IPVanish Review: US-Based, Unlimited Devices, Privacy Tradeoffs
Unlimited connections at a good price, but US-based with a troubled privacy history.
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Pros & Cons
IPVanish by the Numbers
Plans, Products & Prices
IPVanish offers three subscription length options:
- Monthly – $11.99/month
- 2-year – $3.33/month, billed immediately at $79.99 for the first 24 months (then $179.00 every two years thereafter)
- Yearly – $4.50/month, billed immediately at $53.99 for the first year (then $89.99 every year thereafter)
All subscriptions include the same features, and none of the prices include tax.
Free Trial
IPVanish offers a seven-day free trial for its iOS and Android apps.
You must cancel your app store subscription before the end of the seventh day following your sign up to prevent being charged.
IPVanish recommends subscribing to its two-year plan via its website instead, as this comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee instead.
Money-Back Guarantee
The annual and two-year plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You must cancel your subscription via IPVanish’s website before the end of the 30th day of sign up and a refund will be automatically processed within three business days. It should be noted that you need to have used a refundable payment method for this to work.
If you created an account using IPVanish’s Android app (through the Google play store), you need to cancel your in-app purchase through Google. If you have an annual account and are unable to get a refund from Google, but are still within the first 30 days of your subscription, you can contact IPVanish for a refund.
iOS customers who sign up via an iOS app are not eligble for a refund (but are offered a seven-day free trial instead).
Ways to Pay
IPVanish Payment Methods
Streaming TV & Movies With IPVanish
| IPVanish Streaming Compatibility | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service | Last Tested | Source |
| |
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due) | IPVanish confirmed |
| |
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due) | IPVanish confirmed |
| |
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due) | IPVanish confirmed |
| |
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due) | IPVanish confirmed |
| |
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due) | IPVanish confirmed |
Streaming compatibility tested by VPNTesting.com. Results may vary by server and region.
IPVanish appears to have a greater focus on privacy and security than on streaming, so it might not be the strongest option if you want a VPN mainly for watching content online.
Saying that, IPVanish does have a large number of servers (over 2,200), which means you’re more likely to find one relatively close to you (and the closer you are to the server, the faster your speed is likely to be). It also makes it safer to stream over public wi-fi, so you can access faster speeds without using mobile data – and not have to worry about being hacked or spied on.
IPVanish has also become one of the only premium VPN services to release an app for Apple TV.
Be warned though, IPVanish’s help pages warn that Netflix uses various blocking techniques to prevent VPN services from accessing its content, and suggests using its split tunneling feature to watch around the VPN. This isn’t particularly helpful if you need a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions while travelling.
Compatible Devices and Services
An IPVanish subscription comes with unlimited simultaneous connections – meaning you can connect as many devices to the VPN as you like.
IPVanish has set-up guides for Kodi on Amazon Fire Stick, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, Android, and MXQ Pro Android TV box.
For Apple TV, IPVanish offers a dedicated app that can easily be downloaded from the Apple TV App Store.
To stream with IPVanish on services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, its online help pages suggest using the split tunneling feature to route the content provider around your VPN tunnel. This means you’re essentially streaming through the regular internet, without any of the VPN’s benefits. This is because many streaming services employ blocking techniques to prevent VPN services like IPVanish from accessing content.
IPVanish works with uTorrent for Windows, by setting up a SOCKS5 proxy. Details on how to do this are available on IPVanish’s help pages.
Mobile and Desktop Apps
These are easy to download from the relevant app store for each platform (e.g., Apple App Store or Google Play Store). StrongVPN also links to each download page from its website.
Browser Extensions
Currently, IPVanish only has one browser extension available, for Google Chrome via the Chrome Web Store. You simply need to download while using a Chrome browser and log in.
Ease of use
IPVanish is straightforward to set up and use, especially since it has apps for most major platforms.
You just need to have downloaded the app for your device and log into your IPVanish account. The app then has a ‘fastest server available’ option, which will automatically connect you to the closest server based on your IP address.
All additional settings can then be found in a top-right menu, with everything clearly marked and easy to change.
Apple TV
IPVanish offers a downloadable app for Apple TV through the Apple TV App Store.
This provides users with enhanced privacy and access, simple location selection (to bypass geo-restrictions), and an optimal location feature (to find the best server to connect based on speed, server load, and proximity) for bufferless streaming.
IPVanish is one of the only premium VPN services to offer a dedicated Apple TV app, making it a top choice for users who regularly stream through Apple TV.
Streaming on TV & Other Devices
Amazon Fire TV
IPVanish has as app for Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV sticks, making it easy to download and use. Simply navigate to apps on your Fire TV, search IPVanish and download. You can then log in and begin using the VPN.
The App will allow you to choose your location and either connect or disconnect from the service.
IPVanish requires the Gen2 Fire Stick or newer.
Smart TVs
IPVanish has an app for Android TV devices, downloadable from the Google Play Store app from the Android TV home screen. You can also use Kodi on Amazon Fire Stick, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, Android, and MXQ Pro Android TV box.
To use IPVanish VPN on smart TVs without additional software, you will need to install IPVanish on the router your smart TV connects to. You can either buy a Flash Router preconfigured with IPVanish, or follow instructions on IPVanish’s help pages to install the VPN on routers that have compatible firmware.
Performance & Speed
Speed & Bandwidth
Typically, using a VPN will slow down your internet speed, as your traffic is having to be re-routed through a secure server. IPVanish claims this speed is often undetectable when using its service though.
It also says it helps users avoid bandwidth throttling, which is when your internet service provider (ISP) intentionally slows down your connection speed when it notices you’re connecting to certain websites. IPVanish shields your activity to prevent this from happening.
IPVanish’s network of 3,200+ servers offers unlimited bandwidth. Such a large number of servers gives you more options to connect to, so if you find one server getting too busy, you can simply connect to another one nearby.
Additionally, one of the protocols IPVanish offers is Wireguard, which is the newest, fastest encryption protocol currently available.
Speeds are tested with a web tool called Speedtest.net in 3 locations – United States, United Kingdom, and Asia.
- Original location
- The United States (New York)
Network ping increases by 793.75%. It’s not too bad.
Download decreases by -4.35%.
Upload decreases by -9.45%.
- The United Kingdom (London)
Network ping increases by 462.50%. Much better!
Download decreases by -58.04%.. That’s no good..
Upload speed increases by 2.08%, possibly due to bandwidth throttling.
- Asia (Tokyo)
Asia is far from the original location, therefore, ping increases around 1962.50%.
Download and upload speed both decrease noticeably -51.78% and -42.34%.
Keep in mind that the server speeds are most certainly different from yours, depending on your geographical location.
Privacy & Security
| Obfuscated Servers | ✗ |
| Tor/Onion Support | ✓ (manual setup) |
| Port Forwarding | ✗ |
| RAM-Only Servers | ✗ |
| Independent Audit | ✓ Leviathan Security Mar 2023 |
| Config File Export | ✗ |
We monitor IPVanish's legal documents daily for changes and summarize what changed.
Last checked: 13/04/2026 · 1 change detected since 30/03/2026
The provided old and new versions of IPVanish's privacy policy appear to be identical, with no detectable changes in data collection practices, third-party sharing, retention periods, logging practices, or jurisdiction. Both versions maintain the same last updated date of February 18, 2025, and contain identical content regarding their no-logging policy for browsing activity and data handling practices.
No-Logs Policy
IPVanish claims it has a zero-logs policy. However, even though “no personally identifiable information” is required, you will have to use an e-mail and payment method to buy the subscription, as no cryptocurrencies are accepted.In 2022, IPVanish had an independent third-party audit carried out, in which its technology and privacy practices were examined and found to be in compliance with the company’s no-logs policy.
Leak Protection
DNS is Domain Name Service, a naming system for resources connected to the Network. Simply said: “it converts IP addresses into domain names. DNS leaks means your internet traffic is leaking outside the secure VPN tunnel.
DNS leaks can be tested with various web tools, including:
- Doileak
- IPleaks.net
- IPx.ac
- Browserleaks
- Perfect-Privacy
None of these found any leaks while using IPVanish VPN.
PVanish is also equipped with kill-switch, a feature that will disconnect the user from the internet if there are any connection issues. This is handy when the Internet connectivity varies and overall a good security feature that makes browsing “foolproof”.
Encryption Standards
IPVanish is a VPN based in the US.
The VPN service boasts a large number of servers around the globe, lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, and is one of the few providers to offer phone support. It also has a seemingly safe no-logging policy that’s been verified by a third party, so it should be safe and secure.
Founded in 2012, IPVanish initially launched as just a Windows app. This then grew to support several platforms and operating systems, with 3,200+ servers in 113 countries. In 2019, IPVanish was acquired by J2 Global, and is now a Ziff Davis company based in the US.
Encryption
Encryption is all packets of data you send or receive over the internet in unreadable code. Think of it as a shredding machine, it will shred and mix up the content yet if carefully glued together, it would become readable again.
IPVanish provides Advanced Encryption Standard 256-bit, which currently is the industry-standard encryption for commercial services.
What Features Does IPVanish Offer?
Unlimited number of devices
A single IPVanish subscription allows an unlimited number of simultaenous connections, meaning you can use the VPN on as many devices as you’d like.
VPN protocols
Protocols apply cryptographic methods and describe how algorithms should be used. They are like manuals for devices on how to send and receive data.
IPVanish offers four types of protocols – Wireguard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and IPsec. All of these are built to be secure, yet they differ on speed and reliability.
- IKEv2 – stands for Internet Key Exchange version 2. It’s fast and doesn’t consume much of your device CPU, making it a great option for mobile users.
- OpenVPN – the most popular protocol available. It’s considered incredibly reliable and fast when used with TCP and slightly faster, but less reliable with UDP.
- IPsec – Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol standardized in RFC 3193. Secure, yet developed by Microsoft and Cisco, which makes us cautious. Due to double-encapsulates it may be slower than IKEv2 or OpenVPN.
- Wireguard – the newest protocol available, designed to be lighter, stronger, and faster than other connection types.
Kill Switch
Which Apps & Devices Are Supported?
VPN Server Locations
IPVanish has servers in 18 US states across 21 cities . Last updated: 29/03/2026
-
Massachusetts
(MA)
1 city
Boston
-
New York
(NY)
2 cities
Buffalo, New York
-
Illinois
(IL)
1 city
Chicago
-
Michigan
(MI)
1 city
Detroit
-
Minnesota
(MN)
1 city
Minneapolis
-
Missouri
(MO)
1 city
Kansas City
-
Florida
(FL)
1 city
Miami
-
Georgia
(GA)
1 city
Atlanta
-
North Carolina
(NC)
1 city
Charlotte
-
Virginia
(VA)
1 city
Ashburn
-
Louisiana
(LA)
1 city
New Orleans
-
Texas
(TX)
2 cities
Dallas, Houston
-
Arizona
(AZ)
1 city
Phoenix
-
Colorado
(CO)
1 city
Denver
-
Nevada
(NV)
1 city
Las Vegas
-
Utah
(UT)
1 city
Salt Lake City
-
Washington
(WA)
1 city
Seattle
-
California
(CA)
2 cities
Los Angeles, San Jose
US Server Locations
A large number of servers spread across the world increases the average connection speed of service. This is due to geographical distances between the user and host and the length of the Network cabling.
IPVanish claims to have 3,200+ servers over 75 global locations (113 countries), across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
Customer Support
IPVanish offers 24/7 support 365 days a year, via email, live chat, or phone. There’s also a support section on its website, containing set-up guides and FAQs.
Who Isn’t IPVanish Right For?
Based on our testing and research:
5-Eyes jurisdiction (USA) – IPVanish is based in the United States, a 5-Eyes member. US law does not guarantee VPN providers the right to refuse government data requests, and the company has a specific incident on record (see below). For privacy-sensitive users, a non-5-Eyes provider is lower risk.
Past logging incident – In 2016, IPVanish provided detailed connection logs to US federal authorities in a criminal case, despite publicly claiming a strict no-logs policy at the time. The company has since changed ownership and updated its practices, but it has no independent audit to verify its current no-logs claims. This incident is a matter of public court record.
Consider instead: NordVPN, Proton VPN, or ExpressVPN (all independently audited)
Corporate ownership – IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, a large US media conglomerate that also owns StrongVPN and a portfolio of digital media brands. Unlike Kape’s adware history, Ziff Davis’s concern is more about the commercial incentives of a media company operating a privacy product – and the absence of independent verification to check their claims.
No independent audit – IPVanish has undergone a limited audit by Leviathan Security (2023), but it covers only partial scope. There is no full third-party no-logs audit by a major firm. Users who require audited no-logs should consider NordVPN, Proton VPN, or PIA instead.
IPVanish Competitors
| IPVanish | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best rate | $2.19/mo | $3.49/mo | $3.09/mo | $1.99/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Monthly price | $12.99 | $12.99 | $12.99 | $15.45 | $12.99 |
| Servers | 3,200+ | 3,000+ | 8,400+ | 4,500+ | 9,700+ |
| Countries | 113 | 105 | 167 | 100 | 100 |
| Devices | Unlimited | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
| Jurisdiction | 🇺🇸 USA ⓘ | 🇻🇬 BVI ⓘ | 🇵🇦 Panama ⓘ | 🇳🇱 Netherlands ⓘ | 🇷🇴 Romania ⓘ |
| Money-back | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 45 days |
| Kill switch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split tunneling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-logs audited | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedicated IP | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| RAM-only servers | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ad/tracker blocker | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Our rating | 6.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| Review | Read review → | Read review → | Read review → | Read review → | Read review → |
Our Verdict
Based on our hands-on testing and data analysis, here is our overall assessment of IPVanish.
IPVanish is certainly a considerable VPN. It has decent security features and technical support, a great option for the everyday user who isn’t picky about security and just wants to access geo-restricted websites or travel with discounts.
Feel free to contribute by conducting a VPN test and writing about your own experiences with IPVanish.
Unlimited connections at a good price, but US-based with a troubled privacy history.
Our rating scale
| Rating Rubric | |
|---|---|
| 9 - 10 | Exceptional - best in class, no significant weaknesses |
| 8 - 8.9 | Excellent - highly recommended with minor trade-offs |
| 7 - 7.9 | Good - solid choice for most users |
| 6 - 6.9 | Adequate - works but has notable limitations |
| 5 - 5.9 | Below average - consider alternatives |
| Below 5 | Not recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
Update history
This page was revised 30 times between June 2021 and April 2026.
Added corporate structure references with links to ownership records.
Linked device and money-back guarantee details to verified hub data for ongoing accuracy.
Added WireGuard protocol analysis with 2016 logging incident context, unlimited device support details, and phone support availability across all plans.
Added company background section covering IPVanish's 14-year history since 2012.
Added ecosystem overview showing VIPRE Antivirus, SugarSync (500GB) available alongside the VPN subscription.
Updated server network overview covering 3,200 servers across 113 countries, with interactive coverage map and nearest-server highlighting.
Added table of contents with section-by-section navigation for faster access to specific topics.
Added source citations and verification dates to all factual claims in the IPVanish review.
Redesigned quick-reference spec table showing unlimited simultaneous connections, 3,200 servers, 113 countries, AES-256-GCM encryption, and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Added policy change monitoring showing recent updates to IPVanish's privacy policy with paragraph-level diffs.
Added transparency tracker with transparency report data showing government and DMCA request volumes.
Expanded privacy section with USA jurisdiction analysis, Leviathan Security-audited no-logs policy (1 independent audit).
Reordered sections to match how readers evaluate a VPN: streaming first, then speed, privacy, features, and pricing.
Improved pros and cons with more specific language grounded in test data and verified claims.
Added curated "Not Right For" section with severity-coded concerns addressing speed and compatibility limitations.
Removed outdated editorial commentary and unverifiable claims from the IPVanish review.
Added platform compatibility breakdown for IPVanish showing kill switch and split tunneling availability per operating system.
Added payment methods section for IPVanish covering accepted cards, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency options.
Rewrote protocol comparison covering WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP), OpenVPN (TCP), IKEv2/IPsec with per-platform availability and security ratings.
Added ownership transparency section identifying Ziff Davis as parent company, with links to StrongVPN as sibling brands.
Reorganized review content into clearer sections, moving misplaced blocks and removing layout inconsistencies.
Replaced static overview tables with live data-driven spec cards for IPVanish, ensuring pricing and server counts stay current.
Added extensive new content including overview table with 16 specification rows, pros/cons lists, streaming guidance, and device compatibility details.
Updated IPVanish overview table with current server counts (2,200+), pricing ($3.33/month), and expanded supported platforms to include Chrome OS and FireTV.
Updated IPVanish overview table with current server counts, added encryption protocols, expanded platform support, and clarified feature availability across devices.
Rewrote opening paragraph to clarify IPVanish's jurisdiction concerns and updated 2022 audit reference, plus corrected incomplete sentence about Netflix streaming.
Fixed spacing in encryption protocols row and corrected "Compatible Device" heading to plural form.
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Added IPVanish review with pros/cons table, overview specifications, and sections covering streaming compatibility, security features, and privacy concerns.
Added IPVanish review with synopsis table, company history, encryption details, privacy concerns including 2018 court case, and security feature analysis.
Who Owns IPVanish?
Ziff Davis, Inc.
IPVanish was acquired Jan 2019.
Also owns StrongVPN, Encrypt.me, Perimeter 81.
Run our independent leak test while connected to your VPN and see the results for yourself. We check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks in under 30 seconds. Every test adds to our public dataset.
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Based on independent testing data and specifications from each provider.
How we test VPNs
Our testing process involves purchasing each VPN with our own money and installing it on Windows, macOS, and mobile devices. We run a three-stage leak test (IP, DNS, and WebRTC) multiple times across different servers to check for data exposure.
We also test streaming access, kill switch reliability, and split tunneling functionality. All testing is conducted without notifying the provider. Specifications and pricing are verified directly from the provider's website.
Our full testing methodology is published at vpntesting.com/methodology.