Review of IPVanish Virtual Private Network: Does It Truly Ensure the Security it Claims?
Essential Information about IPVanish VPN |
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| Our evaluation: 3.9 stars out of 5 Cost: Commences at $3.33/mo (annually) Key highlights:
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IPVanish VPN emerges as a respectable VPN option that might face challenges in differentiating itself from its competitors. It boasts an impressive network of 2,400 servers spanning 90+ countries. This VPN allows unlimited device connections and boasts a highly responsive live chat customer support system.
However, being based in the United States and lacking specialized servers could dissuade certain users from ranking it as their top choice. Presently, IPVanish VPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, routers, and various other platforms.
Pricing Plans of IPVanish VPN
| Package | IPVanish Essential | IPVanish Advanced |
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| Monthly | $12.99 per month | $14.99 per month |
| One year | $3.33 per month | $4.49 per month |
| Two years | $3.33 per month | $3.29 per month |
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By 2023, IPVanish provided only one subscription tier with options for monthly, yearly, and biennial subscriptions. Come 2024, IPVanish now introduces two paid plans: IPVanish Essential and IPVanish Advanced. The Essential plan includes the core VPN service and additional security features, whereas the Advanced plan offers more extras like Cloud Backup and Secure Browser, among others.
Considering prices, I find the one-year IPVanish Advanced package at $4.49 per month to be appealing. While not the most budget-friendly, it does offer all premium features of IPVanish within a reasonable one-year contract. In comparison to other providers, IPVanish falls somewhere in the middle range when juxtaposed with the corresponding one-year plans of Private Internet Access VPN at $3.33 per month and NordVPN Plus at $5.49 per month.
The one-year plan of IPVanish Advanced strikes a good balance by providing a lower monthly fee without necessitating a lengthier two-year commitment.
The monthly plan is not recommended due to its higher cost in.In terms of monthly VPN subscriptions, IPVanish offers different payment plans. Moreover, only the plans for one year and two years come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, enabling users to assess IPVanish VPN and request a refund if they are dissatisfied.
IPVanish provides a seven-day trial through an Apple or Android device. By signing up for the trial on a smartphone, you can access IPVanish free of charge on your desktop by logging in with the trial account. Although a more direct free trial option for desktop users would have been preferable, I still commend IPVanish for providing trial access after signing up on a mobile device. Not all premium VPN services offer such trial access for their desktop applications.
Security: Is IPVanish VPN secure?
IPVanish includes essential security protocols expected from a contemporary VPN. It supports IPSec, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, offering users a choice between secure and speedy VPN connections. For encryption, it employs AES-256 encryption, known as one of the most secure encryption algorithms today. It also features a kill switch and DNS leak protection for additional security layers.
Similar to many VPN providers, IPVanish adheres to a no-logs policy, ensuring no retention of user internet traffic, search history, IP addresses, or upload/download activities.
Regrettably, there is one reported incident where IPVanish allegedly handed over logs to law enforcement agencies. While initially denying any logs existence, there were reports that IPVanish did share information with authorities to identify a suspect linked to criminal activities.
Despite this incident, following a change in ownership a year later, IPVanish has reinforced its no-logs policy. Furthermore, in April 2022, IPVanish successfully underwent an independent third-party audit conducted by Leviathan, verifying their commitment to a no-log policy—a reassuring development for users seeking concrete proof of their claims.
In summary, IPVanish is expected to be a secure service in 2024. However, the logging incident and its operation location in the United States, known for rigorous surveillance practices, do raise concerns.
Key characteristics of IPVanish VPN
If you are considering using a VPN for personal or professional purposes, IPVanish VPN could be a suitable choice. Let’s explore some of the key features of IPVanish VPN to determine if they meet your requirements.
24/7 Live-assist support
IPVanish offers a diverse range of customer support channels, including email, live chat, and informative articles on their website. Notably, their live chat support operates 24/7, providing assistance around the clock.
During my interaction with IPVanish’s live chat while testing the service, I inquired about the best security and streaming protocols. I was pleased to be connected with a support agent in less than a minute and received personalized and helpful responses promptly.
Figure A
Having quick access to live chat support is beneficial, especially when encountering issues with software such as a VPN. This is particularly valuable for users seeking practical guidance who may not be well-versed in VPN technology.
Secure kill switch
Figure B
The IPVanish service includes a dedicated kill switch feature located within the application’s settings section. Should your VPN connection fail unexpectedly, this kill switch will automatically halt your device from reconnecting to the internet without the protection of the VPN. This functionality proves beneficial, especially in regions prone to frequent power outages, as it prevents any inadvertent data sharing or activity with your internet service provider (ISP).
During my evaluation, I found that IPVanish’s kill switch outperformed others I have experimented with. It consistently blocked any attempts to connect to the internet when not linked through an IPVanish server. This reliability is crucial, considering that there are VPN services that still permit connections to the ISP despite having a kill switch activated.
Unlimited device connections
IPVanish enables simultaneous connections to an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription. In contrast, many competitors typically restrict users to 5-8 device connections at most, making IPVanish VPN stand out.
This feature is particularly useful for individuals who frequently use multiple devices and prefer not to leave any device vulnerable on an unsecured connection. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about additional charges for extra device connections beyond the initial subscription.
Performance: How speedy is IPVanish VPN?
In my assessment, IPVanish exhibited commendable speeds and maintained a consistently reliable connection. I experienced no significant decline in my daily activities while connected to IPVanish’s top-performing server, which I found to be satisfactory for tasks such as utilizing Google Suite apps, streaming 1080p YouTube content, and engaging in video calls.
While using IPVanish, I did notice a more substantial decrease in upload speeds compared to some other VPN providers I have tested. This observation was made while connected to IPVanish’s “Optimal Location” server, and results may vary based on location. Conversely, IPVanish performed exceptionally well in terms of download speeds. I conducted DNS leak protection tests on multiple occasions using public DNS leak tools, and IPVanish did not experience any leaks across various servers I tested.
Lastly, I want to touch on the user experience within the IPVanish VPN application. Throughout my testing, I encountered no issues while using the Windows application. I did not encounter any crashes or noticeable lag and was able to access all features without encountering any difficulties. The only notable point is that server switching took longer than anticipated, although this did not present a major inconvenience.
It’s worth mentioning that while the application was reliable and fully functional, the design of the interface may seem outdated for software in the year 2024. The design appears simplistic and lacks visual sophistication in my opinion.
Figure C
In my view, a more contemporary interface would definitely enhance the overall user experience of IPVanish VPN.
IPVanish VPN Servers and locations
In the year 2024, IPVanish boasts a server network comprising 2,400 servers from over 95 countries and across 130+ VPN locations. While the number of servers may seem modest, the significant metric to note is the availability of diverse location options with IPVanish. Initially, when I first reviewed IPVanish, the VPN solely offered servers from 75 locations. However, it now presents VPN servers from an additional 55 locations and over 90 countries to choose from—a notable expansion in slightly over a year, in my perspective.
Although competing VPNs such as Surfshark and NordVPN provide over 100+ VPN locations, I believe having 95 countries to select from represents a significant advancement compared to IPVanish’s server offerings in 2023. This variety is crucial for users primarily seeking to bypass region restrictions and access online content.
Figure D
With regards to its global coverage, IPVanish maintains servers in various regions: North America (1,440+), Europe (690+), Asia (160+), Oceania (75+), South America (35+), and Africa (6). Essentially, the distribution of IPVanish’s server network is quite satisfactory.
The downside is that IPVanish lacks specialized servers for streaming, security, or torrenting. While you can still employ IPVanish servers for these purposes, the absence of dedicated servers is a drawback. This is particularly notable considering how other VPN providers emphasize specialized servers as a key selling point.
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Beneficial Aspects of IPVanish VPN
- Highly effective kill switch.
- Unrestricted simultaneous device connections.
- Impressive download and real-world speeds.
- Responsive 24/7 live chat assistance.
- 7-day trial at no cost.
- Reasonably priced 2-year plan.
Drawbacks of IPVanish VPN
- Operates under heavy surveillance in the United States.
- Relatively high monthly subscription fee.
- Outdated application layout.
- Lack of specialized servers.
Is IPVanish VPN a Valuable Investment?
IPVanish stands as a respectable VPN choice by offering robust security measures, commendable speeds, a reliable kill switch, and support for unlimited devices. The cost-effective two-year subscription and the seven-day free trial for iOS and Android make it an appealing option for potential VPN users.
However, there are drawbacks to consider. IPVanish possesses a smaller server network, operates from the surveillance-prone United States, displays an outdated app interface, and lacks standout features that differentiate it from other VPN services.
If you desire a straightforward VPN solution that prioritizes speed, security, and offers a trial period, IPVanish is a suitable option. Conversely, if you seek a VPN with an extensive server network, specialized security functions, and a service based in a privacy-oriented jurisdiction, IPVanish might not be the optimal choice.
Substitutes for IPVanish VPN
Although IPVanish VPN is a decent choice, it may not align perfectly with your requirements. Below are some comparable alternatives that could better suit your needs.
To delve deeper, read our comprehensive review of CyberGhost VPN.
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CyberGhost VPN
If you seek a VPN with an extensive server network, CyberGhost emerges as an exemplary choice. Boasting servers across 100 countries and 125 locations, it even includes specialized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, making it ideal for users aiming to unlock geo-restricted content.
NordVPN
For individuals prioritizing security, NordVPN serves as a reliable solution. It incorporates built-in defense against malware, undergoes rigorous testing for its no-logs policy, and offers uniquesecurity-enhanced features. It boasts an encrypted Meshnet file-sharing system that enables the safe transfer and exchange of files. Nord is widely recognized as one of the top all-encompassing VPN services available.
For further insights, please refer to our comprehensive review of NordVPN.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another dependable choice offering a diverse server network. With approximately 3,000 servers situated across 105 countries, it strikes a good balance between the number of servers and locations. Its security features are highly regarded, along with its user-friendly application interface.
To delve deeper, refer to our in-depth evaluation of ExpressVPN.
Methodology for Evaluation
My assessment of IPVanish VPN involved an exhaustive examination of its primary attributes and real-world performance. I acquired firsthand experience with IPVanish by utilizing its complimentary trial on Android, and conducted thorough tests on my Windows laptop.
To assess upload and download speeds, I conducted server speed tests on IPVanish using Ookla’s public Speedtest. To verify DNS leak protection, I performed multiple runs of IPVanish using DNSLeakTest.
Finally, I rated IPVanish across various aspects including its security protocols and pricing using an in-house algorithm, resulting in a score of 3.9 out of 5 stars. I evaluated IPVanish VPN both in isolation and in comparison to other VPN solutions available in the market today.
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