IPVanish Review 2026: Tested Speed, Security & More

• Written By Kate Hawkins Former Editor
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

IPVanish VPN Overview

If you want a VPN that combines fast streaming speeds, strong privacy, and unlimited device connections , IPVanish is a solid contender. I spent weeks testing its performance to see whether it still stands out among today’s crowded VPN market — and I was impressed by how well it balances speed, security, and ease of use.

IPVanish offers military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits, and apps that are intuitive even if you’re brand new to VPNs. It’s one of the few services that lets you protect every device you own simultaneously without paying extra.

Whether you’re streaming Netflix in UHD, torrenting securely, or just keeping your browsing private on public WiFi, IPVanish delivers reliable connections you can trust. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out risk-free to see if it’s the right fit for your needs.

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Pros

• Gets past basic censorship
• Includes free VIPRE antivirus
• No limit on device connections

Cons

• Won’t work reliably in China
• Based in the US (5 Eyes jurisdiction)
• No specialized servers

In a Rush? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary

• Incredibly fast speeds — I recorded excellent speeds worldwide, even on distant servers in Japan and Australia. Jump to my speed test results
• Works with Netflix and more — Seamlessly unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and other major streaming platforms. Skip to streaming performance
• Military-grade encryption — Uses AES-256 encryption to keep your data safe from hackers and snoops. See how it protects your security
• Audited no-logs policy — After a past controversy, IPVanish is now independently verified as a true no-logs VPN. Learn about the privacy audit
• No device connection limits — Protect every device you own with one account, plus native apps for popular platforms. Read about my user experience
• 24/7 customer support — Live chat replies within minutes, plus detailed setup guides and FAQs. See my support experience
• Affordable plans with a refund guarantee — Try IPVanish risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Explore IPVanish plans

IPVanish Works With All Popular Streaming Platforms

IPVanish works well with all the popular streaming platforms tested , including the following:

Although IPVanish previously required multiple server switches to establish a reliable connection, it has significantly improved its performance. During my tests, I had no trouble accessing various streaming services with my local accounts and was able to connect on the first server I tried.

Works With Netflix

IPVanish’s Netflix compatibility is impressive — it successfully accessed Netflix US content using servers in New York and Los Angeles, streaming in HD with minimal buffering. I could stream on Netflix UK without issue, and my colleagues watched local content in Australia, Canada, Germany, and Japan without seeing any proxy errors.

Works With Hulu

IPVanish works well with Hulu, with no access problems encountered across different US server locations. Streams were consistently high-quality and lag-free.

Works With Disney+

IPVanish’s Disney+ performance was reliable, with US and UK servers providing fast connections for UHD streaming quality and fast load times, less than 5 seconds to start streaming content on average.

Works With HBO Max (Max)

HBO Max (formerly Max) showed excellent compatibility with IPVanish’s US servers, providing consistent access and high-quality streaming throughout the testing period.

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Speed — IPVanish Maintains Fast Speeds Across Servers

IPVanish delivered consistently impressive speeds in my tests, even on long-distance connections. While there was some expected drop in performance on servers farther away, the overall results were strong compared to other top VPNs. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or gaming, IPVanish provides fast and reliable connections without major slowdowns.

In my tests, I focused on three core performance metrics:

• Download speed: How quickly data is received, which impacts browsing, streaming, and downloads.
• Upload speed: The rate you can send data, important for uploading files and video calls.
• Ping: The response time between your device and the server, crucial for gaming and other real-time activities.

Speed Test Results

IPVanish kept my speeds close to my unprotected baseline on most servers. Local servers in the UK and France reduced download speeds by less than 5%, while even distant servers in the US and Canada caused a less than 5% drop. As expected, servers in Japan and Australia were slower, with a speed reduction of around 35-40%.

No matter which server I connected to, browsing and UHD streaming remained smooth. Even when using servers on the other side of the world, my speeds were more than fast enough for most online activities.

Gaming Speed — Nearby Servers are Fast and Responsive for Gaming

IPVanish also performed well during gaming tests. On local UK servers, I recorded low ping rates (around 20-30 ms), which is ideal for fast-paced multiplayer games like Call of Duty: Warzone . Distant servers increased latency significantly — Japan and Australia reached over 280 ms — so choose servers close to your location for the best gaming experience.

For lag-free gaming, you can use IPVanish’s “Default Location” option in the app to automatically connect to the fastest server nearby. This helps ensure the lowest possible ping and the most stable connection during gameplay.

IPVanish offers an extensive server network of 3,100+ servers across 109 countries , giving you plenty of options to access content and maintain fast speeds. All servers are self-owned rather than rented. This infrastructure approach provides better security control and performance optimization compared to VPNs relying on rented server space.

Server Network — Global Coverage With Some Virtual Locations

Most of IPVanish’s servers are located in the US, the UK, and Australia. However, it also has significant coverage in Africa, the Middle East, and South America — rare even among the best VPNs .

IPVanish uses a mix of physical and virtual servers, with virtual connections clearly labelled in the app. This means IPVanish can offer IP addresses in regions that lack reliable infrastructure or strong data protection laws.

IPVanish’s “Default Location” feature quickly finds the best server based on your location — I was always able to connect in just 2-4 seconds without any issues. If you have a specific country in mind, enter it into the search box and select your preferred server location.

Torrenting — Full P2P Support and SOCKS5 Proxy

IPVanish supports torrenting on its entire server network. It doesn’t have optimized servers for P2P file transfer, but speeds were reliably fast — I downloaded a 2-hour public domain documentary, and even with only 5 peers, it finished in less than 20 minutes. Just make sure the kill switch, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection are turned on to ensure your torrenting stays private.

Adhering to a DMCA notice on its website, IPVanish commits to comply with copyright requests. It’s important to remember that while IPVanish protects your privacy while torrenting, you should always use a VPN responsibly. Make sure you aren’t infringing on copyright or breaking any other laws.

IPVanish also provides SOCKS5 proxies in over 20 locations, which is useful for hiding your IP in BitTorrent clients . This proxy doesn’t encrypt traffic, so downloads are a bit faster. For example, I found London’s proxy address 5% faster than the regular VPN connection in the same location.

Keep in mind that the SOCKS5 proxy is less secure than a VPN since there’s no encryption. You can find the proxy addresses and setup guides in your IPVanish dashboard.

China — Not a Reliable Option for China

IPVanish doesn’t consistently work in China. While it has a Scramble obfuscation option, designed to hide VPN use, its connections cannot reliably bypass the Great Firewall. Instead, I recommend trying one of the best working VPNs for China — a service like ExpressVPN is obfuscated on all connections and has a strong track record in high-censorship regions.

Chinese authorities prohibit and regulate the use of VPNs. Their approach typically involves blocking VPN technology rather than targeting individual users. However, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local regulations before using a VPN in China. I strongly advocate for legal and responsible VPN use and do not endorse violating laws.

Security Features

IPVanish offers strong security that stands up to premium competitors. It combines military-grade encryption, advanced protocols, and useful extras like a kill switch, split tunneling, and an ad and malware blocker.

Encryption — Military-Grade Encryption Protects Your Data

IPVanish secures your internet traffic with AES-256-bit encryption , the same standard used by governments and banks. Combined with SHA512 authentication and DHE-RSA 2048 key exchange, this ensures your data remains confidential and protected from hackers — even if encryption keys are somehow compromised.

VPN Protocols — Multiple Protocols Balance Speed and Security

IPVanish offers various VPN protocols, each with specific characteristics and suitable for different needs:

• WireGuard — Fast and lightweight, great for streaming and everyday browsing.
• OpenVPN (UDP & TCP) — Highly secure and versatile, with UDP for speed and TCP for stability.
• IKEv2 — Ideal for mobile users who switch between networks.
• IPSec — Provides solid encryption, often paired with IKEv2.

Kill Switch — Protection Against Data Leaks

The kill switch automatically blocks the internet if the VPN connection drops. In tests, it cut my connection instantly without exposing my data.

It’s available on Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Fire TV, and Fire Stick , though you’ll need to switch it on manually — it’s off by default. Unlike some VPNs, IPVanish doesn’t display an alert when the kill switch activates, but it still worked flawlessly in my experience.

Leak Protection — No IP or DNS Leaks Detected

I tested IPVanish for DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks and found none. My real IP address and location remained hidden during all sessions. This protection ensures that even if websites or trackers try to detect your real identity, they’ll only see the VPN server location.

Just make sure you switch on DNS and IPv6 leak protection, as they’re not automatically active in the app.

Split Tunneling — Flexible Control Over Your Traffic

IPVanish lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection:

• Windows, Android, Fire TV, and Fire Stick: App-based split tunneling.
• Windows, macOS, iOS: Domain-based split tunneling (not app-specific).

This feature is particularly helpful for services like online banking or local apps that may not work properly over a foreign VPN connection.

Ad and Malware Blocker — Threat Protection Works Well

IPVanish includes Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It’s currently available on Android, iOS, and Fire TV , with plans to expand to desktop apps soon. Threat Protection successfully blocked test malicious websites, though dedicated antivirus software still provides more comprehensive threat detection.

SOCKS5 Proxy — Faster Speeds for Torrenting

PVanish includes a SOCKS5 proxy, which routes your traffic through a proxy server without encryption. This can improve speeds and help you bypass some geo-restrictions, making it popular for torrenting and streaming . However, it doesn’t encrypt your connection so it’s best used only when speed is more important than privacy.

Setting it up requires some manual configuration in your torrent client or browser, but IPVanish provides clear guides to walk you through the process.

VIPRE Antivirus — Robust Protection Against Malware and Ransomware

IPVanish offers an optional bundle with VIPRE Antivirus, which adds an extra layer of security. VIPRE protects your devices from a wide range of cyber threats , including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks. It runs discreetly in the background and includes real-time scanning, automatic updates, and advanced malware detection.

If you want comprehensive protection for your data and devices, this combination is a convenient and cost-effective solution compared to purchasing antivirus software separately.

Extra Features — Affordable Cloud Storage

For a small additional fee, you can add SugarSync secure cloud storage to your IPVanish subscription. This feature gives you 1TB of 256-bit AES-encrypted storage space , making it easy to back up and sync files across your devices safely.

If you already need a cloud backup solution, bundling SugarSync with IPVanish is significantly cheaper than paying for a separate plan. It’s a useful extra if you want both strong privacy and secure file storage in one package.

Privacy Features

IPVanish has a verified no-logs policy that ensures your online activity isn’t recorded or stored. While the service is based in the US — part of the 5 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance — its independent audit confirms that no identifiable user data is retained.

No-Logs Policy — Independently Verified Zero-Logs Claims

IPVanish maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t collect records of your browsing activity, connection timestamps, or IP addresses. This approach was independently audited by Leviathan Security Group, which verified that IPVanish’s infrastructure fully complies with its zero-logs claims.

It’s important to acknowledge that IPVanish faced a privacy controversy in 2016 when it provided logs during a court case. However, under new ownership and with an external audit in place, IPVanish has demonstrated meaningful improvements in transparency and data handling.

Company Jurisdiction — Based in the US

IPVanish is headquartered in the United States , which falls under the 5 Eyes surveillance alliance. This means the company could be compelled by court orders to hand over any user data it holds. While this sounds alarming, IPVanish’s strict no-logs policy ensures that there is no identifiable information to share.

If you prefer a VPN based in a more privacy-focused jurisdiction, a provider like ExpressVPN (British Virgin Islands) may be more appealing .

Server Locations

IPVanish offers a smooth, beginner-friendly experience across desktop, mobile, and streaming devices. It stands out for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect every device in your household with a single subscription.

While the apps are easy to install and use, IPVanish is missing some features that competitors provide, like browser extensions and Smart DNS. Overall, it’s a solid choice for most users, especially if you want simple setup and flexible device support.

Simultaneous Device Connections — No Limits On Connected Devices

IPVanish is one of the few VPNs that allow unlimited simultaneous device connections. Whether you have multiple computers, smartphones, and streaming devices or want to share your account with family, there’s no need to worry about hitting a cap.

Device Compatibility — Native Apps for Major Platforms

IPVanish supports a wide range of platforms, including:

• Windows and macOS — Clean, identical apps that are easy to navigate and customize.
• Android and iOS — Intuitive mobile apps with the same core features as desktop versions.
• Fire TV and Fire Stick — Native apps you can install in minutes.
• Routers, Linux, and Chromebook — Manual configuration guides available.

I especially liked that the apps look and feel the same across platforms, so there’s no learning curve when switching devices. If you’re a Windows user, you can also check out our recommendations for the best VPNs for Windows to compare alternatives.

Ease of Setup & Installation — Beginner-Friendly Apps

While testing across multiple platforms, I found that installing the IPVanish app across various devices was quick and hassle-free.

Install IPVanish on Your Devices in 3 Easy Steps

1. Select a plan. Visit IPVanish’s website, pick a plan, and create your account.
2. Install the app. Download the app for your device from the website (or app store). Install and log in with your registration details.
3. Begin secure browsing. Connect to a server and enjoy secure internet browsing with IPVanish.

Unfortunately, IPVanish doesn’t offer a Smart DNS service, which is helpful for devices that can’t run VPN apps. It also doesn’t have browser extensions, a feature many other VPNs have. Adding these options in the future would improve IPVanish’s usability.

IPVanish offers an impressive variety of support channels, including 24/7 live chat, phone assistance, email, and a detailed online knowledge base . In my experience, live chat was the fastest and most reliable way to get help, with quick responses and knowledgeable agents.

IPVanish stands out by still providing phone support, though the wait times make it less convenient. For most users, I recommend using the live chat or browsing the knowledge base for immediate answers.

24/7 Live Chat — Fast, Helpful and Easy to Access

The live chat combines an AI-powered chatbot and human agents . The bot instantly offered relevant guides to answer simple questions about setup and troubleshooting. When I needed more detailed help, I requested a live representative and the chatbot directed me to the correct support document to access live chat.

I found IPVanish’s AI chatbot surprisingly helpful on its own, providing links to knowledge base articles that answered many of my questions about setting up apps, connecting to servers, and security features. I got answers to basic inquiries using the AI bot faster than with a live agent.

Phone Support — Good but Not Always Immediate

IPVanish is one of the few VPNs that still provides phone support , available in 7 countries (including the US, UK, Australia, and Germany). However, phone support is only open from 9am – 5pm CT (UTC -6), and it isn’t always responsive.

When I called the US number, I was put on hold for around 5 minutes before being asked to leave a message. If you prefer phone assistance, be prepared for possible delays.

Email Support — Quick and Detailed Responses

IPVanish has an excellent online knowledge base that covers almost everything you’d need:

• Detailed setup guides for each platform
• Troubleshooting tips
• Explanations of security features
• Billing and subscription FAQs

I found it easy to navigate and appreciated the step-by-step instructions, especially for manual router setups. If you like resolving issues yourself, this resource is one of the best among VPN providers.

IPVanish is an affordable VPN that offers strong performance and unlimited device connections at a low price — especially if you choose a multi-year plan.

IPVanish offers two subscription tiers (Essential and Advanced) to let you pick the level of protection you need. Here’s a look at the two plans:

The Essential 2-year plan offers the best deal, bringing the monthly price down to just $ 2.19 . Keep in mind that auto-renewal is turned on by default, so you’ll need to disable it manually if you don’t want to be charged again. Also, IPVanish’s prices significantly increase on renewal, making it a less affordable option beyond your initial subscription.

Payment Methods — Basic Options, No Anonymous Methods

You can pay for IPVanish using credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, and PayPal . Unfortunately, there are no anonymous payment methods like cryptocurrency. If you prefer maximum anonymity, you may find this limiting. That said, your billing details are only used for payment processing and aren’t linked to your VPN activity.

Money-Back Guarantee — Available on Long-Term Plans Only

IPVanish has a 30 day money-back guarantee , but it’s only available if you choose a yearly or multi-year subscription. Monthly plans aren’t covered, which is a drawback if you want to test the service without a longer commitment.

During my tests, requesting a refund was quick and hassle-free. I logged into my account, navigated to the Subscription tab, and clicked “Cancel Now.” The refund was processed instantly, and the money returned to my account within an hour.

IPVanish VPN has the following offers

Final Verdict

IPVanish is a solid all-around VPN with fast speeds, unlimited device connections, and strong security features, making it a great choice for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Its apps are easy to use on all major platforms, and the 24/7 support is responsive if you run into issues.

However, it lacks some extras you’ll find with top competitors — like browser extensions, Smart DNS, and truly anonymous payment options. Also, its US jurisdiction may concern users who prioritize maximum privacy.

Overall, IPVanish is ideal if you want an affordable, user-friendly VPN that works reliably across all your devices without worrying about connection limits. You can test it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no downside to trying it out for yourself.

• Overall
• Speed
• Servers
• User Experience
• Support
• Pricing

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.