IPVanish is a Texas-based VPN service with an impressive network of 2,400 servers worldwide. It’s one of the few VPN providers that manages all its infrastructure in-house, owning 100% of its servers and only using self-developed software for its service.
While being one of the fastest VPNs on the market, IPVanish also offers a vast range of features that not only provide faster speeds but also enhance stability and security. With a 7-day free trial and prices starting as low as $2.19 per month, users certainly get a lot for their money.
| Bandwidth | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| # connected devices | Unlimited |
| Kill switch |
IPVanish is one of the best tools for ensuring sensitive data remains protected regardless of where the connection is established from, thanks to the full arsenal of security features it provides. These include secure Wi-Fi connections, advanced threat protection, cloud storage, secure file syncing, and secure browsing.
Along with pretty much every function of the VPN client, these different elements are easy to configure and edit, ensuring that all customers can adapt their VPN to their own individual needs. This includes double hop, scrambling, and split tunneling. Also, the ‘Default location’ feature automatically picks the best server and city depending on the user’s physical location.
Many VPN providers work with different companies to lease servers around the globe in an effort to offer more locations at a low cost. Typically, this means less reliability in terms of speed and uptime, as more parties are handling users’ private data.
IPVanish, on the other hand, prides itself on owning 100% of its server network, which means it has full control over every aspect of its VPN service. The VPN client reflects this particular aspect, showing the load and number of servers available in the locations list.
When it comes to security, IPVanish excels. Users have full control over the security and speed of the VPN’s connections, as well as the general functionality of the tool. In the settings tab, it’s possible to change protocols, auto-connect preferences, enable IPv6 leak protection, and more.
| Countries | US, UK, DE, AU, CA, FR, ES, SE, BR… |
|---|---|
| # countries | 130+ |
| # servers | 2,400+ |
IPVanish has servers in more than 90 different countries across the globe, including some rarely seen locations like Hong Kong, South Korea, and Dubai. Plus, many countries have multiple servers available, making IPVanish an incredibly fast service.
We tested this VPN speed from Europe, with a baseline speed of 628 Mpbs for downloads, 209 Mpbs for uploads, and a 4ms ping, using WireGuard.
| Location | Download (Mbps) | Upload (Mpbs) | Ping (ms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA, U.S. | 465 | 170 | 177 |
| Madrid, Spain | 571 | 195 | 15 |
| Paris, France | 569 | 177 | 32 |
Our tests showed an average loss of only 15% for downloads and 14% for uploads, making IPVanish one of the best VPNs we tested performance-wise. Even in long distance servers like Los Angeles, IPVanish retained more than 70% of the speed for downloads and uploads. Naturally, due to the distance the ping times were significantly higher than the other tested connections.
IPVanish also allows P2P torrent traffic via a normal VPN connection or the restricted and secure SOCKS5 proxy servers in nine countries. which can be configured by the user. When it comes to DNS and IP leaks, IPVanish presented no issues, proving that the connections are trustworthy, accurate, and 100% safe.
| SSL | |
|---|---|
| OpenVPN | |
| PPTP | |
| L2TP |
IPVanish supports four main protocols – WireGuard, IKEv2, IPsec, and OpenVPN – which are responsible for the potential speed and encryption level of any given VPN connection. These can be changed anytime within the client to help achieve the best possible VPN experience.
For security, OpenVPN is the top choice, while WireGuard should be used whenever a fast speed is required. Meanwhile, IKEv2 is best for unstable Wi-Fi networks on both mobile and desktop versions, and IPsec a good choice if the other protocols aren’t working. Additionally, it’s possible to change the ports on OpenVPN connections, as well as toggle the option for traffic obfuscation (scramble).
But that’s not all, as other privacy measures are included, from the AES 256-bit encryption key to the essential kill switch. It’s also possible to enable or disable IPv6 and DNS leak protection, block LAN traffic, and even use custom DNS settings.
IPVanish is located in the U.S., falling under the Five Eyes Alliance. Although it faced some privacy-related controversies in the past, no other issues have emerged since StackPath acquired the company. In fact, IPVanish is now fully transparent with ongoing independent audits, which ensure a truly zero-log policy.
It’s one thing to have a great VPN service, but making it available and fully compatible with all the latest operating systems is another. IPVanish delivers in this field too, since its software works on Windows 7 or higher and Macs with macOS 10.6.8 and later.
Android and iOS haven’t been left out either, with apps that provide the same smooth user interface and experience as the desktop clients. These VPN apps work well in conjunction with VoIP apps, allowing for lower costs on calls via these services.
Although IPVanish's features are similar across devices, there are some differences. This is especially true for Linux, which doesn’t include features like threat protection and split tunneling. On the other hand, iOS users have access to ‘On Demand’ connections, making the VPN software auto-connect in pre-determined cases, such as unknown Wi-Fi. Besides these two differences, both apps share the same functionalities.
For complete device support, IPVanish can also be configured to run on Linux Ubuntu, Chromebook, Amazon Fire TV, and even routers using DD-WRT or Tomato. This compatibility makes it possible to reach extra platforms like game consoles, smart TVs, and other devices that don’t support VPNs directly. Opting for router protection also eliminates the need for simultaneous connections through the same account.
| Lowest price | $2.19/mo |
| Free trial | 7 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 Day(s) |
| Free version |
The pricing of IPVanish is as simple as it is competitive. The service offers three different options: a monthly, yearly, and 2-year plan.
The most affordable plan is Essential billed every two years. It costs only $2.19 per month, which translates to 83% off the $12.99 monthly plan. It includes all the essentials to navigate the internet securely.
Alternatively, for accessing IPVanish's additional features, such as cloud backup, secure browser, and file syncing, users can subscribe to the Advanced plan for as little as $3.29, billed biennially. Payment methods include most credit and debit cards, as well as alternatives like PayPal and Google Pay.
IPVanish offers mobile users a 7-day free trial with full access to the VPN service. This is a viable option for those who enjoy exploring a service before committing to a paid subscription. Besides the free trial, all plans (except the monthly one) come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This way, users are able to fully test out the service without any risk, as unfortunately, there are no free versions of the program.
| 24/7 | |
| Live chat | |
| Phone |
Along with the FAQ pages available in a number of different languages, the step-by-step tutorials are likely to answer the most basic questions relating to setting up the software. Online technical support is available 24/7 via live chat and a contact form that ensures email responses within a few hours.
The online community is mostly happy with the company’s customer support quality, confirmed by its overwhelmingly positive feedback.
There are also support forums and the company’s social media pages, through which direct or community-based assistance is provided.
IPVanish goes beyond what’s asked of a VPN provider. The fact that the company has nearly full control over every single aspect of its VPN service is just one of the many reasons why it’s earned such a respectable reputation in the industry.
Its comprehensive server network is arguably the biggest selling point, but IPVanish also boasts outstanding speed performance that combines a zero-logs policy and multiplatform support with a simple and customizable client.
Although the free trial is only available for mobile users and there isn’t a free version, there’s little else to criticize. Even this is easy to overlook considering the competitive pricing and special discounts offered by the company.
Yes, IPVanish can be trusted. It has a no-logs policy, owns its entire server infrastructure, and offers recurrent transparency reports to compensate for being based in the U.S., which is seen as a downside considering surveillance alliances.
Yes, IPVanish can be used on unlimited devices simultaneously.
Yes, IPVanish is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, with less than 20% performance loss.
The Best Reviews team researches and tests all products first-hand. We've been reviewing products and services since 2012 and are proud to only publish human-created content.
February 2017
IPV has been a steady ride for me watching NFL live streams and securing my P2P. In public Wifi networks I haven’t experienced any blockings of the VPN whatsoever, using the best available server has always served me well so far. Stunning to see they have a server in Kyrgyzstan of all places.
Price is ok for me: they provide good value for money. May try getting a cheaper one in the future to see if it’s worth switching.
September 2015
I signed up for a annual contract that was on special offer and planned on using their service for downloading from usenet. The reviews said that they have very good speeds and were able to saturate my cable connection (120 Mbit/s).
At home I have a dedicated NAS and downloading machine that is able to download at the full 120 MBit/s and, thanks to the AES-IN instructionset, is even able to handle up to 2240 MBit/s with OpenSSL.
Unfortunately, after connecting to their VPN my speeds dropped to about 48 MBit/s. I tried multiple servers located nearby (30 kms from home), but the speed never got above 48 MBit/s.
After some thorough investigation I contacted the customer support with my issue and supplied them with plenty of information and specifics. Their response was really quick but clearly very scripted and didn’t help at all. All of the suggestions I had already tried and this should have been obvious had they taken the time to read my message.
I quickly replied and supplied them with more (of the same) info and they responded quickly again with more or less the same suggestions. Another reply from me, followed by another (quick!) response from them with again more or less the same (scripted) suggestions.
So… probably a good service, but if you are an advanced user you better not need their customer service. They have lost my money. I will find another VPN service that maybe does not respond as quickly, but maybe they actually read my message and help me properly.
April 2015
Enjoying US Netflix from my living room TV through my setup with IPvanish. Speeds from their machines in the US are superb, very little delays and overall great for streaming movies, series. Well worth the $6 a month if you can get tons more extra titles to choose from with Netflix….
April 2015
Proxy IP given are not in the right country for some server. Enquired with no response from them despite getting good rating for customer support. Checked their forum and found out a lot of users are having the same issue and poor service from them too.
March 2015
For your info
I use ipVanish and the software “Malwarebytes” found few ips used by ipVanish as Malicious website:
ip=”93.114.45.136″
ip=”176.103.48.42″
ip=”178.89.191.58″
February 2015
Hands down best VPN I tried to get BBC iPlayer and some other websites I’m subscribed to working when I’m abroad. Good user experience on all apps and their website itself, stable connections and all the main settings within reach to quickly customise things as you switch between apps/sites/emailing/…
February 2015
This review is specific to users in China. I’ve been using IPVanish for the past 18 months in China and it’s been spotty at best. With China’s recent January 2015 attempt to block VPNs, IPVanish has been unable to get past China’s firewall. I recently purchased a smaller VPN service that’s been much faster and more reliable than IPVanish ever was. If you’re headed to China for any reason, please stay far away from IPVanish.
January 2015
We’re paying the seven bucks or so that this service costs on a monthly basis with a smile. Personally I keep IPVanish on all the time while I’m browsing – whether it’s to use Facebook or get emailing done. I never thought I’d care so much about what others could find out about what I do on the web, but the things we read in the news everyday got me convinced to us something like this. 🙂
September 2014
After one year of being on this VPN network provider, I can certainly say I’m happy with IPvanish. They are as they say a “tier one provider”, which I believe makes a big difference with other companies in this space. I’ve been on other networks before and this one is just much faster.
They’ve added quite a few new country servers in the last few months and there were a number of other new options I’m happy with (iOS app updates were much welcomed).
January 2014
VPN services is very reliable and someone you can trust. I have been going through them for awhile now and I had nothing but great service the entire time I had them. I have told all my friends and family about this and they are getting ready too get connected themselves keep up the good work and I hope too see everyone using this !!!
December 2013
Plenty of fast IPs to choose from along with a big diversity of countries, IPvanish is definitely doing the trick for me and gives me ease of mind when browsing the web. I’m always putting it on whenever I’m checking my Facebook, doing some emailing,… It’s really easy to set up and is installed in a breeze…
November 2013
I tried a host of other VPN/proxy solutions and made the call to go with Ipvanish. Their Windows client does the trick just fine and they continue adding new IPs to use, which I think is a big one since I want my traffic to be spread over as many IPs as possible….. That I think is the best way to stay safe online kids 🙂
October 2013
Quality service with decent prices, works well on both my Mac and PC with good coverage around the world. Managed to play games at proper speeds, recommend it for serious gaming!
August 2013
I love how and easy and fast connecting to IPVanish is! I just stay connected whenever on the internet, maybe switching servers once or twice a day (some vpn providers dont even let you switch between servers!). Anyways, I can access Hulu now even though it is blocked by the country I just moved to. Learning just how many things I took for granted in America…
Well theyre a great vpn and deserving of my good review (and money).
June 2013
Good connection speed.
June 2013
The whole story of the NSA spying on us got me thinking about using new tools and software to protect what is still dear to me; privacy. I’m not willing to compromise on my freedom and want to be able to go into a coffee shop and surf the web carefree, without having to worry about someone looking over my shoulder. If the government can’t guarantee my freedom and privacy, I’ll be happy to look after it myself.
I discovered IPVanish through this site a week ago and decided to immediately go for their $6.49 per month plan. I’ve been testing it since and am now realizing I should have been using a VPN a long time ago.
June 2013
I was already using IPvanish on my PC using the Windows client, but so far wasn’t using my account on mobile yet. I now have their Android app on my Samsung Galaxy s3 and am happy to use it on my phone as well. My impression is that connections aren’t always very fast using a VPN on mobile, but the security benefits are definitely worth it.
June 2013
Fast servers, the EU ones that I use are great. Be sure to use their ‘A’ servers. You can choose them right in the software client
March 2013
Overall, the service has been reliable. My throughput speeds have been fast and steady with no buffering.
February 2013
Ipvanish seemed like the perfect Vpn for me because of their big focus on privacy protection. I mainly use mine just to browse the web without being plagued by ads or having to worry about any security whatsoever (don’t forget a virus scanner).
Their connections are fast overall, OpenVPN works well with it and their new Mac client is solid and runs smooth. Ipvanish gets a nice 4/5 from my part!!
January 2013
Overall this has been a reliable service for me. I use it daily and push all of my internet traffic through my ipvanish connection. The client is easy and lets you pick an ip address from a lot of different cities in a lot of countries which is cool. Service has been fast, so i’m not seeing any buffering when i’m watching vids. I’ll probably check out some others, but this one has been good.
October 2012
Overall this has been a reliable service for me. I use it daily and push all of my internet traffic through my ipvanish connection. The client is easy and lets you pick an ip address from a lot of different cities in a lot of countries which is cool. Service has been fast, so i’m not seeing any buffering when i’m watching vids. I’ll probably check out some others, but this one has been good.
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