IPVanish takes a different approach to the VPN market: it owns and operates its entire server infrastructure rather than renting from third parties. This gives the US-based provider (now owned by Ziff Davis, the media company behind PCMag and Mashable) direct control over its hardware — a meaningful security advantage that most competitors can't claim. For Australians, that translates to servers in Sydney and Melbourne that are genuinely managed by IPVanish, not leased from a data centre with unknown access policies.
The standout feature is unlimited simultaneous device connections. While most VPNs cap you at 5-10 devices, IPVanish lets you connect everything — every phone, laptop, tablet, streaming stick, and smart TV in your household — on a single account. Combined with pricing around $2.49/month on a two-year plan, it's exceptional value for larger households or anyone with a growing collection of connected devices.
IPVanish has a particular following among Kodi and Fire TV Stick users, thanks to a dedicated Fire TV app that's easy to sideload and configure. If you're running Kodi for media streaming, IPVanish's combination of speed, unlimited devices, and Fire Stick compatibility makes it a natural fit. The apps support WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec protocols.
The provider does carry some baggage: a 2016 logging incident under previous ownership (Highwinds Network Group) damaged trust in the privacy community. Since Ziff Davis acquired the company, IPVanish has undergone independent audits and rebuilt its reputation — but the history is worth noting, especially if privacy is your primary concern. For general use, streaming, and whole-household coverage, IPVanish is a strong contender at its price point.
