Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

What is IPVanish?

IPVanish, is a service-based VPN, with an ISP (Internet Service Provider) located in the United States. It’s a popular software, though it’s switched hands a couple of times. The application is available for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV. Also, it’s been around for a while now, since 2012, so I’m having a good feeling about this one; though we’ll be seeing about that. But read on and discover if this is the right VPN for you.

Features of IPVanish VPN

The features offered by the VPN is includes;

Split Tunneling – This feature

Netflix  (Though not on all servers, only the US Netflix is accessible)

Torrenting

IP Addresses -(Anonymous Dynamic)

Kill Switch

Lowest Latency Server

VPN Protocol

Log Data

Split Tunneling

This feature is only available in their Android and FireOS device apps, but yes they do grant this feature. But that’s only when you’re using these devices. And for those who don’t know what Split Tunneling is, let me explain. It just means changing the route ISP of some apps instead of through the VPN. And the reason for this is that some sensitive software needs your actual ISP for one reason or the other. It’s more common in government-owned software.

Kill Switch

Yes, it does, and the developers ensure that it would protect your connection when using the internet. But you need to activate it if you’d want to ensure an encrypted connection. So don’t forget to switch yours on.

Supported Devices

Just like most VPN software out there, the IPVanish is supported by most operating systems. So there’s no need for doubt or worry when installing the software since there’s little chance for it not to work.

Does IPVanish VPN log my data?

Well, it’s a US-based company and an internet-based company at that. And we all know that every internet-based company is required by law, to have a log copy of every piece of information that goes through their servers. Well, this law is really enforced in every country, but it is most definitely enforced in the United States. So I’m sure some logs are being kept.

Can I watch my favorite shows on Netflix using IPVanish VPN?

Since it’s a US-based VPN, you won’t have any problem viewing US Netflix, but it won’t unblock many Netflix catalogs. I think they focused more on things that have to do with the country, rather than a collection of sorts. And by collection, I meant connecting the services offered by other countries in order to make their VPN reliable for those living outside the US. But they do give you better access to other streaming apps, like Hulu.

Compatibility with Tor

It does work with Tor, well the web browser to be specific. Tor is a security service provider on its own, but for some reason, doesn’t work when used together with IPVanish.

Pricing – Is it worth it?

The average monthly pricing of VPNs ranges from $9.35 to $20.00, with the yearly pricing ranging from $1.67 to $100.92. While IPVanish has it’s monthly at $10.99, and yearly at $80.99 for the first year though. After which it will be $5.32 per month and $89.99 yearly. Well, the pricing doesn’t seem too high or too low to me, it’s just in between.

How does IPVanish VPN compare with your favorite VPNs?

I’ll be using NordVPN and ExpressVPN as a comparison with IPVanish.

After some research, I found out that in terms of speed, better streaming support, and more security features, ExpressVPN is better. It even offers better apps. ExpressVPN is the clear winner.

IPVanish and NordVPN are almost evenly matched; almost. They both use advanced encryption and modern tunneling protocols, but NordVPN offers better security and privacy. Also, IPVanish doesn’t provide refunds on their monthly plans, but NordVPN does. It has a free 30 days subscription, just to test out the software and see if it’s to your liking.

Pros & Cons

Just as every software has its pro and cons, IPVanish has one as well. It now depends on whether or not the pros out weight the cons, and if you’re comfortable with ignoring the cons.

Pro Aspect

Availability – its availability isn’t bad when compared to other VPNs. According to them (IPVanish), they operate in a network of around 1000 servers in over 60 countries around the world. Though most of the servers, around 443 and 561 servers are based in Europe and North America. This leaves the rest of the world, like Asia and Africa a little bit of coverage to go by.

So unless you’re living over there (Europe and North America), I’d advise you to rethink using IPVanish.

Infrastructure – According to IPVanish, they own and operate their own network. They said that they don’t feel comfortable as a ‘True Top Tier VPN service provider’, leaving their security in someone else’s control. Though I don’t know how much of this is really true.

Used on any device – The VPN, could be used on any device, and this is a great thing for those who make use of various devices.

Security – The IPVanish has great security, I mean like that’s the whole point of VPN right? Remaining anonymous to the various internet servers you pass through.

Logs Policy – IPVanish mentioned that they do not keep the log file of their users. Though not too sure about that.

Speed – Speed kills, but not in this case. I believe a lot of us would love to be killed due to speed when surfing the internet, especially when streaming. Well fear not, the IPVanish is fast enough to stream 8k videos.

Good Pricing – The price range is okay.

Con Aspect

Optimized Servers – The VPN client system lacks optimized servers, in order words, get what you get from the system. What I meant is you don’t get the option of optimizing the client system to suit your use, rather the system does it for you. And we know that in most cases, a system doesn’t really know you as much as you do for yourself.

Privacy – The IPVanish is based in the United States. You should know what I mean by specifying this. So don’t place much hope in it sticking to its privacy policies.

Logging Complaint – Earlier in 2018, an article in TorrentFreak accused IPVanish of the use of its log authorities. A case where the log activities of certain individuals were given to the US Department of Homeland Security. Well, they are based in the United States… So…

Server Location – Some individuals have complained about the server location being shown to them to be a bit unusual.

Customer Support – Customer support rarely, if at all works. Several complaints have dropped that their so-called customer support isn’t working. At times, the lines don’t even go through.

Supporting Operating Systems

Windows: Windows 7 to the latest version (for as long as Microsoft still supports the OS)

Mac: 10.6.8 x64 to the latest version

iOS: 5.1.1 (iPod Touch 3g / iPad 1), 6.1.3 (iPhone 3&4 / iPod Touch 4&5g / All other iPads), 6.1.4 (iPhone 5)

Android: 4.0.3 (ICS) up to the latest stable non-alpha/beta version

Linux: Debian or RedHat-based distros – best effort

Router Firmware: DD-WRT v2 and v3, Tomato, Asus-WRT, Merlin

Frequently Asked Questions

Ø Is IPVanish VPN Free?

No, it isn’t You’d have to subscribe to their monthly or yearly plans.

Ø Is IPVanish VPN a good VPN?

Well, it’s okay. It’s not good enough for me, but for most people, it’s okay.

Ø Can IPVanish be Traced?

Not by normal individuals, but can be traced by the government, since they keep logs and all.

Ø How Much is IPVanish a Month?

Their monthly is $10.99, and $80.99 for their yearly. However, this is for the first year though. After which it will be $5.32 per month and $89.99 yearly.

Conclusion

Overall, the VPN isn’t bad, considering that there are worse ones out there. But personally, this just isn’t the one for me, I’d rather use NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

 But hey don’t forget that the VPN has a lot to offer especially for those living in Europe or North America.

Well, you can learn more by visiting their site through this link.