In a Nutshell
pros
- Connect unlimited
- Ultra-fast connections
- Anonymous torrenting
cons
- Live chat needs improvement and better hours
- No free version (but there is a risk-free trial)
IPVanish at a Glance
Privacy
Like other top-notch VPN providers, IPVanish works hard to keep your data safe and secure. One of the most important features they offer is a killswitch, which will automatically kill your internet connection if it is suddenly dropped by the VPN and left open or unprotected. This incredible feature should be enabled if you want to maximize your privacy protection and will ensure you remain secure, no matter what.
To add an extra layer of security, IPVanish also has in place secure transfer protocols, such as OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP/IPsec VPN, and all planes include 256-bit AES encryption.
Features
- IPv6 and DNS leak protection.
- Kill Switch--User option to terminate your network connection if the VPN connection ever drops.
- IP Randomizer--User option to have a new anonymous IP address assigned to you at predetermined time intervals.
- OpenVPN Scramble/DPI (deep packet inspection) protection--helpful feature for protection against ISP and government-backed censorship efforts.
- LAN Blocking for Windows--when enabled, no device on the local area network can communicate with your device. Any outbound traffic from your device will also not go over the LAN.
- Multiple VPN protocol and cipher options.
- Built-in speed tests.
Speed
IPVanish’s 1,600 high-speed servers provide some of the swiftest and most consistent speeds in the field. The company never throttles connection and offers a live server list with real-time updates, meaning users can view them before choosing one and prevent overcrowding and other high-traffic slogs.
Pricing and Deals
IPVanish offers 3 different packages for you to choose from. Each package includes great features like zero traffic logs, unlimited P2P traffic and unlimited server switches. The biggest difference in each package is the total savings, which can reach has much as 76% when you purchase the 1-year package.
Each package gives you unlimited bandwidth and unlimited connections to all your devices, with 24/7 customer support in over 40,000 shared IP addresses.
Torrents
IPVanish has SOCKS 5 proxy servers that allow bittorrent. The website features instructions for using SOCKS 5 and a list of the servers you can use to easily and safely download from torrent sites.
Netflix
It appears that IPVanish has struggled to overcome Netflix’s latest blocking techniques. However, the site does offer some solutions for overcoming the block, though at this time they’re limited to Android and FireOS apps.
According to a new update on the website’s troubleshooting page, you can use split tunneling to route your apps through your ISP instead of the VPN. The steps include:
Disconnect the IPVanish app on your device and go to settings at the top right of the screen
Select Split Tunneling below the Connection section and a list of apps on your device will appear
Select the title name Netflix with the descriptor below it listed as com.netflix.ninja
Return to the IPVanish app screen and reconnect to IPVanish
Client Setup
Setting up IPVanish’s VPN is an easy process and supplemented by a wealth of information and support. The website offers detailed setup guides for every operating system and app, though unless you’re planning on doing manual configurations the process should be quick and seamless.
Apps
IPVanish offers dedicated mobile apps for your phones, tablets, and other devices. The iOS app and Android app can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store and Google Play, respectively. There’s also a Firestick app available for free on Amazon.com.
How Does IPVanish Compare?
Customer Support
IPVanish offers 24/7/365 customer support, and responds to requests on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is only true of their phone and email support. Live chat is only available during office hours and their response time is in need of some improvement.
The website is available in multiple languages and even provides you with an option to post a public question and receive responses from other members. There is also an extensive knowledge base with articles covering everything from VPN basics to billing and how to use IPVanish with different operating systems.
FAQs
Which server should I connect to?
It depends on what you’ll be using it for. The FAQ offers these uses and suggestions:
Anonymity: if your primary goal is to be anonymous, choose a server in the country and city closest to you
To change your location: Choose a server in the location where you’d like to be identified
For fastest speeds: simply select the Best Available option on the Quick Connect screen
Does IPVanish work everywhere?
Almost. Because it’s a US-based company IPVanish is forbidden from the following countries:
Burma/Myanmar
Cuba
Iran
North Korea
Sudan
Syria
Bottom Line
IPVanish is an excellent choice for anyone looking to secure their internet usage no matter where they are in the world. You can utilize its services to secure your connection - even when surfing on an unsecure Wifi channel - access all your favorite shows or channels, and keep important information safe.