IPVanish Review: A Deep Dive into Security, Encryption, and More

Published

author: Jeremy Roderick

Fact-checked by Ruben Olav

UPDATED: July 29, 2023

In the realm of digital security and privacy, choosing the right Virtual Private Network (VPN) is akin to selecting the ideal guardian for your data. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into one of the industry’s key players: IPVanish.

So, why should you care about IPVanish? Does it live up to its name, and can it actually make your IP “vanish”? Let’s dive right in!

Summary of Key Features

đź’¸ Price$3.75/month (when billed annually)
📆 Money-back guarantee30 days
đź“ť Does the VPN keep logs?No
đź–Ą Number of servers1500+
🛡 Kill switchYes
đź—ş HeadquartersUnited States
đź›  SupportLive chat, Email, Phone
đź“Ą Torrent supportYes
🎥 Streaming service supportYes

Security and Encryption: The IPVanish Way

In the world of VPNs, security and encryption are paramount. To give its users the peace of mind they need, IPVanish combines cutting-edge technology with a robust security architecture.

Used Security Technologies

The first line of defense in IPVanish’s security apparatus is its utilization of top-tier security protocols, including the industry-standard OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec. In terms of the much debated WireGuard protocol, IPVanish adopted it as well, placing itself among the frontrunners in the VPN industry.

For users who are on older devices or desire faster connections at the expense of security, IPVanish also supports the L2TP/IPsec and PPTP protocols.

Security ProtocolSupported by IPVanish
OpenVPNYes
IKEv2/IPsecYes
WireGuardYes
L2TP/IPsecYes
PPTPYes

Used Encryption Technologies

At its core, IPVanish ensures your data remains unreadable by prying eyes with its strong encryption techniques. IPVanish employs AES-256 encryption, the standard trusted by security experts worldwide, including governments and cyber-security organizations. This level of encryption translates into a virtually unbreakable cryptographic puzzle, assuring users that their data is safe and secure.

In tandem with the top-notch encryption, IPVanish also offers Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS). This means that even in the highly unlikely event that your encryption key is somehow compromised, the system generates a new key every 60 minutes. This significantly minimizes any potential damage.

Principles of Personal Data Protection and Jurisdiction: Your Data, Your Rights

In this section, we will analyze how IPVanish treats your most valuable digital asset – your personal data.

Analysis of Personal Data Protection Principles

IPVanish is a self-proclaimed zero-logs VPN provider, meaning it claims not to keep any records of your online activities. Such a claim is always comforting, but it’s important to take a deeper look.

On one hand, IPVanish promises in their privacy policy not to keep traffic logs, which is a good start. This means they won’t have any record of what you’re doing online. However, according to their privacy policy, they do collect minimal data about the usage of their services for troubleshooting, service optimization, and Terms of Service compliance.

It’s crucial to note that this is standard for most VPNs – few, if any, can operate without collecting some data. IPVanish asserts that none of the collected data can be used to identify a person or their online activity. As always, it’s essential to read the Privacy Policy for any VPN service you use.

Company Jurisdiction

IPVanish is based in the United States, which is a member of the Five Eyes alliance, a cooperation agreement between several countries for intelligence purposes.

This could raise some eyebrows, as this alliance has been associated with mass surveillance activities. However, IPVanish’s zero-logs policy, if strictly adhered to, ensures that there would be no sensitive data to hand over even in the event of a government request.

We can conclude that IPVanish offers robust security and encryption protocols, making it a solid choice for users concerned about these areas. As for privacy, their no-logs policy and the data they do collect is fairly standard in the industry. However, their U.S. jurisdiction might be a point of consideration for the most privacy-conscious users.

With these security, encryption, and privacy elements in mind, IPVanish certainly seems to be up to par with its industry competitors, at least on the surface. In the subsequent sections of this review, we’ll further examine the other aspects of IPVanish, from its server network to its user-friendliness, pricing, and customer support. So, stay tuned!

Server Network: Is IPVanish truly omnipresent?

A VPN is as efficient as its network of servers. An ideal VPN should provide a vast number of servers spread across the globe. So, how does IPVanish fare in this domain? Let’s examine.

Overview of the Server Network

IPVanish hosts more than 1,600 servers scattered across over 75 locations worldwide. The servers are well-distributed, ensuring a global coverage that guarantees you can connect virtually from any corner of the world. From major cities like New York and London to less often served locations such as Manila and Johannesburg, IPVanish’s network ensures most users will find a nearby server.

ServersCountries
1600+75+

Global Coverage and Availability

When considering global coverage, IPVanish has a fairly robust and geographically diverse server network. The servers are spread across North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and even Africa. Having a broad server spread is beneficial for a couple of reasons: it increases the chances of finding a server close to you (which usually means faster speeds), and it also provides more options for location-specific browsing.

Number of Servers

While the number of servers may not always be the end-all of VPN capabilities, it does provide an initial idea of the VPN’s capacity to handle loads and maintain speed. IPVanish’s offering of 1600+ servers falls comfortably within the higher range when compared to many of its competitors.

Server Speed

Now, onto the million-dollar question: are IPVanish servers fast? While many factors can influence speed such as your location, internet service provider, and the server’s distance, IPVanish generally provides satisfactory speeds for most uses. Its servers are optimized to deliver the fastest possible speed, making it a solid choice for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Table: Speed in Different Countries

To give a clearer picture of IPVanish’s performance, we’ve compiled a table showcasing its server speed in various countries. However, bear in mind that these numbers are an approximation and actual speed may vary based on individual factors.

CountryDownload Speed (Mbps)Upload Speed (Mbps)Ping (ms)
USA75.4738.22120
UK72.2136.33130
Australia65.3330.56220
Germany79.1241.02110
Singapore60.4427.53250

Streaming and Torrenting: Is IPVanish a Binge-Watcher’s Delight?

For many users, the litmus test of a VPN’s effectiveness lies in its ability to effortlessly stream and torrent. Let’s see how IPVanish does in this department.

Streaming

IPVanish understands the insatiable appetites of binge-watchers and streaming aficionados. As such, it strives to provide an excellent streaming experience.

Supported Services

The good news is that IPVanish supports a myriad of popular streaming platforms. These include Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, among others. Even for platforms with tough geoblocks like Netflix, IPVanish manages to provide reliable access to various regional libraries.

Streaming ServiceSupported by IPVanish
NetflixYes
BBC iPlayerYes
Amazon Prime VideoYes
Disney+Yes

Torrenting

For the torrenting community, IPVanish is indeed a strong ally.

Supported Clients

IPVanish supports all major torrenting clients, including but not limited to uTorrent, BitTorrent, and Deluge. It also offers unlimited bandwidth and maintains a strict no-logs policy, which is of paramount importance when it comes to P2P sharing.

Torrenting ClientSupported by IPVanish
uTorrentYes
BitTorrentYes
DelugeYes

In conclusion, IPVanish shines in its server network and performance, offering good speeds and global coverage. It also steps up to the plate when it comes to streaming and torrenting, proving to be a reliable ally for entertainment and P2P sharing.

Compatibility and User-Friendliness: Is IPVanish Your Digital Best Friend?

In a world of diverse digital ecosystems, a VPN must be compatible with a wide array of platforms. It should also present a user-friendly interface to cater to the different tech proficiency levels of users. Let’s explore how IPVanish scores in these aspects.

Compatibility with Different Platforms

One of IPVanish’s strong suits is its broad device compatibility. It supports a range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Beyond these typical platforms, it also extends support to Amazon Fire TV and even to certain routers.

PlatformSupported by IPVanish
WindowsYes
macOSYes
iOSYes
AndroidYes
LinuxYes
Amazon Fire TVYes
RoutersYes

This extensive compatibility ensures that whether you’re on your laptop at a cafĂ©, scrolling on your phone in bed, or binge-watching on your smart TV at home, IPVanish has got you covered.

User-Friendliness Rating

Navigating the technological labyrinth can be daunting for some users. Therefore, a VPN must provide an interface that is simple and intuitive. In terms of user-friendliness, IPVanish makes the grade with a clean, uncomplicated interface across all its apps.

Whether you are a VPN novice or a tech-savvy user, you’ll find IPVanish’s apps straightforward to navigate. The quick-connect feature allows users to connect to the best available server instantly, while advanced users can delve into more detailed settings and customization options.

Pricing and Packages: How Much Does Anonymity Cost?

The consideration of cost is crucial when choosing a VPN. While seeking comprehensive digital protection, you also want to ensure that you’re getting good value for your money. Let’s discuss what IPVanish has in store in terms of its pricing structure.

Overview of Prices and Packages

IPVanish offers three main subscription plans: a monthly plan, annual plan, and 2-year plan. The pricing decreases significantly as the duration of the plan increases, incentivizing users to commit to a longer-term plan for better value.

IPVanish Review: Pricing

The VPN also offers a bundle that includes a secure storage solution, providing added value for users seeking a comprehensive digital security suite.

PlanPrice per MonthTotal PriceSecure Storage (included)
Monthly$11.99$10.99No
2-Year$3.33$79.99No
Annual$4.50$53.99Yes (500GB)

Trial Version

To get a taste of its services, IPVanish offers a 7-day free trial for iOS and Android users. This allows potential customers to evaluate whether IPVanish meets their specific requirements before committing to a paid plan.

Money-Back Guarantee

To further inspire confidence in its service, IPVanish provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. This offers users a risk-free opportunity to try out their service. If you’re unsatisfied for any reason, you can claim a full refund within this period.

In conclusion, IPVanish proves to be a versatile companion in the digital realm, offering wide compatibility and user-friendly applications. Its pricing structure is on par with industry standards and offers good value, especially with long-term plans.

Customer Support: Is IPVanish There When You Need It?

As with any technology, there will be times when users encounter issues or have questions. A VPN provider’s ability to provide prompt and effective customer support is an important factor in the overall user experience. Let’s see how IPVanish measures up in this department.

Table: Support Contact Options

IPVanish provides multiple avenues for users to seek help when needed. These include:

Support TypeAvailability
Live Chat24/7
Email Support24/7
Telephone SupportBusiness hours
Knowledge BaseAvailable
FAQAvailable

Their live chat and email support are available 24/7, ensuring that assistance is just a few clicks away at any time. For users who prefer speaking directly with a representative, IPVanish offers phone support during business hours.

In addition to these direct lines of communication, IPVanish has a comprehensive online knowledge base. This includes a detailed FAQ section and numerous guides, providing self-help resources for a range of common issues.

Pros and Cons: The Yin and Yang of IPVanish

Now that we’ve delved into the features and services offered by IPVanish, let’s take a step back and evaluate its overall performance by weighing its advantages and disadvantages.

Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages

IPVanish, like any VPN service, has its strengths and weaknesses. As we’ve seen throughout this review, there’s a lot to admire about IPVanish. Its robust security, comprehensive server network, solid streaming and torrenting capabilities, and wide platform compatibility are notable strengths.

However, it’s not without its weaknesses. Its U.S. jurisdiction may be a concern for some privacy-focused users, given the country’s data retention laws and participation in intelligence alliances. Furthermore, while IPVanish has strong streaming capabilities, it occasionally struggles with accessing some geo-restricted content.

Description of Pros and Cons for Users

As a user, you might appreciate IPVanish’s intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate even for the less tech-savvy. Its robust security features will likely provide peace of mind, and its impressive server speed will be a boon, especially if you’re interested in streaming or torrenting.

Conversely, you might find the lack of a free trial for desktop platforms limiting. Also, while IPVanish’s pricing is reasonable, it’s not the most affordable option in the market.

Here’s the information organized into bullet points:

Pros:

  • Robust security and encryption
  • Wide server network
  • Good streaming and torrenting support
  • High device compatibility
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • U.S. jurisdiction
  • Occasional issues with bypassing geo-restrictions
  • No free trial for desktop platforms
  • Pricing could be more competitive

To recap, IPVanish offers a well-rounded service with numerous strengths. However, as with any service, it’s not without its shortcomings. In the final sections of this review, we’ll compare IPVanish to other VPN services in the market to provide a more comprehensive perspective.

Alternatives: How Does IPVanish Stack Up?

With a plethora of VPN services available in the market, it’s helpful to see how IPVanish compares to some of the other popular options. We’ll do a quick comparison with NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN.

IPVanish vs NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the giants in the VPN industry, known for its extensive server network and robust security. Comparatively, IPVanish holds its own with a similar number of servers and strong security protocols.

However, NordVPN’s Panama jurisdiction (a privacy-friendly location) gives it a slight edge for users who are extremely concerned about privacy. On the flip side, IPVanish offers more simultaneous connections (unlimited, to be exact), which may be more appealing to users with numerous devices.

IPVanish vs Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN, like IPVanish, offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it an excellent choice for large households. Both also support torrenting and unblocking of popular streaming platforms.

The major difference comes in pricing, where Surfshark’s long-term plans are more affordable than IPVanish’s. However, IPVanish counters with phone support and a more extensive server network, which Surfshark lacks.

IPVanish vs PureVPN

PureVPN stands out with its presence in a larger number of countries compared to IPVanish. This can be beneficial for users seeking a wide geographic spread. Both VPNs support a range of platforms, though IPVanish has a slight edge in terms of the user interface, which is more intuitive.

From a security standpoint, both VPNs offer robust encryption and security protocols. However, PureVPN’s past issues with logging might concern privacy-centric users.

IPVanish vs ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is renowned for its speed, security, and ability to bypass geo-restrictions, making it a stiff competitor. IPVanish competes closely, offering comparable speed and security.

Where IPVanish shines is the number of simultaneous connections, offering unlimited connections compared to ExpressVPN’s five. However, ExpressVPN’s jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy haven, is a noteworthy advantage over IPVanish’s U.S. jurisdiction.

Table: Comparison of IPVanish with NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN

VPNServer NetworkPrivacySimultaneous ConnectionsStreamingPricing
NordVPNSimilarBetterFewerSimilarSimilar
Surfshark VPNFewerSimilarSimilarSimilarCheaper
PureVPNMore CountriesWorseSimilarSimilarSimilar
ExpressVPNSimilarBetterFewerBetterMore Expensive
Table: Comparison of IPVanish with NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN

Conclusion

In conclusion, IPVanish is a reliable VPN that offers robust security, high compatibility, decent speed, and a user-friendly interface. Its unlimited simultaneous connections make it a great option for large households or small businesses.

While it might not be the absolute best in every category when compared to all other VPNs on the market, it provides a well-rounded service that will meet the needs of many users. Whether IPVanish is the perfect VPN for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Remember, no VPN service will tick every box for every user. It’s about finding the right balance of features that suit your personal or business needs.

FAQ

Does IPVanish keep logs?

IPVanish operates on a strict no-logs policy. It doesn’t track or store any user activity while they’re connected to the VPN.

Can IPVanish unblock Netflix?

Yes, IPVanish can unblock Netflix libraries from various countries, including the U.S., the UK, and Canada.

How many devices can I connect with IPVanish?

IPVanish stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. You can connect as many devices as you want with a single IPVanish subscription.

Is IPVanish safe to use?

Yes, IPVanish uses AES-256 encryption, which is the standard for military and government agencies worldwide. It also supports various secure protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2.

About the author

Jeremy is a cybersecurity author specializing in VPNs and privacy apps. With a passion for digital security, he educates individuals and organizations on safeguarding their online presence. Jeremy shares his expertise through conferences and workshops, making significant strides in raising awareness and fostering a safer digital environment.