IVPN is based in Malta. The service allows torrents, has an excellent privacy policy and offers 256-bit encryption. They also offer a multi-hop feature that allows you to route through multiple VPN servers.
Pricing & Plans
IVPN has two plans: IVPN Standard and IVPN Pro which can be purchased on a weekly, monthly and yearly business. They also have options for a 2 and 3-year plan.
The IVPN plan has more features like port forwarding, multi-hop and usage on more devices.
All plans include:
- Anonymous registration – no email required
- No logs, audited VPN service
- Open-source applications for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux
- Private DNS servers
- Cash, Monero and Bitcoin payment options for better anonymity
- Money back guarantee for 30 days
- Killswitch/firewall and obfuscation methods where applicable
- Router, NAS support
Free Trial/ Money-back Guarantee
All IVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Privacy & Anonymity
IVPN does log any data relating to a user’s VPN activity while connected or connecting to the VPN.
However, when a new account is created, they store the following data:
- User ID
- Product purchased
- Date of account creation
- Payment ID
Logging Policy
- No traffic logging
- No connection timestamp or connection duration
- No DNS request logging
- No logging of user bandwidth
- No logging of customer IP addresses
- No logging of any account activity except active total simultaneous connections
Torrent Policy
IVPN allows torrenting, except on servers based in the US. IVPN recommends using servers outside of the US for any P2P.
Customer Support
IVPN has a ticketing system on their website that you can use to make support requests. You can also email them or use their Twitter feed. They guarantee a response within twenty-four hours.
Product Testing
IVPN has a simple client that defaults to connecting you over OpenVPN. The control for the included firewall is available right on the main screen. Note that you have to get your username from the client area of the IVPN site. It’s not the email address you signed up with.
IVPN offers a client for Windows and Mac computers. They have extensive instructions on their website for manually configuring a VPN on iOS, Android, routers and Linux.
VPN Server Locations
IVPN is located in over 30 countries with more than 120 servers.
Countries Supported:
Speed Test
IVPN was fast in testing. As you can see from the screenshots below, it barely affected our speed.
IPCheck and DNSLeak Test
IVPN changed our IP address to match our server selection and did not leak our DNS requests.
Feature Summary
- 2 devices – IVPN Standard
- 7 devices – IVPN Pro
- OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP
- 256-bit encryption available
- Multi-hop feature
- Port Forwarding
- AntiTracker that blocks ads, adware, malicious websites and data harvesting trackers.
- Pause VPN when disabling VPN connection temporarily is required.
Additional Bonus Features
- Firewall / killswitch – Ability to configure as on-demand or always-on. Offers comprehensive protection against DNS, IPv6, disconnection and WebRTC leaks.
We Liked
- Great speed
- Takes Bitcoin
- Allows torrents
- Good privacy policy
- All three common options for VPN protocols
- Weekly pricing
- Standard and Pro option
Areas for Improvement
The prices are a bit higher than much of the competition out there.
Conclusion
IVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN service out there by any means, but they are good. Their speed was very impressive in testing and their client is about as easy as it gets where usability is concerned. IVPN definitely holds its own against the competition.
I’ve tried iVPN on two separate occasions. The first time was about a month ago and I was very happy with the speed of their service, however, “live chat” support that they mention on their website is not available. Also, upon submitting trouble tickets, it takes at least 1 day up to 3 days for a response which, once received, seems to be nothing more than kicking the can down the alley. I cancelled and continued to use my current provider which is HMA. Fast forward to current, I decided to try them once again thinking maybe I caught them in some transition. Well, the speed, which I originally mentioned, was good for 1 day and then, without explanation, it dropped about 70%! I emailed support multiple time and was told that they see nothing wrong on their end and I should try another provider for comparison. I’m by no means a “difficult” person to deal with but I must say I was very disappointed with the responses or, in some cases, half baked responses that I received not to mention the fact I was told to try another service. I feel the tech support is either run by amateurs or people that just don’t take it seriously. I will be heading back to my previous provider.
I recently subscribed to IVPN and their services are top notch. John’s post is from 2 years ago, and alot’s changed since then. No idea about the speed issue he was complaining about, but its fine for me and a couple friends who are using it and never had issues. Whatever speed loss we do have, is due to the encryption which is normal for all vpns. I get more than enough where im comfortable with it. They are very explanatory on their processes used, such as encryption, privacy, logging, server software and go into VERY good detail on all of those things, showing great transparency, unlike most who just say ‘We do this, we do that’ , and that’s it…just banal and overused memes. They also give great directions for setting up whichever protocol you use, with step-by-step directions.
I cant comment on the live chat, since it wasnt there when i signed up and im guessing its just something that didnt work out. For me, when i ask for help on the site, they respond within 24hours, never seen anything passed that time (at least so far).
All in all, its a very secure and professional service and they use multi-hop tech which many providers dont use. Highly recommended, and they also offer specials or perks now and then if you recommend a friend or help advertise for them on your website, etc.
I’ve been using IVPN for about 4 months now, and it works very well.