IPVanish distinguishes itself in the crowded VPN market by owning and operating its own server network, a rarity in the industry. The US-based company champions this infrastructure as key to its “top-tier VPN service” claim. This review dives deep into IPVanish’s features, performance, and security to determine if it truly lives up to this assertion.
IPVanish: Key Features at a Glance
- P2P allowed: Yes
- Unlimited device connections: Yes
- Business location: United States
- Number of servers: 2,200+
- Number of country locations: 75+
- Cost: $12.99 per month, $33.48 for 1 year, or $52.56 for a 2-year subscription
Exploring IPVanish’s Features and Services
IPVanish Connection Screen
IPVanish presents a clean, dark-mode interface. The main dashboard displays a world map with server locations alongside essential connection details like server location, IP address, connection status, protocol used, and data usage. While visually simple, the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Recent updates have addressed previous lag issues, making the experience smooth and responsive.
Server Network and Performance
IPVanish Server Load Information
IPVanish boasts over 2,200 servers across 75+ countries, a significant improvement from previous years. The “Locations” tab provides detailed server information, including ping, load, and server count per location. A filtering feature allows users to quickly find servers with the lowest ping or load, a valuable tool for optimizing connection performance.
App Support and Additional Features
IPVanish supports all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Linux, and others), aligning with top VPN providers. Recent improvements include broader kill-switch support for mobile apps and split tunneling for Windows, allowing users to control which applications use the VPN connection.
IPVanish Split Tunneling
While lacking a browser extension, IPVanish offers an in-browser SOCKS5 proxy for rerouting traffic (though not encrypted like a VPN). An automatic kill switch disconnects internet access if the VPN connection drops. Future feature additions like multi-hop connections and IP rotation would further enhance the service.
IPVanish includes the VIPRE antivirus program, but standalone antivirus software is recommended for more comprehensive protection. Customer support is robust, featuring in-app support contact, 24/7 live chat, and a daily call center. The app supports multiple languages.
Pricing and Plans
IPVanish offers monthly, annual, and biennial plans. The monthly plan at $12.99 is pricier compared to competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, especially considering their additional features. The annual plan ($33.48, or $2.79/month for the first year) and biennial plan ($52.56, or $2.19/month for the first two years) offer better value. A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS, while a 30-day money-back guarantee applies to yearly and biennial plans across all operating systems.
Performance and Speed
IPVanish performed well in speed tests, averaging 60% of base download speed and 58% of base upload speed, placing it among the top 10 fastest VPNs. This speed should suffice for high-resolution streaming and online gaming. Streaming performance is generally good, with successful unblocking of Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. Occasional issues with Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max were encountered.
Security and Privacy
IPVanish Privacy Policy
Despite being US-based, IPVanish asserts a no-logs policy. A 2022 third-party audit by Leviathan Security Group validated this claim, reinforcing user trust. IPVanish supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols, along with customizable port options for OpenVPN. AES 256-bit encryption secures data. The Windows client includes IPv6 and DNS leak protection, confirmed by testing.
IPVanish VPN Protocols
Conclusion: Is IPVanish Worth It?
IPVanish offers a compelling VPN service with solid speeds, a good server network, and a user-friendly app. Its commitment to privacy, backed by a third-party audit, is commendable. While the monthly price is high, the annual and biennial plans offer competitive value. With the addition of a few more features, IPVanish has the potential to become a leading VPN provider.
