When it comes to choosing a reliable VPN, two names that often come up are Surfshark vs IPVanish. Both of these VPN services offer a range of features designed to protect your online privacy, unblock geo-restricted content, and provide secure internet browsing. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the Surfshark vs IPVanish debate to help you decide which VPN suits your needs best.

Whether you’re looking for fast speeds, advanced security features, or excellent streaming capabilities, understanding the differences between Surfshark vs IPVanish can make a severe difference. Each service has its strengths and unique features, so TechSpot break everything down step by step to ensure you make a knowledgeable informed decision.

As we explore the pros and cons of both Surfshark and IPVanish, we’ll cover everything from pricing and performance to privacy policies and customer support. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which VPN is the right fit for you.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

When comparing Surfshark vs IPVanish in terms of pricing, both VPN providers offer a variety of plans, but their pricing strategies differ significantly.

Surfshark

Surfshark is known for its affordable pricing, especially when you opt for long-term plans. Its most popular plan is the 2-year subscription, which comes with a substantial discount, making it one of the most budget-friendly VPNs available. Surfshark also offers a monthly plan and a 12-month plan, but these are priced higher than the long-term option. Another great benefit is that Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it on all your devices without any extra costs.

IPVanish

On the other hand, IPVanishoffers monthly, quarterly, and yearly plans. Its yearly plan is the most cost-effective, although it’s generally priced a bit higher than Surfshark’s long-term plan. However, IPVanish includes a unique feature in its plans – it bundles cloud storage through SugarSync, which might be appealing for users looking for extra value. Similar to Surfshark, IPVanish also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a feature that adds significant value to its pricing.

Refund Policies:

• Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, which gives you plenty of time to test the service risk-free.
• IPVanish also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on its yearly plans, though monthly plans are typically non-refundable.

In the battle of Surfshark vs IPVanish on pricing, Surfshark generally comes out as the more budget-friendly option for those willing to commit to a longer subscription, while IPVanish might appeal to users who value the added cloud storage feature.

Server Locations and Coverage

When it comes to server locations and coverage, both Surfshark and IPVanish offer a wide range of servers globally, but there are some key differences in the extent of their networks.

Surfshark

Surfshark provides access to over 3,200 servers spread across 100+ countries. This vast coverage ensures that you can always find a fast and reliable connection, no matter where you are. Surfshark’s servers are optimized for a variety of uses, including streaming, torrenting, and secure browsing. Its wide geographic distribution means you’ll have better chances of bypassing geo-restrictions, especially for accessing content from different regions.

IPVanish

IPVanish has a network of 2,400 servers across 55+ locations. While its server count is slightly smaller compared to Surfshark, IPVanish still covers major regions, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. IPVanish also offers advanced filtering options to help users find the best servers for specific needs, such as speed or geographical location.

Both VPNs support major server locations around the world, but in the Surfshark vs IPVanish comparison, Surfshark has a slight edge in terms of broader global reach, making it a better option if server variety and access to different regions are important to you.

Speed and Performance

When evaluating Surfshark vs IPVanish on speed and performance, both VPNs deliver solid results, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

I tested both IPVanish and Surfshark with Speedtest by Ookla, both servers from London UK.

I made sure to test both VPNS five times to get a fair result, these are the best ones I got. Although there is not a vast difference, Surfshark has the advantage here as it has a faster download speed and ping. Even though IPVanish has a slightly faster Upload speed this doesn’t make a huge difference. IPVanish still has an outstanding performance. This also depends on what type of WiFi you are using, Wireless, Ethernet and what broadband you have.

Surfshark

Surfshark is known for offering impressive speeds, particularly when using its WireGuard protocol, which is optimized for both security and performance. In speed tests, Surfshark consistently provides fast download and upload speeds, making it a great choice for activities like streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads. Surfshark also performs well on long-distance connections, with minimal speed drops when connecting to servers far from your location.

IPVanish

IPVanish also offers strong performance, especially when using its OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. While not as fast as Surfshark on long-distance connections, IPVanish holds its own in terms of speed, particularly for users in the U.S. and Europe. IPVanish’s performance is highly reliable for everyday browsing, HD streaming, and torrenting, though it may experience more noticeable speed drops when connecting to distant servers.

In terms of overall speed, Surfshark tends to edge out IPVanish, especially for users who need consistently high speeds across different regions. However, both VPNs offer more than enough performance for typical activities, and the difference may only be noticeable for users with specific speed-heavy needs like 4K streaming or competitive online gaming.

Security Features

When comparing Surfshark vs IPVanish on security features, both VPNs excel at protecting your online privacy, but they offer different tools and approaches to keeping your data secure.

Surfshark

Surfshark has a reputation for its robust security features, making it a top choice for users who prioritize privacy. It uses AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for VPN security, which ensures that your data is virtually uncrackable. Surfshark also supports multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, allowing you to choose the best option for both security and performance. One standout feature is its MultiHop option, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of protection.

In addition, Surfshark comes with a kill switch, which automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your IP address is never exposed. It also includes CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, further enhancing your online security. Lastly, Surfshark offers a NoBorders mode, designed to bypass internet censorship and VPN blocks, making it ideal for users in restrictive regions.

IPVanish

IPVanish also takes security seriously, with AES-256 encryption as standard and support for multiple protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. While IPVanish doesn’t offer WireGuard, it still delivers a solid level of security. Like Surfshark, IPVanish features a kill switch to protect your identity if your VPN connection is interrupted.

One unique aspect of IPVanish is that it owns and operates its entire server network, which adds an extra layer of control over data security, as third-party data centers are not involved. IPVanish also includes Scramble, a feature designed to obfuscate your VPN traffic, making it harder for ISPs or governments to detect that you’re using a VPN. While IPVanish does not offer ad or malware blockers like Surfshark, it remains a secure option for users focused on encryption and server security.

In the Surfshark vs IPVanish security comparison, Surfshark offers more advanced features like MultiHop and CleanWeb, while IPVanish stands out with its fully self-managed network and Scramble feature. Both VPNs are highly secure, but Surfshark’s extra tools may appeal to users who want maximum privacy and customization.

Privacy and No-Log Policy

When it comes to privacy, both Surfshark and IPVanish emphasize strict no-log policies, but they differ slightly in terms of jurisdiction and approach.

Surfshark

Surfshark operates under a strong no-log policy, meaning it does not collect or store any data about your online activities while using its service. This ensures that even if someone were to request your data, there would be nothing to provide. Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no data retention laws and outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances (international surveillance groups). This adds an extra layer of protection for users concerned about government surveillance or data sharing.

Surfshark also undergoes independent audits to verify its no-log claims, which further boosts its credibility in maintaining user privacy. The combination of its jurisdiction and strong no-logging stance makes Surfshark an excellent choice for users looking for the highest level of privacy.

IPVanish

Like Surfshark, IPVanish also enforces a strict no-log policy. This means IPVanish does not track or store your connection data, online activities, or personal information while using the VPN. However, IPVanish is based in the United States, a country that is part of the 5 Eyes surveillance alliance. While IPVanish reassures users that it does not log any data that could be shared, some users may be cautious about its U.S. jurisdiction.

It’s worth noting that IPVanish previously faced controversy in 2016 when it was found to have provided user logs to U.S. authorities in a criminal investigation. Since then, the company has changed ownership, and its current no-log policy has been verified by independent audits, which restore some confidence in its privacy practices.

In the Surfshark vs IPVanish comparison on privacy, Surfshark has an edge due to its location in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and its spotless record. IPVanish remains a secure option with its strict no-log policy, but users concerned about jurisdiction might prefer Surfshark’s base in the British Virgin Islands.

Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities

When it comes to streaming and unblocking content, both Surfshark and IPVanish are designed to bypass geo-restrictions, but their effectiveness varies depending on the platform and location.

Surfshark

Surfshark is widely recognized for its ability to unblock a variety of popular streaming services. Whether you want to access Netflix libraries from different countries, watch BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, Surfshark consistently delivers. It also works well in regions with strong censorship, such as China, where many VPNs struggle to bypass restrictions. Surfshark’s SmartDNS feature allows users to unblock streaming content on devices that don’t typically support VPNs, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles. Additionally, Surfshark’s fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth ensure smooth, buffer-free streaming in HD or even 4K.

IPVanish

, while offering decent unblocking capabilities, isn’t as reliable as Surfshark when it comes to bypassing restrictions on certain streaming services. IPVanish works well with some Netflix libraries and a few other platforms like Disney+ and YouTube, but it may have trouble accessing more regionally restricted content, such as BBC iPlayer or Hulu. While IPVanish’s performance is generally stable, it doesn’t offer a dedicated SmartDNS feature, which can limit its use on streaming devices that don’t natively support VPNs.

In the Surfshark vs IPVanish comparison for streaming, Surfshark clearly takes the lead. Its consistent ability to unblock a wide range of streaming platforms, coupled with fast performance and SmartDNS support, makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize streaming. IPVanish, while still capable for basic streaming needs, falls behind when it comes to accessing content from more restricted platforms.

Torrenting and P2P Support

When it comes to torrenting and P2P file sharing, both Surfshark and IPVanish provide strong support, but their features and performance differ slightly.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a phenominal choice for torrenting, offering dedicated P2P servers across its entire network. Whether you’re downloading large files or using a torrent client, Surfshark ensures fast and secure connections. All of Surfshark’s servers allow torrenting, meaning you won’t have to search for specific P2P-friendly locations. Additionally, Surfshark supports unlimited bandwidth, which is ideal for uninterrupted file sharing, and its NoBorders mode ensures that even users in countries with strict internet restrictions can engage in P2P activities without issues.

From a security standpoint, Surfshark offers a kill switch, which is crucial for torrenting, as it automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that your real IP address isn’t exposed. Its AES-256 encryption and no-log policy further guarantee that your torrenting activities remain private and anonymous.

IPVanish

also provides strong support for P2P file sharing, allowing torrenting on all of its servers with no bandwidth limits. This makes it a solid option for users looking to engage in large file downloads or regular torrenting. IPVanish stands out for owning and operating its entire server network, which adds a level of trustworthiness for privacy-conscious users. It also includes a kill switch and uses AES-256 encryption to secure your data while torrenting.

However, while both VPNs offer similar torrenting features, Surfshark vs IPVanish shows Surfshark as a slightly better option due to its faster speeds and dedicated P2P servers, which can improve download times. Surfshark also has the edge when it comes to bypassing internet restrictions in countries with tighter control over P2P activities, thanks to its NoBorders mode.

Device Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections

When comparing Surfshark vs IPVanish on device compatibility and simultaneous connections, both VPNs offer extensive support across multiple platforms, but there are some notable differences in flexibility and coverage.

Surfshark

Surfshark excels in device compatibility, supporting all major platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers. One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can connect as many devices as you want under one account. This makes Surfshark an excellent choice for families or users with multiple devices who want comprehensive coverage without needing to pay for extra connections.

In addition to its core device compatibility, Surfshark offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and the SmartDNS feature, which allows you to easily unblock content on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like Apple TV and PlayStation. This wide range of device support and unlimited connections ensures that Surfshark can protect all your devices seamlessly.

IPVanish

However, IPVanish also offers broad compatibility, supporting major platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, and routers. However, unlike Surfshark, IPVanish used to limit the number of simultaneous connections but has recently adopted an unlimited connections policy, matching Surfshark’s flexibility in this regard. This makes IPVanish a viable option for users who need VPN protection on multiple devices at the same time without additional costs.

While both VPNs offer unlimited connections, Surfshark vs IPVanish shows that Surfshark has a slight edge with its SmartDNS feature, which provides more flexibility for users who need to connect non-traditional devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles. IPVanish’s device compatibility is still strong, but Surfshark’s extra features give it a bit more versatility for users with varied needs.

Customer Support

When comparing Surfshark vs IPVanish in terms of customer support, both VPNs offer responsive and reliable help, but they differ slightly in the channels and availability of their services.

Surfshark

Surfshark provides a fast, reliable 24/7 customer support through live chat, which is one of its key strengths. The live chat option is quick and efficient, allowing users to get help in real-time for any issues they encounter. In addition to live chat, Surfshark offers email support and a comprehensive knowledge base with tutorials, guides, and troubleshooting articles. This makes it easy for users to find answers on their own, or get help from a support agent whenever needed. Surfshark also has an extensive FAQ section, which is well-organized and covers a wide range of common questions.

IPVanish

IPVanish also offers 24/7 customer support, but primarily through live chat and email. While IPVanish provides fast and helpful responses, it doesn’t offer phone support, which some users might find limiting compared to other services. IPVanish has a decent knowledge base with helpful articles and setup guides for different devices, but it’s not as comprehensive as Surfshark’s resources. However, IPVanish users can still find the information they need for common issues, and the live chat is a reliable way to get real-time assistance.

In the Surfshark vs IPVanish comparison, both VPNs excel at offering live chat support 24/7, but Surfshark’s more extensive knowledge base and user-friendly resources make it slightly easier for users to find solutions on their own. IPVanish offers solid support, but its resources are a bit more limited.

Conclusion

In the Surfshark vs IPVanish comparison, both VPNs offer robust features that cater to a variety of user needs, but they shine in different areas. Surfshark stands out with its impressive speed, unlimited simultaneous connections, and strong streaming capabilities, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize online privacy and access to geo-restricted content. Its extensive knowledge base and 24/7 customer support further enhance the user experience, ensuring that help is always readily available.

On the other hand, IPVanish offers solid performance and a reliable no-log policy, making it a trustworthy option for users who want a VPN that respects their privacy. With unlimited connections and a fully managed server network, IPVanish provides users with the flexibility to secure all their devices without additional costs.

Ultimately, the choice between Surfshark vs IPVanish will depend on your specific needs. If you require advanced features for streaming and torrenting, along with comprehensive customer support, Surfshark may be the better fit. However, if you value a robust server network and a focus on security, IPVanish remains a strong contender.

In summary, both Surfshark and IPVanish are excellent VPN services, but understanding their strengths will help you make the best choice for your online activities. Whether you choose Surfshark or IPVanish, you can rest assured that both options provide strong security and privacy for your internet usage.