What is IPVanish?

IPVanish is a top-rated VPN provider, with additional Secure Browser and Cloud Storage services.IPVanish is a best-in-class VPN provider with additional Secure Browser and Cloud Storage services.

IPVanish VPN offers increased connection privacy by encrypting internet traffic and shielding IP address data. IPVanish Secure Browser eliminates fingerprinting and malware threats by creating a disposable browsing session that runs in the cloud instead of a local device. Livedrive Cloud Storage, included in select IPVanish plans, securely backs up files and provides easy access from anywhere.

How a VPN works

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN works by establishing an encrypted connection between your device and the internet. This process relies on several crucial components:

VPN connection

When you initiate a VPN connection, it shifts the responsibility of your internet traffic delivery from your ISP to your VPN service provider, which uses encryption technology to bolster your online access. The best VPNs also provide state-of-the-art protocols and sought-after connection features.

VPN tunnel

A VPN uses tunneling protocols to encapsulate and encrypt your data into packets as it is sent to and from your device. This “tunnel” shields your internet activity from anyone monitoring your network connection, including advertisers and your ISP.

VPN encryption

As your internet data travels through the VPN tunnel, encryption transforms it from plaintext to unreadable code or ciphertext. This makes it accessible only to authorized parties.

VPN server

Instead of going directly to the intended destination, your encrypted data packets are first sent to a remote server, which acts as an intermediary. Then, the VPN server sends your traffic to the desired online destination on your behalf, masking your IP address and location in the process. 

IP address

Once connected to the VPN server, your device is assigned an IP address from the server, concealing your identifying IP address. This makes it appear as though your internet activities are originating from the server’s location instead of your true physical location

When and where to use a VPN

IPVanish provides a multitude of VPN benefits that are key in a variety of settings and scenarios. VPNs are commonly used to:

Connect safely to public Wi-Fi networks

When joining public Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, public transit, airports, or hotels, your sensitive information can become vulnerable to network owners, digital eavesdroppers, and cybercriminals. Fortunately, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your data to travel through, which helps shield your online activity from prying eyes. With IPVanish VPN, you can connect to public Wi-Fi networks and hotspots more confidently, knowing that your personal data and browsing history are safeguarded against unauthorized access.

Stream with added privacy and stability

Bandwidth throttling is a practice in which your Internet Service Provider monitors your network activity and slows down your internet speeds at their discretion. This ISP interference can be problematic for streaming. Not only are there privacy concerns at play, but there are also performance limitations to contend with. Thankfully, by shielding your home network activity from your ISP, IPVanish increases your digital privacy and lessens the likelihood of throttling in the process. And with dedicated streaming solutions like our Apple TV VPN app, Fire TV VPN app, and more, optimized streaming is easy with IPVanish.

Combat extreme cases of censorship

In some countries around the world, repressive governments partake in surveillance and enforce unjust restrictions and service bans, which threaten online freedom. Even in places where draconian internet regulation isn’t in place, overly aggressive firewalls and content-filtering systems can prevent access to charity, school, and social support websites and applications by mistake. But with IPVanish, you won’t be subject to this geographically imposed censorship. By altering your IP address, you can restore access to sites and services you’ve been wrongfully denied.

Simplified data protection

The best VPN apps make it easy to defend your data; IPVanish works with just one tap. Unite security and convenience through advanced settings that help protect your online activity automatically so you don’t have to remember. 

Powerful internet privacy

Our anonymous IP addresses shield your internet traffic from third-party spying. Armor your Wi-Fi network connection, guard your location data, and keep your activity confidential with the best online privacy shield.

Optimized streaming speeds

Tap into one of the fastest virtual private networks in the world. Our advanced VPN technology delivers lightning-quick connection speeds, letting you stream sports, films, and television, in 4K and HD without constant buffering.