IPVanish Review 2025

Not Fancy, But Gets the Job Done

IPVanish isn’t trying to win beauty contests — it’s more like the pickup truck of VPNs: rugged, straightforward, and kind of underrated. It doesn’t have the sleek polish of newer players, but in terms of function and speed, it holds its own.

I’ve tested it over a few months on multiple devices, and while it’s not perfect, the performance is consistent. Especially when using WireGuard, speeds were more than fast enough for streaming and big downloads.

Good Server Coverage — But U.S.-Heavy

They’ve got 2,400+ servers in 90+ locations, which sounds great — and mostly is. Just keep in mind: a big chunk of those are in North America. So if you’re in Europe or Asia, the spread’s a bit thinner.

Still, I didn’t have much trouble finding stable servers wherever I was. The app even shows ping and load info, which helps avoid overcrowded spots.

Unlimited Devices = Big Win

One of the standout things with IPVanish is unlimited simultaneous connections. I tested it across two laptops, a phone, a tablet, and a Fire TV — no issues, no warnings, no slowdowns.

For families or anyone running a bunch of devices, this is a big win. Most VPNs cap you at 5 or 10.

Privacy? Mostly Solid, But U.S. HQ is a Flag

IPVanish says they don’t log, and they’ve had a third-party audit to back it up — which is great. But here’s the thing: they’re based in the U.S., a Five Eyes country. That won’t matter to most folks, but if you’re super privacy-focused, it’s worth knowing.

Still, for everyday use — streaming, general browsing, and torrenting — the no-logs policy is a solid baseline.

Works Everywhere — No Fuss

I’ve run IPVanish on just about everything: Windows 11, macOS Ventura, Android 13, iOS 17, even an old Fire TV Stick. It’s one of those VPNs that just works across platforms without needing a tech degree.

The apps are consistent across devices — same layout, same features. That means less time fiddling and more time browsing securely.

Unlimited Devices? Yes, Really

Most VPNs cap you at 5 or 10 devices. Not IPVanish. I’ve had it running on 3 laptops, 2 phones, a tablet, and a smart TV — all at once — with no complaints.

For households or small offices, this is a game-changer. No more juggling logins or booting one device to connect another.

Router Support for Whole-Home Coverage

Want to protect every device on your network? IPVanish supports routers running DD-WRT, Tomato, and Asus-WRT firmware.

Setting it up takes some effort, but once done, everything from your smart fridge to your gaming console is covered.

Mobile Experience: Smooth and Intuitive

The mobile apps are sleek and responsive. On Android, you get split tunneling; on iOS, it’s streamlined but still powerful.

Switching servers is quick, and the connection remains stable, even when hopping between Wi-Fi and cellular data.

Desktop Apps: Functional but Dated

The desktop apps get the job done but feel a bit old-school. The interface isn’t as modern as some competitors, but all the essential features are there: kill switch, protocol selection, and server filtering.

If aesthetics matter to you, it might feel a bit clunky. But if functionality is your priority, it won’t disappoint.

Gets You In — But Not Always on the First Try

We have tried Streaming with IPVanish, and it as a bit like trying to find a good parking spot downtown — you’ll usually get in, but sometimes it takes a few tries. I had no trouble watching Netflix US, and Prime Video worked just fine too. But when I tried switching to Japan or UK libraries, it became a bit of a guessing game with the servers.

Some servers work, some don’t. There’s no obvious pattern — you just learn over time which ones usually get the job done. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re switching regions often, be ready to hop around a little.

The good news? Once you're in, it streams smoothly. I watched a couple of episodes in HD without buffering, even on hotel Wi-Fi. So yeah, not perfect — but good enough for casual binge sessions without rage-quitting.

Performance on Streaming Devices

Using IPVanish on devices like the Amazon Fire Stick has been straightforward. The dedicated app is user-friendly, and the connection remains stable during extended streaming sessions. This makes it a practical option for those who prefer watching content on their TVs.

That said, I did notice that the app interface could use some modernization. While functional, it lacks the sleekness of some competitors' applications.

Streaming Speed and Quality

Streaming with IPVanish generally delivers good quality. I was able to watch shows in HD without significant lag or buffering. The WireGuard protocol seems to enhance performance, providing faster connection times and smoother playback.

Nonetheless, during peak hours, there were occasional slowdowns. While not deal-breaking, it's something to be aware of if you're planning to stream during high-traffic periods.

Limitations with Certain Services

While IPVanish works well with many streaming platforms, it does have limitations. For instance, accessing BBC iPlayer and Hulu was inconsistent. Some servers were blocked, and it took multiple attempts to find a working connection.

If your primary goal is to access a wide range of international streaming services seamlessly, you might find these limitations a bit frustrating.

Solid Speeds with WireGuard and VPN Accelerator

Proton VPN delivers impressive speeds, especially when using the WireGuard protocol combined with its VPN Accelerator feature. In our tests, connections to nearby servers often maintained over 90% of our base internet speed, ensuring smooth browsing and streaming experiences. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

For instance, connecting to a U.S. server from within the U.S., we observed download speeds of approximately 392 Mbps, virtually matching our unprotected speed of 390 Mbps. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Performance on Distant Servers

When connecting to servers farther from our location, speeds naturally decreased due to increased latency. For example, connecting from the U.S. to a server in Australia resulted in download speeds around 317 Mbps, which is still respectable for such a long-distance connection. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Overall, Proton VPN maintained an average global speed of 157 Mbps in our tests, placing it among the faster VPNs available in 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Free Plan Limitations

It's important to note that Proton VPN's free plan offers limited speed and server options. Users on the free tier may experience slower connections, especially during peak hours, due to server congestion. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

For optimal performance, especially for activities like streaming or gaming, upgrading to a paid plan is recommended.

Real-World Usage

In daily use, Proton VPN provided stable and consistent speeds across various activities, including HD streaming, video conferencing, and large file downloads. The combination of WireGuard and VPN Accelerator ensures minimal impact on internet speed, making it a reliable choice for most users.

No-Logs Policy Backed by Independent Audits

Proton VPN enforces a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn't track or store your online activity. This commitment to privacy has been verified through independent audits, ensuring that your data remains confidential. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Swiss Jurisdiction Enhances Privacy Protections

Being headquartered in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from the country's robust privacy laws. Switzerland is not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence-sharing agreements, providing an extra layer of protection against external surveillance. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Secure Core: Multi-Hop Architecture for Enhanced Anonymity

Proton VPN's Secure Core feature routes your traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before it exits to the internet. This multi-hop architecture adds an additional layer of anonymity, making it more difficult for adversaries to trace your online activities. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

NetShield: DNS Filtering for Ad and Tracker Blocking

NetShield is Proton VPN's DNS filtering feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware before they can load. This not only enhances your privacy but also improves browsing speed by preventing unwanted content from consuming bandwidth. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Open-Source Transparency and Independent Audits

All Proton VPN applications are open-source, allowing anyone to inspect the code for security and privacy practices. Additionally, the service undergoes regular independent audits to verify its adherence to privacy commitments. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

No Torrenting on the Free Plan

Let’s just get this out of the way — you can’t torrent on Proton’s free plan. I tried. Downloads wouldn’t start, and only later did I realize torrenting’s locked behind the paid plans. Not ideal, but fair enough. Once I upgraded, it was a different story.

Dedicated P2P Servers Do the Job

After switching to a Plus plan, I fired up qBittorrent, connected to one of Proton’s P2P servers, and everything just... worked. No complicated setup, no digging through settings. If you've torrented with a VPN before, this will feel familiar — in a good way.

Speed's Not Bad — Not Amazing Either

I was averaging decent speeds — not the fastest I’ve seen, but solid. Downloads were steady, no sudden drops. I tested with a few Linux ISOs and some larger video files, and the connection held up fine.

There’s also this thing called VPN Accelerator that’s supposed to boost speed. I didn’t clock anything insane, but connections to distant servers felt a bit snappier with it on.

Privacy That Actually Feels Legit

What I really appreciate is that Proton doesn’t just slap ‘no logs’ on the homepage and call it a day. They’re based in Switzerland, which has some of the strongest privacy laws around, and they’ve gone through proper audits too.

I tested the kill switch by yanking the VPN mid-download — internet dropped instantly. No IP leaks. No drama.

A Couple Things You Should Know

If you’re on macOS or iOS, there’s no port forwarding. That’s not a dealbreaker for most, but if you care about upload speeds or seeding, it’s something to keep in mind.

Also, not all P2P servers are equal — some get sluggish during busy hours. If speeds dip, switching to a less-used server usually does the trick.

Bottom Line

If you’re serious about privacy and want something reliable for torrenting, Proton’s a solid bet. Just skip the free plan and go straight to Plus or higher. You’ll get decent speeds, great privacy, and peace of mind that nobody’s logging what you’re downloading.

Free Plan: A Generous Starting Point

Proton VPN's free plan is one of the most generous I've encountered. It offers unlimited data and access to servers in five countries, including the U.S., Netherlands, and Japan. While speeds are lower compared to paid plans, it's a solid option for basic browsing and testing the service before committing.

Plus Plan: Balanced Features and Cost

The Plus plan hits a sweet spot for many users. At $9.99 per month, or as low as $4.99 per month with a two-year commitment, it provides access to all Proton VPN servers, including Secure Core and P2P support. It's a competitive offering, especially when compared to other premium VPNs.

Unlimited Plan: Comprehensive Privacy Suite

For those seeking more than just a VPN, the Unlimited plan bundles Proton VPN with Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Pass. Priced at $12.99 monthly or $7.99 per month on a two-year plan, it's a comprehensive privacy package for users invested in the Proton ecosystem.

Promotions and Renewal Considerations

Proton VPN occasionally offers promotions, such as a 64% discount on two-year plans, bringing the cost down to $86 for 24 months. However, be mindful of renewal rates, as prices may increase after the initial term. It's advisable to check the latest offers and terms on their official website.

Final Thoughts

Proton VPN's pricing structure caters to a range of users, from those seeking a free, reliable VPN to individuals desiring a full suite of privacy tools. While not the cheapest option available, the value provided, especially in terms of privacy and security features, justifies the cost for many users.

Knowledge Base: Comprehensive but Sometimes Overwhelming

Proton VPN offers an extensive knowledge base filled with articles and guides covering various topics, from setup instructions to troubleshooting common issues. While the depth of information is impressive, navigating through the vast amount of content can be overwhelming for some users. A more streamlined and user-friendly interface could enhance the overall experience.

Email Support: Helpful but Not Always Prompt

For more complex issues, Proton VPN provides email support. In my experience, the support team is knowledgeable and provides detailed responses. However, response times can vary, with some users reporting delays of up to 24 hours. This can be frustrating when dealing with urgent matters.

Live Chat: Limited Availability

Proton VPN has introduced live chat support, but it's only available during European business hours. This limited availability can be inconvenient for users in other time zones who require immediate assistance. Expanding live chat support to 24/7 would greatly improve the user experience.

Community Support: A Valuable Resource

The Proton VPN community, including forums and Reddit, is active and can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and tips. Engaging with other users can provide quick solutions and insights that might not be readily available through official support channels.

Final Thoughts

While Proton VPN's support options are generally helpful, there's room for improvement, particularly in terms of response times and live chat availability. Enhancing these aspects would provide a more seamless and satisfying user experience.