IPVanish Review 2024
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 2,200 servers in more than 50+ countries. It’s an excellent choice if you want to keep things anonymous while protecting your privacy and accessing 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 you to choose which traffic to route through the VPN, leaving everything else outside of the VPN tunnel. Additionally, IPVanish has features like Threat Protection and Scramble for obfuscation.
IPVanish can unblock a number of popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It's good for gaming and supports P2P traffic on all its servers. It 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 an audit, proving its commitment to its no-logs policy. Our Score: 7/10
IPVanish's features might seem great, but before you trust them completely, it's crucial to check out their history and where they're legally based. These things might not seem important at first, but they actually tell you a lot about how well they protect your data and privacy.
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). The company started out with a bunch of VPNs, but now they're down to just three main offerings: StrongVPN, IPVanish, and WLVPN (which acts as a white-label VPN service). Encrypt.me and OverPlay VPN have been merged into StrongVPN, while SaferVPN and ibVPN have shut down.
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 has 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 supports multiple secure protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec. It's also a no-logs VPN that has been tested and verified through an independent third-party audit.
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 the Scramble feature that works with the OpenVPN protocol. "Scramble" 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 Chrome, Firefox, and Edge 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 multiple devices and platforms. You have the flexibility to use IPVanish VPN on your PC (whether it's Windows, Mac, Linux, or ChromeOS), smartphones (be it Android or iPhone), and even on media streaming gadgets like Android boxes, Nvidia Shield TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Roku, and software platforms like Kodi.
Additionally, IPVanish offers dedicated apps for smart TVs, including Samsung smart TV. IPVanish also provides configuration options for routers running DD-WRT, further expanding its reach.
Although it's a shame this VPN doesn't offer a dedicated Chrome extension or Firefox extension, 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: 7.5/10
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 offers a system-wide kill switch on Windows, macOS, and Android, which is activated when your connection becomes unstable or disconnects from a secure server. A dedicated kill switch app is also available for Amazon Fire TV devices. With this feature, you also have the option to block both local network access (like media servers) and Internet traffic when disconnected.
- Split Tunneling – IPVanish provides split tunneling exclusively on Windows, Android, and Fire OS devices, allowing you to choose which applications use the VPN tunnel and which use your regular Internet connection. This means specific apps can access full bandwidth without throttling from the VPN connection.
- SOCKS5 Proxy – IPVanish's SOCKS5 proxy is available on Windows and macOS. It's 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 – This 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. It prevents your ISP from intercepting and tracking your online activities.
- Threat Protection – This feature is now available on Fire TV devices. It blocks ads, trackers, and potentially harmful websites, potentially enhancing security and privacy. Threat Protection is also offered on Android and iOS devices.
- Scramble (Obfuscation) – IPVanish offers this obfuscation feature, which disguises OpenVPN traffic to bypass certain detection methods used in regions with restricted Internet access. Scramble is available on OpenVPN connections for Windows, macOS, Android, and Fire TV devices.
IPVanish's mobile and desktop apps have varying features, with some discrepancies between the Android and iOS apps. The Android app includes both split tunneling and a kill switch, while the iOS app only has split tunneling. Additionally, IPVanish doesn’t offer port forwarding or dedicated IPs.
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: 7.5/10
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?
Yes, IPVanish offers a virtual VPN server location but only in India. IPVanish uses a virtual server in India, instead of a physical one, to protect user privacy from potential legal intrusion. In other words, the entirety of its server network, with the exception of India, is based on physical servers.
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 set up virtual servers for other countries, except for India. 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: 8/10
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. We'll start with its home screen first. Clicking the green "Connect" button in the upper right corner allows you to connect to IPVanish's fastest server tailored to your location. Once connected, you'll gain access to real-time stats, your public IP address, server connection details, the protocol used, and, exclusively available on Windows, a kill switch button.
On the right side of the home screen, you'll also find a map showcasing the VPN's locations. Besides using the connect button, a simple double-click on any of these locations can establish a connection with IPVanish. Additionally, you can use the "plus and minus buttons" at the bottom right of the screen to zoom in or out on the map, providing the flexibility to explore more VPN locations.
For a closer look at server locations and manual selection, click the "location" icon below the home icon in the left sidebar. This tab will show specific cities, the number of available servers, and current server usage. At any moment, you can also make a server your "favorite" and connect to it at a later time.
IPVanish offers a familiar interface on both Mac and Windows, with an extra layer of control available on Windows. For this IPVanish VPN review, we used a Windows computer. Here's what you can expect to find on its application settings:
- Application – In this app setting, you can choose your preferred language, select how the app launches to fit your workflow, switch between light and dark themes for optimal viewing comfort, and more.
- Connection – Here, you can set up auto-reconnect preferences, fortify security by enabling the kill switch, block LAN traffic, and activate leak protection to safeguard against DNS and IPv6 leaks.
- Protocol – This tab allows you to switch between VPN protocols, overcome restrictions through IPVanish's Scramble (obfuscation) feature, and manage TAP driver reinstallation.
- Network Security – You can fine-tune IPVanish auto-connection settings and add trusted Wi-Fi networks using this tab.
- Split Tunneling – Exclusive to Windows, the split tunneling setting empowers you to specify apps and domains exempt from the VPN connection, providing a customized touch to your network preferences.
We have to say that IPVanish's desktop UI is now more modern and user-friendly. We can't say it's the best-looking VPN, as you'll easily find more polished alternatives. However, its overall UI and UX has improved significantly, making it a more attractive and competitive VPN option.
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. To dive deeper, tap on the "Settings" 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 and checking your actual and virtual information. Tap on "Locations" and you'll access more servers. You can manually search for them or sort server locations by country and city.
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, enable both split tunneling and "Threat Protection," or change a theme, and similar.
All in all, IPVanish brings fully functional apps on its redesigned iOS and Android interface. 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 Cincinnati gave us the best speeds. They were great for streaming Netflix, Disney+, and Max. If they don't work for you, you can try the servers in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Minneapolis. To unblock streaming sites, we recommend using either OpenVPN UDP or WireGuard protocols.
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 like utorrent and BitTorrent. 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 games and play with gamers from different parts of the world.
Security & Privacy
Despite past controversies, IPVanish remains a trusted VPN for ensuring anonymous online activity, thanks to its 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. 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.
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 might deliver slightly slower downloads compared to the fastest VPNs. During our tests, it slows down Internet speed by approximately 38%. Our Score: 7/10
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.
From our current location in Asia, our baseline test clocked a download speed of 380.86 Mbps and an upload speed of 336.14 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 lives up to its claims.
Here are our server test results:
- US Server (Cincinnati) – Despite the considerable distance, IPVanish exhibited a tolerable performance. We experienced a 40% average speed reduction, with a download speed of 228.07 Mbps and an upload speed of 5.18 Mbps.
- UK Server (Birmingham) – Among the servers we tested, this UK server experienced the highest speed reduction at 47%. The download speed settled at 203.02 Mbps, and its upload speed hovered around 4.41 Mbps.
- Canada Server (Vancouver) – This server, located far from our test location, achieved the second-highest speed amongst the servers tested. However, it did experience a 32% speed reduction. Download speeds remained respectable at 260.60 Mbps, and upload speeds at 5.39 Mbps.
- India Server (Mumbai) – Located closer to our Asian location, this Indian server had a download speed reduction of 37% compared to the baseline. While this result placed it in the middle of the tested servers in terms of speed, it still delivered decent download speeds of 240.15 Mbps and upload speeds of 6.45 Mbps.
- Australia Server (Melbourne) – Despite being the closest server to our location, this server experienced a 39% speed reduction. We got download speeds reaching 231.85 Mbps and upload speeds of 6.10 Mbps.
- Italy Server (Milan) – IPVanish pleasantly surprised us with its performance on this remote server, showcasing a 31% average speed reduction. Its download speed was the fastest at 262.34 Mbps, though the upload speed was only 4.85 Mbps.
After thorough speed tests, we've determined that IPVanish reduces our Internet connection speed by an average of 38%. IPVanish VPN is a fast and powerful VPN service, but it may not always deliver the same speed for every server or location. While servers in Italy and Canada performed well, others in the UK and USA dropped the download speed by almost 50% compared to our benchmark.
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're connected to the right server. That said, if you need consistent, excellent server speeds, we highly recommend NordVPN.
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 service, 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. They have a contact number available in the US, Mexico, the UK, Spain, Australia, and Brazil.
- Social Media Support – Feel free to get in touch with IPVanish at any time by sending a message through its Twitter and Facebook channels.
- 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 $3.25/month and currently offers three types of subscriptions. All three IPVanish plans offer the same set of features, which means they all have encrypted Internet access, high-speed servers optimized for streaming, unlimited device connections, and more. Unfortunately, only the yearly and 2-year subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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 $12.99 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 $4.33/month. It's only $51.95 for the first year, which means you'll get a 66% discount compared to the monthly plan. You'll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.
- 2-Year Plan – This plan has the best price, as it only costs $3.25 per month. The upfront payment of $77.95 signifies a whopping 75% discount compared to the regular monthly price and secures access to all features for two years.
If you're looking for the most cost-effective option, the longer 2-year plan delivers significant savings of up to 75% compared to shorter subscriptions.
IPVanish accepts various payment options, 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 VPN 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.
To cancel your free trial on iOS, make sure to do it within the first 6 days, and for Android, within the first 7 days. Once the free trial period ends, you’ll be charged the subscription fee for the plan you selected, even if you cancel your subscription.
You can also 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. Additionally, monthly plans and subscription renewals aren't eligible for refunds.
IPVanish VPN Comparison with Other VPN Providers
In this section, we'll compare IPVanish alongside other top VPN competitors. We'll shed light on their unique strengths and key differences, guiding you toward the best VPN alternative.
- 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 6,000 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.
- 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.
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. Website purchases let you try it for 30 days, while app store subscriptions offer a 7-day trial to see if it fits your needs.
PROS
- Supports multiple platforms and devices.
- Large selection of VPN protocols.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Powered by AES-256 encryption.
- Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and iPlayer.
- Allows P2P traffic.
- Straightforward setup.
- Real-time VPN connection analytics.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- Phone support.
CONS
- Based in the US (part of the Five Eyes Alliance).
- Data logging in the past.
- Owned by a corporation.
- Doesn't work in China.
- Slower than its competitors.
| Review Summary IPVanish has done plenty to improve its offerings and is now a capable VPN service, especially for the average home user interested in a one-click VPN solution. | 7.7 Overall Score | ||
| Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation | 7 | ||
| Supported Platforms & Devices | 8 | ||
| Installation & Initial Configuration | 10 | ||
| Prominent Features | 7.5 | ||
| Server Count & Infrastructure | 7.5 | ||
| UI/UX Design & Ease of Use | 8 | ||
| Media Streaming, Torrenting & Gaming | 8 | ||
| Security & Privacy | 9 | ||
| Speed & Performance | 7 | ||
| Customer Support | 10 | ||
| Pricing | 7.5 | ||