Ivacy VPN Review—Exploring Features, Security, and Value
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become an essential method of achieving online security and privacy. Approximately 31% of all internet users use a VPN to mask their online traffic. By 2030, the VPN industry for both individual users and businesses is expected to be worth $101.31 billion.
One of the best VPNs users can consider is Ivacy VPN. Founded in Singapore, Ivacy VPN has been active for over 15 years, providing users with numerous features that can be considered relatively affordable compared to rival VPN service providers. But is it really safe? In this Ivacy VPN review, you'll find out:
- What the key features of Ivacy VPN are
- How Ivacy VPN compares to other VPN platforms
- What you can do to further improve your online safety
This information is valid as of May 24, 2024. For the most recent information, consult the official Ivacy VPN website.
Ivacy VPN's Key Features
Ivacy VPN offers many features to make internet access secure and convenient. Six of the most important areas are:
- Privacy and security
- Speed and performance
- Server network
- Device compatibility
- User experience and support
- Pricing and availability
Privacy and Security Features
Ivacy VPN uses AES 256, a military-grade symmetric encryption algorithm that is considered virtually impenetrable.
The service provider has a no-log policy, meaning that it doesn't monitor or record any online activities performed by its users. It also doesn't collect any information that is downloaded or shared via the VPN.
Here are some additional features[2] Ivacy VPN possesses:
Speed and Performance
According to third-party testing[3], the baseline upload speed was observed at 94.68 Mbps, and the average upload speed when using the Ivacy VPN was 13.26 Mbps. The average download speed without the VPN was 94.38 Mbps, while with Ivacy VPN, it averaged 90 Mbps.
While this test shows a noticeable decrease in upload speed, speed performance can vary based on factors like location, online activities, and internet stability. It's also worth mentioning that Ivacy VPN received recognition for its speed, being named the Fastest VPN in 2019 by BestVPN.com, now known as ProPrivacy.com.[1]
Ivacy VPN also offers features aimed at enhancing your connection speeds:
- Smart Purpose Selection—This feature focuses on optimizing server selection for specific activities such as secure downloading and streaming, ensuring an optimal browsing experience.
- Anti-ISP Throttling—Ivacy VPN includes anti-ISP throttling functionality. It helps users maintain quick internet speeds by circumventing limitations that are sometimes imposed by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Global Server Network
Ivacy VPN has over 6,500 servers in more than 100 locations[4]. The servers are located in more than 60 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, which ensures broad geographic coverage for users' browsing needs.
Device Compatibility and Support
Ivacy VPN protects user's privacy and security on every platform, whether you use:
- Operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, Linux
- Mobile devices like Android, iOS, Huawei
- Browser extensions, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge
- Gaming consoles such as Xbox, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Users can use Ivacy VPN on up to 10 devices with one subscription, surpassing many premium VPN services.
What sets Ivacy apart from the competition is its compatibility with Kodi, the open-source media player. Kodi users will appreciate that Ivacy enables them to stream their favorite content securely.
User Experience and Customer Support
The user interface is simple and intuitive—it allows users to connect to the server with a few clicks. Users are free to decide on the specific tunneling protocols and can choose the country or city of their server location.
Ivacy VPN users have rated its apps and services 4.8 on TrustPilot and 3.9 on Apple's App Store and iTunes.
When it comes to customer support, this VPN doesn't fall short. Its customer support is available 24/7 through email, ticket, and live chat options. Ivacy VPN also offers numerous tutorials to ensure the users can maximize their experience with the platform.
Pricing and Availability
Ivacy VPN offers a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. At the time of writing, the monthly subscription costs $9.95[5], but the price can be reduced by opting for a longer-term plan. The 24-month plan costs $1.99 per month, whereas the 5-year plan offers the best value at just $1.33 per month.
Ivacy VPN is not accessible worldwide—it can be used by those in the following countries:
Ivacy VPN vs. Other VPN Services
To see how Ivacy stacks up against similar options, we've compared its features to those of other popular VPN services:
If you are interested in exploring more VPNs, make sure to read the reviews for Avast SecureLine VPN, CyberGhost VPN, Bitdefender VPN, and AVG VPN.
Expand the Benefits of VPN With Extra Security Measures
Despite having robust security measures, Ivacy VPN can't protect you from all the threats on the Internet. You may still fall victim to scams or fraud if you visit malicious websites and relay your sensitive details to them, such as during online purchases.
However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your information being compromised during online transactions:
- Make sure that a specific website has data encryption enabled—You can do so by looking for a padlock icon and "https://" in the address bar.
- Begin using two-factor authentication to add another layer of protection—With 2FA, even if somebody steals your login details, they won't be able to gain access to your account without going through an extra identification step.
- Consider using virtual cards—Virtual cards mask your real financial details with unique card numbers that you can use for online purchases. Even if a data breach on a merchant’s server occurs, a hacker can only access your virtual card details, while your real financial data will remain hidden. Major banks such as Capital One® and American Express® offer virtual cards, but independent providers such as Privacy provide extra security and more control over spending, making online shopping safer and more prudent.
Empower your online security
With Privacy Cards, you can define spending limits, protecting your bank account from unexpected charges.
Protect Your Financial Information With Privacy Virtual Cards
Privacy Virtual Cards help protect your real payment details from potential hackers. Every Privacy Card includes a 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV, while your actual debit card or bank account information is not disclosed or stored in the merchant's database.
Privacy provides security measures equivalent to those of any reliable bank, including two-factor authentication (2FA), transaction alerts, and regular independent third-party audits.
Types of Privacy Cards
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
- Merchant-Locked Cards—Once linked to the initial merchant you use them at, these cards cannot be used elsewhere. They are the perfect choice for recurring payments, such as bills and subscriptions, and merchants you regularly shop at.
- Single-Use Cards—These cards become invalid shortly after the first purchase is made. Even if a potential hacker acquires your card details, they cannot use them.
- Category-Locked Cards—"Locking" to a type of merchant rather than just one merchant, these cards enable you to budget and manage spending in popular categories like groceries, travel, and retail.
Privacy Cards allow you to set spending limits, which means that you can define how much a merchant can charge you. Transactions exceeding the preset limit are declined by Privacy, safeguarding against accidental charges and undisclosed fees.
With the ability to pause or close cards, Privacy Virtual Cards help protect you from unexpected charges. This feature can be especially useful if a subscription service attempts to charge you for another month during the subscription cancellation process.
Privacy Additional Features
Additional features that Privacy offers include:
- Mobile app—The Privacy App is available for iOS and Android devices to help manage your virtual cards on the go. It allows you to change spending limits or pause/close a card directly from your phone.
- Browser extension—The Privacy Browser Extension is compatible with Chrome, Edge, Safari (including Safari for iOS), and Firefox. This extension allows you to manage your virtual cards directly from your browser. It also includes an autofill feature, eliminating the need to manually enter your card details when making online purchases.
- Integration with 1Password—Smooth integration with 1Password allows you to request, use, and save Privacy Virtual Cards within the password manager's web extension.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get a Privacy Virtual Card, you need to:
- Sign up on the Privacy website
- Verify your identity
- Connect your funding source—a debit card or bank account
- Request your virtual card
Privacy offers four monthly plans—Personal, Plus, Pro, and Premium—each with different features:
Privacy Virtual Cards are available to US residents above the age of 18 with a bank account or checking account at a U.S. bank or credit union. You can use your Privacy Cards at most stores accepting U.S. Visa® and Mastercard® payments.
