Ironsocket VPN Review 2024: Keep in Mind Before Buying

IronSocket has 68 servers located in 36 countries around the world and, while it is not the largest VPN provider around, it still takes your privacy seriously. It claims to be able to unblock several streaming sites too but I was disappointed to see that Netflix is not one of them.

IronSocket is a VPN provider whose headquarters are located in Hong Kong, and they market their service to those who want to remain anonymous on the internet. IronSocket provides VPNs along with proxy servers and a DNS proxy service they call SmartDNS. Their VPN offerings support the OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP protocols with two levels of encryption. They offer strong encryption which uses AES 256-bit encryption with SHA256 message authentication (this is the default configuration), and they offer light encryption which uses Blowfish 128-bit encryption to protect your data. This level is less secure but allows for faster transfer speeds. They also offer a no encryption option for when you want to maximize your download speeds but be warned there is no privacy when your connection is not encrypted.

IronSocket offers a range of proxy services as alternatives to VPNs, an option not commonly provided by many other service providers. These proxy servers are ideal for situations where privacy isn't a top priority, and the focus is on optimizing connection speeds. They offer both an HTTP proxy and a SOCKS5 proxy service that are compatible with most web browsers and other software, including video games and IRC clients.

Another proxy service being offered is a DNS proxy service they call Smart DNS. This service allows you to unblock websites and bypass censorship filters, and it is pre-configured to provide access to over 160 media sites. Smart DNS lets you access these sites without using a VPN connection from anywhere in the world and is a convenient way to watch your favorite programs. The list of websites includes some big name streaming media providers like Hulu, network TV channels, and regional sports channels. You should keep in mind that these proxy connections are not encrypted, and any traffic that is sent through them could be monitored.

While IronSocket does support P2P file sharing traffic, it is limited to select servers only and may not be available in your country of choice. You will have to visit their website to see if your country’s server is supported. The devices supported include desktop and laptop computers running Windows, Linux, or Mac OS X. They also support Android and iOS devices as well as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and home routers.

There are three subscription plans available with the longer term plans offering discounts. The monthly plan allows you to use the service for short periods of time (such as when you are traveling abroad). The next pricing plan is the 6-month plan. The last pricing plan is the yearly plan. Along with the usual payment options like credit cards and Bitcoin, IronSocket accepts gift cards as payment for a truly anonymous payment method.

IronSocket is marketed at people who want to safeguard their privacy so it's not surprising that it isn't the best VPN for streaming. Read our guide to the best VPNs for Netflix if you want a more affordable option that lets you watch your favorite shows and movies.