IPVanish Network Expansion Explained
150+ locations, more servers, and a bigger RAM-only rollout
IPVanish has expanded its VPN network beyond 150 server locations, with more than 3,400 servers and a growing RAM-only footprint. That is a meaningful infrastructure update, especially for users in busy regions, but it should be judged carefully: more servers can help performance, yet server count alone does not prove better privacy, better streaming access or better speeds for every customer.
Quick Verdict
A useful upgrade, not a magic guarantee
The expansion is positive for IPVanish users because extra capacity can reduce congestion and give people more nearby connection options. The RAM-only rollout is also a privacy-minded step, as RAM-only servers do not permanently store data on hard drives. Still, users should avoid reading too much into one headline number. Real-world VPN quality depends on location, protocol, server load, app reliability, privacy policy, independent audits and how the VPN behaves on your own connection.
What Has IPVanish Changed?
IPVanish has crossed the 150-location mark and says its network now includes more than 3,400 servers. Recent reporting says more than 1,000 servers were added over the past year, with new or expanded locations including Calgary, Berlin, Edinburgh, Detroit and Salt Lake City. TechRadar also listed Barcelona among the newer locations reported in the expansion.
The practical aim is not just to make the map look larger. The latest phase is described as a capacity upgrade for busy markets, particularly in North America and Europe, where evening streaming, gaming and remote-work traffic can create congestion.
Plain English version: IPVanish is adding both choice and capacity. That may help users find a closer or less crowded server, but it does not mean every connection will automatically be faster.
The Key Numbers
| Area | Reported Figure | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Server locations | 150+ | More city and country options for routing traffic through different places. |
| Total servers | 3,400+ | Greater capacity can help reduce overcrowding, especially during busy hours. |
| IP addresses | 56,000+ | A larger address pool can help with load distribution, although it does not guarantee access to every site or streaming service. |
| RAM-only servers | 880+ / nearly 1,000 | A sizeable part of the network now uses volatile memory rather than permanent server storage. |
| RAM-only locations | 25 | Useful progress, but not yet the whole network. |
Why More Servers Can Matter
More VPN servers can improve the user experience when they are placed where demand actually exists. If too many customers are pushed through too few locations, speeds may dip, latency may rise and streaming or video calls can feel less reliable. Adding servers in busy hubs can spread users out and reduce pressure on individual machines.
Where the benefit is most likely
- Streaming: extra capacity may reduce buffering during peak viewing hours, although streaming access still depends on each service’s VPN detection and terms.
- Gaming: nearby locations can reduce latency, but the best server is usually the one closest to you or the game server, not simply the newest one.
- Travelling: more locations can give travellers a better chance of finding a stable nearby endpoint.
- Remote work: more regional options may help when users need a consistent connection for calls, cloud tools or secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.
The important caveat is that server count is only one part of performance. Your internet provider, device, VPN protocol, Wi-Fi quality, distance to the server and server load all still matter.
What The RAM-Only Upgrade Means
A RAM-only VPN server runs from volatile memory rather than relying on traditional hard-drive or SSD storage for normal operation. When the machine is powered off or rebooted, the data in memory is wiped. This can reduce the risk of data remaining on a physical disk if a server is seized, misconfigured or retired.
IPVanish is reported to have 880+ RAM-only servers, or nearly 1,000 depending on the source, spread across 25 locations. Those servers are said to represent over 35% of the network, with a stated goal of moving to a fully RAM-only network by 2027.
RAM-only infrastructure is helpful, but it should sit alongside a clear no-logs policy, transparent ownership, secure apps, strong protocols, leak protection and regular independent audits.
What This Upgrade Does Not Prove
A bigger network is generally useful, but it should not be treated as a complete security review. A VPN can have thousands of servers and still vary in real-world quality depending on its app design, leak protection, customer support, account privacy, jurisdiction, server ownership model and audit history.
| Claim | Balanced View | User Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| “More servers means faster speeds.” | Often helpful, not automatic | Test nearby servers at the times you actually use the VPN. |
| “RAM-only means fully private.” | It helps, but is not everything | Also check logging policy, audits, leak protection and app behaviour. |
| “150 locations means best coverage.” | Competitive, but not the widest | Compare the specific countries and cities you need, not just totals. |
| “More IPs means streaming always works.” | No guarantee | Streaming platforms can still block or limit VPN traffic. |
Who Benefits Most?
The biggest winners are likely to be users who connect from, or through, high-demand regions where IPVanish has added capacity. That includes people who often use North American or European endpoints, as those regions were highlighted in the latest reports.
- Everyday users: may see more reliable browsing and streaming if their usual servers were previously crowded.
- Frequent travellers: may get more practical city choices and better nearby routing.
- Privacy-focused users: may value the RAM-only expansion, while remembering that not every server is RAM-only yet.
- Power users: may benefit from filtering locations and testing different routes to find the best mix of speed and latency.
What IPVanish Users Should Check
If you already use IPVanish, this is a good time to retest your usual locations rather than assuming the new network automatically picks the best route. The fastest server can change by time of day, distance, protocol and local congestion.
- Update the app: make sure you are using the newest version so you can see current server options and filters.
- Try nearby locations: nearby servers usually offer lower latency, especially for gaming and calls.
- Use the RAM-only filter: where available, filter for RAM-only locations if that matters to your privacy preferences.
- Run your own speed checks: test at peak times, not just during quiet periods.
- Check for leaks: after switching servers, confirm your visible IP address and DNS behaviour.
- Do not ignore account tracking: websites can still recognise you through cookies, logins and browser fingerprinting.
After changing VPN servers, check your visible IP and confirm the VPN tunnel is active.
FAQs
How many server locations does IPVanish have now?
Recent reporting says IPVanish now offers more than 150 server locations worldwide.
How many IPVanish servers are there?
IPVanish is reported to have more than 3,400 servers, with more than 1,000 added over the past year.
What are RAM-only VPN servers?
RAM-only servers run from volatile memory. When the server is shut down or rebooted, data held in memory is wiped, reducing the chance of data remaining on physical storage.
Is IPVanish fully RAM-only now?
No. IPVanish has a large RAM-only rollout, reported at 880+ to nearly 1,000 servers across 25 locations, but it is not yet the whole network. The stated target is full RAM-only deployment by 2027.
Will this make IPVanish faster for everyone?
Not automatically. More servers and better capacity can help, especially in busy regions, but speed still depends on your device, internet provider, distance to the server, VPN protocol and local network conditions.
Does a larger server network improve privacy?
It can help indirectly by giving users more routing choices, and RAM-only infrastructure is a useful privacy improvement. However, privacy also depends on no-logs practices, app security, leak protection and independent audits.
Sources
- TechRadar: IPVanish gets bigger and expands its network to 150 locations worldwide — published 20 May 2026.
- Tom's Guide: IPVanish announces a key milestone of 150 server locations worldwide — published 20 May 2026.