Description
Overview
IVPN is an audited VPN service in operation since 2009, built by a team of information security experts and privacy activists. The service is designed for people who want verifiable privacy and security without marketing fluff or false promises.
Key Features
- Protocol Choice — Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec (iOS) with automatic key rotation and perfect forward secrecy.
- Multi-hop Routing — Route traffic through multiple servers in separate jurisdictions for enhanced privacy protection.
- AntiTracker — Built-in blocker that stops ads, adware, malicious websites, and data harvesting trackers at the network level.
- Firewall / Killswitch — Available on macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android, with On-demand support on iOS. Protects against DNS, IPv6, WebRTC, and disconnection leaks.
- Obfsproxy — Helps circumvent censorship on Windows, macOS, and Linux clients.
- Trusted Wi-Fi Networks — Define rules for automatic connection or disconnection based on the network you are on.
Privacy & Transparency
- No logs — IVPN does not log any user activity relating to VPN usage.
- No personal data required — Sign up without providing an email address. Payments accepted via Bitcoin, Monero, and even cash.
- Open-source — Both the website and all IVPN apps are open source for independent verification.
- Self-hosted infrastructure — All servers managing the IVPN service are self-hosted and operated by IVPN, including email and customer service.
- Annual security audits — IVPN commits to independent annual security audits published publicly.
- No affiliate program — IVPN does not pay for reviews or participate in affiliate marketing.
Plans
IVPN offers three subscription tiers: Standard (VPN only, 5 devices), Plus (adds Mailx email aliasing and modDNS filtering), and Pro Suite (adds Portmaster firewall, 10 devices). Weekly, monthly, and yearly billing options are available.
Highlights
Pros
- All servers are self-hosted on bare-metal hardware with no cloud intermediaries, and the full team structure and company ownership are publicly listed.
- Independently audited no-logs policy verified annually by Cure53 since 2018, with regular transparency reports and a cryptographically signed warrant canary.
- Open-source apps and website allow the public to inspect and verify the code for transparency and security.
- AntiTracker blocks 100% of ads in Hardcore Mode testing and provides customisable filtering for ads, trackers, and malware.
- Multi-hop connections let users select any two servers as entry and exit points, offering full control not seen in most VPNs with pre-set paths.
- Completely anonymous sign-up available — no email or personal information required, with support for cash, Monero, and Bitcoin payments.
Cons
- Server network is limited to around 32–44 countries with only 77 servers, far smaller than industry leaders covering 90+ countries.
- Does not work in China — Obfsproxy obfuscation fails to bypass the Great Firewall in repeated tests.
- Torrenting is blocked on US servers due to DMCA threats from server providers, and port forwarding has been removed entirely.
- Struggles to unblock major streaming platforms — fails consistently with BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and most Netflix regional libraries.
- No dedicated apps for Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, or gaming consoles, and no browser extensions for Chrome or Firefox.
- Download speeds dropped by over 80% in PCMag testing, making it one of the slower VPNs in their benchmarks.