I have over 5 devices all connected to the net and each of them holds important information, or should I say “classified”. This leads me to become a security-obsessed person and security always comes first whenever I deal with electronic devices and surfing the web.

I am also a frequent traveler and I bring most of my devices. However, I don’t want to use my device since I know my classified information will be exposed and feasted by prying eyes. Yes, we all know that the best VPN providers could solve my problem. But are there VPN services that could satisfy my obsession with security?

This has led me to IPVanish – a VPN service provider claiming to be at par with security and privacy. I know you’re interested, so come and join me as we tackle this IPVanish VPN review.

About IPVanish

Operating out of Phoenix Arizona, IPVanish is a VPN service that integrates privacy and security. Its app services are packaged in good user experience with 24/7 customer service and support. On top of being known for its no logs policy, it is one of the world’s fastest and most secure VPN network. IPVanish has won recognitions such as the Info Security Products Guide’s 2016 Startup of the Year Award.

Similar to another IPVanish review, we highly recommend this VPN provider if you are into Torrent, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Fire, and other media streaming platforms and devices.

Pros

• 700+ servers in 60+ countries
• Zero logs
• Solid encryption
• Good leak protection
• Customer support
• Accepts Bitcoin

Cons

• It has no trial offer
• Presence in Fourteen Eyes and Enemies of the Internet countries
• Need separate SmartDNS provider

Features and Benefits of Using IPVanish

When it comes to global connection, IPVanish has over 850 anonymous servers scattered in 60 countries worldwide. A few of its network breakdown includes 6 servers in Africa and over 70 servers in Oceania (which its competitors have not yet penetrated, or still starting to penetrate).

When it comes to security protocols, IPVanish is preferred by experts. This is brought to you by its multiple protocols that use OpenVPN with L2TP/IPsec and PPTP. This alone is considered by security-obsessed persons like me as rock-solid. It also employs the IPSec and IKEv2 which is a separate protocol designed for mobile devices. Speaking of devices, IPVanish gives you the ability to connect up to 10 simultaneous connections on a wide array of devices like laptop or PC (on various OS: Windows and MAC), iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Ubuntu and Chromebook. IPVanish can even be configured for routers. All you need is to connect just one device to the PPTP or L2TP.

When you conduct a DNS leak test, you'll find no leaks with IPVanish. The same is also true when you perform speed tests. IPVanish is fast.

It also has a kill switch. It will stop your connection to the internet the moment your VPN connection also stops. This means you won't be leaking data onto the internet.

Privacy

The IPVanish's privacy features are just like a weather system: it's sunny most of the days. Sometimes it rains, and if it rains, it pours. While this is just a metaphor, it really describes the privacy features of IPVanish.

On a sunny day, IPVanish does not keep logs. It also gives you the ability to disguise as if you are not using a VPN. However, on a rainy day, there are a couple of loopholes that we have observed with IPVanish VPN.

First, it requires little information from you to open your account. Second, while the servers are scattered worldwide, it has some of its servers located in the Fourteen Eyes Countries (a network of intelligence groups constantly monitoring the web). It also has 2 servers (one in Egypt and another in Vietnam) located in countries classified as Enemies of the Internet. And lastly, since IPVanish is a US company, it may provide information to authorities if summoned. If that happened to you, then it would be more than just rain, but a storm especially if you’re holding important or personal information. But as long as you’re not doing any stupidity on the net, then nothing to worry about. This also makes IPVanish the ideal VPN for non-US subscribers. 

Security

Security is the brainchild of IPVanish. Their security protocol uses AES-256 cipher which is a top tier OpenVPN and experts consider this as theoretically unbreakable. While it communicates using the same protocol used by most web browsers, its SSL is rated to be one of the best. The only consequence here is the cookies where it is persistent and even allows third-party cookies.

Website Blocking

Let us take the case of Netflix using IPVanish VPN. We will tell you in advance that it is not as easy as ABC. Crossing across Netflix country-restricted movies may not work all the time. However, this is easily solved if you buy a subscription to a SmartDNS service.

Multi-Party Usage Restriction

While IPVanish offers unlimited bandwidth and unlimited daily access to servers and content, multi-party usage is restricted. Simultaneous logins from multiple IP addresses under one name may result in account restriction or even termination.

IPVanish Price and Refund Policy

Currently, IPVanish has 3 plan options:

• 1-month subscription plan for $10.00 (billed monthly) 
• 3-month plan for $8.99 per month (billed as $26.99 every 3 months), and
• Their best value: the 12-month plan for $.6.49 per month (billed as $77.99 annually)

You can pay using a credit card (Visa, Master Card, and American Express) or PayPal. If you want added anonymity to your account, you can pay using cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.

IPVanish VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied (we mean less than 100% satisfied), then IPVanish will refund your payment. Just contact their customer service system through live chat or email address.

Is There a Deal, Discount Coupon Code or Free Trial for IPVanish?

IPVanish offers promotional rates. But take note that all their promos are listed ONLY on their website. If there is no existing promo listed on the site, you can go directly to their coupons page for discounts. For new customers, you can save as much as 57%. For college students, professors, teachers, and educators, you may also avail of their Student Discount.

Alternatives

The VPN industry has a dynamic competition and based on another IPVanish VPN review, competitors exist. Here are some of the close competitors of IPVanish.

ExpressVPN

There are several ways IPVanish is better than ExpressVPN. First, it allows you to connect up to 10 devices, as compared to the 5-device connectivity of ExpressVPN. Second, while both use a 256-bit AES encryption protocol, IPVanish further uses the IKEv2 which is an added security feature. And lastly, IPVanish is cheaper than ExpressVPN.

Aside from the factors said, ExpressVPN takes the lead. Speed is faster with ExpressVPN. Netflix accessibility only works in ExpressVPN and you need a smartDNS subscription for IPVanish to work with Netflix.

NordVPN

Allow us to place this as a benchmark for these 2 VPNs: both are good for torrenting. When it comes to simultaneous device connection IPVanish is better as it allows you to connect up to 10 devices as compared to the 6-device connection feature of NordVPN. IPVanish is also cheaper than NordVPN.

On top of those being said, NordVPN stands out from IPVanish. NordVPN is highly effective in geo-spoofing where you can easily mask your location. This means that you can access country-restricted content from any streaming platform like Netflix, which IPVanish VPN cannot unless you add-on with a SmartDNS subscription.

Private Internet Access       

While IPVanish and PIA VPN both offer good features and advanced options, there are some noted differences. IPVanish works in China with better speed and good UX experience. With torrenting, IPVanish allows torrenting in all its servers while PIA only allows it in some servers. When it comes to pricing, Private Internet Access is slightly cheaper than IPVanish.

Is IPVanish Worth It?

Before, security for me was just a word. Not until I started to send secure information that is both personal and work-related. With a price I can easily raise each month (well, in this case, it’s not just me), security and privacy is now a comfort package. Thanks to IPVanish VPN. Yes, it’s worth it. (I think it's one of the best VPNs out there.) Worth more if you are a non-US subscriber.