee access to region-locked streaming libraries.
Despite the challenges, we tested it on different streaming platforms. Here’s a table showing how IVPN performed.
IVPN impressed on the first try, unblocking the US Netflix library. We could stream exclusive content and had a smooth experience doing so. Unfortunately, that was as good as we got. We met unassailable roadblocks at other streaming platforms we tried to access.
Is IVPN Good for Torrenting?
Yes, IVPN is suitable for torrenting. We found that torrenting functioned well on servers outside the US during our tests. The VPN won’t restrict torrenting with its protocols, but it doesn’t encourage it either. It specifically asks users not to torrent while connected to US servers. That’s because of the high number of DMCA notices it receives.
IVPN doesn't have P2P-optimized servers, and its download speeds might not be comparable to the best VPN for torrenting. However, it still offers a few advantages for P2P enthusiasts. Its strict no-logs policy and firewall/kill switch feature provide excellent privacy and security for torrenting. It also offers a SOCKS5 proxy for those seeking additional flexibility.
However, IVPN removed port forwarding, a useful tool to enhance speed, due to its potential for misuse. As they explained, the feature could be exploited for large-scale abuse, negatively impacting their network and operations. Although unfortunate for some users, this decision prioritizes the stability and security of the service for all.
Is IVPN Good for Gaming?
No, IVPN isn’t the best VPN for gaming. The VPN vendor’s slow speeds mean you may deal with latency and lag, both major concerns for online gaming.
If you connect to a nearby server, you may get by. However, this could prove problematic, as IVPN’s small network means it may not have any servers in close proximity. Although dedicated gaming servers could have been beneficial, IVPN doesn't offer specialized servers for gaming purposes.
Security & Privacy
IVPN prides itself on its fixation on privacy, and its efforts in this area have paid off. It won’t leak your data, and its logless policy is annually verified. More protocols would’ve earned a perfect score. Our Score: 9/10
This is the most crucial aspect for many VPN users. To measure how well IVPN stands up here, we considered its tunneling protocols, logging policy, and ability to prevent data leaks.
IVPN Protocols
IVPN has three VPN protocols overall. However, what you get depends on your device. Here’s an overview of the protocols and their available platforms.
- WireGuard: What many consider the premium tunneling protocol these days, WireGuard offers lightning-fast connections with little overhead. While built for better performance than older protocols, it doesn’t sacrifice security.
- OpenVPN: This is the gold standard tunneling protocol. As an open-source system, it’s the most secure option available. It implements SSL/TLS and a custom security protocol for key exchange. IVPN only offers its obfuscation feature with OpenVPN.
- IPSec with IKEv2: The third option is also available on all supported platforms and devices but comes with the trade-off of manual setup. According to the provider, IPSec with IKEv2 is faster than OpenVPN - at least in theory.
Does IVPN Keep Logs?
No, IVPN doesn’t store any logs that may be used to identify a user. That includes connection and activity logs, such as timestamps, IP addresses, user bandwidth, and DNS requests.
To its credit, IVPN has one of the clearest privacy policies we’ve seen. The provider details its stance to collect and store as little data as possible. As a result, it doesn’t even request your name or email address for the sign-up process. On top of that, the company has an independent security audit of its apps conducted by Cure53 each year.
While it’s minimal, IVPN does collect some data. After you sign up, it stores your unique account ID, subscription package, and the maximum number of devices you can use. It also stores your transaction ID. IVPN says it uses this information to process refunds and payment issues.
Does IVPN Leak/Expose Your Private Data?
No, IVPN doesn’t leak any personal data through its apps. To confirm this, we tested it using an online tool.
We connected to a VPN server in London to undertake the test. As the results show, our actual IP address remained hidden, and the website displayed the server’s IP instead.
Speed & Performance
From our results, IVPN is a poor choice if you’re looking for lightning-fast VPN connections. Our Score: 2/10
The next test was to see how IVPN would affect Internet speed. To do so, we compared the performance of our connection before and after activating the VPN session.
First, we checked our baseline speed using an online tool. Our bare connection recorded 91.40 Mbps for downloads and 3.96 Mbps for uploads. Then we connected to VPN servers in different locations to evaluate IVPN's overall performance.
Here’s a breakdown of our findings:
- US Server (Los Angeles): This server is far from us, so we expected a significant drop in speed. However, the actual speed decline was even more significant than expected, with download speeds plummeting to 9.81 Mbps and upload speeds to 3.65 Mbps, representing an 89% decrease.
- UK Server (London): The London server is much closer to us. Even then, the results showed an 88% drop, with 11.27 Mbps download and 3.35 Mbps upload speeds.
- Canada Server (Montreal): The Montreal server we connected to did even worse than the US, with 5.39 Mbps download and 1.41 Mbps upload speeds, resulting in a whopping 94% speed drop.
- Singapore Server: The download speed slightly improved after making this switch, reaching 7.90 Mbps. Surprisingly, Singapore gave us the best upload speed, with 29.31 Mbps. Overall, the decline from the baseline came in at 91%.
- Australia Server (Sydney): IVPN’s server in Australia delivered a download speed of 3.89 Mbps and an upload speed of 16.63 Mbps. The 96% plunge in speed was unsurprising, as Australia is the farthest from us.
- Italy Server (Milan): Last but not least, the IVPN Milan server gave us 10.52 Mbps download and 16.11 Mbps upload speeds. This result represents an 88% speed reduction.
From the results above, IVPN slowed us down by 91% on average. Although a VPN will inevitably impact your Internet speed, this is a steep performance drop. If this is a significant concern, you may prefer to check out the fastest VPNs instead.
Customer Support
The resource base is extensive and helpful, and IVPN also offers email support and live chat. However, we’d have preferred the live chat support to be available 24/7. Our Score: 8.5/10
If you have any inquiries or complaints, you can reach IVPN’s customer support through a number of channels. Here’s an overview of what you can expect as a subscriber:
- Live Chat: IVPN has a chat box on its website where you can type in your inquiries. While we briefly connected with a representative, instant access to this feature is limited. Despite several attempts, we couldn't reconnect with an agent through the chat box. Instead, we received an automated response instructing us to send an email.
- Email: This is the quickest way to contact customer support, and IVPN promises to respond within hours. The provider did just that when we sent an email. To reiterate its commitment to privacy, IVPN even lets you encrypt your email with a PGP key.
- Knowledge Base: This VPN excels here, offering loads of guides, set-up instructions, and FAQs. You can even find advanced technical posts covering areas such as circumventing Internet censorship and a lot more.
Pricing
IVPN has a flexible payment plan, so you can pick a price plan that works for you. The pricing is also reasonable. Our Score: 8/10
IVPN's pricing is straightforward. Just two main plans cater to different needs: a flexible monthly option for short-term needs and a long-term plan for cost-conscious commitment. If you're seeking ultimate flexibility, IVPN also offers a unique weekly payment scheme.
How Much Is IVPN?
IVPN starts at $2 per week for short-term needs or $3.88 per month with a 3-year commitment. If you’ve decided to give IVPN a shot, there are two plans to choose from - IVPN Standard and IVPN Pro. Both plans have a wide range of packages, with a starting monthly price of $6 per month. Each plan differs not just in price but also in the features available to users.
Let’s look at each plan:
- IVPN Standard: This is the entry-level IVPN plan. After subscribing, you can access the provider’s essential privacy and security features, with AntiTracker thrown in for good measure. It’s limited regarding simultaneous connections, only granting VPN protection to 2 devices at the same time. Prices range from $6 per month to $140 for three years.
- IVPN Pro: Subscribing to IVPN Pro lets you use all other features, including Multi-hop. You also get 7 simultaneous VPN connections on one account. Prices here start at $10/month and go up to $220 every 3 years.
As you can see, IVPN offers varied pricing based on the plan and subscription duration you choose. Even though IVPN's pricing caters to different budgets, their extensive privacy guides offer a valuable resource regardless of your chosen plan. In this review, we used IVPN Pro. Subscribing to its 3-year plan can yield savings of up to 39%.
IVPN also caters to businesses with two dedicated plans. Companies can leverage the Team Plan, offering tiered discounts starting at $5/user/month for 80+ seats. Verified non-profits also receive substantial discounts at $3/user/month for 5+ seats. Both plans grant 7 devices per user, along with full Pro features, ensuring comprehensive protection for any team size.
Unfortunately, IVPN has no free version. Instead of a free trial, it provides an affordable one-week paid plan ($2 for Standard and $4 for Pro). This allows you to test the service before committing to longer-term plans. You can also request a refund if you change your mind within 30 days.
For IVPN’s payment methods, you can pay using credit/debit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Lightning, voucher cards, cash, and Monero.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a privacy enthusiast, IVPN is definitely worth considering. IVPN comes stacked with industry-standard privacy and security features, both basic and advanced. A rock-solid zero-logs policy backs the company, and it makes sure to verify that each year through independent audits and transparency reports.
Unfortunately, IVPN fails to impress in other areas. Our tests found its speed and performance to be below par. For bypassing streaming blocks, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, IVPN’s small network of servers leaves much to be desired. For a more powerful, well-rounded VPN solution that won't leave you wanting, we strongly recommend NordVPN.
PROS
- Strict logless policy.
- Bank-level encryption.
- User-friendly interface.
- Extensive resource base.
- Flexible payment plans.
- Stacked privacy/security features.
CONS
- Limited network of servers.
- Mediocre connection speeds.
- Doesn’t unblock most streaming services.
- No 24/7 live chat.
- Incompatible with other devices.
| Review Summary IVPN excels in privacy and security measures with its top-notch tools and logging policy. However, it falls behind in terms of unblocking capabilities, network server size, and speed. | 7 Overall Score | ||
| Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation | 10 | ||
| Supported Platforms & Devices | 7 | ||
| Installation & Initial Configuration | 9 | ||
| Prominent Features | 7.5 | ||
| Server Count & Infrastructure | 2.5 | ||
| UI/UX Design & Ease of Use | 8 | ||
| Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support | 4 | ||
| Security & Privacy | 9 | ||
| Speed & Performance | 2 | ||
| Customer Support | 8.5 | ||
| Pricing | 8 | ||