IVPN, officially known as Privatus Limited, was established in Gibraltar in 2009. Recognized for its strong emphasis on privacy, I was intrigued to investigate if they truly uphold their commitment as a secure VPN provider.
Numerous VPN providers assert that they do not retain user data, only to later betray that claim by logging it for their own purposes. Some even stoop to the level of compromising user privacy by selling the collected data to third-party advertisers. Clearly, this behavior is unacceptable.
In this comprehensive review of IVPN, I will delve into these concerns and provide you with insightful answers. Additionally, I will outline the advantages and disadvantages of this VPN service, enabling you to determine whether it is a worthwhile investment.
Before we delve into the details, let’s begin by understanding the background of IVPN as a company.
Table of Contents
Overview of IVPN Review By Review – itis
| OVERALL RANK: | #16 out of 78 VPNs |
| USABILITY: | Very Easy, Supports All Devices |
| LOG FILES: | No Logging Policy |
| LOCATIONS: | 13 countries, 37 servers |
| SUPPORT: | Live Chat, Fast and friendly |
| TORRENTING: | Torrenting Allowed |
| NETFLIX: | No 0/5 |
| ENCRYPTION/PROTOCOL: | AES 256-bit, OpenVPN |
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE: | www.ivpn.net |
Quick Background Check on IVPN
The IVPN website exudes an air of authenticity and professionalism. Its design incorporates a clean white backdrop complemented by vibrant red accents, instantly capturing one’s attention.
A notable visual element on the homepage is an engaging illustration featuring an octopus emerging from a laptop. This imaginative cartoon serves as a visual representation, implying that without a VPN, anyone can potentially exploit your data. It effectively conveys the importance of using a VPN while browsing.
Allow me to provide you with a description of the homepage of IVPN:
IVPN’s design is truly impressive, showcasing their dedication to maintaining a cohesive and visually appealing brand identity.
Let’s take a look at how the company describes itself on their website:
One aspect that particularly resonates with me is IVPN’s commitment to not collecting any personal information during the signup process. However, this statement alone leaves some unanswered questions about the extent of their services.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, it is crucial to address inquiries regarding user logs and their policy on torrenting. But before delving into those details, let’s examine IVPN’s overall reputation throughout the vast expanse of the internet.
Upon conducting my research, I discovered a scarcity of negative remarks pertaining to IVPN online. In fact, I came across a commendation from BGR in 2014, lauding the company for their innovative interactive map, which visually depicted global Internet censorship. This positive recognition further strengthens IVPN’s reputation.
The article praises IVPN for their noteworthy efforts in raising awareness about global cyber-oppression.
As described in the post:
“The map employs a range of criteria to assess the extent of censorship impacting each country, dividing issues into four primary categories: ‘human rights violations,’ ‘freedom on the Net,’ ‘obstacles to access,’ and ‘limits to content.'”
Here is a visual depiction of IVPN’s map:
I am truly impressed by this remarkable creation from the company, as it clearly demonstrates their unwavering dedication to championing internet freedom and privacy. It highlights the fact that they go beyond being just a VPN provider.
Moreover, it is noteworthy that numerous individuals highly recommend IVPN for users seeking to maintain anonymity online. A user named “Lockdown” on WilderSecurity.com expressed their opinion, stating:
“If you prioritize robust encryption, NordVPN is a solid choice. If you prioritize reliable anonymity, both Mullvad and IVPN are excellent options. If you desire comprehensive features, IVPN is the ideal choice. Choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.”
This user’s recommendation further emphasizes the reputation and credibility of IVPN in providing a secure and anonymous browsing experience.
One of the reasons behind IVPN’s ability to maintain a high level of privacy with user information can be attributed to the company’s location in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar’s Data Protection Act of 2004 plays a crucial role in safeguarding the private information of its citizens and obliges businesses to uphold user data protection measures. The legislation also grants individuals the right to request access to the data collected about them. As stated by the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority:
“The law is applicable whenever an organization processes (e.g., stores, collects, transmits, uses, etc.) information that pertains to an individual, including their name, date of birth, hobbies, performance feedback, location, and more.”
This favorable legal environment positions Gibraltar as an ideal location for a VPN company, as it demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting the data of its residents.
Before we delve into the pricing and speeds offered by IVPN, let’s explore the notable features of their service.
IVPN Features and Compatibility
IVPN proudly highlights several key features on their homepage, including their strict no-logs policy, robust protection against leaks, utilization of fast multihop servers, and various other impressive offerings.
Additionally, the company provides a wide range of applications tailored for numerous devices, catering to the diverse needs of their users.
The VPN service is compatible with the following devices and operating systems:
- PC
- Mac
- Linux/GNU
- iPad
- iPhone
- Android
- TOR
- NAS
- Routers
IVPN offers the convenience of simultaneous connections on up to five devices, which is an exceptional feature compared to some competitors who may limit you to two or three connections at most.
In the following section, I will provide a detailed breakdown of pricing for each plan, ensuring you have a clear understanding of how they operate.
When it comes to routers, it is crucial to select a VPN that seamlessly integrates with them. This creates a protective shield encompassing your entire household. By configuring a router to work in conjunction with IVPN, you eliminate the need to individually set up the VPN on each device within your home. This guarantees that every device linked to your wireless network, such as computers, phones, gaming systems, smart TVs, and more, remains anonymous and secure.
IVPN can be seamlessly connected to the following types of routers:
- DD-WRT
- PFSENSE
- Tomato
- OpenWrt
- Asuswrt-Merlin
The Vilfo router comes pre-installed and configured with IVPN, making it incredibly convenient. Once you set up the router, simply enter your IVPN username and password to enjoy anonymous browsing.
For detailed information on how Vilfo and IVPN seamlessly integrate, please click here.
IVPN offers comprehensive setup guides for various routers, devices, and operating systems, ensuring smooth installation and configuration.
It is worth noting that this VPN operates a network of only 39 servers across 28 countries. This server count is among the lowest I have come across among VPN providers. Disappointingly, in the past six months, they have added just one server in one additional country. The United States is the only nation with multiple servers, boasting 12 distributed throughout the country. Conversely, all other countries listed have only one server, which is quite limiting.
To ensure optimal performance and reliability, it is desirable to have multiple servers in larger countries such as the U.K., Canada, China, and Russia. Relying on a single server in these high-traffic areas can result in significant disruptions if that server experiences any issues. In such cases, users would not have an alternative server within the same country.
Considering IVPN’s tenure of 10 years in the industry, one would expect a more extensive server network.
For a comprehensive list of their servers, please refer to their complete server list.
The company presents an integrated firewall that functions as a “kill switch,” which they assert to be more secure than traditional alternatives.
Kill switches play a crucial role in preserving the privacy and security of your online activities. They effectively terminate your browsing session if your internet connection is disrupted, ensuring that your activity remains completely private.
IVPN’s provision of an integrated firewall as a kill switch is commendable, particularly when some other providers do not offer this feature at all. Additionally, IVPN offers IPv6 and DNS leak protection to enhance your online security.
Currently, IVPN exclusively supports OpenVPN and IPSec/IKEv2 protocols. This has its advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, these protocols are considered the latest and most advanced in terms of security, featuring state-of-the-art AES-256 encryption. In general, it is advisable to opt for these options if available. However, on the downside, IVPN does not offer support for older protocols such as PPTP or L2TP, making the VPN incompatible with older devices or sluggish networks.
Now, let’s explore the pricing details of this VPN service.
IVPN Cost & Plans (not the cheapest)
IVPN provides a 7-day money-back guarantee right from the start, which is an excellent feature if you purchase a plan but later realize it’s not suitable for you. This allows you to try out their service with the reassurance that you can still receive a refund if things don’t work out as expected.
Even more impressive, they provide a complimentary three-day trial, just like VyprVPN. This trial period allows you to explore their service without fully committing to the company, giving you the chance to evaluate their features before making a final decision.
With these two options, you can effectively test drive IVPN without the risk of losing your money.
IVPN offers flexible subscription plans, including monthly, quarterly, and annual packages. During my assessment of their plans and pricing, I discovered that the company was currently offering a 40% anniversary discount.
Here’s a breakdown of each package:
- The monthly package is priced at $10 per month, billed on a monthly basis. This option is suitable if you’re initially testing their service. However, for long-term usage, switching to a different package would help you save more.
IVPN offers various convenient payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and cash payments. The inclusion of the cash payment option is particularly appealing.
However, it’s important to note that IVPN does not accept American Express or any type of prepaid card as payment methods.
For those seeking to make an educated choice, I strongly suggest taking advantage of IVPN’s free trial. This enables you to personally experience their service and gauge whether it meets your expectations. If you discover that you genuinely adore the service, opting for the annual plan would ensure the greatest value for your investment.
IVPN’s pricing is highly competitive, considering the extensive range of features you gain access to.
Moreover, the company offers a seven-day money-back guarantee and a three-day free trial, ensuring that you have the opportunity to test the service without any financial risk.
Now that you are familiar with the features, plans, and pricing of IVPN, let’s move on to exploring the pros and cons of their service.
Pros of using IVPN
IVPN offers an impressive array of features that genuinely prioritize privacy. It is gratifying to discover that their commitment to protecting user privacy is indeed sincere.
Let’s begin by highlighting the areas where I believe the company excels.
1. Good Encryption and Security
While IVPN may not have an extensive server network, it is important to note that the servers they do provide are highly secure and prioritize user privacy. Quality over quantity is the focus here, ensuring that each server meets stringent security standards and guarantees a private browsing experience.
Is it Well Encrypted?
According to the information provided on IVPN’s website, they employ AES-256 encryption in conjunction with 4096-bit RSA keys.
The use of such robust encryption ensures the highest level of security, with the added benefit of generating new encryption keys every hour to ensure perfect forward secrecy.
This military-grade security protocol is considered virtually impenetrable, as no one has been able to crack it or successfully launch a brute-force attack against it.
Rest assured that with IVPN, your data can be entrusted with the utmost confidence.
Is Torrenting Allowed?
IVPN allows torrenting, which is excellent news for individuals seeking to download or stream large data files. This feature enables seamless and secure file sharing, providing a convenient solution for those engaged in such activities.
Logging Policy
IVPN makes a strong claim of not retaining any logs of your data, but as with any provider, it’s natural to question their credibility.
To ascertain the truth, I delved into their privacy policy, scrutinizing its contents. The good news is that IVPN goes beyond the norm by not collecting cookies, ensuring that your information remains private and shielded from being sold to third parties.
According to their privacy policy, IVPN does not store any connection logs, bandwidth usage, session data, or DNS server requests. The only information they retain pertains to your username, password, and payment details, all of which are securely stored on encrypted servers.
While this aligns with industry standards, it is reassuring to witness IVPN’s transparent privacy policy without any concealed tricks or clauses.
2. IVPN is ease to use & install
IVPN can be downloaded within minutes, offering a seamless installation process. According to the website, the Windows client installation is estimated to take around three minutes, although in my experience, it completed even faster once the actual download began.
However, locating the download itself proved to be a bit challenging.
Upon signing up for the free trial, I was redirected to a setup page where I had to specify the devices I intended to use.
After selecting Windows as my preferred platform, I anticipated the commencement of the download process. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Instead, I was directed to a broken page with no content. In response, I navigated to the Help section and conducted a search for instructions on installing IVPN specifically for Windows.
Upon clicking the provided link, I was directed to an information page that, disappointingly, lacked a download link. It took some time and effort, involving several clicks around the website, before I eventually located the Windows client for IVPN. Thankfully, once I discovered the download button, the process commenced promptly and smoothly.
After agreeing to the User License Agreement, the installation itself took a mere 21 seconds. Once completed, the VPN client promptly launched, providing immediate access to its features.
Initially, I encountered some confusion as I assumed my email address used during the sign-up process would serve as my username. Consequently, I couldn’t understand why my login information was not working. It was only later that I realized a randomly generated username had been sent to me via email. Upon entering this provided username along with the password I had initially created, I successfully logged into the client.
Upon successfully logging in, I found the client dashboard to be a delightful surprise. Its design was remarkably sleek and minimalistic, featuring a prominent button positioned at the center, ready to establish a connection to the service.
Upon launching the client, I was seamlessly connected to a server located in New Jersey, which happened to be the fastest server available at the time. Switching between servers was a breeze once the initial connection was established. The client conveniently displays the currently connected server at the bottom, and by clicking on it, a comprehensive server list is readily accessible.
By choosing your desired server from the available options, IVPN swiftly establishes the connection, making the process both straightforward and efficient.
Additionally, located in the bottom left corner, there is a settings area where you can conveniently customize your preferences to tailor the VPN experience according to your needs.
While there is an option to enable logging, it is not advisable if your goal is to maintain anonymity and privacy.
In terms of usability, I would rate it 8 out of 10.
The user interface of IVPN is truly exceptional, standing out among other VPN providers. Its intuitive design and user-friendly experience are highly commendable. However, I do wish that locating the Windows client download had been a smoother process.
3. Fast, friendly customer support
IVPN provides live chat customer support for immediate assistance. Simply click on the online support section located at the bottom right-hand corner of their website to access it.
After the chat window appears, you can type your message to initiate the conversation. You will be provided with the name of your customer service representative and their email. Here’s an example of the message I sent to them.
John promptly addressed my query within a mere three minutes. He exhibited a friendly demeanor and promptly replied to each of my inquiries.
I appreciate the fact that their live chat feature provides direct interaction with a real person.
Additionally, their extensive knowledge base is truly remarkable, allowing users to easily search through a comprehensive collection of frequently asked questions.
4. U.S. Servers Worked With Netflix
When it comes to accessing Netflix with a VPN, it can be quite challenging. Netflix actively opposes VPN usage and makes continuous efforts to block access to its extensive video library for users connected through VPNs.
In the past, using a VPN with Netflix was a perfect combination. Since Netflix content is geographically restricted, different countries had access to different shows and movies. For instance, Netflix users in the U.K. could enjoy popular series like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Big Bang Theory, while viewers in the U.S. did not have access to these shows.
Initially, it was a straightforward process. You would connect to a VPN, choose a server in the desired country (e.g., the U.K.), and start watching your favorite shows, like Will Smith’s entertaining adventures in Uncle Phil’s Bel-Air mansion.
However, Netflix quickly caught on to these attempts to circumvent their strict geoblocking measures. In response, they deployed sophisticated VPN detection software, which has proven to be highly effective.
A majority of the VPNs we encounter struggle to successfully unblock Netflix. In our initial testing of IVPN, we examined five servers located in the following regions:
- United States: New York
- United States: California
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Hong Kong
At the time of our initial testing, none of these servers were able to successfully play Netflix content. However, in July 2019, when I rechecked all of them, I had low expectations but decided to connect to the New York Server.
To my amazement, something incredible happened—it worked! I was able to stream Parks and Recreation, and I found myself in disbelief as Deputy Parks Director Leslie Knope interacted with the citizens of fictional Pawnee, Indiana.
Encouraged by this success, I then connected to the California server and, once again, experienced a triumph. However, when I attempted to connect to the server in Canada, my luck came to an end.
Netflix had blocked access to all the other servers. Nevertheless, the ability to access U.S. Netflix content was a significant victory.
Netflix Worked With:
- United States: New York
- United States: California
Netflix Did Not Work With:
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Hong Kong
IVPN has now earned its place among the top-tier VPNs that successfully bypass Netflix’s restrictions.
5. No Leaks Detected
DNS leaks and WebRTC leaks pose significant threats to the effectiveness of a VPN. Even if a VPN service boasts no logs, strong privacy policies, and fast speeds, these leaks can undermine its security measures.
WebRTC leaks can occur when the Web Real-Time Communication tool bypasses the encrypted tunnel, potentially compromising the anonymity of VPN users. While WebRTC was designed to enhance real-time peer-to-peer connections, it introduces security vulnerabilities.
Similarly, DNS leaks expose users’ original IP addresses to their internet service providers due to flaws in handling DNS requests.
To ensure the reliability of the VPNs we assess, we subject them to rigorous testing. Each VPN undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including five tests aimed at detecting and addressing any potential leaks.
IVPN excelled in every test we conducted, demonstrating flawless performance and earning a perfect score. Rest assured, this VPN is equipped with robust leak prevention measures, and it substantiates its claims of providing a leak-free and secure system.
Cons of using IVPN
IVPN is known for its strong commitment to privacy and security.
With an impressive “no logging” policy and military-grade encryption, it offers a high level of protection.
However, like any VPN provider, it does have some limitations worth considering.
Here are a few of the notable drawbacks associated with using their service.
1. Slow Upload Speed
Privacy and security are undoubtedly the primary concerns when choosing a VPN provider. However, it is equally important to consider the performance aspect.
Having robust encryption is meaningless if it significantly hampers your connection speed. Therefore, I decided to evaluate the speed performance of IVPN to determine if their service lives up to expectations.
To gauge their speeds, I conducted speed tests on IVPN’s servers in the United States, Netherlands, and Hong Kong, comparing them with competitors in the market.
Here are the results of my speed tests:
US Server
Netherlands Server
Hong Kong Server
While some of the speeds I observed were satisfactory, the last one recorded was among the slowest I have encountered during my testing.
Considering the overall performance, I found it to be inconsistent, with varying results that were not consistently reliable. Therefore, based on these findings, it is difficult for me to recommend IVPN solely based on its performance.
Recommended or not?
Regrettably, I cannot recommend the use of IVPN. While it may not be classified as terrible, it also falls short of being outstanding. To summarize my assessment:
What’s good about IVPN?
- IVPN boasts strong encryption, a kill switch firewall, and leak protection, ensuring robust security measures.
- Their strict no-logs policy, apart from essential operational data, including account passwords, impressed me greatly.
- With IVPN, you can connect up to five devices simultaneously without any additional charges, and all plans offer the same comprehensive features.
- Additionally, their seven-day money-back guarantee and free trial option provide a risk-free experience. IVPN also permits torrent downloads on their servers.
- The customer service provided by IVPN is of satisfactory quality, addressing user queries and concerns effectively.
- Notably, IVPN’s U.S. servers successfully bypass Netflix restrictions, allowing seamless streaming.
- I was pleased to discover the absence of DNS leaks and WebRTC leaks, assuring airtight privacy protection.
What’s bad about IVPN?
- The performance of IVPN’s servers was underwhelming, exhibiting slower speeds in comparison to other providers.
- Regrettably, non-U.S. servers failed to bypass Netflix restrictions, which was disappointing for streaming enthusiasts.
- Locating the download link after purchasing the service proved to be a challenging task, causing inconvenience for users.
All things considered, IVPN receives a satisfactory score of 70/100. While it is a decent option, there are better-performing VPNs available. If you seek a VPN with superior performance, I recommend exploring our list of Top-rated VPNs here.
Conclusion
In this IVPN review of 2024, we have explored the features, pricing, and more to provide you with an insightful overview. IVPN stands out with its strong encryption and security measures, making it a reliable choice for privacy-conscious users. The user-friendly interface and easy installation process make it accessible to both beginners and advanced users. The fast and friendly customer support further enhances the overall experience.
One notable advantage of IVPN is its ability to access U.S. Netflix content, ensuring a seamless streaming experience. Additionally, the absence of any leaks adds to its credibility as a secure VPN provider.
However, it’s important to note that IVPN’s upload speeds may be slower compared to other providers, which can affect data-intensive activities. Considering this aspect, it is essential to evaluate your specific needs and priorities when deciding on a VPN.
Overall, IVPN presents a solid option for individuals seeking robust privacy and security features. While it may not be the fastest VPN in terms of upload speeds, its pros outweigh the cons for many users. Ultimately, it is recommended to carefully assess your requirements before making a final decision.
For More amazing articles related to VPN Check out our website Over Here
To Read more similar articles click here
Thanks for visiting our Website. If you appreciate our work, kindly show us some support in our comments section 🙂