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IPVanish is also one of the few VPN providers that manages all of its infrastructure in-house, meaning that all servers are owned by the company, and it only uses self-developed software for its service. The strongest VPN on the market also boasts a vast range of features that not only provide faster speeds but also permit a custom encryption level and all of the other features of a VPN connection, too. There’s even a special offer only for Best Reviews readers to save themselves a little extra.
Features
IPVanish is one of the best tools for ensuring sensitive data remains protected regardless of where the connection is established from – even including public Wi-Fi networks, for instance – thanks to the full arsenal of security features it provides. Along with pretty much every function of the VPN client, these different elements are easily configurable and editable, ensuring that all customers can adapt their VPN to their own individual needs.
Tier-1 VPN Service
Many VPN providers work with different companies to lease servers around the globe in an effort to offer more locations at a low cost, and typically this means less reliability in terms of speed and uptime as well as more parties handling the users’ private data. IPVanish, on the other hand, prides itself on being a tier-1 VPN service, meaning that it has full ownership over its entire network and only uses its own network infrastructure for establishing VPN connections. This means that IPVanish has full control over every aspect of its VPN service and doesn’t use any third parties to set up VPN connections, and since it is the only party involved in establishing secure connections and handling customer details is is one of the few companies that can be truly trusted.
The VPN client reflects this particular aspect, showing the load and ping times next to each server in the expanded server list, for instance. Also, the so-called QuickConnect feature automatically picks the best server and city depending on users’ physical location, while it still saves preferences filtered by country, response time and protocol used.
Security Investments
IPVanish is also the best for security. In fact, other VPN providers should take notes on how to properly configure a VPN client based on the work of IPVanish. It’s always a joy to access the various editable features, especially since the design of the interface doesn’t limit access to any function of the software. There’s full user control over the likes of the VPN connections’ security and their speeds as well as the general behavior of the tool. Within the IPVanish client it’s possible to alter the choice of protocol for a faster or more secure connection, choose to let the tool automatically reconnect – which is great when used alongside the kill switch – enable LAN traffic blocking or DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and much more.
VPN Network
IPVanish has servers in more than different countries across the globe, including some rarely seen locations such as Hong Kong, South Korea, Dubai and others. This means a high-speed connection is available nearly anywhere in the world, though the actual speed is as always dependent on each country’s own internet quality, distance to the servers, the used protocol, speeds provided by ISPs, and other factors that IPVanish cannot control.
What it can control, though, is the number of servers available. The fact that many countries have multiple servers – which are used exclusively for its VPN network – makes this one of the fastest services available, especially if using QuickConnect. IPVanish also allows P2P torrent traffic – supporting clients such as uTorrent, Vuze, and Deluge – which can be achieved either via a normal VPN connection or the restricted and secure SOCKS5 proxy server that you can configure yourself.
IPVanish Server Network
Austria Speed Test Results Using OpenVPN
Brazil Speed Test Results Using PPTP
UK Speed Test Results Using OpenVPN
South Africa Speed Test Results Using L2TP
Tests were conducted from Europe using different servers and protocols with positive results during the whole experience. The Austrian and UK servers – both using OpenVPN –produced the best results, which is no surprise considering the proximity and both countries’ internet quality. For overseas locations such as Brazil and South Africa the other two protocols were tested. PPTP revealed its true power in Brazil, with speeds overcoming even Austria on OpenVPN, while the L2TP/IPSec connection to the South African server was the slowest. However, considering the great geographical distance and strong defensive protocol used, this is an understandable result.
When it comes to DNS and IP leaks, IPVanish once again comes out on top as there were never any issues with either of these, which means that connections are trustworthy, accurate and users are 100% safe when using them.
Privacy Protection
IPVanish supports four main protocols – PPTP, L2TP, IKEv2 and OpenVPN – which are responsible for the potential speed and encryption level of any given VPN connection. These can be changed anytime within the client to help achieve the best possible VPN experience. OpenVPN is the top choice for desktop computers, for instance, while the others are ideal for mobile devices, with L2TP being the slowest but most secure and PPTP being the exact opposite. IKEv2, however, is best for unstable Wi-Fi networks for both mobile and desktop versions. On top of this, it’s possible to change the ports on OpenVPN connections as well as toggle the option for traffic obfuscation.
But that’s not all, since other privacy measures are included, from the use of the premier standard AES 256-bit encryption key or the always useful kill switch that ensures no online data is ever exposed. It’s possible to enable or disable IPv6 and DNS leak protection, too, block LAN traffic and even use custom DNS settings. Likewise, the company also provides the ability to use a third-party DNS while still being connected to IPVanish, although this is still not recommended. Frankly, it’s the full package when it comes to maintaining personal privacy.
Having covered IPVanish’s privacy policy and terms of use, it’s clear that the company rightfully claims to have a truly zero-log policy. IPVanish is one of the few companies that can fully guarantee that no logs are kept since it has full ownership over its entire VPN network and manages every aspect of the service in-house without relying on any third parties.
OS, Device Support
It’s one thing to have a great VPN service, but making it available and fully compatible with all the latest operating systems is another. IPVanish is supreme in this field too, since its client works on Windows computers running at least XP and Macs with OS X 10.6.8 and later. Android, iOS and even Windows Phone smartphones and tablets haven’t been left out either, with free applications that provide the same smooth user interface and experience as the desktop clients. These VPN apps work well in conjunction with Skype and other VoIP apps, allowing for lower costs on calls via these services.
Yet for complete device support IPVanish can also be configured to run on Linux Ubuntu, Chromebook, Amazon Fire TV and even routers using DD-WRT or Tomato to reach extra platforms like games consoles, smart TVs and other devices that don’t support VPNs directly. Opting for router protection also eliminates the need for simultaneous connections through the same account, which is set to a maximum of five.
Pricing
The pricing of IPVanish is as simple as it is competitive, the latter in particular thanks to the exclusive offer available for Best Reviews readers. This offer awards readers with a saving of 34% on the standard monthly subscription price of $8 per month, but this discount can be taken further still by extending the length of the subscription. The three-month plan can be had for an equivalent of $7.20 per month when paying the total of $21.59 instead of $35.97. But the best value plan is the annual subscription that – with this special offer – costs only $5.20 per month; in other words, this is a 57% discount on the normal price that all other users must pay for this plan.
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee that can – and should – be used to try the service completely risk-free, as unfortunately there are no free trials or versions of the program. Payment methods include most credit and debit cards, as well as alternatives like PayPal and Bitcoin.
Customer Service
Along with the FAQ pages available in a number of different languages, the step-by-step tutorials per device and operating system are likely to already answer some of the most basic questions for setting the service up and using it for the most basic tasks. Still, online technical support is available 24/7 throughout the year via various channels such as phone, a contact form that ensures email responses within a few hours and a live chat. There is also the support forums and the company’s social media pages, through which direct support or community assistance is also provided. In fact, IPVanish is very community-oriented since its blog features many interesting articles related to cyber protection, along with speed test, privacy check and password generation tools.
Bottom Line
IPVanish delivers everything asked of a VPN provider and even more besides, which is the reason why it’s been our number one rated VPN service since 2013 by both Best Reviews experts and users. The fact that the company has full control over every single aspect of its VPN service is just one of the many indicators of how the service has earned such a respected reputation. A well-proportioned server network is often the biggest seller when it comes to such services, but it’s worthless without the proper protection and fast speeds. IPVanish convinces in all of these areas, and it even adds more security features and extensive support for all kinds of devices bundled in with a simple client that can be fully customized to provide the most personalized experience to anyone.
The service works exceptionally well, too, demonstrating impressively consistent test results and operates with a zero-log policy. Though there is no free trial to make use of, there’s nothing else to criticize IPVanish for. And even this is easy to overlook when considering the competitive pricing and special discounts such as the one offered to Best Reviews readers.
Positives
- Tier-1 VPN service
- User-friendly apps for all devices
- 24/7 chat, email, and phone support
- Great range of security tools
- Zero traffic logs
- Competitive pricing
Negatives
- No free trial
TheGen says
IPV has been a steady ride for me watching NFL live streams and securing my P2P. In public Wifi networks I haven’t experienced any blockings of the VPN whatsoever, using the best available server has always served me well so far. Stunning to see they have a server in Kyrgyzstan of all places.
Price is ok for me: they provide good value for money. May try getting a cheaper one in the future to see if it’s worth switching.
David says
I signed up for a annual contract that was on special offer and planned on using their service for downloading from usenet. The reviews said that they have very good speeds and were able to saturate my cable connection (120 Mbit/s).
At home I have a dedicated NAS and downloading machine that is able to download at the full 120 MBit/s and, thanks to the AES-IN instructionset, is even able to handle up to 2240 MBit/s with OpenSSL.
Unfortunately, after connecting to their VPN my speeds dropped to about 48 MBit/s. I tried multiple servers located nearby (30 kms from home), but the speed never got above 48 MBit/s.
After some thorough investigation I contacted the customer support with my issue and supplied them with plenty of information and specifics. Their response was really quick but clearly very scripted and didn’t help at all. All of the suggestions I had already tried and this should have been obvious had they taken the time to read my message.
I quickly replied and supplied them with more (of the same) info and they responded quickly again with more or less the same suggestions. Another reply from me, followed by another (quick!) response from them with again more or less the same (scripted) suggestions.
So… probably a good service, but if you are an advanced user you better not need their customer service. They have lost my money. I will find another VPN service that maybe does not respond as quickly, but maybe they actually read my message and help me properly.
Mike says
I started my subscription on the one year plan for $58.39. It was promised this rate for 3 billing cycles. Go online and check, it is there. In my second one year billing cycle I was charged $74.99. I am also unable to connect to the 3 airports I have been to. They have safeguards against use of VPN in those airports, they will not allow it. I assume all airports are like this for national security. It will not be long in that case to buy cheap software that blocked VPN. I can see internet providers doing this or already do. They can also slow your connection to a crawl if you use a VPN. They know when you use it. That could be the slow speeds some talk about but not others. You could use a smart phone on cellular but they could also slow you or not let you connect also. I love IP Vanish but it’s use is getting less and less and the price going up.
Goodtimes says
Enjoying US Netflix from my living room TV through my setup with IPvanish. Speeds from their machines in the US are superb, very little delays and overall great for streaming movies, series. Well worth the $6 a month if you can get tons more extra titles to choose from with Netflix….
ZY says
Proxy IP given are not in the right country for some server. Enquired with no response from them despite getting good rating for customer support. Checked their forum and found out a lot of users are having the same issue and poor service from them too.
Steve says
For your info
I use ipVanish and the software “Malwarebytes” found few ips used by ipVanish as Malicious website:
ip=”93.114.45.136″
ip=”176.103.48.42″
ip=”178.89.191.58″
Fretman1234 says
I have IPvanish and have contacted the customer support team twice with positive results. However, Ive just installed Malwarebytes and get exactly the same warnings
Fretman1234 says
Update: this is my reply from customer care:
Hello,
Thank you for the information you provided. Please be assured that all of our servers does not contain any malicious codes or what not. What you received from Malware Bytes is a false positive.
A false positive is an error in some evaluation process in which a condition tested for is mistakenly found to have been detected. In spam filters, for example, a false positive is a legitimate message mistakenly marked as UBE –unsolicited bulk email, as junk email is more formally known.
Regards,
Ken
IPVanish Support
Lance says
Hands down best VPN I tried to get BBC iPlayer and some other websites I’m subscribed to working when I’m abroad. Good user experience on all apps and their website itself, stable connections and all the main settings within reach to quickly customise things as you switch between apps/sites/emailing/…
Donald says
This review is specific to users in China. I’ve been using IPVanish for the past 18 months in China and it’s been spotty at best. With China’s recent January 2015 attempt to block VPNs, IPVanish has been unable to get past China’s firewall. I recently purchased a smaller VPN service that’s been much faster and more reliable than IPVanish ever was. If you’re headed to China for any reason, please stay far away from IPVanish.
S.T. says
We’re paying the seven bucks or so that this service costs on a monthly basis with a smile. Personally I keep IPVanish on all the time while I’m browsing – whether it’s to use Facebook or get emailing done. I never thought I’d care so much about what others could find out about what I do on the web, but the things we read in the news everyday got me convinced to us something like this. 🙂
C3PO says
After one year of being on this VPN network provider, I can certainly say I’m happy with IPvanish. They are as they say a “tier one provider”, which I believe makes a big difference with other companies in this space. I’ve been on other networks before and this one is just much faster.
They’ve added quite a few new country servers in the last few months and there were a number of other new options I’m happy with (iOS app updates were much welcomed).
Fretman1234 says
Spot on and exactly the reasons why I got a VPN
mike teberio says
VPN services is very reliable and someone you can trust. I have been going through them for awhile now and I had nothing but great service the entire time I had them. I have told all my friends and family about this and they are getting ready too get connected themselves keep up the good work and I hope too see everyone using this !!!
d rodger says
Plenty of fast IPs to choose from along with a big diversity of countries, IPvanish is definitely doing the trick for me and gives me ease of mind when browsing the web. I’m always putting it on whenever I’m checking my Facebook, doing some emailing,… It’s really easy to set up and is installed in a breeze…
Darrion says
I tried a host of other VPN/proxy solutions and made the call to go with Ipvanish. Their Windows client does the trick just fine and they continue adding new IPs to use, which I think is a big one since I want my traffic to be spread over as many IPs as possible….. That I think is the best way to stay safe online kids 🙂
Zjack says
Quality service with decent prices, works well on both my Mac and PC with good coverage around the world. Managed to play games at proper speeds, recommend it for serious gaming!
Stacie says
Hi, are you gaming on PC or MAC then? I game on xbox one and am concerned if I’ll have the fast connection I need….
tommythetar says
I love how and easy and fast connecting to IPVanish is! I just stay connected whenever on the internet, maybe switching servers once or twice a day (some vpn providers dont even let you switch between servers!). Anyways, I can access Hulu now even though it is blocked by the country I just moved to. Learning just how many things I took for granted in America…
Well theyre a great vpn and deserving of my good review (and money).
Paul says
good connection speed.
Gudberg says
The whole story of the NSA spying on us got me thinking about using new tools and software to protect what is still dear to me; privacy. I’m not willing to compromise on my freedom and want to be able to go into a coffee shop and surf the web carefree, without having to worry about someone looking over my shoulder. If the government can’t guarantee my freedom and privacy, I’ll be happy to look after it myself.
I discovered IPVanish through this site a week ago and decided to immediately go for their $6.49 per month plan. I’ve been testing it since and am now realizing I should have been using a VPN a long time ago.
androidfan says
I was already using IPvanish on my PC using the Windows client, but so far wasn’t using my account on mobile yet. I now have their Android app on my Samsung Galaxy s3 and am happy to use it on my phone as well. My impression is that connections aren’t always very fast using a VPN on mobile, but the security benefits are definitely worth it.
jp687 says
Fast servers, the EU ones that I use are great. Be sure to use their ‘A’ servers. You can choose them right in the software client
Tommy P says
Overall, the service has been reliable. My throughput speeds have been fast and steady with no buffering.
stryder28 says
Ipvanish seemed like the perfect Vpn for me because of their big focus on privacy protection. I mainly use mine just to browse the web without being plagued by ads or having to worry about any security whatsoever (don’t forget a virus scanner).
Their connections are fast overall, OpenVPN works well with it and their new Mac client is solid and runs smooth. Ipvanish gets a nice 4/5 from my part!!
Peter says
I have been using this service personally and for business purposes for the past 12 months or so. During this time, they’ve added new servers/countries every month (often adding multiple new servers added per month) and rolled out software improvements while never increasing my subscription price. The service is reliable, the software works great and they have helpful support. If you’re looking for a new provider, this is a great option.
Gallie says
Overall this has been a reliable service for me. I use it daily and push all of my internet traffic through my ipvanish connection. The client is easy and lets you pick an ip address from a lot of different cities in a lot of countries which is cool. Service has been fast, so i’m not seeing any buffering when i’m watching vids. I’ll probably check out some others, but this one has been good.