IPVanish has launched its RAM-only server rollout, the latest step in strengthening user privacy and VPN performance. Unlike traditional servers that use hard drives, RAM-only servers operate entirely in volatile memory, erasing all data with every reboot or power cycle. This design removes the possibility of stored information, providing customers with greater assurance that their activity cannot be retained or recovered.
Key Takeaways
- RAM-only servers are now live across 19 locations, with a full transition to 100% of IPVanish servers planned by 2027.
- HDD servers remain secure worldwide with full-disk encryption and a certified no-logs policy, while RAM-only servers add speed and peace of mind.
- The RAM server rollout reinforces IPVanish’s commitment to privacy, backed by independent audits, transparency reports, reduced sign-up data, and account anonymization.
Traditional VPN servers are capable of storing system data on hard drives and would retain this information even when the servers are powered off. While VPN providers can configure these servers securely, hard drives still pose potential risks. If a server were ever seized or compromised, fragments of information could theoretically remain accessible if they were not properly set up.
RAM-only servers solve this issue by eliminating hard drives altogether. Instead, they run exclusively on Random Access Memory. Because RAM is volatile, all information disappears when power is removed, with no exception. Each time a server reboots, it is restored from a secure, read-only image, leaving no trace of prior activity.
This design ensures that IPVanish users experience true no-logs VPN privacy, as no metadata, logs, or identifying information are capable of remaining on the server.
Why the Transition to RAM-Only Servers Matters
The introduction of RAM-only servers represents the next phase of our privacy-first infrastructure. However, it’s essential to note that while we transition, our existing HDD servers still remain fully secure.
- HDD Servers with Full-Disk Encryption
IPVanish has long protected HDD-based servers with industry-standard full-disk encryption. This ensures that all data, including the operating system and temporary caches, is unreadable when powered off. Combined with our independently certified no-logs policy (audited in 2025 by Schellman Compliance, LLC), this guarantees that there is nothing retained that could compromise user privacy. - RAM-Only Servers as a Peace-of-Mind Upgrade
RAM-only servers extend these protections by making the physical storage of data literally impossible. Even if a RAM-only server were seized mid-operation, rebooting immediately clears all information. - Operational and Environmental Benefits
Beyond privacy assurances, RAM-only infrastructure offers real-world performance improvements:- Faster processing and reduced latency, thanks to RAM’s speed compared to disk storage.
- Simplified software updates and package deployments, reducing downtime and improving consistency across the network.
- No moving parts, which makes servers more durable and energy efficient, lowering heat output and cooling demands.
In short, HDD servers remain secure, but RAM-only servers enhance performance and eliminate even the theoretical risk of data persistence. This is why IPVanish is investing in a full network transition by 2027.
IPVanish RAM-Only Server Deployment Tracker
Our RAM-only server rollout has delivered over 400 servers across 20 cities in nine countries, spanning Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Customers can now connect to this new infrastructure in the following locations:
| Country | City | Status | Date Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Melbourne | Live | August 2025 |
| Australia | Sydney | Live | August 2025 |
| France | Paris | Live | August 2025 |
| Germany | Frankfurt | Live | August 2025 |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Live | August 2025 |
| Japan | Tokyo | Live | August 2025 |
| Netherlands | Amsterdam | Live | August 2025 |
| Sweden | Stockholm | Live | August 2025 |
| United Kingdom | London | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | Ashburn, VA | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | Buffalo, NY | Live | September 2025 |
| United States | Denver, CO | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | Detroit, IL | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | Kansas City, KS | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | Las Vegas, NV | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | Los Angeles, CA | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | New York, NY | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | Phoenix, AZ | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | San Jose, CA | Live | August 2025 |
| United States | Salt Lake City, UT | Live | August 2025 |
This tracker will expand as new cities and server clusters are added to the RAM-only server network. Future phases of the rollout will continue until the entire IPVanish fleet runs exclusively on RAM-only servers.
In-App Rollout Timeline
IPVanish is introducing UI changes for RAM-only servers, allowing customers to quickly identify, filter, and connect to these locations within their applications without disrupting the current experience. The rollout will occur in phases across platforms to ensure consistency and reliability for all users:
- Mac and iOS: RAM-only server filtering now live in-app
- Windows and Android: RAM-only server filtering coming Winter 2025
- Fire TV and Apple TV: Updates with RAM-only visibility scheduled in early 2026
Commitment to Privacy Beyond RAM-Only Servers
Transitioning to RAM-only servers marks the latest major milestone in IPVanish’s broader privacy-first approach. In addition to upgrading infrastructure, IPVanish has introduced several key initiatives to strengthen trust:
- Certified No-Logs Audit: Independent verification that IPVanish does not track or store user activity.
- Regular Transparency Reports: Public reporting to demonstrate accountability in handling data requests.
- Reduced Data Collection at Signup: Mobile in-app signups no longer require email or login credentials, and web signups only require an email address, payment method, and (for US & Canada) a zip code.
- Automatic Anonymization of Cancelled Accounts: After 45 days of inactivity, customer accounts are scrubbed of identifying information.
By combining these measures with the rollout of RAM-only servers, IPVanish continues to raise the standards of VPN protection worldwide.
The Future of VPN Security
As online privacy concerns continue to rise, RAM-only servers are becoming the gold standard in the VPN industry. IPVanish’s transition eliminates data retention risks, improving speed and enhancing reliability while continuing to protect users with encrypted HDD servers throughout the transition.
The addition of RAM-only servers means more secure and faster VPN connections today, with even greater improvements on the horizon. By 2027, IPVanish’s full RAM-only infrastructure will redefine what it means to use a secure VPN service, providing unmatched protection for individuals and families worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are RAM-only servers?
RAM-only servers store all data in temporary memory (RAM) rather than on hard drives. When powered off or rebooted, all information is instantly erased.
Are HDD servers still safe to use?
Yes. IPVanish utilizes full-disk encryption on its HDD servers, complemented by a certified no-logs policy. This means no identifiable user data is retained, even on HDD servers.
Why is IPVanish moving to RAM-only servers?
While the HDD servers at IPVanish are secure, RAM-only servers eliminate even the theoretical possibility of stored data being accessed. They also improve performance, durability, and upgrade speed.
When will the transition to RAM-only servers be complete?
IPVanish has already launched RAM-only servers in multiple global cities. The full transition across all 148 locations is expected to be completed by 2027.
Can I connect to RAM-only servers today?
Yes. Customers using the latest iOS or macOS apps can already filter and connect to RAM-only servers. RAM server filtering for Windows, Android, and Fire TV will be added before the end of 2025.
Does IPVanish keep any logs?
No. IPVanish is an independently audited no-logs VPN provider. We also publish transparency reports, minimize data collection during sign-up, and anonymize inactive accounts.
