Based in Romania, ibVPN has maintained a solid position against leading VPN providers for more than 5 years with a myriad of features, security protocols and global network of servers at affordable prices. Before we start exploring the different services offered by ibVPN, let’s understand why this provider and others have become more in demand these days.
Over the past few years, internet privacy is being more and more compromised by world governments and constantly changing regulations. As a result, the web has witnessed an increased interest by internet users in VPN services as an alternative method to maintain their right to protect their personal data online and surf the web in a completely private and anonymous environment.
In this light of events, the VPN market has become a vicious arena for VPN service providers making it more difficult and rather perplexing for internet users to choose a suitable VPN service.
In this article, we are going to shine a light on one of the most popular & relatively cheap VPN services today, which is “ibVPN”.
ibVPN Website
ibVPN ‘s website is smart, sleek and extremely user-friendly without being too tacky or flashy. Users can easily navigate and get all the information needed regarding the services and offers provided by ibVPN without facing any hassle whatsoever. The website includes sections describing the different features provided by ibVPN, an F.A.Q section (Knowledgebase), a section explaining how to set-up the client on different platforms, a forum to share opinions and concerns, and several sections, including: price plans & special offers, privacy policy, customer support, remote assistance as well as different methods to browse the internet privately and anonymously.
Compatibility
ibVPN is impressively compatible with multiple platforms and devices to suit different users’ needs. It supports: Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Roku player, Xbox consoles, Playstation consoles and routers as well. This means that subscribers can use ibVPN for internet browsing on laptops, PCs, mobile phones, tablets. They can also use it for gaming and streaming media securely and anonymously.
The Client
We have tested ibVPN All-in-One client for Windows based on the service’s free trial. Signing-up was extremely easy. All you need to do is to register for an ibVPN account using your name, e-mail and password. Then you are ready to install the client which was equally easy and didn’t cause any hassle. The configuration process took a few seconds and we were ready to use the program. We were connected to “Egypt” server which was extremely fast, but we needed to switch servers later on to try unblocking restricted websites.
As you can see above, ibVPN client is sleek and is packed with several features, such as: kill switch and ibDNS. You will be connected to the fastest server by default, but you have the option to switch between different servers, but bear in mind that you will need to disconnect the VPN first to avoid it from crashing. There is also a section where you can contact ibVPN’s support service without having to go to the website online and submit a ticket.
Privacy & Security Protocols
” ibVPN respects each individual’s right to personal privacy. That’s why, ibVPN in any circumstances, will not share, sell or rent users’ personal information that they use to register for the service. The information provided by users is kept with utmost care, and would never be used in ways other than the ones permitted by them. This statement applies both to information collected at ibVPN Web site, and through merchant provider (WHMCS Inc.). “
This is what is clearly stated on their privacy policy section. We find ibVPN superior to other VPN service providers that we have reviewed before in terms of privacy as it does not keep traffic logs, meaning that your browsing history will not be monitored or recorded. Moreover, they do not collect personal data either unlike other VPN service providers who don’t keep logs, but keep some records of a user’s personal data, VPN sessions and bandwidth.
As for encryption protocols, ibVPN relies on AES 256-bit encryption system through OpenVPN protocol which makes it practically hard to break and firmly secures and protects your IP address and online data. In addition to OpenVPN, they also support PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, SoftEther, and IPsec protocols.
Bandwidth & Servers
A clear sign of an excellent VPN service provider is its network of servers and where they are located. The more the servers and countries covered, the better & faster connection. ibVPN proudly boasts about its extensive network of 100 servers that are spread over 63 countries through which you can access at any minute, namely: UK, USA, GERMANY, ITALY, SPAIN, ROMANIA, HUNGARY, EGYPT, SAUDI ARABIA, BELGIUM, POLAND, SWEDEN, IRELAND, FINLAND, NORWAY, RUSSIA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, HONG KONG, SINGAPORE, INDIA, BRAZIL and many more.
We were particularly impressed to see that ibVPN is branched out in the Middle East & Gulf region which is not the case with many VPN providers. Such stout network of servers boosts the internet connection and allows internet users to get access to any restricted destination on the web easily and fast.
As for bandwidth, ibVPN states on its website that they provide unlimited bandwidth and unlimited speeds. This means that there are no restrictions whatsoever on the amount of data used or the servers chosen.
More ibVPN Features
ibVPN doesn’t just stop at this point. It offers its users a bag of attractive features to enjoy getting online worry-free. Let’s explore some of those features:
– Kill Switch: to ensure that your IP address and data are never exposed even if the VPN is cut off.
– SmartDNS
– Proxy services
– Tor over VPN: to use torrents through your VPN connection. However, ibVPN does not allow P2P sharing on their standard plans.
– Double VPN: to add extra layer of protection to your VPN connection by routing your data through several VPN servers and traps it from getting exposed or traced by any third party.
Price Plans & Free Trial
ibVPN offers a decent 24-hr free trial which we have surprisingly found fairly enough to test their service. As for their price plans, ibVPN comes in 4 different packages:
– Ultimate VPN for $3.45 per month
– Standard VPN for $3.08 per month
– Torrent VPN for $3.08 per month
– Smart DNS for $3.08 per month
Payment Methods & Refund Policy
ibVPN does not accept payments via Paypal, however, they do accept these payment methods: PayPro, Avangate , AlertPay, WebMoney, Western Union, Perfect Money, and BitCoin.
As for refunds, ibVPN offers a 15-day money-back guarantee. It would have been perfect if they offered a 30-day money-back guarantee instead though.
Customer Support
ibVPN provides different option to get support at any time, such as: F.A.Q, set-up guides, email tickets and a live chat. Unfortunately, their live chat support is not available 24/7 and we didn’t get the chance to communicate with them.
Conclusion
Without any doubt we were quite impressed with ibVPN and enjoyed testing their free trial, no wonder it has earned a respected place among the best and cheapest VPN providers in the market. On the other hand, we think it would be a lot better if they make their life chat support available 24/7 to make it more easier for subscribers to get help at any time.
Pros
– Fast
– Cheap
– Massive network of servers and locations extending to the Middle East as well
– Kill switch
– SmartDNS
– Unlimited bandwidth
– Torrent VPN & P2P sharing
– High-level security protocols
– No logging
– Double VPN
– Forums
– Generous F.A.Q section
Cons
– Live chat is not available 24/7
– P2P sharing is not included with their standard package
