IPVanish VPN review: solid for everyday use, but not for maximum privacy

IPVanish is still considered one of the top VPNs on the market, known in the VPN community for its broad server network, fast speeds, and unlimited device support. However, despite these strengths, key questions remain: is IPVanish truly safe enough in 2025? Is it worth the price? And can it hold its ground against better-rated providers like NordVPN or Surfshark?

That’s why, together with the VPNpro team, I set out to answer all those questions, and more, through hands-on, in-house testing. I ran speed tests, checked for DNS and IP leaks, evaluated streaming access on platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and reviewed IPVanish’s logging policy, app usability, and customer support.

In the end, the results I saw were mixed: some features stood out, while others fell short of what I’d expected from one of the best VPNs in 2025. That said, keep reading to see where IPVanish impresses, and where it disappoints.

VPNpro verdict

IPVanish is a capable VPN that performs well in key areas like speed, device flexibility, security features, and P2P support. It includes unlimited device connections and a broad server network, but it lacks advanced features like port forwarding, provides limited Linux support, and suffers from inconsistent streaming access.

To its credit, IPVanish has taken steps in the right direction over the past few years, strengthening transparency and introducing more security-oriented tools. However, it’s still shadowed by past logging incident and remains based in the US – a Five Eyes country.

Overall, I’d rate IPVanishas a solid VPN for everyday use, but those with strict privacy or streaming demands may prefer a more polished VPN alternative, like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN.

How much does IPVanish cost?

IPVanish offers two main subscription tiers: Essential and Advanced. The Essential plan costs $3.33/month for a yearly subscription, while the Advanced plan starts at $4.58/month. There are also monthly and 2-year plans available at different pricing tiers.

After comparing IPVanish with competitors like NordVPN, I’d say the $2.19/month 2-year deal is a steal if you commit to long-term. Plus, if you can spend a bit more, the Advanced plan adds real value with extras like malware protection and encrypted cloud backup.

That said, there are some caveats. Note that IPVanish’s yearly plan renews at $89.99, which is quite a steep jump. The monthly plan is also pricey, and unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, IPVanish doesn’t offer refunds on monthly subscriptions. It also lacks anonymous payment options like crypto, which may turn off privacy-focused users.

IPVanish is one of the cheapest premium VPNs upfront, especially for long-term users. However, the auto-renewal pricing (up to $7.50/month) makes it less budget-friendly in the long run.

Does IPVanish have a free version?

IPVanish doesn’t offer a completely free version of its VPN service. However, there are a few ways you can try it without paying upfront:

1. 7-day free trial available on mobile. If you’re a new user, you can sign up through the IPVanish app on iOS or Android to access full features for one week. Plus, you can also use the same account across all devices during this trial. Note: activating the free trial requires you to choose a subscription plan, so if you don’t want to be charged, cancel before the 7 days are up.
2. 30-day money-back guarantee. IPVanish offers a refund for its annual and 2-year plans. While this isn’t a classic free trial, it gives you full access to the service for 30 days, risk-free.
3. IPVanish Gaming Booster. This feature gives you up to 2 hours of free IPVanish access per day by checking in daily. It works on different platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, though it’s limited in server and feature selection.

In short, while IPVanish isn’t a free VPN, these trial options let you evaluate the service before committing. It’s a good way to test the waters before choosing a long-term plan.

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Is IPVanish safe?

Yes, IPVanish is safe for most users, offering strong encryption, a reliable kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. It’s secure enough for browsing, streaming, and torrenting. However, privacy-focused users may take issue with its US jurisdiction and past data logging history. That said, several features genuinely stood out:

• Advanced encryption. IPVanish uses the industry-standard AES-256 encryption. During my tests, I felt confident knowing my traffic was encrypted at the highest level.
• Kill Switch. This is a must-have for any VPN, and IPVanish includes one. I tested it across multiple dropped-connection scenarios, and it worked reliably, cutting my internet the moment the VPN disconnected.
• No-Logs Policy. IPVanish claims it doesn’t log browsing activities, timestamps, or IP addresses. That said, I reviewed the documentation from their latest audit (done by Schellman Compliance LLC in early 2025) and found no evidence of retained logs.
• Secure Browser. Available on Advanced plans, this feature routes browsing through the cloud and automatically deletes session data. It adds an extra shield, especially on sketchy websites or untrusted Wi-Fi.
• Threat Protection. Powered by VIPRE, this tool blocks ads, trackers, and malware. While the ad blocker struggled with platforms like YouTube, the malware protection worked well in my tests.
• Self-owned server network. Unlike many VPNs that rely on rented infrastructure, IPVanish owns its servers. This gives them tighter control over performance, including data handling.
• Double Hop VPN. Like NordVPN’s Double VPN, this feature routes traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. While there was a slight speed drop, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff for users who prioritize anonymity.
• QR Code and Link Checkers. Small but handy tools that let you verify links or scan QR codes safely – great for everyday use.

Despite the positives, certain aspects of IPVanish give me pause, particularly when considering maximum security and privacy:

• Based in the US. IPVanish operates under US jurisdiction – a Five Eyes country. While no-logs claims have been audited, the legal risk remains for highly privacy-focused users.
• Past logging incident. Back in 2016, under different ownership, IPVanish reportedly provided user data to US authorities, despite claiming a no-logs policy at the time. They’ve since changed hands (now owned by Ziff Davis) and undergone audits, but the history still matters.
• Inconsistent kill switch (historically). Older user reviews raised concerns about the kill switch’s reliability. I didn’t experience problems in my tests, but I still kept a close eye on it, since it’s a feature you want to be 100% confident in.
• Transparency wasn’t always strong. While IPVanish has improved, especially with its 2025 Trust Center and quarterly transparency reports, it wasn’t always this open. They’ve taken steps in the right direction, but I’d still like to see full audit reports made public, not just to its users and via summaries.

IPVanish is safe for most users. It’s far better than it was, offering strong encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and practical security features. But the US location and past logging incident still raise valid concerns. That said, you may want to look elsewhere if you want max privacy with zero historical baggage.

Visit NordVPN – the safest IPVanish alternative in 2025

IPVanish server list

As of 2025, IPVanish operates over 2400+ servers in 109+ countries. What makes it stand out from many competitors is that it owns and manages its entire server infrastructure instead of renting it. This removes third-party involvement and improves both security and performance.

That said, IPVanish’s presence in the United States alone is especially strong. It operates over 1169 servers in 21 cities, making it a reliable choice for users who want fast and consistent US-based connections. And while IPVanish’s server count is smaller than some top-tier VPN providers like NordVPN (which runs over 2400 servers worldwide), I found that its fully-owned network helps ensure greater control over data.

IPVanish’s server locations span North and South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and parts of Africa. Here’s a full look at the IPVanish server list and global coverage:

Unfortunately, IPVanish does not have specialized streaming or torrenting servers. Most modern VPNs label these clearly, and I’d like to see IPVanish improve in this area. On the upside, while testing, I appreciated the clean, searchable IPVanish server list, which lets you filter by country, load, server count, and city. You can also favorite your preferred locations for faster access, which is something I missed from providers like NordVPN.

However, if you’re looking for the fastest IPVanish server, you’ll need to sort manually by load or rely on the Default Location feature, which automatically connects you to the best option based on real-time performance.

IPVanish stands out by having full control over its 2400+ servers across 109+ locations. While the total server count is lower than giants like NordVPN or Proton VPN, this server network is tightly controlled for better security, speed, and privacy. By having a strong presence in the US, it is ideal for American users or those that wish to access US-based services.

Access US websites with IPVanish

IPVanish speed test results

IPVanish is regarded as one of the fastest VPNs on the market, particularly when using the WireGuard protocol. While it doesn’t consistently outperform top-tier providers like NordVPN or Surfshark, I found it to be fast and reliable enough for streaming, file downloads, and everyday browsing.

Here’s a breakdown of IPVanish speed performance across different protocols:

• WireGuard Protocol: This protocol delivered the fastest speeds in my tests, with download speeds peaking at 161Mbps (Canada). While that’s a slight drop from previous peaks above 200Mbps, it’s still very fast.
• OpenVPN Protocol: A more secure connection protocol, but it generally uses more system resources than WireGuard. Based on my tests, speeds dropped roughly 50-70% compared to WireGuard, landing between 60-110Mbps, depending on the connected location.
• IKEv2 Protocol: Offers a more stable performance on mobile, yet I didn’t find it as fast as WireGuard. Speeds were usable, but latency varied more noticeably.

To evaluate IPVanish speeds, I ran tests across multiple global server locations using WireGuard:

I noticed solid performance across North America, especially in Canada (161Mbps) and the US (118Mbps). Surprisingly, Japan and Australia also showed strong results, crossing the 120Mbps mark.

While download speeds were consistently solid, there was more variation in upload speeds, especially on long-distance connections. For instance, Australia gave me 127Mbps down, but only 22Mbps up. While that didn’t affect my streaming and general browsing experience, it did noticeably slow down video calls, cloud backups, and P2P seeding. In contrast, I was surprised to see 104Mbps upload speeds while connected to the UK, which was ideal for Twitch streaming, remote work, and other upload-heavy tasks.

Overall, IPVanish delivers strong speed performance, especially with the WireGuard protocol. While download speeds were consistent across most locations, upload speeds varied more depending on distance. Still, I found the service fast enough for streaming, file downloads, and everyday browsing. Combine that with unlimited device support, and IPVanish proves to be a solid choice for users who value speed without sacrificing privacy.

Browse anonymously with IPVanish

Does IPVanish work with Netflix?

Yes, IPVanish works with Netflix and its multiple regional libraries. During testing, I used IPVanish to successfully unblock Netflix in countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, France, Slovakia, and South Korea. Overall, streaming performance was smooth, and I didn’t experience buffering or lag while watching HD and 4K content.

• Unfortunately, IPVanish doesn’t label or optimize its servers for streaming. I found this frustrating, since you often need to try a few different servers to find one that works best with your desired Netflix library.

In case you want to stream foreign Netflix libraries while keeping your other apps local, I highly recommend using IPVanish’s split tunneling feature. It lets you route only Netflix traffic through the VPN, so you can unblock international content without interfering with your regular browsing or local services. And, depending on your needs, you can either select Netflix as the only app using the VPN tunnel, or exclude it entirely with a quick toggle in the settings.

Aside from Netflix, IPVanish performed reasonably well with other popular streaming services like Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer, though access to the latter was sometimes inconsistent, depending on the server. Amazon Prime Video and Hulu gave the most trouble – IPVanish struggled to reliably unblock either platform in my tests.

While not the best streaming VPN, IPVanish is a decent VPN for Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, offering smooth playback and access to multiple libraries and platforms. However, it lacks consistency when trying to bypass platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Nevertheless, if you don’t mind manually testing servers, it can get the job done, but for more reliable streaming access, NordVPN or Surfshark may be a better fit.

Unblock different Netflix libraries with IPVanish

Is IPVanish good for torrenting?

IPVanish is a solid choice for torrenting, offering a mix of speed, security, and privacy features for P2P users. My tests showed that IPVanish for torrenting performs well, delivering steady speeds and no connection drops, even with large files.

One thing I appreciate is that IPVanish supports torrenting on all 2400+ servers across 109+ locations worldwide. On top of that, there are no bandwidth limits, data caps, or P2P restrictions, so you don’t have to worry about throttling or slowdowns.

While testing several P2P-friendly servers in the US, Canada, the UK, and some European countries like Latvia, the download speeds averaged around 25-30Mbps on a 5.27GB test torrent. In addition to that, I didn’t detect any DNS or IP leaks during the session – the built-in kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and DNS leak protection all worked as expected.

There’s also IPVanish’s SOCKS5 proxy, available in over 20 locations. After configuring it in qBittorrent, I noticed slightly faster speeds. While the proxy doesn’t encrypt traffic, it does hide your IP address, which can be a lightweight option for those who value speed over full encryption.

On the other hand, there were a few things that I didn’t particularly like. First, IPVanish doesn’t support port forwarding, which can feel limiting regarding seeding efficiency and reduce peer connections, especially for advanced users. Also, while IPVanish has a verified no-logs policy, it’s still based in the United States, a Five Eyes jurisdiction, which may concern more privacy-conscious users.

IPVanish is a strong VPN for torrenting – it comes with P2P support on all servers, solid speeds, and key privacy features. For instance, the SOCKS5 proxy is a great alternative for fast, anonymous torrenting. However, the lack of port forwarding and US jurisdiction could be drawbacks if privacy is your top priority.

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IPVanish setup on different devices: my experience

IPVanish allows unlimited device connections, so you can use the VPN on as many devices as you like – including routers, desktops, mobile devices, and streaming devices – all at once. For most users, the simplest option is installing the IPVanish app on each device. Alternatively, configuring it on your router secures your entire network using just one device slot.

That said, I tested IPVanish across a variety of devices, and here’s what I found:

• Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux). Setup was easy on both Windows and macOS. The Windows app is the most feature-rich, offering WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, a kill switch, split tunneling, Threat Protection, and OpenVPN Scramble. On macOS, the app is clean and intuitive, though split tunneling is only domain-based, and features like LAN blocking are missing. Linux, unfortunately, is supported the least – there’s no GUI, no kill switch, and setup requires manual configuration via terminal. It works, but it’s far from user-friendly.
• Mobile (Android, iOS). The setup on mobile devices was hassle-free. The Android app includes split tunneling, protocol selection, and a kill switch. On iOS, Apple's limitations mean no split tunneling or true kill switch, but the app still works well for basic privacy.
• Streaming Devices (Fire TV, Android TV). The Fire TV app is optimized for remote use, and you can install IPVanish via the Amazon Appstore in seconds. On Android TV, installation through the Play Store was equally smooth. Both platforms delivered stable performance and access to geo-restricted streaming content.
• Routers. IPVanish supports DD-WRT and Tomato firmware but requires manual setup. As there is no setup wizard, it’s best for advanced users.
• Browser Extensions. IPVanish doesn’t offer traditional browser extensions, but it does provide a Secure Browser (on Firefox and Chromium) powered by Remote Browser Isolation (RBI). It runs your session in the cloud, isolating malware and malicious scripts. While it masks your IP, it’s built for security, not quick VPN access.

IPVanish is easy to use across most devices, especially Windows, macOS, and Android. While this makes it a solid choice for most users, Linux support is limited, and router setup isn’t particularly beginner-friendly. Still, it’s a reliable multi-device VPN for anyone who values flexibility and control.

Secure all your household devices with IPVanish

IPVanish customer support

IPVanish offers various customer support options, such as 24/7 live chat, email support, a comprehensive knowledge base, and even phone support. So, whether you’ve encountered connection issues or are just trying to configure your setup, there are multiple ways to get help.

From my experience, IPVanish support is solid. When I couldn’t find what I needed in the knowledge base, I reached out via the live chat. I was connected with an agent within two minutes, and they were quick to help me resolve streaming issues that I was facing.

That said, there are a few areas where IPVanish support could be improved. For instance, when accessing the live chat widget on mobile, it didn’t always load properly. Additionally, while email support is great for more complex questions, I noticed that responses weren’t always fast – one reply to my initial email took nearly 24 hours, and follow-ups sometimes took longer.

Phone support is a nice bonus and IPVanish’s standout amongst VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark. However, it’s only available during set business hours and may not be convenient for users in other time zones. Still, having the option is better than none.

IPVanish offers a strong customer support system with fast live chat, solid email help, and rare phone support. While I did encounter occasional delays and access hiccups, overall support feels reliable, well-rounded, and capable of resolving most issues effectively.

Final verdict: Is IPVanish a good VPN in 2025?

After thoroughly testing IPVanish across speed, security, streaming, device compatibility, and other fields, I’d say it’s a good all-around VPN for an affordable initial price. It gets a lot right, especially when it comes to unlimited device connections, torrenting support, and speedy performance with WireGuard. Yet it still shows limits, particularly for privacy-oriented individuals and users who want seamless streaming access.

IPVanish improved its transparency over the past few years with the introduction of Trust Center, recently done audits on its no-logs claims, and useful security features like Double Hop servers. Nevertheless, the fact that it’s still under US jurisdiction and has inconsistent streaming performance leaves room for improvement.

So if you’re looking for a capable, fast, multi-device VPN that handles day-to-day use well, IPVanish fits the bill. On the other hand, if you’re after advanced features or bulletproof privacy, other VPNs may be worth the consideration.

Here are the main strengths of IPVanish:

• IPVanish offers decent value, with long-term plans starting at $2.19/month, though renewal prices jump to $7.50/month.
• IPVanish delivers robust security, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy.
• IPVanish maintains consistently fast speeds, especially when using the WireGuard protocol.
• IPVanish works with platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, but struggles with Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
• IPVanish supports torrenting on all servers, and includes a SOCKS5 proxy, but lacks port forwarding.
• IPVanish supports a wide range of devices, with feature-rich apps for Windows, Android, and macOS, yet Linux and router setups are less beginner-friendly.
• IPVanish offers dependable customer support, with 24/7 live chat, email, phone support, and a detailed knowledge base

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FAQ

Is IPVanish a legitimate VPN service?

Yes, IPVanish is a legitimate VPN service. It offers strong encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and owns its entire server network. While it had a past logging incident under former ownership, the company has since improved transparency and passed independent audits.

Who owns IPVanish?

IPVanish is currently owned by Ziff Davis (formerly J2 Global). It’s a major US tech and media company that also owns other cybersecurity brands like StrongVPN and Encrypt.me, making it a major player in the privacy and tech world.

How much is IPVanish for a year?

IPVanish costs $3.33/month for the Essential and $4.58/month for the Advanced yearly plans. However, after the first term, the renewal price jumps to $89.99 annually, so make sure to factor that into your long-term budget.

How to use IPVanish?

First, subscribe, download, and install the IPVanish app on your device. Then, log in, pick a server, and enable the VPN with a single tap. For extra control, explore features like split tunneling or the kill switch in the app’s settings.

How to be secure with IPVanish?

Be secure with IPVanish by using its Secure Browser, enabling the Kill Switch, and activating Threat Protection. For extra protection, use the QR/link scanners and set up split tunneling to control which apps stay encrypted.