In the highly competitive world of VPN services, IVPN has managed to carve a niche for itself. Prioritizing privacy and transparency above all else, this VPN service provides impressive download speeds, a user-friendly app, and unparalleled privacy credentials. While it may not be the top choice for streaming fans, it certainly holds its ground when it comes to safeguarding your privacy. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a deep dive into the pros and cons of IVPN, its features, performance, and more.
Contents
- Pros and Cons of IVPN – A Quick Overview
- IVPN’s Unique Subscription Model and Pricing Options
- Coverage and Server Locations – Where Does IVPN Stand?
- IVPN’s User Experience – Feature-Packed and Easy to Navigate
- Speed Test – How Fast is IVPN?
- BitTorrent and Streaming Compatibility
- IVPN’s Security and Privacy Credentials
- Final Verdict – Is IVPN Worth Your Investment?
Pros and Cons of IVPN – A Quick Overview
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive download speeds | Comparatively pricey |
| Powerful, user-friendly app | Limited ability to unblock streaming sites |
| Excellent privacy credentials |
IVPN’s Unique Subscription Model and Pricing Options
IVPN stands out in the VPN market with its two-tier subscription model, catering to different user requirements. The standard package offers basic VPN connections for two devices, while IVPN Pro supports up to seven devices and adds port-forwarding and multi-hop features. Moreover, the company provides a wide range of pricing options, including a unique single-week option for short trips.
However, it’s worth noting that IVPN’s pricing structure isn’t the most budget-friendly, especially when compared to other VPN services. Nevertheless, IVPN offers business plans for teams of varying sizes and a significant discount for non-profit organizations, adding to its flexibility.
Coverage and Server Locations – Where Does IVPN Stand?
With servers in 31 countries, IVPN offers a good spread of locations in Europe and North America. Although it may cater to most users’ needs, the options for users wanting to access servers in Asia, South America, and Africa are rather limited. IVPN also offers native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, supporting both the WireGuard protocol and OpenVPN.
IVPN offers a clean and clear user interface on both desktop and mobile platforms. It provides an extensive set of protocol and connection options, firewall rules, split tunneling, and a highly configurable auto-connect feature. However, the lack of a browser extension and 24/7 live support might be minor setbacks for some users.
Speed Test – How Fast is IVPN?
Our speed tests on a Windows 11 laptop and an Android tablet showed excellent results for IVPN, with minimal drops in download speeds when connected to local and international servers. While not the fastest VPN on the market, IVPN’s performance is close to the top contenders.
BitTorrent and Streaming Compatibility
IVPN fully supports BitTorrent on all its servers but requests users to avoid using US-based servers for torrenting. However, it falls short when it comes to unblocking streaming services, with limited success on both desktop and mobile platforms.
IVPN’s Security and Privacy Credentials
IVPN is based in Gibraltar and goes above and beyond to protect users’ privacy. It has a zero-logging policy, doesn’t store email addresses or IP details, and accepts payments in Bitcoin and Monero for added anonymity. The VPN apps are open-source and audited annually by independent security specialist Cure53.
Final Verdict – Is IVPN Worth Your Investment?
While IVPN may not be the most affordable or versatile VPN service, it excels in privacy and transparency. Its powerful and user-friendly client apps, impressive speeds, and liberal BitTorrent policy make it an attractive option for users prioritizing privacy and secure file sharing. However, if your primary goal is to unblock streaming sites, you might want to consider alternatives like ExpressVPN, Hotspot Shield, ProtonVPN, or NordVPN.
In conclusion, IVPN is an excellent choice for users who value privacy, transparency, and security above all else. Despite its shortcomings in streaming site accessibility and pricing, it remains a strong contender in the VPN market for those seeking a reliable and privacy-focused service.
