IPVanish VPN Review: Is It Really Safe?

What is IPVanish?

IPVanish is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service that has been encrypting users’ internet connections and masking their real IP addresses since 2012. The company is based in Orlando, USA, and is currently owned by Ziff Davis.

It is one of the few VPN providers that operates its own server infrastructure – a so-called Tier-1 network – without renting capacity from third parties. This gives IPVanish full control over both hardware and software, which directly affects speed and security.

One of its main strengths is the unlimited number of simultaneously connected devices on a single account, which is still relatively rare even among premium competitors.

Pricing and plans

IPVanish offers two subscription tiers – Essential and Advanced – in three billing terms: monthly, yearly, and two-year plans.

Plan	Monthly	Yearly	2 years
Essential	$12.99/mo.	$3.33/mo. ($39.99/year)	$2.19/mo. ($52.56 total)
Advanced	$14.99/mo.	$4.49/mo. ($53.88/year)	$3.29/mo. ($78.96 total)

Essential includes the VPN itself with all core security features. Advanced adds a secure browser and cloud storage with backup functionality.

Both plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee on yearly and two-year plans. A 7-day free trial is available on mobile devices (iOS and Android).

Tip: You can find all current IPVanish discounts and coupons in the discounts section.

Features and specifications

IPVanish covers all key premium VPN features and several extras. Here is an overview of the most important ones.

Server network

The service operates more than 2,400 servers in 60+ countries with access to 40,000 IP addresses. The servers are owned, not rented, which significantly improves speed and trustworthiness. All servers support P2P traffic, which you will appreciate when torrenting.

Encryption and protocols

IPVanish uses AES-256, a standard commonly considered military-grade protection. You can choose from four protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and IPSec. I recommend leaving automatic protocol selection enabled – the app will choose the fastest option for your connection.

No-logs policy

IPVanish declares a strict no-logs policy – it does not record IP addresses, visited websites, or downloaded files. This policy has been independently audited, which is an important step toward credibility after the 2016 controversy (more in the Cons section).

Kill Switch and leak protection

The Kill Switch automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN tunnel drops, preventing accidental exposure of your real IP address. The feature is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV. IPVanish also protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks, although built-in WebRTC leak protection is missing.

Split Tunneling

With split tunneling, you can choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which do not. The feature works on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Fire OS.

Double Hop VPN

Double Hop routes your traffic through two different IPVanish servers, adding another layer of anonymity. It is not the same as Tor, but for everyday use it is a decent solution for users who want a higher level of privacy.

Streaming and torrents

IPVanish works reliably with Netflix and other streaming platforms, although you may sometimes need to try several servers. It is also a good choice for torrenting – all servers support P2P, and there are 14 SOCKS5 servers in different countries for faster downloads without encryption (only IP masking).

Compatibility

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and even Apple Vision Pro. Router configuration is also possible.

Pros

• Unlimited devices on one account
• Own server infrastructure (Tier-1 network)
• Audited no-logs policy
• WireGuard support for maximum speed
• All servers support P2P torrenting
• Double Hop feature for better anonymity
• Affordable long-term pricing (from $2.19/mo.)
• 24/7 customer support including live chat and phone
• Clear and simple apps for beginners and advanced users
• 7-day free trial on mobile devices

Cons

• Based in the USA – a country that belongs to the 5 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance
• Controversial past – in 2016, the previous management provided data to the FBI despite a declared no-logs policy
• Not reliable in China and other countries with strict censorship
• No built-in WebRTC leak protection
• Renewal prices are significantly higher after the promotional period ends
• Cryptocurrencies are not accepted as a payment method
• The 30-day money-back guarantee applies only to yearly and longer plans

My experience

I tested IPVanish on Windows and Android devices over several weeks. Installation and login took less than two minutes – the app is intuitive, clear, and does not waste time with unnecessary screens.

The speed pleasantly surprised me. On local servers in Europe, I noticed almost no performance drop compared with an unprotected connection. The WireGuard protocol does an excellent job – even on US servers, the speed loss stayed below 10%, which is more than enough for everyday streaming and work.

I unblocked Netflix successfully on the first try. With some less popular streaming services, I had to try a second server. The Kill Switch worked reliably – when I simulated a VPN drop, it immediately cut the connection.

What bothered me: renewal prices increase significantly. If you plan to use IPVanish long term, I recommend watching current deals and renewing your subscription during the promotional period, or choosing the two-year plan right away.

Transparency deserves praise – the audited no-logs policy and regular transparency reports are steps in the right direction after the unfortunate 2016 incident. The new owner and current management have shown that they take the past seriously.

User reviews

On Trustpilot and in App Store/Google Play reviews, IPVanish receives mostly positive ratings. Users praise the simplicity of the apps, server speed, and the helpfulness of customer support when solving problems.

Some criticism focuses on the higher renewal prices, which some users notice only after the first promotional period ends. Complaints about unreliable performance in certain countries with restricted internet access also appear repeatedly.

Overall, the ratings suggest that most everyday users are satisfied with the service and that problems are handled promptly – according to reviews, live chat support is genuinely available 24/7.

Alternatives to IPVanish

NordVPN

NordVPN has long been one of the most popular VPNs in the world, with more than 7,100 servers in 118 countries. Compared with IPVanish, it offers its own NordLynx technology (based on WireGuard) and Double VPN encryption without usage limitations. It is based in Panama, outside the reach of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance, which gives NordVPN a clear advantage if privacy jurisdiction is your top priority. Pricing is comparable – from $3.39/mo. on the two-year plan.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN belongs among the premium leaders of the market – it is faster than most competitors and very reliable at unblocking streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Its proprietary Lightway protocol was developed for speed and security and is open-source audited. Compared with IPVanish, ExpressVPN is more expensive, but for demanding users focused on streaming it can be worth the extra cost.

Surfshark

Surfshark is the closest direct competitor to IPVanish – it also offers unlimited devices and starts at a similar price level. It also includes CleanWeb (ad and tracker blocker), MultiHop (double VPN), and is based in the Netherlands outside 5 Eyes. For larger households or anyone who wants to cover every device without paying extra, Surfshark is an excellent choice.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost offers one of the cheapest long-term VPN subscriptions on the market and stands out with optimized servers for streaming and gaming. Compared with IPVanish, it has a significantly larger server network and is based in Romania. It is a better fit for users who want a simple VPN with one-click functionality.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN is worth considering for anyone who puts privacy and transparency first. It comes from Switzerland, is open-source, audited, and also offers a free plan without a data limit – a rarity in the market. Compared with IPVanish, Proton VPN is more expensive on premium plans, but its combination of jurisdiction, transparency, and Stealth protocol (obfuscation) makes it an ideal choice for journalistic and activist use.

Tip: you can find all compared VPNs in our article on the best VPNs.

Support and contact

IPVanish provides customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via live chat, email, and phone. Live chat usually replies within a few minutes – a standard that most VPN providers do not reach.

The website includes an extensive knowledge base, FAQs, and video tutorials for all supported platforms. Phone support is available during business hours as part of the Advanced plan.

Summary and rating

IPVanish is a solid, mature VPN with excellent speed, unlimited devices, and a transparent no-logs policy verified by an audit. For an everyday user who wants to protect privacy on public Wi-Fi, torrent safely, or unblock streaming, it is a good choice at a fair price.

On the other hand, its US jurisdiction and the controversial 2016 incident remain real factors everyone should consider. If your main priority is jurisdiction outside the 5 Eyes alliance, take a look at NordVPN or Proton VPN.

Rating: 7.5/10

I recommend IPVanish if: you are looking for a reliable VPN with unlimited devices, good speeds, and 24/7 support from $2.19/mo.

I do not recommend IPVanish if: you put absolute priority on jurisdiction outside 5 Eyes, need a VPN for China or other countries with strict censorship, or want to pay with cryptocurrency.

Frequently asked questions

Is IPVanish safe?

IPVanish uses AES-256 encryption, supports the WireGuard protocol, and has an independently audited no-logs policy. From a technical perspective, it belongs among safe VPNs. Its weaker point remains its US location and the fact that it operates in a 5 Eyes country.

Does IPVanish work with Netflix?

Yes, IPVanish works with Netflix. In tests, it opened US Netflix and other libraries without issues. Sometimes you may need to try a different server if the first one does not work.

How many devices can I connect at once?

IPVanish allows an unlimited number of simultaneously connected devices on one account. You can protect your laptop, phone, tablet, TV, and router without paying extra.

Does IPVanish have a free version?

IPVanish does not have a permanent free version. A 7-day free trial is available on mobile devices (iOS and Android). Paid plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee on yearly and two-year plans.

Can I use IPVanish for torrenting?

Yes, IPVanish is one of the better VPNs for torrenting. All servers support P2P traffic, and SOCKS5 servers in 14 countries are also available for faster downloads.

Does IPVanish record my activity?

According to its current policy and independent audit, IPVanish does not record IP addresses, visited websites, or downloaded files. The 2016 incident happened under the previous owner, and the current management acknowledges it and communicates changes transparently.

Does IPVanish work in China?

IPVanish is not a reliable choice for users in China. The Chinese firewall blocks most standard VPN protocols, and IPVanish does not have a special obfuscation protocol for this type of censorship. For use in China, I recommend ExpressVPN or Astrill VPN.