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IPVanish servers – all you need to know about the VPN provider's network
IPVanish has been a big name in the VPN world since 2012, with a reputation for fast speeds, strong privacy credentials, and full control over most of its server infrastructure.
Indeed, a VPN provider's server network is one of the first things people look at when hunting for a new service. Numbers, locations, and specialist features can have a big impact on everything from streaming and gaming to privacy and performance.
But what do IPVanish's server stats actually mean in practice?
Here's everything you need to know about the provider's network, including how many servers it has, where they're located, the protocols it supports, and how to choose the right server for your needs.
What is a VPN server?
A VPN server is a remote computer that acts as a secure middleman between your device and the internet.
When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is routed through one of these servers before reaching its destination. Websites and services see the server's IP address rather than your own, helping to improve privacy and making it appear as though you're browsing from the server's location.
The larger and more diverse a VPN's server network is, the more options you have when it comes to finding fast connections, accessing region-specific content, and avoiding overcrowded servers.
How many servers does IPVanish have and where are they located?
IPVanish, at time of publishing, operates more than 3,400 servers across over 150 locations worldwide, covering more than 120 countries.
The network has expanded during the past year, with new locations added across North America and Europe. Recent additions include cities like Detroit, Salt Lake City, Berlin, Barcelona, Calgary, and Edinburgh.
The US is a great example of an area with extensive coverage. IPVanish offers server locations in more than 20 American cities, which lets people select a region that's physically close for better speeds – or choose a specific city when location matters. The network includes hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, Ashburn, Seattle, and Denver.
Alongside its servers, IPVanish has more than 56,000 IP addresses. A larger IP pool helps distribute people across the network and can reduce congestion during busy periods.
What specialized servers does IPVanish offer?
IPVanish doesn't operate separate server categories specifically labelled for streaming, gaming, or torrenting – as some of its competitors do.
Instead, the company's approach is to make all servers capable of handling a broad range of activities. P2P traffic is supported across the network, meaning you don't need to hunt for dedicated torrenting servers before getting started. And it provides streaming access through its standard locations rather than maintaining separate streaming-optimized servers.
The idea is that having one unified network simplifies server selection and reduces the need to switch between specialist categories.
One exception is IPVanish's Double Hop feature. This routes traffic through two VPN locations instead of one, adding an additional layer of privacy by making it harder to trace traffic back to its source. This can reduce speeds slightly compared to a standard connection, but the privacy-conscious may appreciate the extra protection.
IPVanish also allows users to filter for RAM-only locations, which are becoming an increasingly important part of its infrastructure and offer deeper levels of security. More on which below...
IPVanish's Ram-only servers and infrastructure
What are RAM-only servers?
While traditional servers store data on hard drives, RAM-only servers operate entirely in volatile memory. That means any information is automatically wiped whenever the server is restarted or powered down.
This provides an additional layer of reassurance because no data can remain stored on the server after a reboot.
Where are IPVanish's RAM-only servers?
IPVanish began rolling out RAM-only servers in 2025 and has been steadily expanding availability.
Nearly 1,000 RAM-only servers are now available across 25 locations, which is more than a third of the network.
IPVanish says it plans to transition its entire network to RAM-only infrastructure by 2027. You can now filter specifically for RAM-only locations.
What protocols does IPVanish offer?
VPN protocols determine how your device communicates with a VPN server. Different protocols balance speed, security, and compatibility in different ways.
IPVanish supports three major protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2.
WireGuard is generally the fastest option and is often the best choice for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing. OpenVPN remains highly trusted thanks to its flexibility and strong security record. IKEv2 is useful on mobile devices because it reconnects quickly when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile networks.
How to choose the right IPVanish server
For the fastest speeds, pick a location that's physically close to you. Shorter distances usually mean lower latency and better performance.
Of course, if you're trying to access a service that's available in a specific country, choose a server in that region instead.
IPVanish includes several tools that make server selection easier. The Default Location feature automatically connects you to your preferred server whenever you launch the app. Server Favorite lets you save frequently used locations for quick access later. Ping Time Filtering helps identify servers with lower latency, making it easier to find faster connections for streaming, gaming, or browsing.
If you're unsure where to start, choosing the nearest available server is usually the best option. You can always experiment with different cities and countries later to see what works best for your particular needs.
