IP Vanish VPN 2024
If you are thinking of getting a VPN, you have definitely come across IP Vanish VPN. In this IPVanish review, we will delve deep into the features, performance, privacy policies, and pricing of this popular VPN service. Our objective is to provide you with an unbiased and informative analysis to help you decide if IPVanish is the right VPN solution for your needs. Before deciding which VPN to buy, let us quickly see what a VPN is and why you need it.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become indispensable tools in our interconnected digital world, offering enhanced privacy and security while browsing the internet. They establish a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the web, effectively concealing your IP address and shielding your data from unwanted attention. VPNs play a crucial role in protecting your confidential information when utilizing public Wi-Fi networks, circumventing geographic restrictions on content, and stopping ISPs from limiting your bandwidth based on your online behavior.
As the VPN market expands, selecting a service tailored to your unique requirements and expectations becomes increasingly essential. IPVanish is a reputable VPN provider recognized for its strong security measures, impressive speeds, and user-friendly interface. In this comprehensive review, we will thoroughly assess IPVanish to assist you in determining if it is the ideal VPN solution for your needs.
For Readers In A Hurry, Here Is My Quick Take:
IP Vanish is definitely a great choice for a VPN, especially for US and European users. The VPN has excellent ratings from its users, who find it trustworthy and excellent.
The VPN uses the best protocols and encryption, with no log policy. Being a fast VPN, it also allows torrenting and gaming with minimal to no lag. The VPN has a vast server network of 2,200 servers. The VPN also offers advanced features that most VPNs at this price do not offer.
Being owned by J2 Global (based in the US), it might be a bit concerning in terms of privacy; however, since the new ownership, the VPN has never had any such cases. With great compatibility and customer support, IP Vanish can be a great choice as a VPN.
PROS
Extensive server network in the US
Allows torrenting
Great customer support
Streams US Netflix and BBC iPlayer
CONS
Based in the US jurisdiction
Can't unblock Disney+ and Apple TV
Owned by a key player
Server Network
IPVanish VPN, known for its solid performance and user-friendly interface, has a massive and well-distributed server network that spans the globe. Boasting over 2,200 servers in more than 75 locations spread across 52 countries, IPVanish provides users with a multitude of options when it comes to server choice and geographic coverage. IPVanish's extensive network ensures that users can access a diverse range of content while maintaining top-notch performance, irrespective of their geographic location.
Owns all of its servers
IP Vanish is among the very few VPNs that own their server network completely. IPVanish owns and operates its entire server infrastructure, ensuring that no third-party involvement compromises user data. This degree of control and dedication to security underscores the company's commitment to offering a dependable and trustworthy VPN service.
We can all learn from the NordVPN leak incident of 2018 about the vulnerabilities of not owning their server network.
Offers over 40,000+ IP addresses
The number of IP addresses a VPN can provide is very important. VPNs stop companies from keeping track, and thus companies continuously work towards blocking more and more VPN users. This can be done by detecting their IP address, as the same IP will be making thousands of requests. Now, having this many IP addresses gives the users more options to spoof their location while also making IPs less crowded and thus less detectable.
The server distribution mostly encompasses major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, leaving South America and even Africa—a continent frequently neglected by other VPN providers—with very few servers.
IP Vanish does have servers across the world; the difference in numbers is too big to ignore. To compare, IP Vanish has two servers on the whole African continent while having more than 1450 servers in North America itself. While both servers in Africa are in Johannesburg, there are 20 server locations in the USA. This is also due to the lower revenue from the regions where VPNs prefer to expand, which are North America and Europe.
Servers with regions:
North America: 1450+
Europe: 550+
Asis: 100+Oceania: 70
South America: 35
Africa: 2
Uses physical servers
A distinguishing feature of IPVanish's server network is its commitment to maintaining physical servers as much as possible. While virtual servers are not bad, they can certainly be misleading. This is because they are software-based servers,, and thuone piece ofe piece ofe hardware can have multiple virtual servers, exaggerating the numbers.
IPVanish is transparent about its use of virtual servers, providing users with the necessary information to make informed decisions when selecting a server. IP Vanish only uses virtual servers when their hardware servers are under maintenance. This is by far the best use of a virtual and physical combination.
Privacy Policy and Logging Policy
Privacy and logging policies are vital factors when selecting a VPN, as they directly influence the level of protection and anonymity provided to users. Every VPN claims to have a no-logging policy, but all have their own definitions of it. This confuses users, who don’t want to read the whole privacy policy. This is not the case with the IP Vanish VPN.
IPVanish's privacy policy is clear and concise, offering users transparent information about the data collected, its intended use, and the steps taken to protect user information. Their privacy policy has a separate small section where they claim not to collect any personal data that can be traced back to you.
In short, IP Vanish:
· Does not collect, monitor, or log your browsing activity.
· Does not sell or rent your personal information.information
Crucially, IPVanish adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which means that the company neither collects nor stores data related to users' online activities, browsing history, or connection details. This commitment to not logging user data ensures that even if the company were to face subpoenas or hacks, no sensitive information would be at risk.
IP Vanish does collect basic account details like email, username, etc. However, some VPNs, like MullVad, are one step ahead and do accept cash payments for privacy.
IP Vanish 2016 incident
IP Vanish has had an incident in the past that makes it a bit concerning when it comes to privacy. In 2016, during a trial, IP Vanish gave the accused’s logs to the authorities. The case was definitely serious, and after the FBI persuaded the VPN for the third time, the VPN submitted the user logs.
Now, the biggest question that has arisen is how a VPN that does not even store any logging activity can have the logging history of its user. The only conclusion could be that the then-parent company, Highwinds Network Group, did record logs while to not record.
While the VPN was later acquired by J2 Global after this incident happened but before it came out in public, Stackpath clarified that they did not have any information about this, and the VPN has been enhanced even more to improve privacy to the next level.
The VPN does collect aggregated data on app performance, glitches, bugs, and error reports to enhance the service. All this information is in aggregated form and thus cannot be traced back to users.
Jurisdiction
IPVanish is based in the United States, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which also includes the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This alliance is known for its extensive surveillance and intelligence-sharing activities, which may raise concerns for privacy-conscious users. The USA is one of the least privacy-friendly countries and a place to avoid privacy tools.
However, IPVanish's strict no-logging policy effectively counters this concern, as the company does not store any user data that could be handed over to authorities or shared among the alliance members. Additionally, the United States does not have any mandatory data retention laws for VPN providers, which further strengthens IPVanish's position on user privacy. Though the fear of being tracked by US authorities keeps nagging after the previous incident in 2016.
Parent Company
2 Global, a sizable and reputable digital media company that owns a number of brands and subsidiaries, including additional VPN services like StrongVPN and SaferVPN, is the owner of IPVanish. J2 Global's portfolio also includes popular brands like IGN, PCMag, and Mashable, which demonstrates the company's experience and credibility in the technology and digital media sectors.
Many people prefer to avoid using these sizable VPNs run by MNCs. This is because of their intentions, which might not be in the best interest of their users. A VPN company also owning big review websites like PCMag and Mashable can be concerning.
While some users may be concerned about IPVanish being owned by a large corporation, J2 Global's commitment to user privacy and security is evident in IPVanish's strict no-logging policy and the advanced security features it offers. This, combined with J2 Global's reputation in the industry, helps to build trust in IPVanish as a reliable and secure VPN service.
The security and performance of a VPN service are largely determined by the protocols and encryption standards it employs. IPVanish offers a solid selection of protocols and industry-leading encryption to ensure that users can maintain a secure and stable connection while browsing the internet.
However, J2 Global is a trusted brand with a huge fanbase. J2 Global even mentions it again and again about its ownership, unlike VPNs like Pango, which hide the fact of their parent company (Aura).
Top-of-Line Protocols and Encryption
The protocols and encryptions of a VPN tell us how the network communicates and secures our data during transmission.
IPVanish offers multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and SSTP. WireGuard is the hot trend in the market; being the fastest, this is the best protocol by IP Vanish VPN. OpenVPN is widely regarded as the most secure and adaptable protocol, striking an optimal balance between security and speed. IKEv2 is another favored option, particularly for mobile devices, as it excels at maintaining stable connections while transitioning between networks.
IPVanish employs AES-256 encryption, the industry's gold standard. Governments, militaries, and financial institutions all over the world use this level of encryption, which is virtually unbreakable. Utilizing AES-256 encryption ensures that users' data is protected from unauthorized access and cybercriminals. For WireGuard, ChaCha20 encryption is used.
IPVanish also employs perfect forward secrecy, which generates a new encryption key for each session. This ensures that even if an attacker were to intercept and decrypt a user's data, they would only be able to access information from that specific session and not any previous or future sessions.
Streaming and Accessing Geo-Restricted Content
One of the most popular reasons people use VPNs is to access geo-restricted content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. According to a survey, 50% of VPN users use VPNs to unblock and access geo-restricted content. Because of the geo-restrictions, people find it hard to watch the content they like. VPNs are the best possible solution to this problem, and thus the battle between VPNs and streaming platforms continues.
Streaming Performance
IPVanish offers a large network of servers in various countries, which means users can easily switch between locations to access content from different regions. The VPN provides high-speed connections, ensuring that streaming quality is not compromised. In most cases, users can enjoy buffer-free streaming in HD or even 4K quality, depending on their original internet connection speed.
Unblocking geo-restricted content:
IPVanish has a strong track record of unblocking popular streaming platforms. The VPN can reliably access Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Canada, and several other countries. However, it is not reliable wasNetflix Japan or Netflix India. This VPN is the best VPN for US NetNetflix,riod. No lags and no buffering while streaming HD on US Netflix.
Additionally, IPVanish has been successful in unblocking Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ for users outside their respective countries. It did unblock Amazon Prime, but it was very unreliable and thus not suggested for Amazon Prime.
IP Vanish failed to work and bypassed Apple TV and IPTV. While many other VPNs, like ExpressVPN, can even bypass them easily, IP Vanish could not.
However, it is essential to note that streaming platforms continuously update their VPN-blocking measures, and the effectiveness of a VPN in bypassing these restrictions may vary over time. IPVanish regularly updates its server network and technology to stay ahead of these measures and provide seamless streaming access to its users.
Torrenting
IPVanish fully supports P2P file-sharing and torrenting across its entire server network. This means users can connect to any server and engage in torrenting activities without restrictions. The VPN offers unlimited bandwidth and does not throttle speeds, allowing for fast and efficient torrent downloads.
Remember, torrenting or P2P transfer is not an illegal activity, but torrenting pirated content is illegal and not recommended by us.
To ensure privacy and security while torrenting, IPVanish employs strong encryption and a strict no-logging policy. This ensures that your torrenting activities remain anonymous and eliminates the possibility of third parties discovering or tracking your data.
Gaming
Gaming aficionados often rely on VPNs to enhance their online gaming experiences, minimize latency, and safeguard against DDoS attacks. IPVanish boasts a vast network of servers across multiple countries, enabling users to identify the ideal server for their gaming requirements.
IPVanish's high-speed connections guarantee that gaming sessions are seamless and free from lag. Furthermore, VPNs help newcomers discover more accessible lobbies where they can engage with players of similar skill levels.
Additionally, IPVanish assists users in circumventing geographical restrictions on gaming platforms, allowing access to games and downloadable content that might be unavailable in their region. Without geographical restrictions, this feature enables gamers to explore a wider range of games and experiences.
Speed and Performance
When selecting a VPN, speed and performance are critical factors. A slow VPN can hinder online activities such as streaming, gaming, or even browsing. In this segment, we will examine IPVanish's speed and performance and how it compares in these aspects.
IPVanish operates an extensive server network comprising over 2,200 servers in more than 75 locations worldwide. This comprehensive network ensures users can locate a server near their physical location, thereby improving connection speeds. The quick-connect button identifies the most appropriate available server, which is often the closest one, reducing the distance and consequently increasing the speed.
During various speed tests, IPVanish consistently demonstrated above-average speeds compared to other VPNs on the market. Users can expect fast and stable connections, making it suitable for data-intensive tasks such as streaming high-quality video content, gaming, or downloading large files. However, I would not say it is the fastest VPN yet. VPNs like Hotspot Shield and Surfshark lie way ahead in terms of speed.
While there is an auto-select for protocol, you should always make sure to use the WireGuard protocol for the fastest speed possible. In our tests, we received a speed of 730 MBps from New York to New York, which may be a bit less than ExpressVPN but is still enough for more than regular use. The farthest server we tested was Australis, and it dropped the speed significantly to 530 MBps. The drop was significant, but at this price, this is one of the best speeds achieved yet.
Speed and Performance
Advanced Features
IPVanish boasts a range of advanced features that differentiate it from other VPN services. These features augment the user experience, security, and privacy, positioning IPVanish as a top contender for those seeking extra functionality from their VPN. In this section, we will delve into some of the advanced features IPVanish offers.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is a beneficial feature that enables users to decide which apps or websites should be routed through the VPN and which should be accessed directly via their standard internet connection. This functionality can enhance performance and conserve bandwidth by allowing users to bypass the VPN for specific services that do not necessitate the added security or geo-spoofing afforded by a VPN.
SOCKS5 Proxy
IPVanish provides a SOCKS5 proxy, which can be utilized alongside the VPN for increased security and privacy. The SOCKS5 proxy offers an extra layer of anonymity by concealing your IP address and delivering faster connection speeds, making it an ideal choice for torrenting and other high-bandwidth activities.
Kill Switch
IPVanish's kill switch feature is designed to protect your privacy in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. If the VPN disconnects, the kill switch will automatically block all internet traffic to prevent accidental exposure of your real IP address or personal information. This feature is available on both desktop and mobile clients, providing added security across all devices.
Obfuscation (Scramble)
IPVanish offers an obfuscation feature called "Scramble" that helps users bypass VPN blocks and censorship in restrictive countries. By obfuscating the VPN traffic, it becomes harder for ISPs and governments to detect and block VPN usage, allowing users to access blocked websites and services.
Multiple simultaneous connections
IPVanish allows users to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously using a single account. This feature is beneficial for users with multiple devices or families who want to secure all their devices under one subscription.
Compatibility
A VPN's compatibility with various devices and platforms is an important consideration for users who want to protect their online privacy across multiple devices. IPVanish offers a high level of compatibility, making it an excellent choice for users with diverse device requirements. In this section, we will discuss IPVanish's compatibility with different operating systems and platforms.
IPVanish in Windows
IPVanish offers a user-friendly Windows application that is easy to install and set up. The Windows client provides access to all the essential features, such as server selection, protocol options, and a kill switch. Users can customize their VPN experience with advanced settings like split tunneling, IP and DNS leak protection, and more. The app is compatible with Windows 7 and later versions.
IPVanish on Android
The IPVanish Android app is available for download through the Google Play Store. The app offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and configure their VPN connection. Features like automatic server selection, protocol switching, and a kill switch ensure that Android users can enjoy a secure and optimized VPN experience. The app is compatible with Android 5.0 and later versions.
IPVanish on iOS
IPVanish's iOS app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store. Like the Android app, the iOS version offers a user-friendly interface and access to essential VPN features. Users can select from multiple protocols, including IKEv2 and IPsec, and enjoy a secure VPN connection on their iPhone or iPad. The app is compatible with iOS 11 and later versions.
IPVanish on macOS
IPVanish offers a macOS app that is compatible with macOS 10.12 and later versions. The app provides Mac users with a seamless VPN experience, including server selection, protocol options, and a kill switch. Advanced settings like split tunneling and DNS leak protection are also available, ensuring a secure and customized VPN experience on macOS devices.
Customer Support
IP Vanish, like most of the top VPNs, offers multiple support options and guides for customers. The best way to contact us is through our 24/7 live chat support, which allows users to connect with a support agent in real time for immediate assistance. This is particularly helpful for resolving urgent issues or answering questions that cannot wait for an email response.
Email support is another great alternative; however, it is slow and takes 1-2 days to get a reply. IPVanish VPN also has an extensive knowledge base and frequently asked questions (FAQs) section on their website. Users can find in-depth articles, guides, and troubleshooting tips covering a wide range of topics.
Pricing
When choosing a VPN service, pricing is an important factor to consider. IPVanish offers a range of pricing plans to accommodate various user needs and budgets. In this section, we will discuss the pricing options offered by IPVanish and compare them with other VPN services on the market.
Monthly Plan:
IPVanish offers a monthly plan for users who prefer short-term commitments or want to try out the service before committing to a longer-term plan. The monthly plan is priced at $11.99 per month, which is on the expensive side of the industry average for premium VPN services. We never recommend monthly plans, as they are always overpriced.
Monthly Plan
IPVanish offers a monthly plan for users who prefer short-term commitments or want to try out the service before committing to a longer-term plan. The monthly plan is priced at $11.99 per month, which is on the expensive side of the industry average for premium VPN services. We never recommend monthly plans, as they are always overpriced.
Annual Plan
For users looking for a more extended commitment, IPVanish offers an annual plan priced at $4.50 monthly, billed annually at $53.99. This plan provides a moderate discount compared to the monthly plan, making it a suitable option for users who wish to save money.
2-year Plan
IPVanish's annual plan offers the most significant savings for users willing to commit to a two-year subscription. Priced at $3.33 per month and billed every 2 years at $79.99, this plan provides a substantial discount compared to the monthly and quarterly options. Users who are confident in IPVanish's service and features can take advantage of this plan for long-term savings.
Additionally, IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try out the service risk-free and request a refund if they are unsatisfied.
Note: The 30-day money-back guarantee is not valid for the monthly plan. So you should start and test the service with the annual plan; if you are not satisfied, the money will be refunded.
Payment options for IPVanish include major credit cards, PayPal, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for users seeking increased privacy. This range of payment options makes it easy for users to find a method that suits their preferences and security requirements.
Conclusion
IP Vanish is definitely a great option for a solid VPN. However, it also depends on your needs. If you are looking for a VPN with a strong server network in the USA and Europe that allows torrenting, IP Vanish will be the best choice for you in this price range.
IP Vanish is also great with its security and advanced features, which not many VPNs provide at this price point. It is fast, if not the fastest, secure, and trustworthy VPN.
At the same time, if you are looking for VPNs for streaming geo-restricted content outside the USA or Europe, I would suggest you choose a VPN like Nord or ExpressVPN on the pricier side.
