IPVanish VPN Review 2024: Unlimited Device Connections and Strong Encryption
When it comes to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), IPVanish has managed to stand out in the crowded market. Known for its unlimited device connections and strong security features, it appeals to a wide audience.
Whether you’re looking to access geo-blocked content, boost online security, or torrent privately, IPVanish promises to deliver. But how does it perform in 2024? In this review, we’ll examine its speed, privacy, and overall user experience. We’ll also look at its streaming capabilities and pricing to help you decide if it’s the right VPN for your needs.
- You can connect unlimited devices under one account, making it ideal for families or users with multiple devices.
- Strong encryption and security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection ensure your data stays private.
- Works with major streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions.
- Fast speeds for most activities, including streaming and gaming, especially when using the WireGuard protocol.
- The no-logs policy has been independently audited, ensuring your browsing data isn’t stored or tracked.
- Price increases after the first term, especially with the yearly plan renewal.
- Based in the United States, privacy-focused users may be concerned due to the country’s data-sharing laws.
- No cryptocurrency payment options, limiting payment flexibility for users who want anonymous payment methods.
- Occasionally, some streaming services may require switching servers to gain access, which can be inconvenient.
- Speeds on Windows devices may be slower compared to other platforms, which could affect performance for some users.
Features and Performance
IPVanish has built a solid reputation by offering a range of features that appeal to both beginners and advanced users. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or torrenting, it covers all the essential aspects that make a VPN reliable.
Speed Tests
IPVanish provides competitive speeds, making it suitable for various activities like streaming and gaming. Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, IPVanish performs better than many traditional VPNs. During tests, speeds averaged around 314 Mbps globally, with the US server peaking at 427 Mbps. While the speeds were impressive in the US, they varied in other regions, such as the UK and Hong Kong, where speeds dropped slightly but remained usable for HD streaming and online gaming.
Real-world performance was solid. Users could easily stream Netflix US or BBC iPlayer without buffering. Torrenting and gaming sessions on servers in the US and Europe also went smoothly, without noticeable lag or connection drops. This makes IPVanish a good choice for those who require fast and stable connections for data-intensive tasks.
Streaming Capabilities
IPVanish excels at bypassing geo-restrictions, making it an excellent VPN for streaming. It successfully unblocks popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Many VPNs struggle to provide access to these services, but IPVanish handles it well, allowing you to stream US-exclusive Netflix shows or British TV from abroad.
The VPN also works with less common platforms, such as Hotstar and DAZN, giving users more flexibility in their viewing options. However, there might be occasional hiccups with some servers, where switching to another server can resolve access issues.
Security and Privacy
When it comes to privacy, IPVanish has a strong standing. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for protecting your data from prying eyes. Whether you’re using it for browsing, streaming, or torrenting, your data stays secure with this military-grade encryption. Additionally, IPVanish supports multiple VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, giving users flexibility in balancing speed and security.
One of the key privacy features is the kill switch, which prevents your data from leaking if your VPN connection drops. This is particularly useful when downloading torrents or engaging in sensitive activities online. Moreover, IPVanish protects against DNS and IP leaks, which ensures your real IP address is not exposed even during unexpected connection issues.
IPVanish also boasts a strict no-logs policy. This means that it doesn’t track or store any of your online activity, safeguarding your browsing history and personal information. The no-logs policy has been independently audited, putting to rest concerns about data handling.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
IPVanish sets itself apart from competitors by offering unlimited simultaneous device connections. Most VPNs limit users to five or six devices at a time, but IPVanish allows you to protect all your devices under a single account. This is especially useful for families or users with multiple devices who want secure connections across the board without worrying about hitting a limit.
Plans and Pricing
Subscription Plan | Price (Initial Term) | Renewal Price |
---|---|---|
Monthly | $10.99 | $10.99 |
Quarterly | $15.96 (billed every 3 months) | $29.99 |
Yearly | $47.88 ($3.99/month) | $89.99 |
One of the benefits of IPVanish is its competitive pricing on long-term plans. The yearly plan is particularly attractive, offering a significant discount for the first year. Also, during the black Friday sale, you might get some extra discounts. However, the renewal prices are higher, so keep that in mind when committing to a subscription.
For users looking for added value, IPVanish includes a subscription to VIPRE Antivirus with its annual plan. This adds extra protection to your devices by guarding against malware and other online threats.
IPVanish accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay. Unfortunately, it does not accept cryptocurrency payments at this time, which might be a downside for privacy-conscious users who prefer anonymous transactions.
Additionally, IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its annual plan, allowing you to try the service risk-free. Mobile users can also take advantage of a 7-day free trial, though this is only available through the app stores and requires payment information upfront.