IPVanish Review

IPVanish rocks a collection of around 2,200 servers in 52 global locations. The server count might not be the highest, but it's spread across many countries. Plus, IPVanish owns all these servers, offering an extra layer of security.

Server Distribution Across Continents

Here's a quick look at where these servers are mostly concentrated:

• North America: ~1,278 servers in 4 countries
• Europe: ~527 servers in 30 countries
• Asia: ~84 servers in 9 countries
• Oceania: ~73 servers in 2 countries

Choosing a server is a breeze with IPVanish's user-friendly map interface. Just:

1. Spot your preferred location on the map.
2. Click the green bubble showing the number of servers.
3. Hit connect to the fastest server or pick one you fancy.

Pro Tip: If you're eyeing Asian servers, be prepared for a crowd. Europe, however, offers a smoother experience.

How Distance Affects Speed

Remember, the further the VPN server is from your location, the more your speed might dip.

Does IPVanish Work in China?

The short answer: No. IPVanish is currently blocked in China. However, you could try a workaround by connecting via manual configurations to the servers' IP addresses. But keep your expectations in check; it might not work.

IPVanish Speed and Performance

The service uses WireGuard, one of the fastest tunneling protocols. Our tests showed download speeds retaining about 80-90% of the original speed. Upload speeds are equally impressive.

Speed Test Results

• US: 74 Mbit/s download, 71 Mbit/s upload
• United Kingdom: 76 Mbit/s download, 168 Mbit/s upload
• France: 197 Mbit/s download, 182 Mbit/s upload
• Singapore: 114 Mbit/s download, 166 Mbit/s upload
• Australia: 132 Mbit/s download, 182 Mbit/s upload

Protocols and Their Performance

IPVanish isn't a one-trick pony but supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP. Here's how they stack up:

Contact Methods:

• 24/7 Live Chat: ✅
• Email Support: ✅
• Phone Line: ✅
• Guides & Articles: ✅
• FAQs: ✅

Got a question? Head straight to IPVanish's Knowledge Center. This goldmine is jam-packed with FAQs that cover a broad range of issues. Whether it's setup or troubleshooting, you're likely to find your answer here. Plus, many solutions come with easy-to-follow images. The content is up-to-date and well-maintained.

Direct Support: Email or Live Chat

If the Knowledge Center doesn't cut it for you, reach out directly. You have two main options: email and 24/7 live chat.

• Email: Expect a slower response. I shot them an email about unblocking iPlayer and only heard back after three days. If time is of the essence, email might not be your best bet.

• 24/7 Live Chat: This is where things speed up. I got my questions answered in real time. If you're looking for quick and efficient, this is your go-to.

Transparency is a Plus

What sets IPVanish's customer support apart? Real-time updates on service issues. Their portal tells you if there are any significant hiccups, so you're not left wondering if the problem is on your end.

Is IPVanish Good for Streaming?

IPVanish has a mixed bag of performance when it comes to streaming. It does well with big players like Netflix and YouTube TV but falls short with Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Streaming Platforms Compatibility

• Netflix: ✅ Yes
• BBC iPlayer: ✅ Yes
• YouTube TV: ✅ Yes
• HBO Max: ✅ Yes
• Hulu: ❌ No
• Disney Plus: ✅ Yes
• Amazon Prime Video: ❌ No

No Specialized Streaming Servers

Unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, which offer specialized servers for streaming, IPVanish uses general-purpose servers for all activities. This could be a pain point if you're trying to unblock specific streaming platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• Good for Netflix, YouTube TV, and BBC iPlayer.
• Not ideal for Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
• Lacks specialized streaming servers.

Unblocking Netflix with IPVanish

IPVanish does a decent job unblocking US, UK, and India Netflix libraries. No issues with freezing or buffering were experienced. However, it struggles with most European Netflix libraries. So, if European content is your thing, you should look elsewhere.

Unblocking BBC iPlayer with IPVanish

The experience here was mixed. Although BBC iPlayer was unblocked, the streaming quality was far from optimal. Buffering issues were also present, making it less than ideal for this platform.

Key Takeaways:

• Unblocks BBC iPlayer but with quality issues.
• Buffering can be a problem.

Other Streaming Platforms

I tested IPVanish on several other platforms and found it somewhat limited. Besides Netflix and YouTube TV, only HBO Max and BBC iPlayer were successfully unblocked. It failed to unblock Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

IPVanish & Streaming Boxes

You can also set up IPVanish on streaming boxes like Kodi, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Roku. For Roku, you’ll need additional hardware like a DD-WRT or Tomato router, as the platform itself can’t connect to IPVanish directly.

IPVanish Apple TV App

IPVanish is a pioneer in offering a dedicated Apple TV app. Thanks to the tvOS 17 update, you can download the app directly from the Apple TV App Store. This app includes features like "Optimal Location" for best speeds and a "Favorites" list for easy reconnection.

Is IPVanish Safe for Torrenting?

IPVanish is decent for torrenting but not exceptional. It doesn’t offer specialized P2P servers; however, the download speeds were found to be between 7-8 MB/s (56-64 Mbps). A free SOCKS5 proxy is also available for those wanting to maintain high speeds while ensuring security.

SOCKS5 Proxy: Torrent Anonymously

• Encryption: None
• Anonymity: Hides your IP
• Special Use: Data scraping allowed

SOCKS5 Proxy comes free with IPVanish and hides your IP address, making it popular for torrenting. However, it doesn't encrypt your data, so your ISP can still view your activities.

Key Takeaways:

• Decent speeds for torrenting.
• Offers a free SOCKS5 proxy for added speed and security.

SugarSync: Encrypted Cloud Storage

• Storage Limit: Up to 500 GB
• Encryption: AES-256
• Unique Feature: Upload by Email

SugarSync is like Dropbox but more secure. It encrypts your files with AES-256 encryption, the same standard your VPN connection uses. What sets it apart? The "Upload by Email" feature. Have you got an email with an attachment securely? Just forward it to a unique email address, and it's instantly saved in the cloud. It is handy if you use secure email services with limited storage.

On-Demand Connections: Automate Your VPN

• Platforms: iOS only
• Trigger Points: Specific Wi-Fi, websites
• Flexibility: Customizable settings

Automate your VPN connection with On Demand. You can set it to connect automatically under specific conditions, like when you're not at home. You can even turn it off for specific Wi-Fi networks or websites. Unfortunately, this feature is iOS-exclusive.

Split Tunneling

• Platforms: Android only
• Use Case: Local apps, Banking, Netflix
• IP Control: Selective VPN usage

Split Tunneling gives you granular control over which apps go through the VPN and which don't. Want to order food from a local app while streaming a foreign Netflix show? You can do that. This feature also reduces the risk of triggering security alerts on sensitive apps like banking. However, it's only available for Android users.

Traffic Obfuscation: Stealth Mode

• Method: XOR cipher
• Goal: Mask VPN traffic
• Best for: Countries with strict VPN blocks

Toggle on the XOR cipher, and you make it harder for anyone to detect you're using a VPN. This is essential if you're in a country that aggressively blocks VPNs.

Is IPVanish Safe?

• Encryption: 256-bit AES
• Authentication: SHA-512 hash functions
• Additional Security: Perfect forward secrecy

Your data is safe behind a 256-bit AES encryption wall, the same standard used by governments and financial institutions. Account authentication uses SHA-512 hash functions, making it highly secure. The keys are also constantly changing thanks to perfect forward secrecy.

Tunneling Protocols

• Best Overall: WireGuard
• Versatile: OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)
• Mobile-Friendly: IKEv2/IPsec
• Others: L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, SSTP (Windows only)

IPVanish offers a broad range of tunneling protocols. WireGuard is the default and best overall option, while OpenVPN and IKEv2 are also robust choices.

Kill Switch

• Customization: Block LAN access
• Special Case: Separate app for Fire TV
• Tested: Works as advertised

The kill switch is your safety net, cutting off your internet if your VPN connection drops. There's also a dedicated Fire TV app, and in tests, it performed reliably.

Logging and Privacy: A Mixed Bag

• Jurisdiction: United States
• Data Collection: Email and Payment Method
• Audits: Approved by Leviathan Security Group

Though based in the privacy-unfriendly United States, IPVanish has a robust no-log policy. However, they do use tracking cookies on their website. Their privacy reputation took a hit in the past due to an FBI collaboration, but they've since been audited and approved by Leviathan Security Group.

Platform Experience Quick Glance

• Windows: A powerhouse of features, perfect for users who love to tweak settings.
• macOS: User-friendly and straightforward, but with fewer customization options.
• Linux: Command Line Interface only, not for the faint-hearted.
• Mobile devices: Solid, functional apps with room for improvement.

Detailed Insights

Windows

Windows users, you're in for a treat. IPVanish on Windows gives you several tabs: QuickConnect, Server List, and Account settings. Hop between these tabs, and you can instantly change settings or switch servers.

• View Flexibility: Swap between a list view and a map view for server selection.
• Server Filters: Sort servers by proximity and latency—no more guesswork.
• Favorites: Mark servers as favorites, and they'll always be at the top of your list.

Extra Perk: The Windows version has a customizable kill switch that allows local network blocks. So, apart from SSTP and PPTP tunneling protocols, it's on par with the macOS version.

macOS

Mac users, don't feel left out. The macOS version might not be as tweakable as the Windows one, but it’s still super user-friendly.

• Essential Features: Kill switch, auto-reconnect, obfuscation toggle, and on-demand rules.
• Apple TV Support: There's even a dedicated VPN app for Apple TV available in the App Store.

Mobile Apps

If you've been around the block with cybersecurity tools, you'll know Android often outshines iOS—IPVanish is no different.

iOS

The iOS version keeps things simple and sleek.

• Siri Shortcuts: For when you want to connect without lifting a finger.
• On Demand: Automatically connects when you join unfamiliar networks.

Server Selection: IPVanish takes the guesswork out of choosing a server. It identifies the best server and city available for you.

Android

Even though the iOS app looks nicer, the Android app holds its own.

• Split Tunneling: Choose which apps go through the VPN and which don't.
• Packet Size Control: Tweak the maximum packet size for better mobile network performance.

Status Info: You can see your new IP, server name, location, and time connected. Plus, there's a light and dark mode switch to match your phone’s theme.

Deciding between IPVanish pricing plans concerns one key question: Do you need SugarSync encrypted storage? Here's the breakdown of your options:

• VPN Only:

  • 1-month plan: $11.99/month
  • 1-year plan: $3.49/month
  • 2-year plan: $2.99/month

• VPN + SugarSync Bundle:

  • Contact IPVanish for detailed pricing

The catch? You pay the total amount upfront, no matter which plan you pick. But let's face it, these prices are reasonable considering all the features you're getting.

Worth Your Buck?

The SugarSync bundle is a steal if you're searching for encrypted storage. Remember, though, that the discounted rates for the bundle won't last forever. After the first month or year, prices bounce back to normal.

Is it the Cheapest?

IPVanish takes the cake as the most wallet-friendly VPN for a year. For detailed info on the SugarSync bundle, you can directly ping IPVanish.

Gotcha Moments: Refunds and Trials

• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Applies only to annual plans.
• Free Trial: Avoid monthly plans if you want this. You won't get a refund.

Both options offer unlimited simultaneous connections. go ahead and use the VPN on as many devices as you like.

Payment Mode: No Crypto Allowed

You can pay through credit cards and PayPal. If you're a cryptocurrency enthusiast, you're out of luck here.

Free IPVanish? Here's How

You can score a 7-day free trial of premium IPVanish when you opt for an annual plan. Here's how to get it:

1. Download the App: Grab the IPVanish mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign Up: Create a new account to unlock the free trial.
3. Pick Your Plan: Choose the annual plan with the free trial.
4. Authorize: Confirm the subscription through the mobile app store.

Post-setup, you can use your free trial account on your computer, too.

Extra Goodies: 37 Days of Free Service

After the trial, you can also take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee. Combine these two, and you get 37 days of free premium service.

What's in the Free Version?

Same features, security protocols, and server choices as the paid version.

Key Takeaways

• SugarSync: Decide if you need encrypted storage; it impacts your chosen plan.
• Cost: Annual and 2-year plans offer the best value. The total amount is charged upfront.
• Free Trial: Available only on annual plans. A total of 37 days of free service combined with the money-back guarantee.
• Payment: Credit cards and PayPal only. No cryptocurrencies.