If you are new to VPNs or simply want basic online privacy without dealing with excessive features, IPVanish could be a suitable choice. IPVanish, owned by CNET’s parent company Ziff Davis, provides consistent performance across platforms and is effective for streaming. However, after my recent evaluation, I found that there is still room for improvement. While IPVanish covers the basics expected from a VPN, I would like to see enhanced speeds, a larger server network, a cleaner app experience, a stronger commitment to privacy, transparency, and better overall value.
IPVanish allows for unlimited simultaneous connections and has planned privacy improvements. It is good for streaming and offers 24/7 customer support with live chat and phone support. However, some drawbacks include being based in the US jurisdiction (14 Eyes), data collection practices unsuitable for privacy-conscious users, being relatively slow, and having a clunky app.
In terms of speed, IPVanish is one of the slower VPNs tested, with a 44% speed loss in spring 2024 tests. It has over 2,400 servers in 56 countries. Using a VPN typically slows down speeds, and IPVanish’s speeds have been consistently unimpressive over the past few years. In my latest testing, I found an average 44% speed loss, with WireGuard protocol offering faster speeds compared to OpenVPN.
IPVanish has improved its Quick Connect feature to Optimal Location, which now connects users to faster servers in specific locations. However, the speeds may not be ideal for data-intensive activities like streaming or gaming. For faster speeds, VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN are recommended.
In terms of cost, IPVanish is not as expensive as some high-end VPNs but may still be pricey for what it offers. The monthly subscription costs $13, similar to ExpressVPN and NordVPN. The yearly plan starts at $48 for the first year and increases to $90 annually. IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for one- and two-year plans and accepts payment via credit card, PayPal, and Google Pay. Overall, while IPVanish may not be the best value for money, it can still provide basic online privacy for users.