Monday, January 13th
2025 VPN Service Provider Reviews
IP Vanish
- Pricing: Essential Monthly plan at $12.99, with discounts for longer commitments (as low as $2.19/month for 2 years)
- Over 40,000 unique IP addresses, 2,400+ servers, and 130+ locations worldwide
- Unlimited device connections on Essential plan
- Supports multiple protocols including WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPSec
- VPN TV app shortcuts for easy streaming access
- Features include Automatic Startup, Threat Protection, kill switch, and split tunneling
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and various TV devices
- 24/7 customer support via email and live chat
- Free security tools available on their website
IPVanish is a US-based VPN provider with over 40,000 unique IP addresses, 2,400+ servers, and more than 130 locations. Their website offers some free security tools, like a password generator and an IP checker.
Essential monthly plan is $12.99
IPVanish has monthly, annual, and biannual payment options for their Essential and Advanced plans. With Advanced, you get all the typical VPN features that come with Essential (kill switch, threat protection, customer support) plus some nice extras, including:
- Secure Browser (for an extra layer of protection on the web)
- 1TB of data storage with Cloud Backup
- P2P file sharing
- Phone support
The monthly Essential plan is more expensive than most VPN providers at $12.99, but you could bring that down to just $2.19 per month (billed at $52.56) if you purchase 2 years upfront. You can pay via credit card or PayPal.
Create location shortcuts to your favorite streaming services
Among IPVanish's features, you'll get Automatic Startup, Threat Protection (against ads and malware), a kill switch, On Demand (choose which networks you trust and which domains you want to initiate an automatic VPN connection), and split tunneling by app or by domain. There are also VPN TV app shortcuts. For example, if you always watch Spanish TV shows with Hulu, you could create a shortcut to open Hulu with a connection to a VPN server based in Spain. (Now if only you could actually travel to Spain with one click of a button!) You can create up to 3 of these shortcuts at a time. You can also use IPVanish with Tor if you know how to configure it. IPVanish does not have a multi-hop feature.
Unlimited devices
IPVanish is supported on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, wifi routers, and various TV devices. The Essential plan can be used on an unlimited number of devices at a time, which makes it a good pick for households with many members and lots of tech among them.
Includes WireGuard
Protocols supported by IPVanish include WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPSec. If you're not sure which one is right for your purposes, they have a handy guide on their website. For example, you might be interested to know that IKEv2 is preferable for those who want to be able to switch between wifi and cellular without being disconnected from the VPN.
Collected logs in the past, though ownership has since changed
IPVanish has always claimed to be a no-logs company, but in 2016, they handed over user data to the Department of Homeland Security without much of a fight. The user in question certainly deserved to face legal consequences for his online activity, but there are perfectly ethical and legal reasons to need total privacy from your chosen VPN service, and the 2016 incident demonstrates IPVanish's "no logs” claim was false. Since 2016, ownership of the company has changed twice, so it's up to you to decide how significant that is and whether you trust the new owners when they make the same promise not to log your identifying information.
24/7 support
IPVanish's customer support can be reached around the clock via email or their live chat. As mentioned before, if you purchase the Advanced plan, you'll also get access to phone support. Most people find it pretty easy to get customer support for tech issues, although a couple of reviewers griped that their phone calls went to voicemail. The most frequent complaint we found about customer support is that they don't always issue prompt refunds or handle account cancellations correctly.
Good reviews on third-party platforms
IPVanish has earned a rating of 4.3 from nearly 9,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Users who like it appreciate being able to bypass local restrictions, its ease of use, and choice of countries. Some issues with this VPN service mentioned were certain streaming services not being accessible, price increases for existing customers, and occasional disconnections with certain apps.
Fine for most cases
IPVanish seems like a decent service for the casual VPN user - if you're just interested in adding a layer of privacy to your internet use, this should do just fine. However, if you need ultimate privacy (like as a human rights activist operating in a repressive regime or as an individual who could face legal consequences for seeking uncensored information), we'd recommend a VPN provider that has no past of giving up user data during a raid.
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What is the Best VPN Service?
When you browse the internet, your personal information can be at risk. Whether you're checking your bank account from a café, streaming content from abroad, or simply browsing from home, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your privacy. A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through secure servers, making it harder for hackers, governments, or companies to track your online activity.
VPNs are especially useful for frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone concerned about security when using public Wi-Fi. They can also help bypass geographical restrictions, so you can access websites or content not available in your region. But not all VPNs are created equal.
VPN Service Provider FAQ
Continued from above...
Some offer blazing-fast speeds, while others might slow your connection. Some provide extra security features, like multi-hop encryption or malware protection, while others focus on ease of use and broad device compatibility. Free VPNs exist, but they often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, or even questionable privacy practices. (Ironic, no?)
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN is the availability of advanced features like split tunneling and kill switches. Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. This feature is helpful if you want to protect sensitive activities, like online banking, while still using your regular internet speed for things like streaming or gaming. A kill switch, on the other hand, is a safety feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed during those brief moments when you're not protected, ensuring that your privacy remains intact at all times.
You should carefully consider the country where the company operates. This is important because of international surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. These alliances are agreements between countries to share intelligence information, which could potentially include data collected by VPNs. If you're using a VPN based in a country within these alliances, your data might be at risk due to laws requiring VPN providers to collect and share user information. For maximum privacy, you might want to choose a VPN provider based outside of these alliances, in countries with strong privacy laws. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of your data being shared or accessed by government agencies, even if requested.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a VPN provider:
- Speed. If you stream movies, download large files, or play online games, speed should be a priority. Some VPNs slow your connection significantly, while others offer minimal disruption. Look for services that are known for high performance in your region.
- Security and privacy. Not all VPNs offer the same level of protection. Check if the VPN uses military-grade encryption (AES-256) and has a no-logs policy to prevent your data from being stored or shared. Features like kill switches (which disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops) and DNS leak protection add extra layers of security.
- Device compatibility. If you need a VPN for more devices than just your computer (like your phone, tablet, or even a smart TV) it's a good idea to go with a VPN that supports all your devices. Some services allow multiple simultaneous connections, while others limit you to one or two.
- Server locations. A VPN with more server locations allows you to access content from different countries. If you need a specific location, like for streaming services or online shopping, verify that the VPN provider has servers there.
- Ease of use. Some VPNs come with complex setups, while others offer user-friendly apps that require just a tap to protect your connection. Choose a provider that matches your comfort level with technology.
- Customer reviews. Feedback from real users can give you insight into a VPN's reliability and performance. Look for patterns in reviews, like frequent mentions of connection drops, poor customer support, or ease of use, to make a more informed decision.
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the leading VPN providers available. We hope this review helps you find the best protection for your needs.
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