Best IPsec VPNs in 2024: How to use an IPsec VPN (2024)

There are a handful of VPN protocols used by VPNs, the most popular of which are OpenVPN and WireGuard. However, another commonly used protocol is IPsec, or Internet Protocol Security. It’s typically used in conjunction with L2TP or IKEv2, two tunneling protocols that create a secure connection between your device and the VPN server. However, L2TP and IKEV2 don’t provide encryption, which is where IPsec comes in because it authenticates and encrypts the data packets.

Unsure what a VPN does? A VPN takes your internet traffic and routes it through a secure tunnel to a VPN server (in this case, an L2TP or IKEv2 tunnel). IPsec is used to encrypt the data, shielding it from threats, be it hackers or snoopers. Connecting to a VPN server means you’re assigned a new, temporary IP address. Not only is this good for anonymity (it’s not tied to your physical location), it means you can bypass restrictions on content.

Don’t have time to read all of the reviews just yet? Below is a quick summary of the best IPsec VPNs.

Best IPsec VPNs:

1. NordVPN: The best IPsec VPN.Supports IKEv2/IPsec. Fast with over 5,000 servers. Strong unblocker of content. No-logs policy, P2P servers, and 24/7 live chat support.
   TIPIn our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for IPsec.
2. Surfshark:Best value VPN. IKEv2/IPsec available. High-speed servers and works with over 30 Netflix libraries. Offers MultiHop servers and unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. IPVanish: Speedy, lightweight VPN that supports the IKEv2 protocol. Good set of security tools and exceptional streaming capabilities. No simultaneous connection limit.
4. ExpressVPN:Provides L2TP/IPsec. Fast with unlimited bandwidth. Servers in 94 countries. Excellent apps secured with military-grade encryption. No identifying logs.
5. PrivateVPN:Option of IPsec with L2TP or IKEv2. Fast for lag-free streaming and works with most streaming services. User-friendly apps and a strict no-logs policy.
6. Hotspot Shield:Multiple protocols including IKEv2/IPsec. Servers in 80 countries. Works with Amazon Prime Video. Password manager and wifi protection included.

While an increasing number of VPNs are implementing newer protocols such as WireGuard and removing the option of L2TP/IPsec and IKEv2/IPsec, there are still plenty of options available. To find the best IPsec VPNs, we looked for those that meet the following criteria (more on these later):

• Multiple protocols including IPsec
• Servers in countries worldwide
• Fast, unthrottled connections
• Plenty of security features (such as a kill switch)
• No identifying logs of users
• Risk free with a money-back guarantee

Best IPsec VPNs in 2024

Here’s our list of the best IPsec VPNs:

1. NordVPN

Sep 2024

NordVPN is an established VPN provider that allows you to connect to its servers with IKEv2/IPsec. Indeed, it has more than 5,000 servers in all, making it easy to access a wide range of geo-blocked websites and services. For example, streaming platforms such as Netflix. Thanks to NordVPN’s fast speeds, you can use it to stream lag-free. This VPN even comes with specialty servers such as those that are optimized for P2P file-sharing.

In terms of security, NordVPN ticks every box with its use of military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks. It operates a strict no-logs policy and evenoffers Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption. With NordVPN, you also have the option of securing as many as six devices at once and, should you need it, live chat support is available 24 hours a day.

You can connect to IKEv2/IPsec via NordVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. However, there are also apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Use with routers requires manual configuration.

BEST IPSEC VPN:NordVPN is our top pick. It supports multiple protocols including IKEv2/IPsec. Provides fast, unthrottled connections and strong unblocking. No-logs VPN with P2P and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll be able to try NordVPN risk-free.

Read our fullNordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark lets you set up your preferred VPN protocol, be it IKEv2/IPsec or WireGuard. Whatever you choose, you can expect beginner-friendly apps as well as excellent 24/7 support. This is a particularly fast VPN for streaming and torrenting and worked with over 30 Netflix libraries in testing. Better still,Surfshark has a very generous connection allowance—you can use it on as many devices as you like at the same time.

Should you need an extra layer of security, know that Surfshark does offer the option of MultiHop (Double VPN) servers. There are plenty of other security features too, be it 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, or a kill switch. More recently, Surfshark has introduced Surfshark One, an optional add-on for Windows and Android that includes an antivirus. Needless to say, this provides comprehensive protection from all manner of threats.

You’ll find Surfshark apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Aside from Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, you can even manually set this VPN up with your wi-fi router (if compatible).

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark supports IKEv2/IPsecand has a growing network of 3,000+ servers. Very fast servers and lets you secure all of your devices at once. Wide range of security features including an antivirus. Comes with 24/7 support. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our fullSurfshark review.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish allows you to connect via the IKEv2, OpenVPN, or WireGuard protocols. Not only that, it operates more than 2,000 servers in 60 countries and is far faster than many of its rivals (with average speeds exceeding 300 Mbps in our latest tests). Lately, it has really focused on improving its streaming ability and now works with popular platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Unlike most other services, IPVanish lets you connect every device you own at the same time. If you’re struggling, staff are on-hand 24/7 over live chat.

A VPN with subpar security isn’t worth using. Thankfully, IPVanish has a lot to offer in this area. For instance, there’s uncrackable encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and an independently-audited no-logs policy. Further, it recently introduced split tunneling functionality and a tool that blocks ads, trackers, and shady sites automatically. There’s also a data-scrambling feature that can help you bypass particularly strict VPN blocking (though this only works with OpenVPN at the moment). In short, IPVanish is a great choice for anyone who needs a lightweight, high-security VPN with IPSec support.

IPVanish apps are available for Android, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Linux. Alternatively, it can be manually installed on a wide range of routers; just check the website’s help section for instructions.

EXTREMELY VERSATILE:IPVanish is suitable for streaming, torrenting, or just browsing the web safely. It provides above-average speed and a high level of security. Best of all, long-term subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not take a look at our in-depth review of IPVanish?

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a user-friendly VPN that provides manual setup instructions for configuring it to L2TP/IPsec. One of the main advantages of this provider is itsextensive network of servers, covering 94 countries. This is one of the main reasons why it’s an excellent choice for traveling, as it’s able to bypass most geographic restrictions. With ExpressVPN, you can expect high-speed connections because there’s absolutely no bandwidth throttling.

Once signed up with ExpressVPN, you can connect up to five of your devices at the same time. You’ll also have 24-hour access to its excellent live chat and email support who can provide further assistance if you have any trouble setting up L2TP/IPsec. All connections are secured with 256-bit AES encryption, while there’s also a kill switch and protection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified.

With ExpressVPN, you can use L2TP/IPsec on its Windows and Android apps. However, it also offers apps for Mac, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Last but not least, ExpressVPN even provides custom firmware for use with routers.

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:ExpressVPN includes L2TP/IPsec support and has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. High-speed connections with unlimited bandwidth. Strong security thanks to encryption. Excellent 24/7 live chat support. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our fullExpressVPN review.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN supportsmultiple VPN protocols including L2TP/IPsec and IKEv2/IPsec. One of the faster VPNs tested, it allows for lag-free streaming even in 4K. Unlike many VPNs, it doesn’t seem to struggle with many streaming services and even works with the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer. While PrivateVPN has a relatively small server network, its servers do cover over 60 countries, including the US.

If it’s your first time using a VPN, you’ll appreciate the accessibility of PrivateVPN’s apps. Your subscription includes access to live chat and email support, the latter of which is particularly fast compared to most VPNs (they typically reply to emails within just a few hours). You’re kept safe online with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. A strict no-logs policy and the option to pay in Bitcoin helps you maintain anonymity.

PrivateVPN’s apps are available to download for desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS). Amazon Fire TV and Android TV apps are also available. With manual configuration, you can even use PrivateVPN with Linux and select wireless routers.

STRESS-FREE STREAMING:PrivateVPN is fast and works with many streaming services, Netflix included. User-friendly desktop and mobile apps and live chat and email support. Strict no-logs policy intended to protect your privacy. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our fullPrivateVPN review.

6. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield has its own proprietary protocol called Hydra. However, there’s still the option of IPsec (IKEv2) if you prefer. With this VPN service, you’ll have access to servers across 80 countries and be able to stream the likes ofAmazon Prime Video,Hulu, andNetflix USfrom anywhere. Server speeds are consistent thanks to unlimited bandwidth and, with your account, you’ll be able to secure five devices at the same time.

Once you connect to a Hotspot Shield server, your internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption. Note that there’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature. Notably,Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep identifying logs of usersand offers a number of impressive extras that make it particularly good value. These include auto wi-fi protection and access to a password manager and even a spam call blocker.

Hotspot Shield provides apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. A Chrome browser extension is also available while Hotspot Shield can also be manually configured to work with select compatible routers.

LOTS OF EXTRAS:Hotspot Shield supports IKEv2/IPsecand has servers in 80 countries. Consistent speeds and works with Amazon Prime. Extras include automatic wi-fi protection and a password manager. 24/7 support included. Comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our fullHotspot Shield review.

How to use an IPsec VPN

The good news is that the best IPsec VPNs make it quick and easy to get started. All you have to do is follow the simple step-by-step instructions below:

Here’s how to use an IPsec VPN:

1. Sign up with one of the above VPN services.We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download one of the VPN’s apps (desktop or mobile) that supports the L2TP/IPsec or IKEv2/IPsec protocol.
3. Follow the manual setup instructions provided by the VPN. Remember, you can always contact your VPN’s customer support if you need any help.
4. Once all set up and connected to a server, your internet traffic is secured and you canspoof your locationto unblock geo-restricted content.

How we found the best IPsec VPNs: our methodology

Not every VPN offers the option of IPsec, while even fewer provide good speeds and sufficient security. Below, we list some of the key criteria we looked for in each VPN in order for it to be included on this list.

• Multiple protocols:Of course, the first thing we looked for is that each VPN offers IPsec with either L2TP or IKEv2 (or both). The best VPNs provide plenty of options when it comes to VPN protocols and most now offer the newerWireGuard protocol.
• Servers worldwide:The best VPNs provide access to servers across dozens of countries. This makes it easy to find a fast server close to your physical location. It also lets you access even more region-locked content while traveling abroad.
• Speed:Only thefastest VPNscan be trusted for streaming and torrenting which is why we carried out speed tests on each. One common feature of each VPN chosen is unlimited bandwidth which means there’s no restriction on what you can do online.
• Unblocking:Unfortunately, some VPNs really struggle to bypass restrictions, particularly those of popular streaming services. To find out if a VPN is reliable in this respect, we see how it performs against a wide range of websites and services.
• Security:We look for each VPN we recommend to offer 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and akill switch. However, most of the best IPsec VPNs offer even more than this, be it auto wifi protection or Double VPN servers.
• Privacy:It’s also important that the VPN you use operates a no-logs policy so your privacy is protected. To save you some time, we’ve analyzed140 VPN logging policies. That way, you can avoid those that may log and sell your browsing data.
• Ease of use:All of the VPNs listed above provide beginner-friendly apps. They also provide setup instructions, making it easier for you to use IPsec. Should you have any trouble, live chat and email support is provided in all cases.
• Value for money:An IPsec VPN shouldn’t break the bank. You’ll often find that the best VPNs have special offers while you can save more by using our VPN discount coupons. Each VPN also comes with a risk-free money-back guarantee.

Many VPNs claim to offer fast speeds or a certain level of security. Instead of just looking for the above, we actively test each VPN in order to find out just how true these claims are. Indeed, ourVPN testing methodologyis what helps us provide the most accurate and up-to-date VPN reviews available.

IPsec VPNs: FAQs