Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Geographically diverse servers
• Unlimited connections
• Free SOCKS5 proxy
• No-logs policy
• Strong encryption
• Customizable kill-switch
• Fast speeds

Cons

• Price increases after a year
• Doesn’t work in China

Is IPVanish safe?

IPVanish is a VPN that provides secure browsing by employing robust military-grade encryption and essential security features such as IPVanish Threat Protection. Users are protected against DNS or IP leaks, ensuring their online privacy and security. However, the provider’s past has some black spots that raise concerns about their commitment to privacy. Despite this, IPVanish remains a reliable option for those looking for a VPN service with top-notch security features. It is important to conduct thorough research and weigh the pros and cons before selecting any VPN service to ensure it aligns with your privacy needs and concerns.

Encryption

IPVanish employs 256-bit AES encryption in combination with ChaCha20 using WireGuard. AES-256, originally known as Rijndael, is widely recognized as a highly secure method of data encryption, making it a popular choice for government and financial institutions due to its resistance to brute-force attacks by hackers. Account authentication is secured through SHA-512 hash functions, which convert login information into hashes. Given that each hash is 512 bits in size, replicating it would require a significant amount of time, ensuring the safety of your data.

IPVanish’s authentication methods also embrace perfect forward secrecy, which entails a constant change in some part of their encryption system. Therefore, the encryption keys utilized by the VPN an hour ago are slightly different from the ones in use now, enhancing security in the event of a data breach.

Tunneling protocols

IPVanish has a wide variety of available tunneling protocols. You can choose from:

WireGuard is a modern communication protocol known for its high speed, robust security, and ease of deployment. It is integrated into all IPVanish clients as the default tunneling protocol. OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) is an open-source protocol that also offers strong security and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android. IPVanish offers a good range of tunneling protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, among which WireGuard and OpenVPN are the top choices.

Kill switch

IPVanish includes a kill switch that stops your internet connection if the link to a VPN server is disrupted. This feature is exclusively offered with the OpenVPN protocol. Additionally, you have the option to utilize the Block LAN Traffic feature to block all local network traffic, which can be beneficial for public Wi-Fi connections. Conversely, you can configure it to block other local network interfaces while connected to the VPN, which can assist in preventing data leakage during torrent file downloads.

IPVanish recently launched a dedicated Kill Switch app for Amazon Fire TV. This is particularly beneficial for devices that do not have split tunneling and network kill switches. You will require an active IPVanish subscription and app to utilize this feature. Our testing revealed that disabling the app did not disrupt the connection to the VPN server with IKEv2, but it did interrupt the connection with OpenVPN. Therefore, even if you inadvertently close the app, you will still be connected using IKEv2, but not with OpenVPN.

The kill switch was activated when the OpenVPN process was disabled. The application attempted to re-establish the connection without providing any notification. This demonstrates that the kill switch functions as promised, offering support in case of a connection failure during sensitive activities.

Logging

IPVanish is based in the United States, where the NSA has access to the country’s data lines. The US government is a founding member of the Five Eyes alliance. Nevertheless, IPVanish assures in its privacy policy that it will handle your data with the highest level of respect. The company states that it does not log or sell your data or information about your online activities, and it only gathers your email address and billing details.

The company acknowledges using tracking cookies, which may not seem significant given their privacy-conscious customer base, but this reflects negatively on IPVanish. Additionally, IPVanish has a history of privacy scandals, including collaborating with the FBI to provide sensitive user information, raising doubts about its privacy assurances. However, an independent audit by the Leviathan Security Group has confirmed that IPVanish does not gather user activity or traffic logs.

How much does IPVanish VPN Cost?

IPVanish provides three distinct options: a monthly plan at $12.99/month, an annual plan at $3.59/month, and a two-year plan at $2.99/month.

IPVanish Pricing and Plans

IPVanish is a VPN service provider that offers an array of features at an affordable price. However, it’s important to note that the initial discount is only applicable for the first month, year or second year, depending on your chosen plan. Afterward, pricing increases. That being said, opting for a yearly subscription with the SugarSync bundle can be a cost-effective solution for those in need of encrypted storage. For more information about this bundle, you can directly contact IPVanish.

The 30-day money-back guarantee from IPVanish is applicable only to their annual plans. If you opt for a monthly plan, you won’t be eligible for a refund, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for an IPVanish free trial. All plans allow unlimited simultaneous connections, giving you complete flexibility in the number of devices you can connect with the VPN. Accepted payment methods include credit cards, PayPal, and Google Pay, but cryptocurrencies are not supported for payment. In case the prices for IPVanish seem high, we may have a solution. Visit our page for IPVanish coupons to find out if there are any available deals for you.

Can you get IPVanish VPN for free?

If you want to try out IPVanish’s premium features, you can do so by taking advantage of their 7-day free trial. The trial is available for iOS and Android devices and gives users access to all the premium features. To activate the free trial, download the IPVanish mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play Store. You will need to confirm your account and authorize your subscription through the mobile app store.In addition to the free trial, IPVanish also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that if you’re not satisfied with the service during this time period, you can get a full refund. If you combine both deals, you can enjoy up to 37 days of free premium IPVanish VPN. This gives you plenty of time to test out all of the features and decide whether or not IPVanish is right for you.

Is IPVanish good for streaming?

IPVanish has the ability to bypass restrictions on certain popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube TV, but it may encounter difficulties with others such as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

IPVanish lacks dedicated servers for streaming, so you will have to use the general servers, which may be frustrating as they may not bypass important streaming sites. For streaming, we suggest considering other top providers such as NordVPN or Surfshark. Overall, if you enjoy binge-watching TV series, IPVanish may not be the ideal choice. Check out our list of the best VPNs for streaming to find a better solution.

Unblocking Netflix with IPVanish

IPVanish is a reliable VPN service that enables you to bypass Netflix geo-restrictions. It allows you to access Netflix US, UK, and India without any buffering or freezing interruptions. Therefore, it can be concluded that IPVanish is an efficient VPN service for streaming Netflix content from different regions worldwide.

While IPVanish offers reliable VPN services, it falls short in unblocking most of the European Netflix libraries. With only a few exceptions, users may not be able to access European Netflix content with this VPN. If accessing European Netflix is a priority, then it is recommended to explore other VPN options that are known for their ability to unblock such content. Our best VPN for Netflix list can guide you in choosing the right VPN service that meets your needs.

How To Unblock BBC iPlayer with IPVanish

Unblocking BBC iPlayer can be a tricky process, and even if you manage to unblock the content, the quality may not be up to par, and buffering issues may arise. In such scenarios, it is advisable to seek out other VPNs that can offer better streaming services for BBC iPlayer. Several VPNs are available in the market that can provide efficient access to geo-restricted content with minimal buffering or lag. It’s essential to choose a VPN that prioritizes speed and has servers located in the region where you want to access the content. Additionally, opting for a VPN with top-notch security features can ensure your browsing activities remain private and secure while accessing restricted content.

What other streaming platforms does IPVanish unblock?

We selected multiple major websites to evaluate IPVanish’s performance, but the outcome was not as impressive as desired. IPVanish successfully unblocked four streaming platforms, including Netflix (US, UK, India libraries), Max, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer. However, it was unable to bypass the restrictions of Hulu, as the VPN was detected by the streaming provider’s filters, resulting in an error and preventing access to the site.

Does IPVanish work with streaming boxes?

Certainly! You have the option to configure IPVanish on streaming boxes like Kodi box, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Roku. For Kodi box, you can obtain the .apk file from their website and then proceed with the installation on the device. IPVanish simplifies the process of unblocking specific content libraries. As for the Amazon Fire TV Stick, you will require Amazon Fire TV, Amazon 2nd Generation, or a later Fire Stick to install the VPN service and gain access to content.

Roku can function with the help of extra equipment, as it cannot directly connect to IPVanish on its own. A DD-WRT or Tomato router can be used to connect your Roku. In general, IPVanish appears to be a good choice for streaming. It is suitable for Netflix and YouTube TV, but may have difficulty unblocking more specialized streaming sites. This is unfortunate considering that IPVanish has apps for Fire TV, Fire Stick, and Fire Cube, which enhances the streaming experience.

IPVanish VPN servers & locations

IPVanish operates over 2200 servers across 52 countries. The VPN regularly expands its server locations to enhance its services for users. Crucially, the company owns all these servers, which can enhance the security of the servers. IPVanish has the largest number of servers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania among the six contents.

Selecting a server and location on IPVanish’s application is a simple and convenient process. Here’s a guide on how to do it:

• Option 1. Access the map, locate the country of choice, and double-click on the gray button to initiate an automatic connection to a server.
• Option 2. Access the server list to locate details about server cities, the quantity of servers, and then connect to your selected server.

Should you opt for IPVanish’s servers in Asia or Oceania, you might experience congestion if there’s a surge in user connections. On the other hand, users selecting North American or European servers can expect a smoother experience. It’s important to consider that your proximity to the VPN server will impact your connection speed.

Speed & performance is IPVanish fast?

Based on our tests, IPVanish demonstrates exceptional speeds when utilizing WireGuard, earning it a position in the top 3 of our list of fastest VPNs. Our findings indicate that the VPN delivers rapid download speeds, maintaining approximately 80% of its original performance in crucial locations. Additionally, depending on the server and your location, upload speeds can also be remarkably high.

When connecting to IPVanish using the OpenVPN tunneling protocol, you can experience reliable speeds, which are naturally influenced by your geographical location.

What is the IPVanish performance with other protocols

In addition to WireGuard and OpenVPN, IPVanish also provides support for additional tunneling protocols.

In our testing, the connection time for IKEv2 was notably shorter compared to OpenVPN. Download speeds were consistently higher and overall faster, but there was a significant drop in upload speeds in numerous cases. On average, download speeds decreased by 21%, while upload speeds saw a decrease of around 89%. Similar to OpenVPN, ping times were also higher than normal.

To gain a more comprehensive insight into IPVanish speeds, it is valuable to assess the performance of other VPNs. Let’s compare IPVanish’s outcomes using the WireGuard protocol against those of the leading VPN providers.

In general, IPVanish can compete head-to-head with the fastest VPN providers globally in terms of speed using the WireGuard tunneling protocol. If you need reliable performance, IPVanish is a recommended choice.

How to download IPVanish Online?

• Select the Download option and indicate the operating system on which you wish to install it.
• Please open the file you downloaded and then proceed to install the application by following the provided instructions.
• Access your account using your login details.
• Join your selected server and securely utilize this top-rated VPN for streaming, gaming, and torrenting!

Is IPVanish Safe & Good for Torrenting?

Indeed, IPVanish is considered reliable and secure for torrenting. Nevertheless, it would be inaccurate to label it as outstanding for torrenting. In reality, IPVanish does not heavily promote its P2P capabilities. The provider does not provide dedicated torrenting servers, requiring users to utilize the same server pool.

Overall, this issue is not significant as torrenting with IPVanish operates smoothly. In testing, the download speed reached 7-8MB/s (56-64mbps) when connected to all peers, slightly exceeding the average speeds we usually observe. Additionally, there is a free SOCKS5 proxy available, which is ideal for users who prioritize both speed and online security. For a comparison with other VPNs, refer to our top VPNs for torrenting guide to see how IPVanish stacks up.

IPVanish VPN Features Of Extensive Range

IPVanish is a VPN with a wide range of features that can meet most of your requirements. It offers encrypted storage, automatic connection capabilities, split tunneling, traffic obfuscation, and a SOCKS5 proxy, which is quite uncommon for VPNs.

SugarSync

When you subscribe to IPVanish, you have the option to access encrypted storage for an additional cost. This functions much like Dropbox or Google Drive, but the advantage is that it employs AES-256 encryption for security. Therefore, your stored files are safeguarded to the same extent as your VPN connection.

SugarSync allows storage of up to 500 GB and stands out for its ability to enable upload via email. This feature allows users to forward emails with attachments to a specific email address, instantly storing the attached files in the cloud. This is particularly useful for those using a secure email provider with limited inbox storage.

On Demand

IPVanish provides a way to automatically manage your connections using the On Demand feature. When activated, you will be connected to the VPN in specific situations. You have the option to set it to connect always, deactivate when using a particular Wi-Fi network, or activate when visiting specific websites.

When configured on your mobile device, you have the option to disable the VPN while at home and have it connect automatically in coffee shops or libraries. This eliminates the need to manually enable it, as the VPN operates in the background. It’s important to note that this functionality is exclusive to iOS.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling is a highly useful feature that comes with IPVanish, a VPN service provider. It allows users greater control over their VPN setup by enabling them to select which applications are permitted to connect to the internet while bypassing the VPN connection. This means that the selected apps will directly connect with your real IP address instead of going through an intermediary server. Split tunneling can be beneficial for online activities that require direct access to the internet, such as gaming or streaming services, without compromising your privacy and security provided by your VPN connection. Additionally, it can help reduce internet traffic and improve overall network performance by minimizing the load on the VPN server.

Utilizing split tunneling for local application versions is a logical choice. This allows you to access services from nearby providers instead of those located on a different continent. Additionally, it can effectively enhance the performance of Netflix. Furthermore, it reduces the likelihood of security alerts being triggered by your banking application due to foreign IPs, which are often associated with potential scams. Unfortunately, this feature is exclusively accessible to Android users.

SOCKS5 Proxy

Each IPVanish subscription includes a complimentary SOCKS5 proxy, an unencrypted middle server that conceals your IP address. This makes it a popular choice for torrent users seeking anonymity while downloading. Numerous torrent clients can be readily set up to utilize the SOCKS5 proxy, effectively concealing your actual IP address.

It is important to mention that the main advantage of hiding the IP address is the only benefit of using SOCKS. However, SOCKS does not secure your data. A nosy ISP can observe your online activities. Its main purpose is to reduce the likelihood of your IP address being added to a dubious list. Additionally, for users who are knowledgeable about technology, the terms of service for IPVanish do not forbid the use of SOCKS5 for scraping. This implies that if you intend to scrape websites for data, you can potentially utilize IPVanish without facing consequences.

Traffic Obfuscation

IPVanish does not heavily promote the presence of traffic obfuscation, which is another valuable feature. The OpenVPN protocol includes the XOR cipher to help bypass networks that block VPN usage. While the initial encryption layer protects your traffic, it can still reveal patterns specific to OpenVPN usage. By using XOR, OpenVPN’s traffic no longer exhibits typical VPN characteristics as it undergoes scrambling.

It might appear unimportant, but it’s worth noting that certain governments have put in place firewalls equipped with deep-packet inspection. These firewalls are designed to prohibit the use of VPNs. Therefore, by using obfuscation, you can partially evade their restrictions.

User Friendly Interface & Ease of use

The IPVanish VPN apps are user-friendly and well-designed, but they are best suited for advanced users due to the wide range of features, advanced settings, and detailed connection statistics they offer. Dedicated applications are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS users, while Linux users must utilize the Command Line Interface.

Windows

As a Windows user using IPVanish, you have access to multiple tabs such as Home, Locations, Settings, Info, and Account. By navigating these tabs, you can easily adjust your settings or connect to a different server. You can switch the server list from a list view to a map view, providing added convenience. Additionally, there is a filter based on server proximity and latency. Furthermore, you can add servers to a Favorite list, which is prominently displayed at the top of the country list.

When it comes to kill switches, Windows offers a more customizable option compared to macOS. This means that in addition to blocking internet access, the Windows kill switch can also block local area network access. With this added feature, users have more control over their privacy and security when using Windows devices. However, it’s important to note that proper configuration of the kill switch is crucial to ensure maximum protection.

MacOS

The macOS version of IPVanish VPN is packed with impressive features, including a kill switch, IPSec encryption, auto-reconnect, obfuscation toggle, and on-demand rules. Compared to the Windows app, the macOS version may be less customizable. However, this does not affect the overall user experience. The interface remains user-friendly and customizable enough to optimize performance. Additionally, IPVanish offers a VPN app for Apple TV that can be easily downloaded from the App Store. With its advanced security features and ease of use across different platforms, IPVanish is an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable and secure VPN services.

IPVanish Mobile Apps

Those concentrating on cybersecurity should be aware that Android apps generally outperform iOS apps, and IPVanish apps are no different. The Android version of the VPN is significantly superior to the iOS version.

iOS

The iOS version of IPVanish offers a few notable features, including On Demand connections, Siri shortcuts, and an alternate connection mode. The interface is also well-designed and user-friendly. Within the Settings section, users can customize the app’s functionality and enable security tools like On Demand. When choosing a server and location to connect to, IPVanish uses advanced technology to identify the best available option based on speed and performance. These features make IPVanish a solid choice for those seeking a reliable VPN service on their iOS device.

Android

The iOS app has a more attractive design, but its functionality is mostly identical on Android. The Android version includes a kill switch and Threat Protection (beta version). Additionally, it offers an obfuscation toggle and split tunneling. Users can also decrease the maximum packet size for better performance on mobile networks.

IPVanish has gone the extra mile to enhance users’ safe browsing experience by implementing status information. This feature provides crucial details about a new IP address, server name, location, and duration of connection. The added information allows users to keep track of their online activities and make informed decisions about their privacy. Additionally, the switch between light and dark mode ensures seamless integration with the system-wide dark mode. This feature helps the UI blend in with the user’s preferred theme without being visually jarring. Overall, IPVanish’s attention to detail is commendable and sets it apart from other VPN providers.

Customer support

If you have inquiries about IPVanish, the most suitable starting point is their knowledge center. The informative FAQs can assist you in resolving issues independently. The instructional materials appear well-maintained and current. In cases where your issue requires a more personalized approach, you have the option to reach out to IPVanish customer support representatives via email, phone, or live chat. Our inquiry about unblocking iPlayer was answered three days later via email, with a follow-up question about the device in use, indicating that email is not the most expeditious option. On the other hand, live chat proved to be much quicker.

The customer support provided by the VPN service made a positive impact on customers. In addition to their helpful assistance, their customer support portal displays any significant issues with the service. This feature allows customers to verify that the problem they’re facing is not due to their own device or internet connection. By providing this level of transparency and accessibility, the VPN service enhances its reputation for excellent customer service and reliability.

Is IPVanish Good & Worth Getting?

IPVanish is a VPN service that offers most of the standard features one would expect from a VPN. With a functional kill switch and numerous servers to connect to, it has all the necessary features for secure browsing. Additionally, IPVanish unblocks Netflix, supports P2P file sharing, and has an affordable price for the first year. The service provides excellent privacy as there are no IP or DNS leaks to speak of. Overall, IPVanish is a reliable and cost-effective option for those looking for a middle-shelf VPN service.

IPVanish is a cost-effective VPN that is ideal for streaming services like Netflix and YouTube TV. However, its business location may not be suitable if complete privacy is your priority, and there may be issues with unblocking some streaming services. Nevertheless, with the updated WireGuard speeds, it ensures that streaming high-quality content will be smooth and hassle-free. For those looking for an affordable and speedy option for Netflix and torrenting, IPVanish is an excellent choice.If you have used IPVanish before, we would love to hear about your experiences and opinions in the comments section below.

FAQS

Is IPVanish free?

IPVanish is not offered for free, but there is a 7-day free trial for iOS and Android users. Additionally, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is only valid for annual plan subscribers.

How many devices does IPVanish allow?

IPVanish provides an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which is a significant advantage compared to other leading VPNs available.

Which is better IPVanish or NordVPN?

Check out our comparison of IPVanish vs NordVPN to learn why NordVPN may ultimately be the more cost-effective and secure choice with additional features.

Is IPVanish good for streaming?

While IPVanish may have difficulty unblocking certain popular streaming sites and lacks in bypassing geo-restrictions, it is capable of unblocking specific Netflix libraries, YouTube TV, Max, and BBC iPlayer. For additional options, refer to the best VPNs for streaming guide.

Does IPVanish protect from hackers?

IPVanish offers excellent protection from hackers. If you’re still unsure about its safety, consider its top-notch safety and security features, including advanced encryption standards, a strict no-logs policy, and the concealment of your data from hackers and cyber attacks.

Does IPVanish work in China?

IPVanish is not effective in China. Even though IPVanish is able to operate in China, it is said to be blocked. You may attempt manual configuration by connecting to the IP addresses of IPVanish servers instead of using the server names. If this approach is unsuccessful, consider using one of the top VPNs for China instead.