Ivacy Review 2023

Ivacy is a Singapore-based VPN service with a reputation for pioneering split tunneling. This VPN provider has been around since 2007, and Ivacy continues to improve its service. In this Ivacy VPN review, we put the VPN through the wringer, testing its speeds, security, privacy, usability, and server network.

Read on to learn more about Ivacy VPN and whether it’s worth your money.

Ivacy VPN Short Review

7.0

Pros

• One subscription allows you use the service on 10 devices simultaneously
• Easy to install and use
• Large server network
• Responsive customer support
• Relatively affordable pricing (for long-term plans)
• Works with U.S. Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services
• Good for torrenting
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Offers dedicated IP addresses
• No logging policy

Cons

• Relatively slow speeds
• Privacy concerns surrounding Ivacy's use of PureVPN servers
• Mac app lacks a kill switch, unlike the Windows app
• OpenVPN and WireGuard are not available on Mac
• Connection delays

Ivacy VPN has been around for over 15 years. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it has many useful features and rubs shoulders with the best VPNs. Ivacy VPN has top-notch security features, including AES-256 encryption, various protocols, and a strict no-logs policy.

Ivacy’s apps are simple and well-organized. If you encounter any challenges while using the app, Ivacy VPN’s customer support agents are on standby through live chat to help you. Ivacy VPN has an extensive network of servers in over 70 countries. During our tests, we successfully unblocked Netflix and other streaming services.

However, the results of our Ivacy speed tests suggest that this VPN can be slow and may not be ideal for streaming and gaming. For streaming, downloading, and gaming, you’re better off using Surfshark, a lightning-fast VPN with an affordable price tag.

All things considered, we rate Ivacy VPN 7 out of 10. Read on to discover the strengths and weaknesses of Ivacy and its best use cases.

Speed – How Fast is Ivacy?

Speed is one of the key features users look for in a good VPN. No one enjoys using a slow VPN that negatively impacts your streaming, downloading, and overall browsing experience. Although virtually every VPN will slow your connection to some extent (at least on paper), it’s important to choose one with decent speeds.

Our speed tests indicate that Ivacy VPN might slow down your internet connection. Overall, we give Ivacy 6 out of 10 for speed.

Here’s a summary of our conclusions on Ivacy’s speeds:

• Ivacy might reduce your speeds significantly.
• You can browse and stream without interruptions most of the time.

Ivacy speed test results

We conducted our speed tests on Ivacy VPN from our office in the Netherlands. As with all our VPN reviews, we first checked our speeds without a VPN. This gave us a benchmark value to gauge speed drop-offs.

Next, we connected to Ivacy VPN servers in various countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, and Germany, and we assessed how Ivacy performed across the board. We’ve summarized the speed test results in the table below.

Note: Your actual speeds may differ from the values below, depending on factors like your baseline internet speed and location. However, these figures should give you a fair indication of Ivacy’s performance.

Server	Download (Mbps)	Upload (Mbps)	Ping (MS)
No VPN	93.12	95.92	3
Netherlands (Amsterdam)	88.2	89.41	9
Germany (Frankfurt)	58.15	51.13	18
United Kingdom	13.42	11.21	20
United States East (New York)	27.86	10.43	106
United States West (Los Angeles)	11.01	12.85	198
Canada (Montreal)	44.44	36.41	105
Brazil (Sao Paulo)	49.31	27.26	209
South Africa (Johannesburg)	32.08	51.92	172
Japan (Tokyo)	48.77	47.8	248
Australia (Sydney)	48.47	19.2	349
Dedicated IP US (Los Angeles)	76.73	75.5	140

Overall, Ivacy’s speeds are far from impressive. Since our testing was done in the Netherlands, it’s no surprise that Ivacy didn’t lose much speed there. The VPN suffers big speed drops in other locations.

Ivacy wiped out nearly half our original speeds when we connected to its German server. Even worse, our speeds in the UK and the US took big hits, losing at least 70 percent of our original upload and download speeds.

Curiously, when we connected to dedicated servers in Los Angeles, we maintained at least 70 percent of our starting speed. If you want better speeds, you should opt for a dedicated IP address, which we’ll get into later in this review.

In all the other countries (Brazil, South Africa, Japan, and Australia), Ivacy VPN reduced our upload and download speeds by at least 50 percent. This is disappointing as Ivacy doesn’t even try to match up to the fastest VPNs on the market. Looking at the speed table in our NordVPN review, you’ll notice that we maintained 70 to 80 percent of our original speeds.

Speed during daily use

We examined Ivacy’s speed during the day as we browsed websites, streamed videos (on Netflix), downloaded files, and played games online. Surprisingly, the VPN performed creditably.

We didn’t notice any difference between browsing with or without the VPN. Websites loaded quickly, and we managed to log in to websites and platforms without issues. We could also check our email and download attachments without any noticeable delay.

Streaming videos, however, proved to be tricky. We noticed minor delays when opening videos on YouTube and Netflix. However, once the videos opened, we could stream without noticeable lags.

Downloading files with Ivacy VPN was reasonably fast. However, we noticed a minor difference in speed when downloading torrents and other files without a VPN. But this wasn’t a serious issue in the least.

While gaming, we also noticed a slight difference in speed between using Ivacy and playing without a VPN connection — at least when using a server in the Netherlands (where our office is located). When we connected to a server in the United States, we noticed a significant decrease in speed. So, it’s best to connect to servers close to you when gaming with Ivacy VPN.

Security – How Safe is Ivacy?

A good VPN must have security features to anonymize your traffic and protect you online. It must also prioritize your privacy, ensuring your data isn’t compromised. Ivacy VPN meets those requirements, although we have some issues with its privacy policy.

Overall, we give Ivacy VPN 6.5 out of 10 for security.

Here’s a sneak peek of our findings:

• Ivacy VPN offers AES-256-bit encryption.
• It has industry-standard safety features, such as a kill switch, split tunneling, dedicated IPs, and port forwarding.
• It offers multiple encryption protocols.
• Ivacy does not keep any logs.
• Ivacy’s servers may pose a privacy risk.

Ivacy VPN protocols

Ivacy VPN offers robust security. It uses AES-256-bit encryption. Generally, this is considered highly secure and “bank-grade” or “military-grade.”

Ivacy offers the following encryption protocols on its Windows app:

• OpenVPN (UDP and TCP)
• IKEv2
• L2TP/IPSec
• WireGuard

However, on Mac, Ivacy offers only IPSec and IKEv2 protocols. You have to manually configure Ivacy VPN to use other protocols.

Of course, each of these VPN protocols comes with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Generally, OpenVPN is considered the safest protocol. IKEv2 is better suited for mobile users since it lets you switch between mobile and WiFi networks without data leaks. WireGuard is a good choice for data-intensive activities like streaming and gaming; it offers ultra-fast download speeds.

We don’t recommend using the LT2P protocol. It offers decent speeds, but its security features and unblocking ability leave much to be desired.

Kill switch

Ivacy offers a kill switch. This shuts down your internet if your connection to the VPN server drops. A kill switch prevents your privacy and security from being compromised. Your internet connection is usually restored as soon as your VPN connection is up and running again.

Note: There’s no kill switch on the Mac version of Ivacy VPN.

Logging policy and privacy

In its privacy policy, Ivacy VPN says it does not keep logs. Ivacy says “by design,” it has no sensitive user data to share, even if the company is legally obligated to do so. This is, of course, great news for people who value anonymity and privacy.

However, we noticed something unusual that Ivacy did not mention on its website or anywhere else — it was using servers belonging to GZ Systems Ltd. This company owns PureVPN, another popular VPN.

This could mean that PureVPN or even GZ Systems Ltd. had or has access to Ivacy users’ data. When we conducted a DNS leak test while connected to an Ivacy VPN server in the U.S., PureVPN came up as the internet service provider (ISP).

And even more disturbingly, when we contacted an Ivacy representative, she assumed we were PureVPN users and addressed us as such.

We contacted Ivacy’s customer support to verify if the VPN still uses servers belonging to GZ Systems Ltd. An Ivacy representative told us: “Ivacy does not use servers belonging to GZ systems.” This slight vagueness in the provider’s privacy policy regarding users’ data reminded us a bit of Browsec VPN‘s privacy policy.

In any case, the particular server we tested was owned by PureVPN/GZ Systems at least at that time. While Ivacy remains safe to use, this undermines its claim of “rock-solid security.”

What information does Ivacy need?

You want to give as little information as possible when creating a VPN account. Having to provide a lot of personal information to create an account for a privacy solution defeats the purpose. That’s why we examine how much information all the VPNs we review need to create an account.

To create an Ivacy account, you need to provide a few personal details.

First, to get a subscription, you must give Ivacy a name and an email address. You may need to give up certain payment information depending on your chosen payment method. We recommend using Bitcoin to pay if you want to subscribe to this VPN anonymously.

To complete your account creation, you must provide an account name and a password. If you want to remain anonymous, it’s best to choose an account name that cannot be traced back to you.

Usability – How User-Friendly is Ivacy?

Overall, Ivacy VPN checks the boxes for usability. Its website is easy to navigate, and creating an account is simple. The app is also straightforward to use. However, there are some connection delays. As a result, Ivacy earns an 8 out of 10 for usability.

Here’s a summary of our observations about Ivacy:

• Ivacy’s desktop and mobile apps are intuitive and easy to use.
• Ivacy’s website is well-designed.
• Creating an Ivacy account is fast and easy.
• Getting an Ivacy subscription is convenient since it accepts many different payment methods.
• You can try out a limited free version of Ivacy VPN.
• Sometimes, Ivacy takes a while to connect to a server.
• Ivacy’s customer support team is easily reachable and very helpful.

Ivacy’s website and installation process

Ivacy’s website is simple, well-designed, and contains all the information you need to know. At the top of the homepage, there’s an offer to purchase Ivacy. When you scroll down, you’ll find general information about why you should use a VPN and more details about Ivacy, such as its features and pricing options. Everything is well-laid-out and easy to navigate.

Ivacy’s website used to have consistent pop-ups offering users a discount on buying a five-year subscription. However, these pop-ups are a thing of the past, so the website is easier to navigate.

Getting Ivacy up and running is easy, regardless of the device. Ivacy offers apps for all major devices and operating systems. It has a Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Android app. It can also be installed on routers and smart TVs and has browser extensions for Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

Here’s the general installation process:

1. Go to the Ivacy VPN website.
2. Go to the Pricing page, select a plan, and click Buy Now.
3. Fill in your personal information, like your name and email address.
4. Opt for add-ons, such as port forwarding or dedicated IP, if you want.
5. Complete the payment with your preferred payment method.
6. Download and install the application for your device(s).
7. Log in to the Ivacy VPN app with your credentials, which will have been emailed to you).

Ivacy VPN appearance and ease of use

Ivacy’s interface is intuitive, regardless of the device you’re using. There is a separate sub-menu for every function, such as streaming, downloading, and unblocking online content.

You can connect to a VPN server by clicking the big white button. As you can see in the screenshot, it’s easy to switch between different options and server locations, even on mobile.

However, in our tests, we experienced connection delays, which can be inconvenient. It’s worth noting that during our last round of testing, we experienced issues connecting to a server.

Prices and payment methods

Ivacy is an affordable VPN. The longer the subscription, the cheaper the rate you can get. Plus, you can share one subscription with up to ten devices.

Here’s an overview of Ivacy VPN cost:

• Monthly subscription: $9.95 a month
• One-year-subscription: $3.99 a month
• Five-year-subscription: $1.00 a month

Ivacy used to offer a two-year plan, but it’s no longer available. Currently, Ivacy is promoting its five-year plan, which comes with 2TB encrypted cloud storage and a premium password manager.

Note: This is a limited offer. Ivacy’s five-year plan is one of the longest of all the VPNs we’ve tested.

Additionally, Ivacy offers two add-ons, namely:

• Port forwarding for $1.00 a month
• Dedicated IP for $1.99. You can choose from seven countries: Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Each dedicated IP comes with port forwarding.

Ivacy offers a free VPN, but it is highly limited and of little use. You cannot use the free version for streaming or unblocking content.

If you want a free Ivacy experience, all subscriptions for one year or longer come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can use Ivacy for 30 days before committing to a long-term subscription.

Note: If you opt for a 30-day subscription, you only get a 7-day money-back guarantee.

To buy an Ivacy subscription, you can choose from the following payment methods:

• Credit/Debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Network, JCB, Diners Club)
• PayPal
• BitPay
• AliPay
• PerfectMoney
• Paymentwall (Ideal, Neosurf, ClickandBuy, Dotpay, OneCard, Mobiamo)
• Cryptocurrency (several options, including BitCoin)

Customer service

Ivacy’s customer support answers questions quickly. There are different ways to contact Ivacy’s customer support. You can send them an email, start a live chat on their website, or visit them in person at their office in Singapore.

Also, they have an extensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page and a handy video tutorial section on their website.

We tested the responsiveness and the quality of Ivacy VPN’s customer support by contacting them several times using the live chat option on their website. We raised questions about their servers and protocols. They replied quickly and the responses were cordial.

To start a chat and ask a question on Ivacy’s website, you don’t need to provide any information. You don’t even need to be an Ivacy customer. So, this is a great way to get more information about Ivacy before buying a subscription.

Ivacy Server Network

Ivacy has an extensive server network across different continents. It’s also great for streaming and torrenting. For those reasons and more, Ivacy earns 8 out of 10 for its server network:

• Ivacy has a reasonably extensive server network, with about 5,700+ servers spread out in over 100 locations across 70+ countries.
• It unblocks Netflix and major streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
• It’s a good choice for torrenting.
• Ivacy offers dedicated IP addresses for an additional $1.99 a month.

Number of servers and locations

Ivacy has over 5,700 servers in over 100 locations. We’ve listed Ivacy’s server locations below:

• Americas: Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States, and the Philipines
• Europe: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Moldova, Netherlands, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
• Asia Pacific: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
• The Middle East and Africa: Oman, Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Ivacy and streaming (Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, BBC iPlayer)

Ivacy is an excellent choice for streaming. In our tests, we could unblock all major streaming services, including Netflix. We got into Netflix on the first try with different Ivacy VPN servers. This is a plus, considering Netflix has robust firewalls that block VPNs. Below is a quick look at some of the major streaming services Ivacy unblocks.

Platform	Can Ivacy unblock it?
Netflix	✔
Disney Plus	✔
Hulu	✔
BBC iPlayer	✔

Tip: If Ivacy’s not working with Netflix, we recommend you change servers. Pick from the dedicated streaming servers since they are optimized for skipping past geoblocks.

Ivacy VPN and torrents

Ivacy’s optimized P2P servers offer a secure download and upload option for torrenting. If you navigate to the dedicated download option in the Ivacy app, you can choose between various servers that support P2P downloading.

Dedicated IP

Ivacy offers dedicated IP addresses. There are several reasons why you should use a dedicated IP address. For instance, dedicated IPs are less likely to be blocked by Netflix and other streaming services.

Often, a single VPN server is used simultaneously by a group of users. This means streaming services like Netflix will notice they are getting a lot of traffic from the same IP address. A dedicated IP address is unique, which means you won’t run into this problem and are much less likely to be blocked by websites and apps.

Ivacy’s dedicated IP costs $1.99 extra per month. It is quite affordable compared to many other VPN providers. Ivacy has seven different servers that support dedicated IP addresses.

Ivacy VPN’s Options

Two Ivacy VPN features worth mentioning are port forwarding and split tunneling. We delve into them below.

Port forwarding

Ivacy offers port forwarding for an extra $1.00 a month. This allows the P2P network to connect directly to your device, increasing download speeds. This feature is recommended for heavy torrent users. If you opt for Ivacy’s dedicated IP add-on, you get port forwarding as a free benefit.

Split tunneling

Ivacy offers a split-tunneling option. It was the first VPN to do so in 2010. With this option, you can choose what traffic you want to be routed over a VPN connection and which should be transferred outside the VPN tunnel (without encryption and protection).

Conclusion: Our Experience with Ivacy VPN

Ivacy comes with excellent features and options for enhanced privacy and security. It’s great for streaming and torrenting, but its poor speeds may be an issue. We also experienced connection delays, and there are potential privacy concerns associated with Ivacy’s use of PureVPN servers.

Here are some articles with some useful insights to help you work through Ivacy’s issues.

• 9 Effective Ways to Speed Up Your Internet When Using a VPN
• My VPN Doesn’t Work: How to Fix the Most Common VPN Issues

Alternatively, choose from the VPN services in the articles below:

• The Best No Log VPNs for 2023: Stay Anonymous Online
• The Top 6 Cheap VPNs of 2023 (25+ Tested!): Save Money!
• What is the Best VPN for Mac? Our Top 5 Best macOS VPNs

Ivacy VPN Review: Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about Ivacy VPN? Check out the frequently asked questions section below. Click a question to read the answer.

Is Ivacy VPN any good?

Ivacy is a relatively affordable VPN, suitable for streaming, downloading, and browsing anonymously. It has apps for various devices but sometimes it takes a while to connect to a server. Also, it can slow down your internet connection. Read our full Ivacy VPN review for all the details.

Is Ivacy VPN free?

Ivacy has a free version, but it is very limited. You cannot stream or download content using the free Ivacy app. However, a full subscription is cheap — starting at $1 a month for the five-year plan. Alternatively, you can opt for a free VPN.

Does Ivacy work with Netflix?

Ivacy is a good VPN for American Netflix and other geographically restricted streaming services such as Hulu or HBO Max. The Ivacy app has optimized servers that can unblock Netflix and other streaming platforms.

Personal Opinions From VPNOverview Experts

“Easy-to-use VPN with great features, but has slow speeds and potential privacy concerns”

7.0

Wisdom Sablah

Tech Journalist

I found Ivacy to be user-friendly. It took a while to connect to servers sometimes, and the Mac app lacks a kill switch. Ivacy’s slow speeds, notwithstanding, it’s a good VPN for streaming.

Visit Ivacy

From $1.00 a month