IPVanish VPN Review

Table of Contents

Our Verdict

IPVanish is a highly-rated no-logs VPN, receiving an impressive score of 9.1/10 based on our evaluation criteria. It offers a top-notch Fire TV Stick app and delivers rapid file-sharing speeds, making it well-suited for torrenting. IPVanish VPN also owns its entire server network and effectively unblocks US Netflix. However, it falls short in circumventing web censorship and has limited device compatibility compared to its competitors.

Ranked #6 out of 62 VPNs

IPVanish VPN Pros & Cons

Pros:

Zero-logs policy and no IP address leaks
Unblocks US Netflix & BBC iPlayer
High connection speeds
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Optimal for Fire TV Stick & Kodi
Owns its entire server network

Cons:

No VPN browser extensions
Lacks Smart DNS for Smart TVs & gaming consoles
Kill switch issues on macOS
Ineffective in China
Cannot unblock HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, or Hotstar

Founded in 2012, IPVanish is a leading VPN service that remains competitive with top industry players.

Since becoming a no-logs VPN in 2017 and continuing this status after its 2019 acquisition by Ziff Davis, IPVanish has maintained its reputation for secure and anonymous VPN solutions.

It is particularly renowned for its Fire TV Stick support and is an excellent choice for P2P and Kodi users.

IPVanish VPN Key Data

Data Cap	Unlimited
Download Speed	95Mbps
Logging Policy	No Logs
Data Leaks	No
Jurisdiction	US (Five Eyes Member)
Servers	2,200
IP Addresses	40,000+
Countries with Servers	53
US Netflix	Yes
Torrenting	Unlimited
Simultaneous Connections	Unlimited
Works In China	No
Support	24/7 Live Chat
Cheapest Price	$2.19/mo over 24 months
Free Trial	7 Days (Payment Info Required)
Money-Back Guarantee	30-day Money-Back Guarantee
Official Website	IPVanish.com

Speed Performance

Exceptional Speed Across All Server Locations

Speed Rating: 9.8/10

Leveraging the newly-integrated WireGuard protocol, IPVanish delivered impressive connection speeds across all tested servers. Our analysis revealed an average download speed reduction of just 5% on local servers and 12% on international servers.

Ranked #2 Out of 62 VPNs for Speed

To assess IPVanish’s speed performance, we measured the connection speed between our location and IPVanish VPN servers worldwide.

Below is a comprehensive table displaying IPVanish’s speed test results in detail:

	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
Download Speed	100Mbps	95Mbps	96Mbps	92Mbps	91Mbps	82Mbps	94Mbps	86Mbps	83Mbps	86Mbps
Upload Speed	100Mbps	94Mbps	95Mbps	94Mbps	94Mbps	93Mbps	92Mbps	97Mbps	92Mbps	93Mbps
Ping	1ms	7ms	15ms	71ms	72ms	84ms	113ms	143ms	386ms	213ms
Distance	0mi	5mi	300mi	2,500mi	3,500mi	4,000mi	4,800mi	6,700mi	8,000mi	9,900mi

Previously, we measured average speeds with IPVanish using the older, slower OpenVPN protocol. With the recent adoption of the WireGuard protocol, IPVanish has emerged as one of the fastest VPNs available.

As illustrated in the table above, IPVanish consistently delivers high speeds across all locations, with an average international download speed of 88 Mbps.

Notably, IPVanish, alongside Hotspot Shield, is the only VPN service to achieve download speeds exceeding 80 Mbps in every tested location.

Refer to the chart below to compare IPVanish’s international speeds with other leading VPNs:

These findings demonstrate that IPVanish is among the fastest VPN options on the market, offering ample speed for HD streaming, web browsing, and large file torrenting.

Low Ping for Online Gaming

When connected to a local IPVanish server, we observed a consistently low ping time of 7 ms. This exceptional result facilitates smooth gameplay for fast-paced online games, ensuring minimal lag.

For longer-distance connections, we noted an increase in ping times and occasional, minor instances of lag. Despite this, we were able to engage in online gaming with minimal disruption and avoid sudden disconnections.

Server Locations

2,200 Self-Owned Servers & 40,000+ IP Addresses

Server Locations Rating: 8.9/10

IPVanish operates 2,200 servers across 53 countries and 84 cities, providing extensive regional coverage. While this is robust, it does not surpass the leading VPN services such as Private Internet Access. Our evaluation of IPVanish’s server infrastructure revealed that all servers, with the exception of the one in India, are physical rather than virtual.

IPVanish is ranked #13 out of 62 VPNs for server locations.

Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of IPVanish’s server distribution.

Continent	Number of Countries
Europe	31
Asia	10
South America	5
North America	4
Africa	1
Oceania	2

IPVanish operates a network of 2,200 servers, positioning it in the top half of VPN services we have evaluated. However, this number is surpassed by competitors such as Private Internet Access (18,651 servers) and CyberGhost (12,000 servers).

Despite having fewer servers than some of its rivals, IPVanish’s server count is generally sufficient, and we observed minimal server congestion even during peak periods.

The network includes servers in most European countries and over 1,400 servers in North America. Outside these regions, however, options are limited, with only one server location in Africa.

Currently, 58% of IPVanish’s server network is concentrated in Europe. Expanding server presence in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa would enhance global coverage.

IPVanish provides city-level server options in six countries, including the US and the UK. This feature is beneficial for accessing region-specific content, such as NBA blackouts, and for achieving optimal speeds by connecting to nearby servers.

In the US, IPVanish has servers in 14 states, surpassing Windscribe’s coverage of 7 states and ExpressVPN’s 12 states, but still falling short of Private Internet Access’s coverage of all 50 states.

IPVanish Does Not Use Virtual Servers

IPVanish operates exclusively with physical servers. Each of its bare metal servers is located at the advertised geographic location, ensuring accurate IP address assignment and optimal internet speeds.

The sole exception to this is IPVanish’s virtual server located in India. Due to the implementation of restrictive data laws in India in late 2022, IPVanish withdrew its physical servers from the country. However, it continues to provide access to Indian IP addresses through virtual servers that are not affected by these regulations.

Privacy & Logging Policy

A Reliable and Verified No-Logs VPN

Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 8.8/10

IPVanish is a highly trusted zero-logs VPN provider. It maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no records are kept of your connection data or browsing activity. The only data retained is your email address and payment method, which are required for service management. Although IPVanish operates under US jurisdiction, its commitment to a no-logs policy effectively mitigates potential concerns.

Ranked #15 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy

Summary of Data Logged by IPVanish

Data Type	Logged by IPVanish VPN
Account Information	Yes
Browsing Activity	No
Date of Last Connection	No
Device Information	No
DNS Queries	No
Individual Bandwidth Usage	No
Individual Connection Timestamps	No
ISP	No
Number of Simultaneous Connections	No
Originating IP Address	No
VPN Server IP	No
VPN Server Location	No

IPVanish maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that it does not record any connection or usage data. While it does collect standard information such as your email address and payment method, this practice is consistent with industry norms.

According to its privacy policy, IPVanish gathers “aggregated and anonymous performance data” to enhance its service. This data is entirely anonymous and is not associated with individual users.

Notably, IPVanish does not impose a limit on the number of simultaneous connections, which eliminates the need to log device connections to its network.

The integrity of IPVanish’s no-logs policy has been independently verified through an audit conducted by Leviathan Security Group in April 2022. The audit confirmed that IPVanish does not log IP addresses, browsing activity, or downloads.

For increased transparency, it would be beneficial if IPVanish incorporated a warrant canary on its website to disclose any DMCA requests it receives. Additionally, adopting a practice similar to Windscribe’s, such as publishing regular transparency reports on law enforcement requests, would provide tangible evidence of its commitment to user privacy.

Below is a comparison of IPVanish’s logging policy with other leading VPN services:

VPN Service	Privacy Rating	Logging Policy	Jurisdiction	Independently Verified
IPVanish	8.8	No Logs	United States	✓
PIA VPN	9.7	No Logs	United States	✓
Surfshark	8.7	No Identifying Data	BVI	✓
ExpressVPN	9.2	No Identifying Data	BVI	✓
CyberGhost	8.6	No Identifying Data	Romania	✓

Ownership and Jurisdiction

IPVanish is currently owned by Ziff Davis, a New York-based company. It is part of a portfolio of VPN products that includes StrongVPN and Encrypt.me.

While the US jurisdiction is generally considered challenging for privacy due to its data laws and membership in the Five Eyes alliance, IPVanish’s no-logs policy mitigates these concerns. The policy ensures that there is no data for US authorities to request, provided IPVanish maintains its current logging practices.

Historical Data-Sharing Incident

In 2016, IPVanish provided user logs to the FBI during a criminal investigation, which was feasible because IPVanish was then actively logging data.

Since that incident, IPVanish has undergone several changes in ownership, enhanced its logging policy, and undergone an independent audit to verify its practices. As a result, IPVanish is now regarded as a reputable and trustworthy service with a confirmed no-logs policy.

Streaming Capabilities

IPVanish Unblocks US Netflix but Not HBO Max

Rating: 9.1/10

IPVanish effectively unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, with these services accessible on its native Fire TV Stick and Android apps. However, it does not support Prime Video or HBO Max, and the addition of a Smart DNS feature would be beneficial. For superior streaming performance, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are recommended alternatives.

Ranked #11 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming

Below is a list of popular streaming services compatible with IPVanish:

Streaming Platform	Works with IPVanish VPN
Amazon Prime Video	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes
Channel 4	Yes
Disney+	Yes
Hotstar India	No
Hulu	Yes
ITVX	Yes
Max	No
Netflix US	Yes

IPVanish Streaming Capabilities

US Netflix and Additional Regions

IPVanish successfully unblocks US Netflix across all its US servers and also provides access to Netflix libraries in India, Canada, and Turkey. Despite its ability to access US Netflix, IPVanish falls short compared to top-performing VPNs like Windscribe, which supports ten times more Netflix regions.

Users may experience slower loading times for Netflix on both the website and mobile app, though switching to the WireGuard protocol can help alleviate this issue.

UK Streaming Platforms

IPVanish’s UK servers are effective in accessing all major British streaming services. We achieved a 100% success rate in unblocking geo-restricted content on BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and All 4. Streaming was smooth and free of buffering for both on-demand and live content.

Hulu Access

Recent tests show that IPVanish is highly effective for streaming Hulu. We successfully accessed Hulu from outside the US on all tested devices. Among the 10 US servers evaluated, only one IP address was blocked, indicating IPVanish’s strong performance in unblocking Hulu.

Limitations

IPVanish does not support all streaming platforms. Our tests showed that it could not unblock HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, or Hotstar India. In comparison to other VPNs, IPVanish offers less frequent access, lower streaming quality, and compatibility with fewer devices. For superior streaming performance, alternative VPNs may be more suitable.

Torrenting

IPVanish Is Ideal for Fast & Anonymous Torrenting

Rating: 9.2/10

IPVanish excels in providing a fast and anonymous torrenting experience. The IPVanish app and its SOCKS5 proxy are highly effective for torrenting, with P2P traffic allowed on all servers and some of the fastest torrenting speeds we have observed. However, it does not support port forwarding.

Ranked #4 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting

Below is a summary of IPVanish’s performance in our recent torrenting tests:

Torrenting Attribute	Result
Average Download Bitrate	9.9MiB/s
No. of P2P Servers	2,200
Logging Policy	No Logs
Kill Switch	Yes
Port Forwarding	No

We evaluated IPVanish by connecting to a nearby server and downloading a torrent test file. Throughout the process, we successfully accessed the file using the qBittorrent client and completed the download without any interruptions.

ipvanish-windows-torrenting

IPVanish achieved an average bitrate of 9.9 MiB/s, which is an impressive result. It ranks as one of the top three fastest VPNs for torrenting in our tests.

All IPVanish servers support P2P traffic, which helps minimize congestion and maintain high speeds. Additionally, IPVanish owns and manages its entire server network, enhancing user anonymity by preventing third-party access to your torrenting activity. Notably, the VPN does not log usage data.

IPVanish includes a reliable kill switch to prevent IP leaks in the event of an unexpected VPN disconnection, though it is not enabled by default.

We would recommend that IPVanish consider adding port forwarding support to further enhance its P2P speeds and compete more closely with the leading torrenting VPNs.

IPVanish SOCKS5 Proxy

IPVanish also provides its own SOCKS5 proxy, which routes your P2P traffic through a remote proxy service to mask your IP address while torrenting. Although this method generally offers faster speeds than using a VPN, it does not encrypt your internet traffic.

The SOCKS5 proxy can be configured directly in your torrent client, though this process can be somewhat technical.

EXPERT ADVICE: To avoid IP address exposure, connect to your VPN before launching your torrent client and disconnect after closing the torrent client, as this prevents IP leaks if your torrent client continues seeding in the background.

Security & Technical Features

IPVanish: Strong Security with Limited Advanced Features

Security & Technical Features Rating: 9.6/10

IPVanish offers robust security through AES-256 encryption and reliable protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. The service ensures the protection of DNS requests and IPv6 addresses, and maintains full control over its server network. Despite these strengths, the macOS kill switch has shown some issues, and there is room for enhancement in advanced features across all applications.

Ranked #3 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features

For a comprehensive overview of IPVanish’s VPN protocols, encryption ciphers, and technical features, please refer to the table below.

Protocols

Protocols	Available in IPVanish VPN
IKEv2/IPSec	Yes
L2TP/IPSec	Yes
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)	Yes
WireGuard	Yes

Encryption

Encryption	Available in IPVanish VPN
AES-128	Yes
AES-192	No
AES-256	Yes
Blowfish	No
ChaCha20	Yes

Security

Security	Available in IPVanish VPN
Diskless Servers	No
DNS Leak Blocking	Yes
First-party DNS	Yes
IPv6 Leak Blocking	Yes
Supports TCP Port 443	Yes
VPN Kill Switch	Yes
WebRTC Leak Blocking	No

Advanced Features

Advanced Features	Available in IPVanish VPN
Ad Blocker	Yes
Dedicated IP	No
Double VPN	No
SOCKS	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes
Static IP	No
Tor over VPN Server	No
Tracker Blocker	Yes

IPVanish: Security and Server Management

Comprehensive Security Across All Platforms

IPVanish ensures robust security by employing industry-standard encryption methods. Users can select from AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers, both renowned for their virtually unbreakable security.

By default, IPVanish applications utilize the WireGuard VPN protocol, an open-source protocol known for its reliability in safeguarding data.

wireshark-ipvanish

To validate this, we monitored our web traffic while connected to an IPVanish VPN server using Wireshark, an open-source packet inspection tool. Our findings revealed no unencrypted TCP or UDP traffic, nor any HTTP or DNS traffic transmitted in plain text. All inspected data packets were encrypted into incoherent symbols, confirming that IPVanish effectively encrypts all traffic.

Minor Kill Switch Issue on macOS

IPVanish includes a kill switch feature designed to prevent any internet traffic from leaving your device if the VPN connection drops.

Our testing, conducted using a specialized tool, identified any IP address leaks when the internet connection was lost or the VPN server was changed. We could only test this on macOS with the OpenVPN protocol, as the kill switch is not available with the default WireGuard protocol.

On Windows, IPVanish’s kill switch successfully blocked network traffic, but on macOS, it failed to prevent IP address leakage during VPN server changes. Nevertheless, the macOS kill switch effectively concealed our IP address during unexpected VPN disconnections, which remains a critical function.

ipvanish-macos-kill-switch-result

While IPVanish remains secure to use on macOS, we recommend pausing all online activities before switching VPN servers to avoid unencrypted traffic during the transition. This issue is not exclusive to IPVanish, as similar problems have been observed with macOS kill switches from ExpressVPN and PrivateVPN.

We anticipate IPVanish addressing this issue in future updates.

Ownership and Management of Server Network

IPVanish takes pride in owning and managing its entire server network, including its DNS servers. This ownership minimizes server security risks by eliminating third-party leases and ensuring full control over data handling.

Unlike ExpressVPN’s diskless servers, IPVanish’s servers utilize physical hard drives for data storage. While RAM-based servers offer enhanced anonymity, they are rare among VPN services. For those seeking this feature, ExpressVPN is a viable alternative.

IPVanish: Data Protection and Threat Protection Performance

IP and DNS Data Protection

Our testing confirms that IPVanish’s applications effectively prevent IP and DNS data leaks. This robust protection is attributed to its integrated DNS and IPv6 leak prevention features, as well as its proprietary management of its server network.

IPVanish-Leak-Test-on-macOS-scaled

Threat Protection Performance

IPVanish includes a Threat Protection feature designed to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites while connected to the VPN. We assessed its effectiveness using an objective ad blocker testing tool.

The results indicate that Threat Protection blocks only 35% of ads and trackers, a notably insufficient performance. The feature notably failed to block a significant number of social trackers, including those from TikTok and Facebook.

For users seeking a VPN with superior ad-blocking capabilities, we recommend considering Private Internet Access (PIA) or CyberGhost, both of which successfully block over 90% of ads and trackers.

ipvanish-threat-protection-test-results

Despite the underwhelming performance of Threat Protection, it is commendable that IPVanish offers this feature across all its VPN applications, a practice that is still uncommon in the industry and one we hope will be more widely adopted.

Additional Technical Features Desired for IPVanish

IPVanish offers a robust array of standard features typical of a reputable VPN service. However, it lacks some advanced technical features found in the top-tier VPNs. We recommend the following enhancements to further elevate IPVanish’s service:

Multi-Hop Servers: Implementing multi-hop servers would provide an additional layer of encryption and bolster protection against traffic correlation attacks.
Diskless VPN Servers: Adopting diskless servers would enhance user anonymity across IPVanish’s privately owned server network, ensuring higher privacy levels.
Dedicated IP: Offering dedicated IP addresses would facilitate secure remote access, improve streaming performance in specific locations, and provide greater control over your VPN IP address.
Open-Sourced Desktop Apps: Making desktop applications open-source would increase transparency regarding IPVanish’s software operations, allowing independent inspection for potential security vulnerabilities.

While these features are advanced and not universally essential, their inclusion would align IPVanish with the best VPN services we have reviewed and meet the expectations for a leading VPN provider.

Bypassing Web Censorship

IPVanish’s Performance

Bypassing Censorship Rating: 6.0/10

IPVanish includes some obfuscation features; however, it has consistently struggled to overcome China’s stringent censorship measures in our assessments. While it may perform adequately in regions with less severe censorship, it is not effective in highly restricted areas.

Ranked #31 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassi

Device & OS Compatibility

IPVanish Works on Most Devices, but Lacks Smart DNS

IPVanish Compatibility Overview

IPVanish is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire OS, and Linux. The service offers straightforward installation across these platforms, including home routers. However, it does not provide support for Smart DNS or browser extensions.

Supported Devices

IPVanish applications can be installed on the following devices:

Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Linux
Router
ChromeOS

While IPVanish delivers a consistent user experience across its platforms, certain features may vary between applications. Below is a summary of the key differences among IPVanish applications.

IPVanish is ineffective in China and other countries with stringent censorship.

Our weekly tests on IPVanish using servers in Shanghai have consistently shown connectivity issues, with the VPN app failing to establish a connection. The “Scramble VPN traffic” feature does not succeed in circumventing the Great Firewall of China.

Though IPVanish may function in countries with less sophisticated censorship such as Russia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it falls short in highly censored regions.

For users requiring a VPN capable of bypassing Chinese censorship, there are more reliable options available. For instance, Astrill VPN, with its proprietary protocols, boasts a 100% success rate in overcoming the Great Firewall of China.

Platform	Protocols	Kill Switch	IPv6 Leak Protection	Scramble	Auto Start	Auto Reconnect	Split Tunneling	Exclude LAN	Reduce MTU	3rd Party/ IPVanish DNS Toggle
Windows	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP, SSTP, PPTP	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✗	✗
Mac	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP, IPSec	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✗	✗	✓
Android	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP, IPSec	✓	✗	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✗
iOS	WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP, IPSec	✓	✗	✗	✓	✗	✓	✗	✗	✗
Fire TV	WireGuard, OpenVPN	✓	✗	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✗	✗

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

IPVanish offers the benefit of unlimited simultaneous connections, which is uncommon among high-quality VPN providers. Most VPN services impose a limit of five devices per account.

Gaming Consoles & Streaming Devices

IPVanish can be utilized on various devices by installing the VPN on a compatible router. The devices supported include:

Apple TV
Amazon Fire TV
Android TV
Chromecast
PlayStation
Roku
Smart TV
Xbox

Router installation can be performed either manually or through the purchase of a pre-flashed router. Unfortunately, this is the sole method available for using IPVanish on Smart TVs and gaming consoles, as the service does not offer a Smart DNS feature.

IPVanish stands out for providing a native application for Amazon Fire TV. This app is user-friendly and currently ranks as our top recommendation for the Fire TV Stick.

IPVanish-Fire-TV-Stick-App

The app does not retain any internet logs, making it an excellent choice for viewing Kodi and IPTV content anonymously with a VPN.

Additionally, IPVanish is capable of streaming geo-restricted content through official Kodi add-ons such as IceFilms and NBC Sports.

Ease of Use

Highly Configurable Apps & Intuitive Interface

Ease of Use Rating: 9.0/10

IPVanish offers user-friendly applications across its platforms, each equipped with a range of configuration options. The interface of its Windows, Android, and iOS apps is consistent, providing a uniform experience across all devices. However, the home screens could benefit from streamlining to reduce clutter.

Ranked #9 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use

To begin using IPVanish, visit its website, select “Get Started,” choose a pricing plan, create your account, and download the app. This process is efficient and typically takes about five minutes.

Recently, IPVanish has updated its apps for major platforms, including a new design for its macOS app released in June 2023. This redesign marks a significant improvement from its previous, more technical and outdated interface, now offering a more modern and user-friendly design.

For a detailed overview of our experience with IPVanish on various operating systems, refer to the section below :

Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)

IPVanish’s desktop applications for Windows and macOS share a similar design and feature set, though some differences exist.

ipvanish-windows-vs-mac

Users can select a country, city, or server from a list of locations or simply press “connect” to automatically connect to the optimal server.

The side menu allows for sorting the server list by country, server load, or response time, which is particularly useful for avoiding congestion during peak hours.

A search function is available to filter servers by keyword, and users can easily add preferred servers to their ‘favorites list’ for quicker future access.

Additionally, users have the option to choose a location from a map. Zooming in will reveal the full server network for a specific region. This map feature, previously exclusive to Windows, has now been incorporated into the macOS app following a recent redesign.

The macOS redesign also integrates VPN settings directly into the IPVanish app, addressing previous issues where settings and customization options were hidden in the Mac’s native menu bar.

Once connected to a server, a status panel displays the protocol in use, connection time, server name, and bandwidth usage. This interface is now more streamlined and less intrusive compared to earlier versions.

Both desktop applications include a kill switch, IPv6 leak protection, port selection, and the Scramble feature for bypassing censorship. On macOS, these features are accessible only through OpenVPN. On Windows, port selection and the Scramble feature are similarly limited to OpenVPN.

Mobile (iPhone & Android)

IPVanish’s mobile applications, available for both iPhone and Android, feature a consistent interface across platforms. The top half of the home screen displays a map, while the connection status and server location are shown below.

ipvanish-android-vs-ios

Users can access advanced settings, customer support, and the complete server list through tabs located at the bottom of each app. Live chat support is integrated for prompt assistance.

Similar to the desktop versions, the mobile apps allow server selection by country or city. Filtering by city provides ping and server load data. Both apps include a search function and the ability to ‘favorite’ locations for quick access.

The mobile apps are well-integrated with their respective operating systems. The Android app features a startup connection toggle and an integrated kill switch within system settings, along with a ‘dark mode’ option for enhanced accessibility.

On iOS, IPVanish offers optional Siri shortcuts, such as connecting to the last used server with the command, “secure connection.” A dark mode is also available for the iOS app. However, the iOS version lacks some features, such as IPv6 leak protection and the Scramble protocol.

Amazon Fire TV

The IPVanish Firestick VPN app is the most impressive we have tested for Amazon Fire TV. While it may not be the most aesthetically designed, it excels in security and ease of use.

ipvanish-firetv

The app provides numerous customizable settings, including auto-startup, auto-reconnect, LAN exemption, and split tunneling. The real-time upload/download speed graph is prominently displayed, enhancing its visibility on a TV screen.

Users can choose between OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) and WireGuard protocols. The Scramble feature is also available to bypass certain app restrictions. A recent update added a kill switch to the Fire TV Stick app, though setting it up requires installing a separate Fire TV app, which is an additional step not needed with other VPN services.

Installation Instructions for IPVanish on Fire TV Stick:

From the Fire TV Stick home screen, select ‘apps’ and then ‘categories.’
Choose ‘utility’ and select the IPVanish application.
Download and open the IPVanish app, then enter your login details.
Click ‘connect’ to use the nearest server or choose a server from the ‘options’ menu.

Apple TV

With the launch of tvOS 17, IPVanish has emerged as the top-rated VPN for Apple TV, surpassing ExpressVPN in streaming performance and download speeds.

ipvanish-appletv-bdm

The setup process took only five minutes, although a web browser sign-in option would have simplified login. Entering details via the Apple TV remote proved to be cumbersome.

The app features a streamlined interface with a search bar for quick server location and Siri integration for ease of use. Servers can be favorited for future convenience.

Despite its user-friendly design, the IPVanish Apple TV app falls short in some areas. It supports only the outdated IKEv2 protocol and lacks a kill switch. Future updates should address these limitations by incorporating features available on desktop and mobile versions.

Linux Client

IPVanish does not offer a native Linux VPN application. To use IPVanish on Linux, users must rely on command-line instructions, as there is no graphical user interface.

ipvanish-linux

IPVanish supports Ubuntu, Fedora, Kali, Mint, Lubuntu, and Pop! OS, with CLI support for OpenVPN, L2TP, and IKEv2 connections.

Price & Value

IPVanish Justifies the Slightly Higher Cost

Price & Value Rating: 8.0/10

IPVanish offers competitive pricing for a premium VPN service, with its longest subscription plan available at $2.19 per month. Additionally, IPVanish provides a seven-day free trial for mobile users, a benefit not commonly offered by many of its competitors. For those seeking a more extended trial, the 30-day money-back guarantee is available across all platforms.

Ranked #8 out of 62 VPNs for Price & Value

IPVanish Pricing Plans:

Monthly Plan: $12.99 per month
12-Month Plan: $2.79 per month, billed as $33.48 for the first year and $89.99 annually thereafter
24-Month Plan: $2.19 per month, billed as $52.56 for the first two years and $89.99 annually thereafter

IPVanish’s monthly plan is priced competitively with the industry average. However, the two-year plan offers the best value at just $2.19 per month.

7-Day Free Trial for Mobile Users

IPVanish has reinstated its completely free trial for new mobile subscribers—a rare offer among top VPN services. To start the trial, download IPVanish from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, create an account, and select any plan length. This will activate the seven-day free trial, which allows you to explore IPVanish’s apps on Windows, Android, and macOS.

Please note that if you do not cancel before the trial period ends, you will be charged the full subscription price of the plan you selected. Alternatively, you can utilize IPVanish’s 30-day money-back guarantee. This guarantee is a no-questions-asked policy with refunds processed within 10 business days, but it is only available for yearly subscriptions and does not apply to purchases made via the Apple App Store.

Payment & Refund Options

IPVanish accepts a range of payment methods, including:

American Express
Mastercard
PayPal
Visa

Subscriptions can be paid for using credit or debit cards, as well as PayPal. International payments are also accommodated via UnionPay.

However, IPVanish does not accept cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, or cash payments. As a result, complete anonymity cannot be guaranteed when subscribing to IPVanish.

Customer Support

Comprehensive 24/7 Live Chat Support & Online Resources

Customer Support Rating

9.0/10

IPVanish offers outstanding customer support through a range of channels, including an extensive online help center, round-the-clock live chat, and email assistance. Their support team is consistently responsive and professional.

Ranked #6 out of 62 VPNs for Customer Support

Available Support Channels:

You can contact IPVanish’s customer support team through the following methods:

Customer Support	Available in IPVanish VPN
24/7 Email Support	Yes
24/7 Live Chat Support	Yes
Chatbot	Yes
Email Support via Online Form	Yes
Online Resources	Yes
Tutorial Videos	No

The most efficient way to receive support is through the live chat feature, accessible from the top-right corner of the website. Live chat agents are highly responsive and provide prompt assistance. Additionally, the email support service operates around the clock, delivering swift and well-articulated responses.

The website also offers a wealth of detailed tutorials for using IPVanish across various platforms. Notably, there are twelve guides dedicated solely to configuring the VPN on Windows.

ipvanish-chatbot

For straightforward solutions to common issues, the online FAQ section is a valuable resource.

Telephone support is available from 9 AM to 5 PM CST, Monday through Friday, a feature offered by a select group of top VPN providers.

One area for improvement is the size of images in IPVanish’s setup guides. The images are often excessively large, which can impede the clarity of the instructions.