Today, when we think about the internet, our minds inadvertently wander to issues like safety and privacy. We all ascertain and agree that the web has become a lot more treacherous. Also, there is a valid need for specialized products like a VPN to counter some potential threats. However, we also recognize that not all VPNs can be the same. That’s why we review them, Ivacy VPN included.
Some differ in quality while others, although impeccable, cost a lot. As such, the average user can’t positively adopt this technology without compromising on a few aspects. But what if there is a provider who offers a blend of both? Ivacy VPN seems to think it is the perfect solution to several key problems. But is it so? Our review of Ivacy VPN will provide an answer.
Note — For more information, kindly visit the official Ivacy VPN website.
Ivacy VPN overview
Let us start by introducing the provider. If you have yet to hear the name Ivacy, we don’t blame you. Although the vendor has been in the VPN game for the last 15 years, it doesn’t necessarily have a reputation of an established company. While there are many detrimental factors to it, the gist lies in concerns regarding the company’s transparency itself. However, let us forget about the ownership for our review. Other than that, Ivacy VPN seems to stand out as an affordable yet quality mid-tier service.
No matter how much we agree to look beyond some aspects of the service, many questions its privacy. The company hails from Singapore, which is, by far, an unwelcome choice as a jurisdiction. The country has stringent data retention policies that work against user interests. The logging policy, despite minimal, can’t be trusted due to the opaque nature of the company’s operational structure. But it’s not all bad, and that’s what we will try to project with our Ivacy VPN review. We’ll keep an open mind (and so should you) as we go through the specifications in greater detail.
Key specs for Ivacy VPN
Specification | Ivacy VPN |
---|---|
Bandwidth limit | Unlimited |
Connection speed | Up to 83 Mbps |
Logging policy | Zero-logs VPN |
IP, WebRTC, DNS leaks | None |
Jurisdiction | Singapore |
Servers available | 5700+ |
IP addresses offered | 5700+ |
Server location | 100+ |
Streaming | Yes |
Torrenting | Available but not advised |
Simultaneous connections | 10 |
Obfuscation | Available |
Customer Support | 24/7 live chat |
Cheapest price | $1.20 monthly over 5 years |
Free trial | 24 hours (No payment info needed) |
Money-back guarantee | 30-day money-return warranty |
Features of Ivacy VPN
Now, it’s time to examine what the VPN has to offer in terms of perks to users.
Privacy and logging policy
The only point of dispute surrounding the service is its questionable privacy policy. Although the product itself claims to operate on a zero-logging policy, the claim is doubtful. Moreover, being based in Singapore also serves adversely for its popularity. It also has questionable links to another VPN service. But fundamentally, the logging policy itself doesn’t have any holes. It’s the reputation and track record of the company that seem to be holding the product back.
Security
As far as security is concerned, Ivacy VPN performs similarly to others in the mid-tier bracket. It is no doubt the service is a beginner-friendly lightweight, that offers the bare minimum for the VPN to be functional. Features differ according to platforms, but overall it is a safe VPN with no leaks. In terms of VPN protocols, the service doesn’t disappoint. Here is a list of all available features:
- VPN protocol — IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), PPTP, SSTP
- Encryption — AES 256
- Security — DNS leak blocking, First-party DNS, IPv6 leak blocking, VPN kill switch, WebRTC leak blocking
- Advanced features — Split tunneling
VPN servers
When it comes to VPN servers, especially quantity, no other mid-tier vendor can match it. The VPN has a relatively large network with around 5700 servers in over 100+ locations. It allows the VPN to overcome difficulties like geo-blocking and global connectivity. Here is a list of some available locations:
- 129 servers in North America
- 79 servers in South America
- 303 servers in Europe
- 149 servers in Asia
- 44 servers in Australia and New Zealand
- 62 servers in Africa
VPN speed
Despite having a large network, the VPN doesn’t enjoy faster speed. The service clocks an average of 83 Mbps which is below par and depends on your distance from the server. We feel there is room for growth.
Streaming
Ivacy VPN performs well on the streaming front. It can bypass most geo-blocks and works with various streaming platforms. Furthermore, the service offers exclusive apps for streaming devices. We can conclude that it is a stable app for streaming. However, there is no SmartDNS feature available.
Torrenting
Technically, the service is suitable enough for streaming. It offers customized P2P servers and offers higher download rates. It also comes with a kill switch to prevent unforeseen events. Most of all, Ivacy’s service allows port forwarding, although as a paid addition. However, the questionable privacy policy is a huge concern, which is why torrenting is unreliable on its servers.
Bypassing VPN blocks
Another aspect of a VPN is to provide service beyond blocks. Ivacy VPN offers a special Prime version to tackle obfuscation issues. The vendor doesn’t ask for any extra payment for this version. Also, the service has a Dedicated IP feature, but you have to pay for it.
Customer Service
The provider offers stable 24/7 customer care to allow users to raise their queries at any point. On top of a live chat, the vendor also has active email support with decent online resources.
Platform support for Ivacy VPN
IVACY VPN can run on nearly any given platform, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, HarmonyOS, and even on routers and Raspberry Pi and Kodi devices. With exclusive VPN clients and manual installations, the vendor covers almost every operating system and IoT (Internet of Things) device out there. It also offers browser extensions and support for Smart TVs.
Ivacy VPN pricing and subscription plans
Ivacy VPN is an ultra-low service if you utilize it correctly. The monthly subscription priced at $10 is more competitive. But the 5-year plan at only $1 can not be any cheaper. Although we do not believe that a longer subscription with the provider is beneficial to the user, objectively speaking, it is far more affordable than other mid-tier vendors. The subscription plans Ivacy VPN offers are:
- Monthly — $10 per month
- 1 year — $4 monthly
- 5 years — $1.2 per month
Pros
- Numerous VPN protocols
- Cheap
- Large, diverse VPN network (5700+ servers)
- Beginner-friendly
- Decent obfuscation
- Kill switch and split tunneling
- Supports torrents (but not an ideal choice)
- Allows cryptocurrency payments
- Permits port forwarding
- Offers Dedicated IP and malware shield
- 256-bit AES encryption
- 24/7 live chat
- 10 concurrent connections
- Offers a free password manager bundle
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Lacks advanced features
- Concerns about privacy
- Unclear company history
- Singaporean jurisdiction
- Below-average speed
Verdict
Ivacy VPN isn’t that bad of a provider if you look beyond some questionable history. Overall, it is a bit on the slower side, but it scores well on almost everything else. But then, are you willing to overlook the fundamental of a VPN, trustworthiness? If you are, you’ll like the affordability, large network, and a good money refund warranty. However, as writers of the Ivacy VPN review, we feel uncomfortable recommending a service with a questionable logging practice, an unusual country as a base of operations, and trust issues.
Ivacy VPN
Summary
Ivacy VPN is a provider from Singapore that has a big network of 5700+ servers in 100+ locations, military-grade encryption, industry-standard features, and good obfuscation, on top of being inexpensive. However, it lacks greater speed, better P2P support, and transparency about the company history and logging practices.