IVPN

IVPN is a Gibraltar-based VPN service that has built its reputation on transparency, ethics, and a genuine commitment to privacy. Founded in 2009, IVPN takes a refreshingly honest approach to the VPN industry, openly discussing when users do and do not need a VPN - a stark contrast to the fear-based marketing tactics common among competitors.

Gibraltar Jurisdiction

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory with its own legal system and no mandatory data retention laws. While it maintains close ties to the UK, Gibraltar has its own data protection regulations that align with GDPR standards. This jurisdiction provides a favorable environment for privacy-focused services while offering stability and rule of law.

IVPN has been transparent about its corporate structure, publishing details about company ownership and operations. This level of openness is rare in the VPN industry and helps build trust with privacy-conscious users who want to know exactly who is handling their data.

No Email Required

Like Mullvad, IVPN allows users to sign up without providing an email address. You receive an account ID that serves as your login credential. This eliminates the need for password reset mechanisms that could potentially be exploited and means IVPN has no way to contact you or identify you beyond the account ID.

For users who want complete anonymity, IVPN accepts cash payments through vouchers available from third-party retailers, as well as various cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Monero. Combined with the no-email signup, this allows for truly anonymous VPN usage.

Transparent Pricing and Ethics

IVPN has taken a stand against the deceptive pricing practices common in the VPN industry. They openly discuss this on their website, explaining why they do not offer steep discounts for long-term plans or use fake urgency tactics. The pricing is straightforward: Standard plan at $6/month or Pro plan at $10/month, with modest discounts for annual billing.

The company also maintains an ethics page that discusses when users actually need a VPN and when they do not. This honest approach might seem counterproductive for a VPN company, but it builds trust with users who appreciate being treated with respect rather than being sold to with fear.

Open Source Apps

All IVPN applications are open source, with code available on GitHub. The apps have been independently audited by Cure53, a respected security firm. This transparency allows anyone to verify that the apps work as claimed and do not contain backdoors or privacy-violating code.

The apps are well-designed and easy to use, available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. IVPN also provides detailed manual configuration guides for users who prefer to set up connections using native OS tools or third-party clients.

Multi-Hop and AntiTracker

IVPN's multi-hop feature routes traffic through two VPN servers in different locations, providing an additional layer of protection. Even if one server were compromised, your true IP address would remain hidden behind the entry server. This is similar to Proton VPN's Secure Core feature.

The AntiTracker feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains at the DNS level. It uses regularly updated blocklists and can be customized with different blocking levels. This provides protection even on platforms where traditional ad blockers cannot run.

WireGuard and OpenVPN

IVPN supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. WireGuard is the default for better performance, while OpenVPN remains available for compatibility. IVPN has implemented privacy-enhancing modifications to WireGuard to address concerns about IP address storage inherent in the standard protocol.

Port forwarding is available for users who need it for P2P, gaming, or running servers. The kill switch feature ensures no traffic leaks if the VPN connection drops. Split tunneling allows specific apps to bypass the VPN when needed.

Independent Audits

IVPN has commissioned multiple independent security audits from Cure53. These audits cover the infrastructure, apps, and no-logs policy. Audit reports are published publicly, demonstrating IVPN's commitment to transparency. Any issues identified are promptly addressed and verified.

Limitations to Consider

IVPN's server network is smaller than major competitors like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, with servers in around 35 countries. This may limit options for users who need connections in specific locations. There is no free tier, and the pricing is higher than budget VPN options. IVPN does not market itself as a streaming unblocker, though it may work with some services.

Who Should Use IVPN

IVPN is ideal for privacy-focused users who value transparency and ethical business practices, users who want to sign up anonymously without email, security researchers and journalists who need verified, audited tools, those who appreciate honest marketing over fear-based tactics, and technical users who want open-source apps they can verify.