Quick Verdict
IPVanish Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Owns and operates its own server network
- Beginner-friendly apps on every major platform
- Affordable at $2.19/month on the annual plan
- Independently audited no-log policy (Leviathan Security, 2022)
- Strong Fire TV and Android TV apps for streaming devices
- 24/7 live chat support
Where It Falls Short
- US jurisdiction (Five Eyes) is a privacy drawback
- Weaker streaming unblocking than top providers
- No independent multi-hop or ad-blocker feature
- Audit is older (2022) than rivals' recent audits
- Servers are not RAM-only
Speed & Performance
IPVanish added WireGuard support across its apps, and it competes well on speed for a mid-tier provider. Because it owns and operates its own server network rather than renting capacity, it tends to deliver steady, consistent connections rather than dramatic peaks. For everyday use - HD and 4K streaming, video calls, general browsing - it has more than enough headroom.
The chart below shows where the providers we have full speed data for currently rank by speed retention against our 487 Mbps reference baseline. IPVanish sits in the same broad band as the other capable all-rounders: fast enough that the difference is barely perceptible in daily use.
Speed Retention - Rated Providers
Protocol: WireGuard | Baseline: 487 Mbps | Higher = better
IPVanish supports WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and IKEv2. WireGuard is the default and the best choice for speed; OpenVPN remains available for maximum compatibility on older devices and routers.
Privacy & Security
IPVanish runs a no-log policy that was independently audited by Leviathan Security in 2022. It uses AES-256-GCM encryption, includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling on its main platforms. The core security stack is solid and in line with the wider industry.
The most important caveat is jurisdiction: IPVanish is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. A no-log provider has nothing to hand over, but privacy purists often prefer a provider registered outside these alliances (for example Panama, the British Virgin Islands, or Switzerland). IPVanish is also not fully open source, and its audit is older than the recent audits from several rivals.
Security Features
- Encryption: AES-256-GCM
- Kill Switch: Available on the main platforms
- Split Tunneling: Supported on Windows and Android
- DNS Leak Protection: Built in
- Obfuscation: Available for restrictive networks
- Audited No-Log Policy: Leviathan Security (2022)
Streaming & Unblocking
Streaming is IPVanish's weakest category. It can unblock some Netflix regions, but its coverage of Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime is inconsistent compared with the specialists. If broad, reliable streaming access is your priority, ExpressVPN (20+ Netflix libraries), NordVPN, or Surfshark are stronger choices.
Where IPVanish does shine for entertainment is on streaming hardware: its Amazon Fire TV and Android TV apps are among the better native TV apps in the category, which makes it a practical pick if your main goal is running a VPN directly on a streaming stick.
Pricing & Plans
IPVanish is competitively priced at $2.19/month on the annual plan, with unlimited device connections included on every tier. The month-to-month plan is $12.99. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the full service risk-free.
IPVanish Pricing Plans
Server Network
IPVanish operates roughly 2,400 servers across about 90 countries. A distinguishing point is that it owns and manages its own network rather than renting from third parties, which gives it direct control over configuration and performance. The network is smaller than CyberGhost or PIA, but covers the locations most users need.
- Total servers: ~2,400
- Countries: ~90
- Self-owned network: Yes
- P2P support: Allowed
- Dedicated IP: Available as an add-on
Unlimited Devices
Like Surfshark and PIA, IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections. One subscription covers every device you own - phones, laptops, tablets, routers, and streaming sticks - with no limit. Combined with its strong TV apps, that makes it a sensible household pick for people who prioritize easy setup and device coverage over maximum streaming reach.
If IPVanish Isn't Right for You
IPVanish is a solid all-rounder, but if you want an offshore privacy jurisdiction, broader streaming access, or a more recent audit, these are worth a look:
Strong Alternatives to IPVanish
Surfshark
Best for: Unlimited devices + streaming
From $2.19/mo
Try SurfsharkNordVPN
Best for: Speed & privacy (premium)
From $3.09/mo
Try NordVPNPIA
Best for: Open-source & torrenting
From $2.03/mo
Try PIA