IPVanish is a well-known VPN service that has been in the market since 2012. It offers a range of features aimed at providing users with online privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of IPVanish to determine its effectiveness and suitability for different user needs.
What is IPVanish?
IPVanish is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that allows users to create a secure and encrypted connection over the internet. This helps in protecting personal data, maintaining privacy, and accessing geo-restricted content. IPVanish is based in the United States and is owned by Ziff Davis, a digital media company.
Key Features of IPVanish
1. No-Logs Policy
IPVanish claims to have a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record or store any user activity data. This policy has been independently audited and verified by Leviathan Security Group, confirming that IPVanish does not collect traffic destination, content, IP addresses, connection timestamps, or DNS inquiries.
2. Strong Encryption and Protocols
The service uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered the industry standard for securing data. It supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard. WireGuard, in particular, is known for its high performance and modern cryptographic techniques.
3. Threat Protection
In March 2024, IPVanish integrated VIPRE Advanced Security into its Threat Protection feature across all its apps. This feature blocks tracking scripts, third-party cookies, and access to malicious sites, enhancing user privacy and security. VIPRE’s malware protection has been independently confirmed as among the best on the market.
4. Server Network
As of 2025, IPVanish offers over 2,400 servers in more than 75 locations worldwide. This extensive network enables users to connect to servers in different countries, effectively bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing region-specific content.
5. Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
One of the standout features of IPVanish is its support for unlimited simultaneous connections. This means users can protect all their devices under a single subscription without any limitations.
6. User-Friendly Interface
IPVanish offers applications for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. The interface is designed to be intuitive, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
Performance and Speed
Speed is a critical factor when choosing a VPN, and IPVanish delivers impressive performance. Recent speed tests have demonstrated IPVanish’s ability to maintain high-speed connections across various global servers. For instance, when connected to a 100 Mbps internet connection, users have experienced download speeds ranging from 63 Mbps to 75 Mbps, depending on the server location. These results indicate that IPVanish maintains high-speed connections suitable for activities like streaming, gaming, and large file downloads.
Streaming and Torrenting
IPVanish is effective for streaming, with the ability to unblock platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and Disney+. Its high-speed servers ensure smooth streaming experiences without buffering. Additionally, IPVanish supports torrenting and offers a SOCKS5 proxy, which is beneficial for users who engage in peer-to-peer file sharing.
Security Features
1. Kill Switch
IPVanish includes a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This prevents your real IP address and data from being exposed. The kill switch is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
2. Split Tunneling
The service offers split tunneling, allowing users to route specific applications or websites through the VPN while others access the internet directly. This feature provides flexibility, enabling you to protect sensitive activities while maintaining optimal performance for other tasks.
3. DNS Leak Protection
IPVanish operates its own DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks, ensuring that your browsing activities remain private and are not exposed to your internet service provider.
Privacy Considerations
While IPVanish has a verified no-logs policy, it’s important to note that the company is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This means that, under certain circumstances, IPVanish could be legally compelled to comply with data requests from government agencies. However, since the company does not store user activity data, there would be no substantial information to share.
It’s also worth mentioning that in 2016, there was an incident where IPVanish allegedly provided logs to U.S. authorities, contradicting their initial claim of not keeping logs. Since changing ownership in 2017, IPVanish has reinforced its commitment to no logging and underwent an independent audit to verify this policy.
Customer Support
IPVanish offers 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and a comprehensive help section. This ensures that users can receive assistance whenever needed, enhancing the overall user experience.
Pricing
IPVanish provides competitive pricing, with plans starting from $2.19 per month. However, it’s important to note that after the initial subscription period, renewal prices can significantly increase. Here’s a quick overview of IPVanish’s pricing:
- Monthly Plan: Around $11.99/month
- Yearly Plan: Starts at $2.19/month (billed annually at $26.49), then renews at a higher rate
- 2-Year Plan: Occasionally available with promotional offers
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service risk-free.
Pros and Cons of IPVanish
Pros
- Verified No-Logs Policy
IPVanish has been independently audited to confirm it does not log user activity. - Strong Security
With AES-256 encryption and modern protocols like WireGuard, IPVanish provides excellent security. - Unlimited Devices
You can use IPVanish on as many devices as you want, making it ideal for families or tech-heavy users. - Good Streaming Support
It can unblock major platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. - Advanced Features
Threat Protection, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and DNS leak protection give you full control over your online safety. - Fast Speeds
Consistent and fast connections make it suitable for streaming, gaming, and browsing. - 24/7 Customer Support
You can get help anytime through live chat or email.
Cons
- Based in the US
As part of the Five Eyes alliance, the U.S. jurisdiction may concern privacy-focused users. - Price Hike on Renewal
Introductory pricing is attractive, but it increases after the first billing period. - Past Logging Incident
While no longer relevant due to new ownership and audits, IPVanish was once involved in a logging controversy.
Who Should Use IPVanish?
IPVanish is ideal for:
- Casual and power users who want strong privacy and security on multiple devices
- Streamers who need fast speeds and access to international content
- Remote workers and travelers who require secure internet access from public Wi-Fi or unfamiliar networks
- Torrent users who need support for P2P and SOCKS5 proxy
However, if you are extremely privacy-sensitive and want to avoid any ties to U.S. jurisdiction, you might consider other VPNs based in more privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland or Panama.
Conclusion
Yes, IPVanish is a good VPN—especially for users who value speed, device flexibility, and advanced features like threat protection and unlimited simultaneous connections.
It has improved significantly in recent years, with a verified no-logs policy, modern encryption, and a user-friendly experience. While its location in the U.S. may be a concern for some, its strong encryption and audited privacy practices provide a good level of reassurance.
