Image rights: InvizBox.
The InvizBox 2 is a simple VPN router
which makes it easy to protect every
device in your home. There’s no tricky
setup process. No need to install and
learn assorted apps. You don’t even have
to buy a VPN subscription or enter any
account details — the InvizBox 2 is
powered by the excellent IPVanish VPN,
and comes with everything it needs to
access 30+ locations across 20 countries.
Setup is simple: plug in the InvizBox 2,
connect any device to one of its two Wi–Fi
hotspots, and traL·c is automatically
directed through the VPN.
In a convenient plus, it enables setting
up multiple hotspots to point at diļerent
VPN locations. Bonus features include
built-in ad blocking, and a parental
controls system which enables blocking
web access by device and time of day.
The InvizBox hardware is relatively
basic, with only 512MB RAM and a single
LAN port. The oL·cial specs say it’s
capable of “over 100Mbps at peak”, which
isn’t bad, but might be an issue if you’re
looking to connect lots of devices.
Pricing starts at $99 for the regular
InvizBox 2 and one month of VPN service,
with subsequent months billed at $7. The
$159 annual plan gets you a year of service,
renewing at an equivalent of $5 a month.Installation is easy. Connect to your
router, plug in, and within a few seconds
a couple of LEDs turn green, indicating
connection to the internet and the VPN.
Checking our test MacBook revealed
a couple of new hotspots: InvizBox 2 VPN
and InvizBox 2 VPN 5GHz. Trying to
connect to either of these prompted a
request for the password. We set up some
test devices, and veriĽed their public IP
address with IPLocation.net. The InvizBox
2 had protected our identity by connecting
us to the nearest VPN server.
The InvizBox provided a stable and
reliable connection during our tests, with
no connection drops or other issues.
Our website unblocking tests were
more disappointing, as we were unable to
access either BBC iPlayer or Netľix. You
may have more luck with other platforms,
depending on their level of protection.
InvizBox 2 is a simple way to protect
your home devices with a VPN. But it does
tie you to IPVanish as your VPN provider,
and the hardware is relatively basic.
THE BOTTOM LINE. Gives you the VPN
basics with minimal hassle, with some
advanced extras. MIKE WILLIAMSInvizBox 2
VPN protection for home devices, no apps required
From $99 From InvizBox, invizbox.com
Features Multiple VPN hotspots, ad blocking, parental controlsA built–in kill switch
on the device will block
internet access if the
VPN fails, protecting
your privacy.INVIZBOX 2
Stylish design
Easy installation
Able to set up multiple
hotspots
Doesn’t unblock iPlayer
or Netflix
GREATThe InvizBox 2 is simple to install and set up, and is
available in black or white finishes.Tough testing, trusted ratings
maclife.com MAR 2020 45