IPVanish Reviews
Pros
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Unlimited devices
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No-log policy
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24/7 support
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Reliable security tools
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Competitive pricing
Cons
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No desktop free trial
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Based in the U.S
IPVanish made a strong entrance as a VPN service provider in 2012, long before VPNs became so common, and it’s been further improving its service ever since. Fundamentally, this solution specializes in providing customers with secure and encrypted internet connections across all devices.
Offering customers an impressive 2,200 servers worldwide to choose from, IPVanish is both comprehensive and reliable. It’s also one of the few VPN providers that manage a big portion of its infrastructure in-house, owning 80% of its servers and only using self-developed software for its service. This reduces the company’s reliance on third parties, making it an even more trustworthy option.
As one of the strongest VPNs on the market, IPVanish also boasts a vast range of features that not only provide faster speeds but also permit a custom encryption level and all other elements of a VPN connection. With prices starting as low as $2.99 per month, users certainly get a lot for their money.
Up to 76% off IPVanish
Opt for a 2-year plan and save 76% on IPVanish, translating into only $2.99 per month.
Save Up to 76% on IPVanish
Features
Features
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 – even including public Wi-Fi networks, for instance – thanks to the full arsenal of security features it provides.
Along with pretty much every function of the VPN client, these different elements are easily configurable and editable, ensuring that all customers can adapt their VPN to their own individual needs.
Bulletproof VPN service
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 the users’ private data.
IPVanish, on the other hand, prides itself on owning around 80% of its entire server network. This means that IPVanish has almost full control over every aspect of its VPN service. Also, since it’s the majority party involved in establishing secure connections and handling customer details, it’s one of the few companies that can truly be trusted.
Fastest Available
Servers
The VPN client reflects this particular aspect, showing the load and ping times next to each server in the expanded server list, for instance. Also, the ‘Fastest Available’ feature automatically picks the best server and city depending on users’ physical location while it still saves preferences filtered by country, response time, and protocol used.
Security investments
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 behavior of the tool. Within IPVanish’s settings tab, it’s possible to alter the choice of protocol for a faster or more secure connection, choose to let the tool automatically reconnect – which is great when used alongside the kill switch – enable LAN traffic blocking or DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and much more.
Settings
Kill Switch
VPN network
VPN network
Countries
US, UK, DE, AU, CA, FR, ES, SE, BR…
# countries
130+
# servers
2,400+
# IPs
40,000+
IPVanish has servers in more than 75 different countries across the globe, including some rarely seen locations like Hong Kong, South Korea, and Dubai. This means a high-speed connection is available nearly anywhere in the world. However, the actual speed is always dependent on each country’s own internet quality, distance to the servers, the protocol, speeds provided by ISPs, and other factors that IPVanish cannot control.
What it can control, though, is the number of servers available. The fact that many countries have multiple servers used exclusively for its VPN network, makes this an incredibly fast service, especially if using ‘Fastest Available’.
IPVanish also allows P2P torrent traffic via a normal VPN connection or the restricted and secure SOCKS5 proxy server that can be configured by you, and supports clients like uTorrent, Vuze, and Deluge.
Tests were conducted from Europe using different servers and protocols, which produced positive results. The Austrian and Netherlands servers – both using OpenVPN – were impressive, which isn’t surprising considering the proximity and both countries’ internet quality.
Austria
Netherlands
Brazil
South Africa
The other two protocols were tested in Brazil and South Africa. Both were reliable, but the WireGuard connection in South African servers truly shined, reaching a higher speed than other European destinations, confirming the high-speed efficiency of the protocol. Lastly, the IKEv2 connection to the Brazilian server was the slowest. However, considering the geographical distance and strong defensive protocol used, this is understandable.
When it comes to DNS and IP leaks, IPVanish presented no issues, proving that the connections are trustworthy, accurate, and 100% safe.
Privacy protection
Privacy protection
SSL
OpenVPN
PPTP
L2TP
SSTP
IPSec
Show all
IPVanish supports three main protocols – WireGuard, IKEv2, 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. IKEv2, however, is best for unstable Wi-Fi networks on both mobile and desktop versions. Additionally, it’s possible to change the ports on OpenVPN connections, as well as toggle the option for traffic obfuscation.
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. Likewise, a third-party DNS can be used while still being connected to IPVanish, although this isn’t recommended. Ultimately, it’s the full package when it comes to maintaining personal privacy.
Connection
Protocols
Most importantly, the company rightfully claims to have a truly zero-log policy. Still, IPVanish is based in the U.S and is under the Five Eyes Alliance, already having some controversies in the past concerning this. However, ever since the company was acquired by StackPath, no other problem relating to this has emerged.
OS, device support
Platform support
Web app
Mobile optimized
macOS
Linux
Android
Windows
iOS
Show all
Other devices
Xbox One
PlayStation
Apple TV
Chromebook
DD-WRT
Tomato
Show all
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 is supreme in this field too, since its software works on Windows 7 or higher and Macs with macOS 10.13 and later.
Android and iOS haven’t been left out either, with free applications that provide the same smooth user interface and experience as the desktop clients. These VPN apps work well in conjunction with Skype and other VoIP apps, allowing for lower costs on calls via these services.
Although the mobile versions of IPVanish are very similar to each other, they do have some differences. For Android users, there’s a Split Tunneling tool, which gives users full control of their VPN setup by letting them choose which apps the VPN doesn’t go through. On the other hand, iOS users have access to ‘On Demand’, 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.
Mobile interface
Mobile server
Mobile settings
Yet 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 to reach extra platforms like games 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.
Pricing
The pricing of IPVanish is as simple as it is competitive. The service offers three different options: a monthly, a yearly, and a 2-year plan.
The most affordable option is without a doubt the 2-year plan. It costs only $2.99 per month, which translates to 76% off the $12.99 monthly plan. The yearly plan is billed at $3.49 per month, which is still a good 73% discount. Payment methods include most credit and debit cards, as well as alternatives like PayPal and Google Pay.
2,200+ servers
Unlimited devices
No-log policy
WireGuard
DNS & IPv6 leak protection
Split tunnelling
LAN traffic blocking
2,200+ servers
Unlimited devices
No-log policy
WireGuard
DNS & IPv6 leak protection
Split tunnelling
LAN traffic blocking
2,200+ servers
Unlimited devices
No-log policy
WireGuard
DNS & IPv6 leak protection
Split tunnelling
LAN traffic blocking
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. It’s worth mentioning, though, that accounts created in the iOS app don’t have access to the 30-day money-back guarantee.
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.
Payment options
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
PayPal
Wire transfer
Check
Cryptocurrency
Show all
Customer service
Customer support
24/7
Live chat
Email
Phone
Community
FAQs
Video tutorials
Remote desktop
Blog
Facebook
Instagram
X
YouTube
Show all
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. Still, online technical support is available 24/7 throughout the year via various channels, such as phone lines, a contact form that ensures email responses within a few hours, and live chat.
There are also support forums and the company’s social media pages, through which direct or community-based assistance is provided. IPVanish further shows how much it values community with its blog that features many interesting articles related to cyber protection, speed tests, privacy checks, and password generation tools.
Support
Help center
Bottom line
IPVanish delivers everything asked of a VPN provider and more. 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 often the biggest seller, but it’s worthless without proper protection and fast speeds. IPVanish excels in these areas while adding more security features and extensive support for all kinds of devices, bundled in with a simple and customizable client.
The service itself works exceptionally well, demonstrating impressively consistent test results and operating a zero-log policy. Although the free trial is only available for mobile users, there’s little else to criticize. Moreover, even this is easy to overlook considering the competitive pricing and special discounts constantly offered by the company.
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Daniel C.
Sander D.
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.
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.
I started my subscription on the one year plan for $58.39. It was promised this rate for 3 billing cycles. Go online and check, it is there. In my second one year billing cycle I was charged $74.99. I am also unable to connect to the 3 airports I have been to. They have safeguards against use of VPN in those airports, they will not allow it. I assume all airports are like this for national security. It will not be long in that case to buy cheap software that blocked VPN. I can see internet providers doing this or already do. They can also slow your connection to a crawl if you use a VPN. They know when you use it. That could be the slow speeds some talk about but not others. You could use a smart phone on cellular but they could also slow you or not let you connect also. I love IP Vanish but it’s use is getting less and less and the price going up.
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….
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.
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″
I have IPvanish and have contacted the customer support team twice with positive results. However, Ive just installed Malwarebytes and get exactly the same warnings
Update: this is my reply from customer care:
Hello,
Thank you for the information you provided. Please be assured that all of our servers does not contain any malicious codes or what not. What you received from Malware Bytes is a false positive.
A false positive is an error in some evaluation process in which a condition tested for is mistakenly found to have been detected. In spam filters, for example, a false positive is a legitimate message mistakenly marked as UBE –unsolicited bulk email, as junk email is more formally known.
Regards,
Ken
IPVanish Support
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/…
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.
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. 🙂
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).
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 !!!
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…
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 🙂
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!
Hi, are you gaming on PC or MAC then? I game on xbox one and am concerned if I’ll have the fast connection I need….
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).
Good connection speed.
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.
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.
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
Overall, the service has been reliable. My throughput speeds have been fast and steady with no buffering.
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!!
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.
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.