IPVanish review
IPVanish fits readers who want WireGuard configuration export, split tunnelling and multi-hop, with independent assurance work behind its privacy claims. Watch the renewal price: the introductory rate can make a long commitment look cheaper than keeping the service will be.
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Score breakdown
One formula for every commercial vpn, explained on how we score VPNs.
Plans and the true 3-year price
| Plan | Term | Monthly | Renews at | 3-year cost | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential, 2 years | 2 years | $2.39 | $8.33 | $157 | Unknown |
| Essential, 1 year | 1 year | $3.89 | $8.33 | $247 | Unknown |
| Essential, 1 month | 1 month | $14.99 | $14.99 | $540 | Unknown |
| Complete, 2 years | 2 years | $3.09 | See site | See site | Unknown |
| Complete, 1 year | 1 year | $4.79 | See site | See site | Unknown |
| Complete, 1 month | 1 month | $15.99 | $15.99 | $576 | Unknown |
| Advanced, 2 years | 2 years | $3.59 | $10.83 | $216 | Unknown |
| Advanced, 1 year | 1 year | $5.39 | $10.83 | $325 | Unknown |
| Advanced, 1 month | 1 month | $17.99 | $17.99 | $648 | Unknown |
Providers change prices often, and we regularly verify prices against their own pricing pages, though small differences from current prices are possible. Prices checked 11 Oct 2026. Refund window: 30 days.
Who it's for
Pick it if
- You want WireGuard configuration export for your own setup.
- You use split tunnelling and multi-hop.
- Independent privacy assurance matters to your decision.
- You value round-the-clock chat support.
Skip it if
- You need port forwarding or a dedicated IP.
- You require RAM-only servers.
- You want to sign up without an email address.
Audit evidence
| Date | Auditor | Type | Scope | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | Schellman Compliance, LLC | No-logs assurance | No-logs policy compliance (Trust Center: 'Independent audit by Schellman of our no-logs policy compliance') | Gated or summary only |
| Apr 2022 | Leviathan Security Group | No-logs assurance | No-traffic-logs privacy policy compliance | Gated or summary only |
Ownership
Security and features
- WireGuardYes
- RAM-only serversNo
- Full-disk encryptionUnknown
- Post-quantum optionUnknown
- Open-source appsUnknown
- Kill switchYes
- Split tunnellingYes
- Multi-hopYes
- Port forwardingNo
- IPv6No
- WireGuard config exportYes
- SOCKS5 proxyYes
- Custom DNSUnknown
- Linux app (GUI)Unknown
- Linux CLIUnknown
- Dedicated IPNo
Network Provider-reported
- Servers3400
- CountriesNot stated
Account and payment privacy
- Sign up without emailNo
- Account-number loginUnknown
- CashUnknown
- MoneroUnknown
- BitcoinUnknown
Our take
IPVanish has evidence behind its privacy claims, with limits on what you can inspect. Schellman Compliance, LLC conducted a no-logs assurance engagement dated Apr 2025, covering no-logs policy compliance. Leviathan Security Group's engagement dated Apr 2022 covered compliance with the no-traffic-logs privacy policy. Access is limited to gated reports or summaries, which restricts your ability to examine the detailed findings. These engagements support the stated policies within their scopes; they do not establish every aspect of security. IPVanish publishes a transparency report, but its servers are not RAM-only.
Ziff Davis owns IPVanish and also owns PCMag, CNET, ZDNET, Mashable and Lifehacker, publications that review VPNs. That creates a shared commercial interest worth considering when you encounter their coverage of IPVanish. It does not establish that a particular review was influenced, but we would seek evidence beyond recommendations from the same corporate group. Ziff Davis owns no other VPN brand in our review set, so the relevant ownership concern here is the connection between the service and review publishers.
Budget around the renewal rate before choosing a term. Essential, 2 years starts at $2.39 a month for 2 years, then renews at $8.33 a month. Essential, 1 month costs $14.99 a month initially and $14.99 at renewal, trading a higher starting price for a shorter commitment. Phone support is available with Complete and Advanced, while chat is available around the clock. For a small team, decide whether phone access justifies the extra spend before paying for a higher tier.
The practical fit is a commercial VPN with useful connection controls: WireGuard export, split tunnelling, a kill switch and multi-hop. Put IPVanish alongside Mullvad VPN, IVPN and Proton VPN, then compare the audit access, account requirements and renewal terms that matter to you. IPVanish requires an email address and offers neither port forwarding nor a dedicated IP. If your goal is reaching your own machines, start with the connection design in our public versus private access guide; these VPN features alone do not establish a private path into your systems.
FAQ
Has IPVanish's no-logs policy been audited?
Schellman Compliance, LLC conducted a no-logs assurance engagement dated Apr 2025, covering no-logs policy compliance. Leviathan Security Group's engagement dated Apr 2022 covered no-traffic-logs privacy policy compliance, with access to the evidence limited to gated reports or summaries.
Who owns IPVanish?
IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, which also owns VPN review publishers PCMag, CNET, ZDNET, Mashable and Lifehacker. Consider that shared ownership when weighing their recommendations, without treating it as proof that any particular review was influenced.
How much does IPVanish cost after the introductory deal?
Essential, 2 years starts at $2.39 a month and renews at $8.33 a month. Advanced, 2 years starts at $3.59 a month and renews at $10.83 a month, so use the renewal column when budgeting to keep either plan.
Can I use IPVanish to access my home server?
IPVanish offers WireGuard configuration export, but it has no port forwarding or dedicated IP option. For access to your own machines, plan a private connection between your devices; exporting a commercial VPN configuration does not by itself create that connection.
Can I sign up for IPVanish without an email?
No, IPVanish requires an email address at sign-up. If keeping your email separate from your VPN account is a requirement, that rules it out.
Has IPVanish had any security incidents?
Our incident review found none, recorded as “none found.” That finding is limited to what we identified and does not establish that no incident has ever occurred.