Shellfire

Competition in the VPN world breeds innovation, and few matchups illustrate that better than Ivacy and Private Internet Access (PIA). Both brands promise fast connections, secure encryption and worldwide servers, yet their approaches diverge in subtle ways. Ivacy markets itself as a feature‑rich service with user‑friendly apps and an ever‑expanding network, while PIA leans on its enormous U.S. presence, open‑source ethos and streaming‑optimised servers.

Choosing between them requires more than just glancing at marketing claims; you need to understand their infrastructure, speeds, privacy policies and practical features. Over the next few paragraphs we’ll dive deep into these elements, drawing on recent tests and expert reviews so you can decide which service better matches your needs.

Key Points

• Ivacy operates a network of more than 5,700 servers across over 100 countries and offers features like split tunnelling, dedicated IP addresses and a kill switch, but its streaming performance and speeds sometimes lag behind competitors.
• Private Internet Access runs servers in 91 countries (including every U.S. state), supports unlimited simultaneous connections and includes port forwarding and streaming‑optimised servers; it maintains good speeds with only about a 4.84% drop in download performance during tests.
• Beyond these two, some providers offer niche advantages; hardware-based VPNs protect devices that can’t run apps, making them ideal for game consoles or smart TVs without native clients.

Quick Comparison: Ivacy vs PIA

Feature	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
Headquarters	Singapore	United States
Server network	5,700+ servers in 100+ countries	Servers in 91 countries, including every U.S. state
Simultaneous connections	10 devices	Unlimited devices
Encryption & protocols	AES‑256 encryption with OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard; split tunnelling available	AES‑256 encryption; supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2; includes SOCKS5 proxy and port forwarding
Streaming support	Can unblock some Netflix regions but is often detected and delivers inconsistent performance	Offers streaming‑optimised servers in 11 countries and works with major services like Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer
Torrenting & P2P	P2P allowed on all servers; dedicated IP optional; speeds are slower than top competitors	Full P2P support, port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy for torrent clients
Censorship resistance	Limited obfuscation; struggles in restrictive countries	Works in many regions but may require manual configuration; doesn’t offer obfuscation features
Price (approx.)	≈ US$1.99/month on long‑term plan	≈ US$2.03/month on long‑term plan

Both services offer strong security basics, but there are notable differences. Ivacy markets its global coverage and dedicated IP options, while PIA focuses on deep server infrastructure in the United States and around the world. If you need something simpler, hardware solutions like the Shellfire Box provide network‑wide VPN protection without software, which can be a lifeline for smart TVs or IoT devices.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Aspect	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
Server count	More than 5,700 servers worldwide	Servers in 91 countries (also one in every U.S. state)
Countries/locations	Over 100 countries	91 countries, plus 50 U.S. states
Specialty servers	Dedicated IP, P2P servers	Streaming‑optimised servers in 11 countries, dedicated IP and SOCKS5 proxy

The difference in infrastructure reflects divergent priorities. Ivacy covers more countries, which may appeal to travellers or users needing IP addresses in less common regions.

By contrast, PIA concentrates resources on each U.S. state and major locations worldwide, offering network depth rather than breadth. This helps PIA deliver more consistent speeds and reliability, especially for users in the United States.

For deeper context on how network size impacts performance, check out our analysis of NordVPN vs PureVPN, which discusses similar trade‑offs.

Speed & Performance

Metric	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
Average download impact	Speed reduction of roughly 50–60% in some tests, causing slower file transfers and gaming experiences	Download speeds drop by about 4.84% on average, according to Security.org speed tests
Upload impact	Upload speeds can decrease significantly (over 80% drop)	Upload speeds remain relatively stable, with minor drops
Latency (ping)	Latency increases and can affect gaming; speeds may not be suitable for competitive play	Minimal increase in latency during speed tests, making PIA more suitable for gaming

Speed and stability determine whether a VPN is good for everyday use. Ivacy’s speeds can vary widely, especially during peak hours or when connecting to distant servers, which can cause buffering and sluggish downloads. PIA, on the other hand, exhibits remarkably low speed loss, less than 5% in recent tests. That difference makes streaming and gaming smoother on PIA.

If you’re exploring other performance‑oriented options, you might find our article comparing Surfshark vs PIA useful.

Security & Privacy

Criterion	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
Encryption	AES‑256 encryption; supports OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard	AES‑256 encryption; supports OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2
Kill switch & split tunnelling	Yes (kill switch on major platforms and split tunnelling)	Yes (kill switch, split tunnelling and advanced settings)
Logging policy	No logs claimed; based in Singapore	No usage logs; located in the United States but uses RAM‑only servers and has been tested in court to protect user privacy
Special privacy features	Dedicated IP option; split tunnelling; NAT firewall	Dedicated IPs in 10 countries, SOCKS5 proxy, MultiHop via Shadowsocks, and open‑source clients

Both VPNs employ robust AES‑256 encryption and offer kill switches and split tunnelling. Ivacy emphasises flexibility with its dedicated IP option and NAT firewall, making it attractive for hosting or remote access.

PIA goes further by offering RAM‑only servers, port forwarding and an open‑source client. Its no‑logs claims have been tested in court and upheld. Users who prioritise transparency may lean toward PIA, while those needing a dedicated IP might prefer Ivacy.

Streaming Performance

Platform	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
Netflix	Accesses some libraries but often blocked; inconsistent performance	Streaming‑optimised servers successfully unblock Netflix US, UK and other regions
Amazon Prime Video & Hulu	May work, but reliability varies	Works reliably when connecting to streaming servers
BBC iPlayer & Disney+	Often blocked	Dedicated servers provide access to BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and more
Quality & stability	Buffering and quality drops are common	High‑definition streaming with minimal buffering

Streaming is an area where PIA clearly outperforms. Its streaming‑optimised servers are designed to bypass geo‑blocks and maintain high‑quality video. Ivacy occasionally grants access to popular platforms but suffers from inconsistent speeds and detection by Netflix and other services.  For users focused on binge‑watching, PIA’s specialised servers and stable connections are far more reliable.

Platform Compatibility

Device	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
Windows, macOS, Linux	Native apps with kill switch and split tunnelling	Native apps, open‑source; strong customisation
Mobile (iOS, Android)	Full‑featured apps with Wi‑Fi protection	Full‑featured apps; includes kill switch and automation rules
Routers & smart devices	Manual configuration required; no dedicated app	Supports routers (manual setup), plus Smart DNS for consoles and streaming boxes
Simultaneous connections	Up to 10 devices	Unlimited devices

Both providers cover the major platforms, but PIA has an advantage thanks to open‑source clients and unlimited simultaneous connections. Ivacy’s 10‑device limit suffices for most households, yet heavy users or large families might prefer PIA’s unlimited policy. Additionally, PIA’s Smart DNS feature makes it easier to stream on devices without native VPN support, like gaming consoles.

For users wanting a more integrated hardware solution, the Shellfire Box can provide VPN protection to any device connected to your home network.

Performance in Censorship‑Heavy Countries

Country/Region	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
China	Struggles to bypass Great Firewall; limited obfuscation	Requires manual configuration; inconsistent success and may need third‑party obfuscation
Russia & Middle East	Connections often blocked; unreliable	Works sporadically; users may need to test different protocols and ports
Turkey & Iran	May work intermittently; speeds are slow	Better success when using WireGuard or OpenVPN TCP modes

Neither service specialises in bypassing strict government censorship. Ivacy lacks advanced obfuscation protocols and struggles in China and Russia. PIA can sometimes connect using alternative ports or protocols, but success is not guaranteed.

Travellers heading to restrictive regions might consider a VPN with stronger obfuscation or hardware options like the Shellfire Box, which routes traffic through secure servers and may offer better consistency.

User Experience & Apps

Aspect	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
User interface	Simple dashboard; easy to switch protocols and enable split tunnelling	Feature‑rich interface with customisable settings; some learning curve
Setup & onboarding	Quick setup wizards and clear guides	Slightly more complex due to advanced options but still user‑friendly
Stability & reliability	Occasional connection drops, especially on mobile networks	Stable connections and regular updates

Ivacy’s interface is intuitive and great for beginners, with clear toggles for split tunnelling and dedicated IP. However, occasional connection drops and slower speeds can frustrate users. PIA’s client offers more granular settings, a boon for power users, and once configured, it runs quietly in the background.

Customer Support

Support channel	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
Live chat & email	24/7 live chat, email support	24/7 live chat and email support
Knowledge base	Comprehensive tutorials and FAQs	Extensive guides, community forums and open‑source documentation
Response time	Generally under an hour via chat	Fast live chat responses; more detailed email follow‑ups

Customer support is comparable. Both providers offer 24/7 live chat and thorough knowledge bases. PIA’s community forums and open‑source nature encourage transparency and allow advanced users to share scripts and settings. Ivacy’s support team is known for quick responses and helpful troubleshooting.

Additional Features

Feature	Ivacy	Private Internet Access (PIA)
Port forwarding	Available with dedicated IP	Included on all servers; great for torrenting
Dedicated IP	Available as an add‑on (choice of several regions)	Available in 10 countries
Ad & malware blocker	Optional IPv6 leak protection and NAT firewall	PIA MACE blocks ads and trackers by default
Advanced networking	Split tunnelling and multi‑protocol support	SOCKS5 proxy, Shadowsocks support, script automation and port forwarding

PIA edges ahead in extra features. Its MACE blocker, robust port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy are valuable for privacy and torrenting. Ivacy’s additional perks, such as dedicated IP addresses and NAT firewall, cater to users who need consistent IPs for hosting or remote access.

Both services continue to evolve, but if you are looking for a hardware‑based alternative that requires no software configuration, the Shellfire Box might appeal to you, offering network‑wide encryption with minimal setup.

VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More

Use Case	Ivacy	PIA
Streaming	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Torrenting / P2P	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gaming	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Remote Work	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Budget‑conscious users	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Censorship‑heavy countries	⭐	⭐⭐

Best VPN for Streaming

For streaming enthusiasts, PIA is the clear winner. Its streaming‑optimised servers are specifically configured to bypass geo‑blocks and maintain high bandwidth, allowing you to watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and Disney+ in high definition without buffering.

In contrast, Ivacy struggles with popular streaming platforms and can be flagged by Netflix, resulting in inconsistent access and slower speeds. If your priority is reliable streaming from multiple regions, PIA’s dedicated servers deliver far better results.

Some readers may find even more nuanced comparisons in our guide on Surfshark vs Private Internet Access, which weighs PIA’s streaming servers against Surfshark’s multi‑hop options and unlimited device policy.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

Torrenting requires a combination of speed, anonymity and network configuration. PIA excels in this category by providing port forwarding, a SOCKS5 proxy and dedicated P2P support across its network. These tools allow you to maximise upload speeds, seed efficiently and maintain anonymity. 

Ivacy allows torrenting on all its servers and includes a NAT firewall, but the absence of built‑in port forwarding and slower speeds can limit efficiency. Users serious about P2P will likely appreciate PIA’s advanced toolkit and more stable performance.

Best VPN for Gaming

Low latency and stable connections are critical for online gaming. In our comparison, PIA again comes out ahead due to its modest impact on ping times and consistent download and upload speeds. Gamers can connect to servers close to their region and enjoy minimal lag. 

Ivacy, on the other hand, experiences higher latency and slower speeds, which may lead to lag spikes and disconnects during competitive matches. If you need to protect a gaming console that doesn’t support VPN apps, pairing the Shellfire Box with PIA can deliver low‑latency encrypted connections without software hassles.

For more insight into gaming performance across different providers, our deep dive comparing IPVanish vs NordVPN offers additional context on latency and packet loss.

Best VPN for Remote Work

Remote workers need reliable connections, strong encryption and the ability to connect multiple devices. PIA provides unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households with multiple laptops, phones and tablets. Its RAM‑only servers and open‑source apps also provide transparency and security for corporate communications. 

Ivacy supports up to ten devices and offers dedicated IP addresses, which may be useful for running services or remote desktops, but the slower speeds and occasional dropouts can hinder productivity. Overall, PIA delivers a more robust package for professionals who depend on consistent connectivity.

Best VPN for Budget‑Conscious Users

Both Ivacy and PIA offer competitive pricing, with long‑term plans costing around US$2 per month. Ivacy typically edges out with slightly lower promotional rates and occasional lifetime deals, making it appealing to budget‑conscious shoppers.

However, when considering value, PIA’s extra features (like MACE ad blocker, port forwarding and unlimited devices) may justify the marginally higher price. If your main concern is affordability and you don’t need advanced streaming or P2P tools, Ivacy is an economical choice.

Best VPN for Censorship‑Heavy Countries

Neither service specialises in bypassing strict censorship. Ivacy offers limited obfuscation and struggles to maintain connections in countries like China or Russia. PIA can work in some restrictive regions using custom configurations, but success is inconsistent.

For travellers facing severe censorship, a provider with dedicated obfuscation protocols or a hardware VPN solution like the Shellfire Box may offer better reliability. The Box routes your traffic through remote servers and can be paired with a subscription that prioritises connectivity in challenging regions.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, Private Internet Access outperforms Ivacy across most categories that matter to everyday users: speed, streaming, torrenting and gaming. Its network of servers in 91 countries, unlimited device policy and streaming‑optimised servers provide a solid foundation for reliable performance. The open‑source client, port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy add flexibility for advanced users and demonstrate a commitment to transparency.

Ivacy still holds appeal. With more than 5,700 servers in over 100 countries and features like dedicated IP, split tunnelling and NAT firewall, it suits users who prioritise geographical reach and budget pricing. The ability to purchase a dedicated IP may be a deciding factor for remote access or hosting projects. However, slower speeds and less consistent streaming access prevent Ivacy from competing with top‑tier services for demanding tasks.

If neither service quite matches your needs, consider hardware solutions like the Shellfire Box, which extends VPN protection to any device on your network, or software alternatives like Shellfire VPN, both of which you can explore further on the Shellfire download page. These options blend ease of use with robust privacy, making them suitable for households seeking a plug‑and‑play approach to online security.