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Davy van Bokhoven.
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Last updated: July 7th, 2025
IPVanish

IPVanish Review

High-performance

IPVanish has been around for over a decade, earning a loyal following among users who want performance, configurability, and direct control over their VPN experience. But in an era of slick, user-friendly VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark, does IPVanish still hold up in 2025? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its strengths and shortcomings — from torrent support and server transparency to its privacy history and interface.

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IPVanish at a Glance
8.7
Privacy

8.8
Speed

9.8
Server Locations

8.6
Torrenting

9.2
Streaming

8.9
Security

8.5
User Experience

8.1
Device Compatibility

8.0
Davy van Bokhoven.

Quick Verdict

IPVanish is a fast, reliable, and highly configurable VPN best suited for advanced users who want control over protocols, connections, and customization. It offers excellent support for torrenting, secure WireGuard integration, and one of the most transparent server networks in the industry. However, its U.S. jurisdiction and a prior logging scandal still raise eyebrows for privacy purists, and some of its apps feel dated compared to competitors.

✔ Best for: Advanced users, torrenting, high-performance streaming

✘ Not ideal for: Privacy maximalists or users who need a polished UI


Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Strong speeds and performance with WireGuard
  • Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Excellent support for torrenting and P2P traffic
  • Full control over protocol and port settings
  • Owns and manages its entire server network (no third-party hosting)

Cons

  • Based in the U.S. (Five Eyes jurisdiction)
  • History of cooperation with law enforcement (logging incident in 2016)
  • Lacks some modern features like ad blocking or RAM-only servers

Privacy and Logging Policy

IPVanish has a complicated privacy legacy. While it now claims to follow a strict no-logs policy, the company previously provided user data to U.S. authorities in 2016 — despite having a no-logs claim at the time. Since then, it has changed ownership and reaffirmed its commitment to user privacy.

Today, IPVanish states that it does not collect or store connection logs, traffic logs, or session data. It also uses shared IP addresses to enhance anonymity. However, the service has not undergone an independent audit, unlike most major VPN providers in 2025.

Based in the United States, IPVanish operates under U.S. jurisdiction, which includes data-sharing agreements through the Five Eyes alliance. For users who need maximum legal privacy protection, this is an important consideration.


Streaming Capabilities

While IPVanish doesn’t market itself heavily toward streamers, it performs reasonably well when it comes to unblocking content. It can access U.S. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ reliably, though some platforms may require manual server switching or experimentation.

Streaming platforms tested:

Streaming Platform Supported
Netflix (US, UK, Canada - consistent)
Amazon Prime (US - consistent)
Disney+ (varies by server)
BBC iPlayer (inconsistent)
Hulu (working on select US server)
Streaming speeds were solid on nearby and mid-range servers, though performance was slightly less stable on very distant ones (e.g., U.S. from Europe).

Speed and Performance

IPVanish is built for performance, and it shows. With the addition of WireGuard protocol, speeds have improved significantly across the board. Users can manually select protocols, ports, and even enable LAN access or scramble traffic for added stealth.

Speed test results (500 Mbps base connection):

  • Germany server: ~445 Mbps

  • UK server: ~430 Mbps

  • U.S. East server: ~410 Mbps

  • Australia server: ~360 Mbps

IPVanish excels in consistent performance, especially for torrenting, remote desktop use, and heavy data transfers.


Security and Encryption

Security is a strong point for IPVanish. It supports AES-256-bit encryption and gives users control over security settings that most competitors hide. Advanced users can tweak port numbers, use OpenVPN Scramble, or manually configure OpenVPN and WireGuard settings.

Security features include:

  • OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard

  • Kill switch (Windows, macOS, Android)

  • Scramble (obfuscation to bypass DPI and firewalls)

  • IPv6 and DNS leak protection

  • Shared IP address allocation

While IPVanish doesn’t use RAM-only servers or offer extras like MultiHop or Tor integration, its core security is sound and stable.


Server Network and Locations

Unlike most VPN providers, IPVanish owns and operates its entire physical server network, which enhances transparency, performance, and security. There are no third-party hosting providers involved, reducing risks related to outsourced infrastructure.

Network stats (2025):

  • 2,200+ servers

  • 75+ locations in over 50 countries

  • 40,000+ IP addresses

  • 100% physical infrastructure, no virtual locations

Coverage is solid in North America and Europe, with decent presence in Asia and Australia. However, regions like Africa and the Middle East remain underrepresented.


User Experience and Interface

IPVanish offers apps for a wide range of platforms, but the user interface feels more functional than elegant. The desktop apps provide extensive settings and control panels, while the mobile versions are simpler but still robust.

Supported devices and platforms:

  • Windows, macOS, Linux

  • iOS, Android, Fire TV

  • Routers (manual setup)

  • Chromebook and Android TV (via APK)

The UI includes real-time bandwidth charts, protocol toggles, and configurable auto-connect rules. While this appeals to power users, beginners may feel overwhelmed. Support is available 24/7 via live chat and email.


Torrenting and P2P

Torrenting is a major strength of IPVanish. It fully supports P2P traffic on all servers, with no bandwidth limits or restrictions. The combination of high speeds, shared IPs, and a kill switch makes it a trustworthy option for frequent downloaders.

Highlights for torrent users:

  • P2P allowed across the entire network

  • No throttling or bandwidth caps

  • Kill switch ensures IP is never exposed

  • Works smoothly with all major clients (qBittorrent, Vuze, Transmission)

Although it lacks a SOCKS5 proxy (which was previously available), the full VPN service is more than sufficient for secure torrent use.


Device Compatibility

IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large households or users with many devices. There’s no need to worry about hitting a limit — connect your phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV all at once.

For even broader protection, IPVanish can be installed on compatible routers, covering all devices connected to your home Wi-Fi.


Additional Features

IPVanish focuses more on performance and transparency than flashy extras. That said, it includes a few useful tools:

Bonus features:

Traffic obfuscation (Scramble)

Useful in restrictive countries

LAN blocking

Prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other

Configurable auto-connect options

For Wi-Fi or specific networks

SOCKS5 proxy

Previously included, now removed in most apps

It lacks ad-blocking, split tunneling, and advanced privacy tools — features that many competitors now include as standard.


Pricing and Plans

IPVanish is competitively priced, especially considering the unlimited device allowance and strong speeds.

Pricing as of July 2025
1 month $11.99
1 year $53.88 ($4.49/month)
2 years $89.99 ($3.75/month)

All plans include unlimited device connections, 24/7 support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions (not monthly).

There’s no free version or trial, but frequent promotions and bundles (e.g. VPN + cloud storage) offer extra value.


Frequently Asked Questions

No, it currently maintains a no-logs policy — though it has a past incident of logging in 2016 under different ownership.

Yes, especially for U.S. Netflix and Prime Video. However, it’s less reliable with BBC iPlayer and some non-U.S. platforms.

Very secure. It supports AES-256 encryption, WireGuard, kill switch, and advanced settings. It also owns all its servers.

Absolutely. It’s one of the best VPNs for torrenting, with no limits and full P2P support across the network.

Unlimited — connect as many devices as you want under one account.

About the Author

Davy van Bokhoven.
Software Expert
Davy van Bokhoven

Davy van Bokhoven is a digital entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience in online marketing, SEO, and building comparison websites. As co-founder of Top10.Compare, Davy combines his passion for clear communication with deep knowledge of online tools — from VPNs to financial software.

Having used dozens of accounting platforms, security tools, and productivity apps over the years, Davy is focused on helping readers find the right solution for their needs, not just the most popular one.

📌 Expertise: SEO, affiliate marketing, software testing, small business tools

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