ibVPN Overview and Features

Originating from Romania, ibVPN is a creation of Amplusnet ARL.

Initially starting as a proxy service in 2003, the company expanded by introducing its encrypted VPN service, ibVPN, in 2010.

Despite its limited server network, ibVPN claims to deliver impressive performance.

To evaluate its effectiveness, we've put it through a series of tests, examining various aspects such as pricing, security features, speed, server network, customer support, and more.

Currently, ibVPN is running some enticing summer promotions that will last until the end of September:

• Enjoy a massive 78% discount on the exclusive two-year ultimate VPN plan, priced at $58.06 for two years, which breaks down to just $2.42 per month.

  
  

• Alternatively, benefit from a 50% discount on any standard VPN subscription, with plans starting as low as $1.47 per month when billed annually.

  
  

One clear takeaway from ibVPN is its complexity; the array of plans can easily confuse even seasoned users, let alone newcomers.

If you have specific requirements for a VPN provider, this platform could be a great fit. However, first-time users seeking a straightforward, all-encompassing solution may find the ibVPN website a little daunting.

The available plans are varied, with numerous features included—though the options listed here are just a glimpse of what’s offered.

ibVPN offers a variety of service packages catering to different needs.

At the top tier, there is the Ultimate VPN, which encompasses a comprehensive range of features.

Beneath this, three lower-tier plans are available, each priced equally but designed with specific functionalities in mind.

These lower-tier options are limited to a single device connection at any given time.

The Standard VPN plan provides a selection of servers, although it does not support P2P file sharing, such as torrenting.

Additionally, it lacks some of the advanced features found in the Ultimate VPN, like Tor over VPN and Double VPN.

The Torrent VPN plan, however, is designed for file sharing, granting access to a curated list of servers that permit P2P activities.

It includes SOCKS5 proxies but does not offer browser extensions.

Lastly, there is the ibDNS/SmartDNS option, which is not a VPN service but provides access to the SmartDNS proxy server.

All ibVPN plans come with the benefit of unlimited data usage.

For those considering ibVPN's pricing structure, the annual plan for the three basic tiers is priced at $36.95, translating to a monthly cost of approximately $3.08.

If you prefer a shorter commitment, a six-month subscription is available for $19.95, which averages out to around $3.32 per month—only a slight increase from the yearly option.

Alternatively, if you choose to pay monthly, the fee is $4.95 each month.

The Ultimate VPN Plan is available for an annual fee of $58.06, which breaks down to approximately $4.83 per month.

For those considering a six-month commitment, the cost is $42.95, translating to $7.16 monthly.

If you prefer a month-to-month option, it will set you back $10.95 each month.

Each Ultimate VPN package supports up to five simultaneous connections, making it a practical choice for users with multiple devices.

This plan includes a comprehensive suite of features, such as P2P support and access to nearly 200 servers.

Additionally, you’ll benefit from advanced options like Tor over VPN, Double VPN, and Stealth VPN, which will be explored in further detail later.

When placed side by side with other VPN services, the Ultimate VPN appears quite competitive.

Although its pricing is generally mid-range, many competitors provide longer subscription periods with substantial discounts.

It’s common to find plans for less than $3 monthly if you commit to two or three years.

ibVPN supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with manual configuration available for Linux and certain routers.

Payment methods are diverse, accommodating major credit cards, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, as well as options like SMS (exclusive to Romanian users), Perfect Money, and PaymentWall.

All subscription plans are backed by a 15-day money-back guarantee.

While this isn't the most lenient return policy available, it typically offers ample time for users to determine if the service meets their needs.

For those hesitant to enter payment information, ibVPN provides a 24-hour free trial of its complete offerings, requiring only an email address for access.When considering ibVPN, users can expect robust security features across all subscription plans.

Each plan is fortified with 256-bit Blowfish encryption, ensuring a high level of protection along with perfect forward secrecy.

The applications are designed to safeguard against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and they include a kill switch for added security.

Users have the flexibility to choose from various protocols such as OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, and IPSec/IKEv2.

Additionally, 24/7 live chat support is provided to assist with any inquiries or installation issues.

Among the available options, the Ultimate VPN plan stands out, offering full access to all features and allowing for five simultaneous connections.

This is particularly beneficial for families or users who frequently switch between multiple devices.

Once you've selected your plan and completed the registration, the VPN setup is straightforward.

Simply download and install the relevant application, then launch it and log in with your credentials.

We tested the Ultimate VPN package on both Windows and iOS platforms, noting that the user interface is consistent across all plans.

After installation, you'll be greeted by a dual-screen layout.

On the left, the main dashboard provides an overview, while the right side displays the servers tab upon launch.

If you wish to focus solely on the dashboard, you can click the dashboard option on the left.

The dashboard itself offers a wealth of information, including your current connection status, server location, active IP address, selected protocol, and both download and upload speeds.

Additionally, users can access connection logs if enabled, check the status of the kill switch, monitor ibDNS, and view subscription details.

The servers section is divided into three main tabs: servers , protocols , and wizard .

In the servers tab, users can view a comprehensive list of available servers. You can sort the servers alphabetically by country, with additional details about the city.

Furthermore, there's an option to categorize servers based on favorites, continents, or specific features like tor over VPN, double VPN, torrenting, or gaming.

For those seeking optimal performance, you can select the fastest server available, your fastest favorite, or even rotate through your list of favorites. Additionally, there's a feature to identify the fastest server for P2P activities.

VPN Features Overview

Within the protocols section, users can find a comprehensive list of available protocols along with in-depth descriptions for each option.

The wizard feature offers various options to assist users in selecting the right server for specific requirements, including streaming from the US or UK and circumventing China's Great Firewall.

On the left side of the dashboard, beneath the servers tab, lies the settings section. This area contains three additional tabs: privacy , kill switch , and behaviour .

The privacy tab allows you to modify settings related to IPv6 and DNS leak protection, conduct ping tests, block ads, and manage your favorite servers with rotation options.

In the kill switch section, you can activate or deactivate the internet killswitch , which terminates the internet connection across your entire device if the VPN connection fails. Alternatively, there's the application killswitch , which lets you choose specific applications to protect while excluding others. Keep in mind that the standard kill switch is turned on by default.

The behaviour tab includes options that influence how the app operates, including preferences for startup configurations and notifications.

Another important feature is found in the ibdns section, where you can pick a server for the smartdns functionality. This feature reroutes DNS requests, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions and potentially achieve faster speeds than with the VPN. However, be cautious: using this feature disables the VPN, which means your traffic will no longer be encrypted.

This client certainly provides a wealth of customization options, offering considerable flexibility for enhancing your VPN experience. While newcomers may find the variety of choices daunting, the app does a good job of explaining its features, reducing the need for external support. Aesthetically, the interface is quite basic compared to the sleek designs of many competing services, but if practicality is your priority, it serves its purpose well.

The experience on the iOS app differs significantly from the desktop version, presenting a more polished interface. Upon launching and signing in, users are greeted with introductory screens that offer helpful tips. The main interface displays your current connection status and selected server. To choose a different location, simply click on select another location , which will direct you to the server list .

The mobile version offers a streamlined experience compared to the desktop application, featuring limited options while still allowing users to select servers by geographical location.

Additionally, you have the choice to connect to the fastest server available in specific areas, including the US, UK, or South America.

Upon establishing a connection, the interface transforms to a vibrant green backdrop, showcasing your newly assigned IP address.

To navigate the settings, simply click on the menu icon located in the upper left corner of your screen.

Within the options menu, you'll find two key tabs: app settings and vpn settings .

The app settings tab offers a selection of straightforward options that influence how the app operates.

In contrast, the vpn settings tab provides various additional features, such as the ability to automatically enable the VPN when the device connects to the internet and the option to change protocols.

The mobile application for ibVPN offers a more simplified experience compared to its desktop counterpart, which may appeal to casual users. However, seasoned users might find the limited features somewhat restrictive.

Currently, ibVPN operates with a modest network of just under 200 servers across 57 countries. While this is a decent reach, it pales in comparison to industry giants like NordVPN, boasting thousands of servers, or ExpressVPN, which spans 94 countries. Interestingly, some smaller providers, like PrivateVPN, have demonstrated efficiency with even fewer servers.

When selecting a server, the app provides multiple options. You can opt for the quickest server or a selection of the fastest x servers based on region or specific functionality. The app efficiently tests the servers to determine the best connection speed, taking roughly 30 seconds, indicating that it primarily assesses latency instead of download speeds. Typically, users connect to servers that are geographically closer.

In our practical testing with ibVPN, we connected to various servers and found the experience to be largely positive. There was no discernible lag during web browsing , and we managed to stream content in 1080p and engage in online gaming without any difficulties. Transitioning to new servers was generally swift and hassle-free. However, users may experience some lag when connecting to servers situated far away, which could be a drawback for some.

For our speed assessments, we strive for objectivity. These tests were conducted from Toronto, mirroring methodologies used for other VPN providers. We downloaded a 100MB file from a server in Oregon, using three VPN test servers located in the US East, US West, and the UK. Each test was compared to a control scenario without a VPN, and we repeated the tests at different times throughout the day.

The findings are represented in boxplots. The intersection of the light and dark blue boxes indicates the median speed for each provider, with lower values signifying faster speeds . The size of the boxes illustrates the variability in results, where smaller boxes indicate more consistent performance .

ibVPN has demonstrated respectable performance in various tests.

When connecting to US servers, the speed reduction was around 20-30% compared to a baseline, which is quite acceptable. However, connecting to UK servers resulted in a notable slowdown, with some connections being over three times slower than the control. This is typical for servers that are geographically further away, but such a drop in speed may deter some users.

It's important to understand that the results of these tests are merely indicative. The internet's inherent unpredictability can lead to significant variations, so these results should be interpreted cautiously. The tests were conducted on a 60 Mbps connection, meaning users with slower internet may experience longer wait times and potentially different speed variations.

Regarding streaming capabilities, ibVPN successfully unblocks Netflix. As Netflix intensifies its efforts to restrict VPN usage, accessing its content has become increasingly challenging. Fortunately, ibVPN seems equipped to handle this, as we found that all US servers allowed seamless access to Netflix, both via the desktop client and the VPN app.

However, this success appears limited to the US Netflix library. Attempts to connect to other regional libraries yielded no success, which is common as many VPNs focus on providing access to the US library, the most sought after.

If you're interested in streaming platforms beyond Netflix, we explored additional services like Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer, which ibVPN successfully unblocked without any complications.

Additionally, ibVPN is functional in China. The provider has established specialized double VPN servers for Chinese users. By selecting the double vpn china2us option, users can connect to a US server, while the double vpn china2eu option allows a connection to a Netherlands server.

Although the selection of servers may be limited, it is sufficient to navigate around China's Great Firewall and access restricted content such as Facebook, Google, and Netflix.

ibVPN: A Reliable VPN Choice

In a landscape where many VPN providers have largely abandoned users in China, it’s refreshing to encounter a company that actively strives to offer reliable services globally.

Founded in Romania, ibVPN benefits from the absence of mandatory data retention laws. This legal framework ensures that personal information isn’t stored without explicit user consent. IbVPN emphasizes its commitment to user privacy by stating, “we do not collect or log any traffic or usage of our VPN service, making it impossible to associate specific activities with individual users.”

The encryption employed by ibVPN utilizes Blowfish with 256-bit keys. While this is slightly less robust than the more widely adopted 256-bit AES encryption used by many competitors, Blowfish remains a formidable option. The service also incorporates 2048-bit RSA keys for authentication and DHE keys to ensure perfect forward secrecy. Users can select from various protocols, including OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, and IPSec/IKEv2.

Users benefit from integrated DNS and IPv6 leak protection within the ibVPN application. The provider operates its own DNS servers, which offer greater privacy than those managed by public entities or ISPs. In contrast to some competitors who rely on public DNS servers like Google’s—capable of tracking browsing history via DNS queries—ibVPN prioritizes user anonymity.

An important feature of the ibVPN app is its built-in kill switch. This tool automatically disconnects internet access if the VPN connection is lost, safeguarding user information from exposure outside the secure tunnel. Additionally, the auto-reconnect function quickly restores the VPN connection after an unexpected drop.

The ultimate VPN package offered by ibVPN includes the option to use Tor over VPN. This feature allows users to route their connection through the VPN server and then into the Tor network, all without the need for the Tor browser. As a result, users can access Tor and the dark web from any browser they prefer.

For enhanced privacy and security, ibVPN also offers a double VPN feature, which sends traffic through two servers rather than one. Interestingly, this can sometimes lead to improved speeds as well.

A notable recent enhancement is the introduction of StealthVPN. This feature disguises VPN packets as standard HTTPS traffic, enabling users to bypass restrictive firewalls. This lightweight obfuscation method is available for configuration in the servers > protocol section of the app and functions effectively on most servers.ibVPN stands out for its commitment to customer support.
Within the Help section on their website, users can access setup tutorials, a comprehensive FAQ, and a vast knowledge base filled with numerous articles.

For community interaction, a support forum allows users to engage in discussions about various issues or topics with fellow ibVPN members.
If direct communication is preferred, ibVPN offers multiple contact methods: users can submit a support ticket, send an email, or utilize live chat.
While live chat provides quick responses and knowledgeable assistance, it's important to note that it is managed by Zendesk, which may raise privacy concerns for some users; hence, submitting a ticket may be a more suitable choice for privacy-focused individuals.

Additionally, for those requiring remote assistance, ibVPN has a dedicated feature.
Users can easily select the Remote Assistance option on the help page and arrange an appointment that fits their schedule, whether they prefer screen sharing or remote access, ensuring comfort and convenience.

Overall, ibVPN presents a well-rounded solution for the majority of users .
It boasts reasonable speeds and the ability to access a variety of streaming platforms, making it a good choice for those seeking to bypass geo-restrictions.
Plans include unlimited bandwidth, and many servers are optimized for P2P activities, appealing to torrent users as well.

However, newcomers may find the intricate pricing structures and the somewhat complicated desktop clients a bit daunting.
In contrast, more experienced users will appreciate the level of flexibility available.
The limited number of servers could be a drawback, potentially contributing to some of the slower speed test results encountered.

Explore ibVPN for more details on their offerings.

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN is a virtual private network designed to enable users to access region-restricted content on Netflix by connecting to servers in various countries. By using a Netflix VPN, users can bypass geographical restrictions, allowing them to enjoy a broader range of shows and movies that may not be available in their own region. To use a Netflix VPN, one must select a dependable VPN provider that supports streaming, set up an account, install the VPN software, connect to a server in the desired location, and then access Netflix to explore the expanded content library.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If you are looking to access region-restricted content by using a Netflix VPN, you may want to consider the SafeShell VPN . SafeShell VPN offers several outstanding benefits, making it an excellent choice for netflix unblocked access. With high-speed servers specifically optimized for seamless Netflix streaming, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies without any interruptions. These servers are designed with cutting-edge technology, providing lightning-fast connection speeds that allow for buffer-free playback and high-definition streaming.

Additionally, SafeShell VPN allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously, supporting a wide array of operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro. This means you can experience seamless connectivity on up to five devices at once. The exclusive App Mode feature further enhances your experience by enabling you to unlock and enjoy content from multiple regions simultaneously. Coupled with its lightning-fast speeds and top-level security through the proprietary ShellGuard VPN protocol, SafeShell VPN ensures your online privacy and security, offering a truly unrestricted and secure entertainment experience.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

To get started with accessing Netflix content from different regions using SafeShell Netflix VPN , follow these steps:

• Subscribe to SafeShell VPN by visiting their website at https://www.safeshellvpn.com /. Choose a plan that suits your needs and budget, then click "Subscribe Now".

  
  

• Next, download and install SafeShell VPN. Go to the website again, select your device type (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.), and download the appropriate app or software version.

  
  

• Once installed, launch the SafeShell VPN app and click on "Log In" to access your account. SafeShell supports two modes, but for a better Netflix viewing experience, choose the APP mode.

  
  

• After logging in, browse the list of available VPN servers. Select a server from the region whose Netflix content you want to access, such as the US, UK, or Canada, and click "Connect" to establish a connection.

  
  

• Finally, open the Netflix app or visit the Netflix website, log in with your Netflix account, and start streaming content available in the region you have selected.