IPVanish vs NordVPN, two of the most popular VPN services on the market, it can be hard to decide which one best suits your needs. Both VPNs offer strong security features, a wide range of server locations, and excellent performance, but there are key differences that might make one more suitable for you than the other. In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of IPVanish vs NordVPN to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re focused on privacy, streaming, or pricing, TechSpot has got you covered!
Table of Contents
Pricing and Plans
When comparing IPVanish vs NordVPN, pricing is a crucial factor to consider. Both services offer various plans to cater to different user needs, and understanding their pricing structures can help you make an informed decision.
IPVanish Pricing
IPVanish offers several subscription options:
- Monthly Plan: Priced at approximately £10.49 per month, this plan is perfect for users who want to try the service without a long-term commitment.
- Annual Plan: At around £125.88 (Depending on Offers) per month (billed as £34.99 every year), this plan provides significant savings for users willing to commit for a year.
- Quarterly Plan: This plan costs about £1.73 (Depending on Offers) per month, billed every three months, offering flexibility between the monthly and annual options.
All IPVanish plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free.
NordVPN Pricing
NordVPN also offers a variety of plans:
- Monthly Plan: Available for around £10.99 (Depending on Offers and which plan) per month, this plan is ideal for those seeking short-term access.
- 1-Year Plan: Priced at about £3.99 per month (Depending on Offers and which plan), (billed as £46.68) annually), this option provides great value for users who are committed to long-term use.
- 2-Year Plan: The best value, at approximately £2.50 per month (Depending on Offers and which plan), (billed as £64.53 every two years). This plan includes a substantial discount, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, ensuring customer satisfaction and a Basic, Plus and Ultimate plan.
Comparative Summary
In summary, both IPVanish and NordVPN provide competitive pricing options, but there are some differences to note. IPVanish offers unlimited connections, making it a great choice for families or users with multiple devices. NordVPN, on the other hand, tends to have more competitive long-term pricing, especially for users willing to commit to a two-year plan.
Security Features
When it comes to choosing a VPN service, security features are paramount. In the comparison of IPVanish vs NordVPN, both services offer robust security protocols designed to protect your online privacy and data. Here’s a detailed look at what each provider offers in terms of security.
IPVanish Security Features
Encryption Standards:
IPVanish employs AES-256 bit encryption, which is considered military-grade. This level of encryption makes it extremely difficult for hackers or any unauthorized parties to access your data.
Protocols:
IPVanish supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec. Users can choose the protocol that best fits their needs, balancing speed and security.
Kill Switch:
The built-in kill switch feature automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN service drops unexpectedly. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed during any interruption.
DNS and IP Leak Protection:
IPVanish ensures that your DNS requests are routed through its own DNS servers, protecting against DNS leaks. Additionally, it offers IP leak protection, ensuring your real IP address remains hidden at all times.
No-Logs Policy:
IPVanish maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track or store your online activities. This policy enhances your privacy and security while using the service.
NordVPN Security Features
Encryption Standards:
Like IPVanish, NordVPN uses AES-256 bit encryption to secure user data, ensuring a high level of protection against cyber threats.
Protocols:
NordVPN supports several protocols, including OpenVPN and its own NordLynx, which is based on the WireGuard protocol. NordLynx is designed to offer faster speeds without compromising security.
Kill Switch:
NordVPN also features a kill switch that disconnects your internet connection if the VPN drops, providing an additional layer of security.
DNS and IP Leak Protection:
NordVPN offers DNS leak protection, ensuring that your DNS queries are encrypted and kept private. The service also conducts regular tests to confirm that there are no IP leaks.
Double VPN:
A standout feature of NordVPN is its Double VPN option, which routes your traffic through two servers instead of one. This adds an extra layer of encryption, making it nearly impossible for anyone to trace your online activities.
No-Logs Policy:
NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy and has undergone independent audits to verify its commitment to user privacy. This feature builds trust with its users.
Comparative Summary
In summary, both IPVanish vs NordVPN offer exceptional security features that cater to a wide range of users. IPVanish shines with its unlimited connections and straightforward setup, while NordVPN provides advanced features like Double VPN for users seeking enhanced privacy.
Speed & Performance
Speed and performance are critical factors when choosing a VPN, especially for activities like streaming, gaming, and torrenting. In the comparison of IPVanish vs NordVPN, both services claim to offer fast speeds, but how do they actually perform? Let’s break down their speed and overall performance in real-world scenarios.
IPVanish Speed and Performance
Connection Speeds:
IPVanish is known for delivering solid speeds, particularly on local servers. Thanks to its large network of over 2,400 servers worldwide, users typically experience minimal slowdowns when connecting to nearby servers.
Streaming Performance:
IPVanish performs well with streaming services, allowing access to Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube without buffering or lag in most cases. However, its ability to unblock certain regional content libraries is not as consistent as NordVPN’s.
Server Load Balancing:
IPVanish does a good job of balancing server loads, which helps maintain stable performance even during peak times. This results in fewer slowdowns and a more consistent connection.
Latency and Ping:
For gaming, IPVanish offers low latency on local connections, making it a viable option for gamers. However, for distant servers, the latency can increase, which may affect performance in high-demand games.
NordVPN Speed and Performance
Connection Speeds:
NordVPN is generally faster than IPVanish, particularly on long-distance connections. Its use of the NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) significantly boosts speed without compromising security, making it ideal for users who need both speed and privacy.
Streaming Performance:
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming. It easily unblocks major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. Users rarely encounter buffering issues, even when connecting to servers in distant regions.
Server Optimization:
With over 6,300+ servers in 111 countries, NordVPN has a more extensive network than IPVanish. This not only enhances speed but also provides more options for finding the fastest server for your location.
Latency and Ping:
NordVPN also performs well in terms of latency, particularly with the NordLynx protocol. Gamers who need low ping for a smooth gaming experience will find NordVPN to be highly competitive, even for international servers.
Comparative Summary
When comparing IPVanish vs NordVPN in terms of speed and performance, NordVPN generally comes out ahead. Thanks to the NordLynx protocol and its larger server network, NordVPN offers faster speeds, especially for long-distance connections and high-demand activities like streaming and gaming. IPVanish, while fast on local connections, may experience slight slowdowns on distant servers but still offers reliable performance.
Server Network & Locations
A VPN’s server network is a critical factor in determining its performance, speed, and ability to bypass geo-restrictions. When comparing IPVanish vs NordVPN, both services offer extensive server networks, but there are notable differences in size, coverage, and server capabilities.
IPVanish Server and Network Locations
- Server Count:
IPVanish has a network of 2,400+ servers spread across 55+ locations worldwide. While this is a solid offering, it is smaller compared to some competitors, including NordVPN. - Server Locations:
IPVanish servers are distributed across 55+ countries, covering key regions like North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. While IPVanish offers strong coverage in major areas, its presence in some regions (e.g., Africa and South America) is more limited, which may affect users in those regions looking for local servers. - Specialized Servers:
IPVanish does not offer many specialized servers. Instead, it focuses on providing fast, reliable servers across its network for general use, such as streaming and torrenting. However, it lacks some of the advanced options that competitors like NordVPN offer. - Server Switching:
IPVanish allows users to switch between servers without limits. This flexibility can be useful for avoiding server congestion or connecting to faster options when needed.
NordVPN Server and Network Locations
- Server Count:
NordVPN has an impressive network of 6,300+ servers across 111 countries. This gives users a wider range of choices, particularly when connecting to distant locations or avoiding high-traffic servers. - Server Locations:
NordVPN’s servers are spread across 111 countries, offering extensive coverage in Europe, North America, and Asia. It also has better representation in less commonly covered areas like the Middle East and Africa, making it ideal for users needing global access. - Specialized Servers:
One of NordVPN’s standout features is its specialized servers. These include:- Obfuscated servers (for bypassing censorship and accessing the internet in restrictive countries).
- Double VPN servers (which route your traffic through two servers for extra encryption).
- P2P servers (optimized for torrenting). These options give NordVPN an edge for users seeking advanced functionality.
- Server Switching:
Like IPVanish, NordVPN allows unlimited server switching, but its larger network means users are more likely to find faster, less congested servers.
Comparative Summary
When it comes to server and network locations for IPVanish vs NordVPN, NordVPN has the clear advantage with its larger network and broader geographic coverage. Its 6,300+ servers across 111 countries provide more flexibility and better performance, particularly for users in remote or less common regions. In contrast, IPVanish’s 2,400+ servers are reliable, but the network is not as vast or specialized, which may limit some advanced uses.
Privacy & Logging Policy
Privacy is one of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a VPN service. In the debate of IPVanish vs NordVPN, both providers claim to safeguard user privacy, but their logging policies and jurisdictions differ, which can impact how your data is handled.
IPVanish Privacy and Logging Policy
- Jurisdiction:
IPVanish is based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance—a group of countries that share intelligence data. While this may raise concerns for privacy-conscious users, IPVanish assures that it does not log or store any user data. - Logging Policy:
IPVanish operates under a strict no-logs policy, which means it claims not to track, collect, or store any data related to your online activity, such as browsing history, connection timestamps, or IP addresses. However, it’s worth noting that in the past, IPVanish was involved in a case where user logs were handed over to authorities. The company has since changed ownership and reinforced its no-logs stance, but this history may still be a point of consideration for some users. - Transparency and Audits:
Unlike some other VPNs, IPVanish has not undergone an independent audit to verify its no-logs claims. While the service is trustworthy for most casual users, the lack of external audits may be a drawback for those seeking verifiable privacy assurances.
NordVPN Privacy and Logging Policy
- Jurisdiction:
NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, a privacy-friendly country outside of the Five Eyes alliance. This jurisdiction works in favor of privacy-focused users, as Panama has no mandatory data retention laws, ensuring greater protection for your online activities - Logging Policy:
NordVPN also follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any information regarding your browsing activity, connection timestamps, bandwidth usage, or IP addresses. This policy has been independently verified through multiple third-party audits, adding credibility to NordVPN’s privacy claims. - Transparency and Audits:
Unlike IPVanish, NordVPN has undergone several independent audits by reputable firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). These audits confirmed that NordVPN does not log user activity, providing an extra layer of trust and transparency for privacy-conscious users. - Advanced Privacy Features:
NordVPN offers additional privacy-focused features like Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two servers for double encryption, and Onion Over VPN, which adds the anonymity of the Tor network to your VPN connection. These features cater to users looking for enhanced privacy protection.
Comparative Summary
In terms of privacy and logging policy for IPVanish vs NordVPN, NordVPN has the edge due to its Panama jurisdiction and independent audits, which verify its no-logs policy. For users who prioritize complete transparency and advanced privacy features, NordVPN is the superior option. IPVanish offers a no-logs policy as well, but its past involvement in data logging cases and lack of independent audits may be concerning for some users.
Streaming & Torrenting
For many users, the ability to stream content and torrent files seamlessly is a top priority when choosing a VPN. In the comparison of IPVanish vs NordVPN, both services offer features tailored to these activities, but there are key differences in performance, accessibility, and user experience.
IPVanish Streaming and Torrenting
Streaming Performance:
IPVanish is capable of accessing popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime YouTube, and Hulu, though it may struggle with certain region-specific content libraries. While IPVanish generally provides good speeds for streaming, its success with unblocking platforms like BBC iPlayer and Disney+ can be inconsistent. Users may need to switch between servers to find one that works with their desired streaming service.
Torrenting:
IPVanish is a solid option for torrenting and P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing. It supports unlimited bandwidth and does not restrict P2P traffic, allowing users to download torrents without any throttling. Additionally, IPVanish’s no-logs policy ensures your torrenting activities remain private. However, unlike NordVPN, it lacks specialized servers optimized specifically for P2P traffic.
Streaming Speed:
While IPVanish provides generally good speeds for local connections, some users may experience slower speeds when connecting to distant servers for streaming, which can result in buffering.
NordVPN Streaming and Torrenting
Streaming Performance:
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming, thanks to its ability to reliably unblock a wide range of streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature combines VPN technology with Smart DNS to enhance streaming access, ensuring that users can easily bypass geo-restrictions on content. NordVPN consistently works with various streaming libraries, including those in restricted regions.
Torrenting
NordVPN is also excellent for torrenting. It offers dedicated P2P servers that are optimized for safe and fast file-sharing. These servers allow users to torrent without speed throttling or bandwidth restrictions, and NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy means that your activities remain private. The VPN also offers advanced security features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN for users who want an extra layer of privacy when torrenting.
Streaming Speed:
NordVPN’s use of the NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, gives it an edge in speed, particularly for streaming high-definition content without buffering. Whether you’re connecting to a nearby server or one halfway around the world, NordVPN generally provides faster and more stable connections than IPVanish.
Comparative Summary
When it comes to streaming and torrenting for IPVanish vs NordVPN, NordVPN clearly outperforms IPVanish in both categories. NordVPN’s ability to consistently unblock a broader range of streaming services, coupled with its SmartPlay feature and faster speeds, makes it the better choice for streaming enthusiasts. On the torrenting front, NordVPN’s dedicated P2P servers and advanced privacy options provide a more secure and optimized experience compared to IPVanish, which offers standard P2P support but lacks specialized servers.
Device Compatibility & Simultaneous Connections
IPVanish Device Compatibility
Supported Devices:
IPVanish offers broad compatibility, supporting all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also works with Amazon Fire TV, making it a good option for streaming on Fire Stick devices. IPVanish provides manual configuration options for routers, enabling you to protect all the devices on your home network with a single connection.
Simultaneous Connections:
One of IPVanish’s standout features is its unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect as many devices as you want under one subscription. Whether you have a large household or simply own multiple gadgets, IPVanish makes it easy to secure them all without worrying about hitting a connection limit.
Browser Extensions:
IPVanish does not offer browser extensions for Chrome or Firefox. Instead, you’ll need to use the full app to connect and secure your browsing activity.
NordVPN Device Compatibility
Supported Devices:
Like IPVanish, NordVPN is compatible with all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. In addition to its robust app support, NordVPN offers dedicated apps for Android TV and even has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. This makes NordVPN highly versatile, especially for users who want to secure their browsing activity without using a full VPN client.
Simultaneous Connections:
NordVPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections per account. While this is fewer than IPVanish’s unlimited connections, 6 connections are typically enough for most users, including those with multiple devices or a small family.
Router Compatibility:
Like IPVanish, NordVPN can be configured on routers to protect all devices on your home network. This is particularly useful for users who want to secure more than the 6-device limit or those using smart home devices that don’t support VPNs natively.
Comparative Summary
In the IPVanish vs NordVPN comparison for device compatibility and simultaneous connections, both VPNs support a wide range of platforms, including mobile, desktop, and smart TVs. However, IPVanish takes the lead with its unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a great choice for large households or users with many devices. On the other hand, NordVPN offers a broader range of apps, including browser extensions and Android TV support, which might be more convenient for users looking for platform-specific functionality.
Customer Support
When evaluating a VPN service, reliable customer support is crucial, especially for users who may need quick assistance with setup, troubleshooting, or advanced configurations. In the comparison of IPVanish vs NordVPN, both services offer customer support, but the level of responsiveness and available resources vary.
IPVanish Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat:
IPVanish offers 24/7 live chat support, making it easy for users to get real-time assistance at any hour. This is a helpful feature for solving urgent issues, especially for beginners or those encountering connectivity problems.
Email Support:
In addition to live chat, IPVanish provides email support. While email responses are generally slower than live chat, it is useful for more detailed inquiries or complex issues that may require thorough explanations.
Knowledge Base:
IPVanish also has an extensive knowledge base that includes setup guides, troubleshooting articles, and frequently asked questions. The self-help resources cover most common topics, including device configuration and VPN settings, which is ideal for users who prefer to find solutions on their own.
Phone Support:
One unique feature IPVanish offers is phone support, which is rare among VPN providers. This can be beneficial for users who prefer speaking with a support representative directly. However, phone support is only available during specific hours, which may limit accessibility.
NordVPN Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat:
Like IPVanish, NordVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, ensuring users can receive immediate help at any time of the day. NordVPN’s chat support is generally praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness in resolving issues quickly.
Email Support:
NordVPN also offers email support, allowing users to contact the team for more complex inquiries. Responses are typically quick, and the support team is well-trained to handle technical questions, billing concerns, and general troubleshooting.
Extensive Help Center:
NordVPN has one of the most comprehensive help centers in the VPN industry, featuring detailed guides, video tutorials, and FAQs. The help center covers a wide range of topics, including step-by-step guides for setting up the VPN on various devices and troubleshooting network issues.
Community Forum:
Although NordVPN does not offer phone support like IPVanish, it has an active community forum where users can ask questions and share solutions with other users. This is a great resource for those who prefer peer support or are looking for more in-depth discussions on advanced VPN topics.
Comparative Summary
In terms of customer support, both IPVanish and NordVPN offer reliable services, but there are some notable differences. IPVanish stands out by offering phone support, which can be a big plus for users who prefer direct verbal communication. However, NordVPN excels with its more responsive live chat, extensive help center, and active community forum, making it a better option for users who seek comprehensive self-help resources and quick online support.
Conclusion – IPVanish vs NordVPN
When comparing IPVanish vs NordVPN, both services offer strong VPN features, but the best choice ultimately depends on your individual needs.
For users who need basic VPN functionality and prefer the flexibility of unlimited connections, IPVanish is a solid option. But if you’re looking for a VPN with faster speeds, more streaming access, and advanced privacy features, NordVPN is the clear winner.
No matter which VPN you choose, both provide robust security and reliable service, so your decision should be based on what aspects matter most to you, whether that’s unlimited devices, top-tier streaming, or enhanced privacy protection.
Final Tip:
Consider your specific use case—whether it’s streaming, torrenting, or overall online privacy—and pick the service that best matches those needs – IPVanish vs NordVPN.
