Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 7.2/10
Ivacy VPN is positioned as an affordable mid-tier VPN, achieving a rating of 7.2 based on our comprehensive testing criteria. The service supports multiple streaming platforms, utilizes robust AES-256 encryption, and permits torrenting across its expansive server network. However, Ivacy’s trustworthiness is questionable, marred by dubious business practices and a logging policy that collects excessive data. Additionally, the service has not undergone an independent audit.
Ranked #23 out of 62 VPNs
Ivacy VPN Category Ratings
- Streaming: 8.7/10
- Torrenting: 8.2/10
- Privacy & Logging: 4.2/10
- Speed: 8.2/10
- Server Locations: 9.5/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 7.0/10
- Security & Features: 6.9/10
- Ease of Use: 7.7/10
- Customer Support: 8.1/10
- Price & Value: 8.0/10
Ivacy VPN Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Successfully unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
- Good logging policy
- Attractive pricing on long-term plans
- Solid speeds on local connections
- Extensive global server network
- Supports 10 simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Lacks transparency regarding ownership structure
- Engages in deceptive business practices
- No VPN kill switch or split tunneling
Update: August 2024
In August 2024, Ivacy announced its merger with PureVPN via email. All Ivacy subscribers will be automatically migrated to PureVPN for the remainder of their subscriptions, including any purchased add-ons.
Background
Operating since 2007, Ivacy VPN has struggled to establish a reputation akin to that of more reputable VPN services. This review delves into the reasons why Ivacy VPN is not considered a trusted service.
In summary, while Ivacy offers a secure VPN experience, its opaque ownership and problematic company history are significant concerns. Despite its capability to unblock streaming services like US Netflix, the VPN’s international connection speeds are subpar, affecting overall streaming quality.
Expert Advice : Ivacy VPN does not measure up to the standards set by leading VPNs. We recommend opting for NordVPN instead, which offers a 30-day free trial. Learn more about why NordVPN is superior in our updated NordVPN review.
Ivacy VPN Key Data
| Data Cap | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Download Speed | 90Mbps |
| Logging Policy | Some User Logs |
| Data Leaks | No |
| Jurisdiction | Singapore (SIGINT Member) |
| Servers | 3,500+ |
| IP Addresses | 3,500+ |
| Countries with Servers | 49 |
| US Netflix | Yes |
| Torrenting | Unlimited |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Works In China | Yes |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Cheapest Price | $1.00/mo over 5 years |
| Free Trial | 24 Hours (No Payment Info Required) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Official Website | Ivacy.com |
Privacy & Logging Policy
Subpar Logging Practices & Concerning Company Background
Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 4.2/10
While Ivacy refrains from collecting directly identifying information, its logging practices remain overly intrusive. The service records your real location, account activity, device details, and aggregated bandwidth usage, which raises significant privacy concerns. Moreover, Ivacy’s questionable business practices and lack of transparency regarding its corporate structure further erode trust in its commitment to user privacy.
Ranked #36 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
| Data Type | Logged by Ivacy VPN |
|---|---|
| Account Information | Yes |
| Browsing Activity | No |
| Date of Last Connection | Yes |
| Device Information | Yes |
| DNS Queries | No |
| Individual Bandwidth Usage | Yes |
| Individual Connection Timestamps | No |
| ISP | No |
| Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
| Originating IP Address | No |
| VPN Server IP | No |
| VPN Server Location | No |
You can review Ivacy’s complete privacy policy on its website.
“There is no ethical obligation to reveal who the people behind Ivacy are.” – Frank, Ivacy Public Relations Manager
Ivacy, headquartered in Singapore under its parent company PMG Private Limited, maintains a particularly elusive stance regarding its ownership and operational structure. Upon conducting a more in-depth investigation into the company’s background, we uncovered details about the true ownership of the VPN service.
Ivacy is, in fact, operated by Gaditek, a Pakistani organization that also owns PureVPN, another VPN service we’ve reviewed. Gaditek was founded by the Gadit family, with Umair Gadit serving as the current CEO of Gaditek and Uzair Gadit as the CEO of PureVPN.
Despite years of online speculation, Ivacy eventually acknowledged this connection, though it downplayed the relationship by describing it as “only minor.” While it’s not uncommon for multiple VPN services to be managed by the same parent company, Gaditek’s business practices and its reluctance to openly disclose its ownership structure raise concerns about Ivacy’s transparency.
Notably, Ivacy does not publicly list its management team, and it declined to provide this information when requested. At one time, the Ivacy website vaguely listed its CEO as ‘Mr. Saad,’ but this reference has since been removed. In 2018, a spokesperson inadvertently revealed that the CEO’s name is ‘Saad Khan.’
We currently believe that Ivacy’s CEO is Muhammad Saad Khan, though this affiliation is not publicly acknowledged anywhere.
However, his Quora profile lists him as a ‘Growth Marketing Strategist at PureVPN,’ and he frequently responds to VPN-related tweets with recommendations for PureVPN—without ever disclosing his significant involvement in its parent company or its sister service, Ivacy.
Despite Ivacy’s efforts to create distance from PureVPN, the connection between the two companies is evident.
Gaditek’s Concerning Business Practices
Beyond the secrecy, Gaditek’s business practices raise serious ethical concerns. The company owns and operates four VPN review sites, which it uses to artificially promote its VPN products, including Ivacy and PureVPN, to top positions—without disclosing its ownership. Additionally, Gaditek engages in ‘astroturfing,’ the practice of creating fake social media accounts to promote its VPN services under the pretense of genuine user feedback.
In a separate incident, Ivacy’s PR Manager of Digital and Partnerships was found offering a VPN reviewer a lifetime Ivacy subscription in exchange for more favorable reviews on his website. Offering lifetime subscriptions in return for biased reviews is an indefensible practice.
Given these practices, would you trust a company with your most sensitive data—one that hides its true identity and employs deceptive marketing tactics to manipulate customer perception? These actions should give anyone pause when considering Ivacy as their VPN provider.
Logging Policy
While Ivacy does have a commendable logging policy that refrains from collecting information that could personally identify you from your online activities, this doesn’t overshadow the larger concerns. Ivacy does not log connection details, session durations, IP addresses, connection timestamps, or DNS queries.
Here’s how Ivacy’s privacy policy details the information it collects:
Upon reviewing its policy, we found that Ivacy logs more data than other true no-logs VPNs, including details such as your originating country and device information.
This minimal-logs policy is especially concerning given that Ivacy is based in Singapore—a location that, while popular for VPN services, is less than ideal. Singapore has a well-documented history of cooperating with the Five-Eyes surveillance network and has been known to provide sensitive information to authorities upon request. This level of cooperation has led to Singapore being frequently referred to as the ‘sixth eye’ due to its close ties with the intelligence alliance.
Given these factors, we do not recommend Ivacy for users who prioritize privacy. There are far more reliable and trustworthy VPN options available at a similar or slightly higher cost.
Speed
Surprisingly Fast International Performance
Speed Rating: 8.2/10
In our 2024 speed tests, Ivacy demonstrated significant improvements compared to the previous year. We observed only a 10% speed reduction on local connections, with average international speeds reaching 88Mbps. These speeds are sufficient for full HD streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming.
Ranked #38 out of 62 VPNs for Speed
We tested Ivacy’s performance by connecting to servers across six different continents, using a 100Mbps internet connection, which is representative of a typical home broadband speed.
Here’s a table summarizing Ivacy’s speed test results:
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | US (Los Angeles) | UK (London) | Germany (Berlin) | Brazil (São Paulo) | Japan (Tokyo) | South Africa (Johannesburg) | Australia (Sydney) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Location |  |
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 |
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 |
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| Download Speed | 100Mbps | 90Mbps | 96Mbps | 63Mbps | 88Mbps | 86Mbps | 88Mbps | 84Mbps | 95Mbps | 79Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 88Mbps | 99Mbps | 44Mbps | 96Mbps | 91Mbps | 95Mbps | 94Mbps | 95Mbps | 97Mbps |
| Ping | 1ms | 6ms | 14ms | 94ms | 73ms | 84ms | 112ms | 144ms | 238ms | 220ms |
| Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 300mi | 2,500mi | 3,500mi | 4,000mi | 4,800mi | 6,700mi | 8,000mi | 9,900mi |
As the data indicates, Ivacy excels in long-distance connections, achieving speeds up to 95Mbps when connecting from the US to South Africa.
However, its performance on nearby connections is less impressive. We observed a 10% speed reduction when connecting to a nearby server, and a significant drop in speed to 63Mbps when connecting to the West Coast.
To provide further context, the chart below compares Ivacy’s local and international speed performance with other leading VPNs:
The data above highlights that other top-tier VPNs consistently achieve speeds of around 95Mbps or higher when connecting to local servers and servers in Brazil, while Ivacy only manages to reach speeds of approximately 90Mbps.
Low Latency Ideal for Gaming
In our latest speed tests, Ivacy demonstrated low latency, with average ping times of just 6ms when connected to a local server. When connected to a server in the UK, we recorded ping times of 73ms, positioning Ivacy among the VPNs with the lowest international latency—surpassed only by StrongVPN and IPVanish.
Ping times measure the duration it takes for data to travel to a server and back, directly impacting the amount of lag experienced during online gaming.
Streaming
Dedicated Streaming Servers Access 11 Netflix Regions
Streaming Rating: 8.7/10
Ivacy successfully unblocks 11 international Netflix libraries, including the US, and is also compatible with Disney+ and BBC iPlayer. While the performance of its other dedicated streaming servers can be somewhat inconsistent, Ivacy remains a strong choice for streaming.
Ranked #18 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming
| Streaming Platform | Works with Ivacy VPN |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | No |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes |
| Channel 4 | No |
| Disney+ | Yes |
| Hotstar India | No |
| Hulu | No |
| ITVX | No |
| Max | No |
| Netflix US | Yes |
Ivacy operates 64 dedicated streaming servers, each tailored to access specific services. These servers include options for popular broadcasters and platforms such as NBC, Amazon Prime, and RaiPlay, as well as less common ones like beIN Sports, Hotstar, and FujiTV.
With Ivacy VPN, we successfully accessed 11 Netflix regions, including the US library, and were able to unblock Disney+ on several US servers. Additionally, Ivacy’s UK servers effectively bypassed BBC iPlayer’s stringent geo-blocks, a notable achievement given the difficulties many VPNs face with this service.
However, streaming speeds were somewhat underwhelming. Our speed tests indicated significant slowdowns on international connections, which affected the overall picture quality and resulted in less-than-optimal HD streaming.
Torrenting
Not Recommended for Torrenting
Torrenting Rating: 8.2/10
Technically, Ivacy performs well for torrenting. All servers support P2P traffic, and our tests showed high download speeds. The VPN features a crucial kill switch to safeguard your IP address and offers port forwarding as a paid add-on. However, the primary concern is Ivacy’s reliability in maintaining customer privacy.
Ranked #17 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting
Here is a summary of Ivacy’s performance in our torrenting tests:
| Torrenting Attribute | Result |
|---|---|
| Average Download Bitrate | 10.00MiB/s |
| No. of P2P Servers | 3,500+ |
| Logging Policy | Some User Logs |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Port Forwarding | Yes |
Ivacy supports P2P traffic across its entire server network and offers a selection of ‘Secure Download’ servers. While the specific advantages of these servers are not entirely clear, Ivacy claims they use ‘real-time threat detection’ to provide ‘advanced server-level virus and malware protection.’
In our P2P tests, Ivacy’s file-sharing speeds on nearby servers were both fast and stable. The VPN includes a kill switch, but it is only available on Windows and Android. Therefore, we advise Mac and iOS users to avoid using Ivacy for torrenting.
Port Forwarding
Port forwarding is a valuable feature for torrenting as it can enhance upload and download speeds through BitTorrent. Ivacy offers this feature as a paid add-on, available for an additional $1.00 per month, which may be worth considering for frequent torrent users.
Why We Do Not Recommend Ivacy for Torrenting
Despite its technical capabilities, we do not recommend Ivacy VPN for torrenting. The company’s lack of transparency raises concerns about trusting it with sensitive download data. For secure and reliable torrenting, we have identified more trustworthy VPNs through our P2P testing.
Server Locations
VPN Servers in 49 Countries
Server Locations Rating: 9.5/10
Ivacy boasts an extensive network of over 3,500 VPN servers across 49 countries, spanning more than 100 locations. This broad coverage ensures that users are likely to find a nearby server regardless of their location. Ivacy effectively covers most popular regions and provides strong coverage in Asia and Africa, areas often overlooked by many VPNs.
Ranked #9 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations
Global Reach:
- 49 Countries
- 100+ Cities
- 3,500+ IP Addresses
With Ivacy, you can connect to servers in the following regions:
| Continent | Number of Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | 303 |
| Asia | 149 |
| South America | 79 |
| North America | 129 |
| Africa | 62 |
| Oceania | 44 |
Ivacy’s server network provides extensive global coverage, operating across 49 countries. With over 3,500 servers, it boasts one of the largest server counts in the industry.
The majority of these servers are bare-metal, ensuring dedicated resources for each user. Ivacy previously had a large number of virtual server locations, with 25% of servers not being in their advertised locations.
However, this number has since been reduced to just eight virtual server locations.
On the Windows app, these virtual servers are indicated with a (v) designation, while they remain unmarked on macOS.
Bypassing Web Censorship
Ivacy Prime Effective in China
Bypassing Censorship Rating: 7.0/10
Ivacy Prime is a specialized version of Ivacy’s VPN service designed specifically for use in China. It is commendable that Ivacy has made a dedicated effort to circumvent censorship, offering better access within China compared to many other VPNs, though it does not guarantee a 100% success rate.
Ranked #20 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship
Ivacy Prime is integrated into your regular Ivacy subscription, eliminating the need for a separate subscription. The Prime app, however, is only available for Windows and Android platforms and supports only the OpenVPN protocol.
Notably, there is no documentation available on Ivacy’s website regarding Ivacy Prime, despite its significant differences from the standard Ivacy app. Additionally, the Ivacy Prime app lacks a kill switch, which could expose your true IP address if the connection drops. The available modes are limited to ‘Smart Connect,’ ‘Streaming,’ and ‘Social Sites.’
The ‘Social Sites’ feature is the most notable addition in the Ivacy Prime app. During our tests, it successfully unblocked popular platforms such as Facebook, Spotify, and YouTube.
For streaming, Ivacy Prime provides access to a variety of services. While it includes dedicated servers for major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, it also notably supports YouTube TV. However, BBC iPlayer is not available through this app.
Security & Technical Features
AES-256 Encryption & Limited Additional Features
Security & Technical Features Rating: 6.9/10
Ivacy is a straightforward VPN with a minimalist feature set. Windows users benefit from additional functionalities such as split tunneling and a kill switch, enhancing the overall experience. However, Apple device users face a more limited selection of features, as the VPN lacks a kill switch on iOS and macOS, which is a significant drawback.
Despite these limitations, Ivacy maintains a secure connection and does not exhibit any leaks.
Ranked #32 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features
Protocols
| Protocols | Available in Ivacy VPN |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
| L2TP/IPSec | Yes |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
| PPTP | Yes |
| SSTP | Yes |
| WireGuard | No |
Encryption
| Encryption | Available in Ivacy VPN |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | No |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | Yes |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | No |
Security
| Security | Available in Ivacy VPN |
|---|---|
| Diskless Servers | No |
| DNS Leak Blocking | Yes |
| First-party DNS | Yes |
| IPv6 Leak Blocking | Yes |
| Supports TCP Port 443 | No |
| VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
| WebRTC Leak Blocking | Yes |
Advanced Features
| Advanced Features | Available in Ivacy VPN |
|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | No |
| Dedicated IP | No |
| Double VPN | No |
| SOCKS | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes |
| Static IP | No |
| Tor over VPN Server | No |
| Tracker Blocker | No |
Ivacy offers robust encryption and security features, making it a reliable VPN choice.
On Windows, Ivacy provides access to a range of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2—both of which are known for their speed and security. Initially, only a limited number of Ivacy’s server locations supported OpenVPN. However, this number has since increased to 38 locations, covering the majority of servers, though not all.
The Windows app does not indicate which servers support OpenVPN, potentially causing confusion. If OpenVPN is selected, the app might switch to a different protocol without informing the user.
For macOS users, Ivacy defaults to IKEv2 as there is no protocol selection option available.
Ivacy uses AES-256 encryption, a highly secure cipher, to protect user data. It also includes essential security features such as a VPN kill switch, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection to prevent exposure of your true IP address in case of a connection drop. Our tests confirmed that Ivacy effectively guards against DNS and IP leaks.
However, it is important to note that the kill switch feature is available only on Windows and Android, leaving iOS and macOS users without this critical protection.
Ivacy also offers split tunneling, which allows users to protect their web traffic while maintaining access to local devices like printers or streaming devices. Unfortunately, this feature is also limited to Windows and Android users.
Overall, Apple users may find Ivacy lacking in comparison to other VPN options, as the service’s offerings for Mac and iPhone are notably less comprehensive.
Device & OS Compatibility
Native Apps for All Major Platforms
Platform & Devices Rating
Ivacy provides applications and extensions for a wide range of platforms. It supports popular operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as Linux, Kodi, and various wireless routers.
Supported Apps:
- Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
- Router
Ivacy allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections per account, making it a suitable option for protecting multiple devices within a household.
However, it is important to note that both the kill switch and split tunneling features are unavailable on iOS and macOS. This limitation poses a risk to privacy, as a connection drop on these platforms could potentially expose your true IP address.
Ivacy offers detailed installation guides for each supported platform, which can be helpful if you encounter any issues with setup.
Games Consoles & Streaming Devices:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Chromecast
- Nintendo
- PlayStation
- Roku
- Xbox
Ivacy excels in supporting streaming devices with dedicated applications available for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. This eliminates the need for manual configurations, allowing users to download the app and start streaming directly.
While no VPN provider offers native applications for major gaming consoles, Ivacy can still be used on devices such as PS4 and Xbox by installing the VPN at the router level. This setup will provide VPN protection to all devices connected to your network.
Browser Extensions:
- Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Firefox
Ivacy provides browser extensions for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. These extensions function as internet proxies, which can be useful for accessing geo-blocked content like Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
However, for enhanced online privacy and security, we recommend using the full application rather than relying on the browser extensions.
Ease of Use
User-Friendly Setup and Interface
Ease of Use Rating: 7.7/10
Ivacy is designed with simplicity in mind, making it a solid choice for VPN beginners. Its user interface is straightforward, with dedicated server menus for tasks such as accessing streaming services and ensuring privacy during torrenting. However, it lacks some advanced features and security options found in top-tier VPNs.
Ranked #28 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use
Installation:
Setting up Ivacy is a hassle-free process. Navigate to the Ivacy website’s downloads page, select your preferred platform, and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process is intuitive, even for first-time VPN users.
Interface and Features:
Ivacy’s interface is easy to navigate across different platforms. Regardless of the device you’re using, you’ll have access to the following server menus:
- Smart Connect: Automatically connects you to the nearest Ivacy server.
- Secure Download: Optimized for torrenting and P2P traffic.
- Streaming: Designed to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services.
- Unblocking: Connects you to a server in a specific country of your choice.
Platform-Specific Details:
- Windows and Android: Offer the most comprehensive feature set, including a kill switch and split tunneling, which allows you to choose specific applications to bypass the VPN.
- macOS and iOS: These platforms have a more limited feature set. Notably, they lack a kill switch, which is a significant drawback for users seeking enhanced security.
Protocol Options:
- Windows: Provides a range of protocols, including OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), IKEv2, and IPSec (though IPSec is not recommended).
- Android: Offers a choice between UDP and TCP for OpenVPN.
- iOS: Supports IKEv2 and possibly L2TP/IPSec (the latter is generally considered insecure).
- macOS: Default to IKEv2, with no alternative protocol options.
Overall, while Ivacy is user-friendly, the lack of advanced features on Apple devices and the limited protocol options may be a concern for more advanced users.
Downloading the Ivacy browser extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge is straightforward.
Simply visit the Ivacy website and select ‘Get Started’ for your chosen browser.
Similar to the full application, the Ivacy browser extension is organized into several sections:
- Purposes Tab: Provides access to dedicated servers for streaming.
- Quick Connect: Allows you to quickly connect to the nearest VPN server.
- Server Locations: Lists various global locations for manual connection.
Customer Support
Limited Effectiveness of Live Chat Support
Customer Support Rating: 8.1/10
While Ivacy offers 24/7 live chat support, the service is somewhat lacking. Support agents frequently struggled to comprehend our questions due to limited English proficiency and insufficient technical expertise. Although Ivacy’s online resources provide some assistance, and email support is available for more complex issues, the overall support experience could be improved.
Ranked #20 out of 62 VPNs for Customer Support
| Customer Support | Available in Ivacy VPN |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Email Support | Yes |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | Yes |
| Chatbot | No |
| Email Support via Online Form | No |
| Online Resources | No |
| Tutorial Videos | No |
Ivacy’s 24/7 live chat support, while available around the clock, often falls short of expectations. Although this feature is convenient for urgent inquiries, it frequently fails to provide satisfactory responses.
Ivacy compensates for this shortfall with a well-organized knowledge base. This resource offers comprehensive FAQs, troubleshooting advice, and manual setup guides for a variety of devices, addressing many common questions.
For more technical issues, users are directed to Ivacy’s email support team. Unfortunately, their response times are not the fastest, and they often struggle to provide thorough answers. In some instances, specific queries, such as those regarding how Ivacy determines users’ source countries or details about the company’s ownership structure, were left unanswered or ignored.
