The VPN market is rapidly expanding as online privacy and security become top priorities for users worldwide. With rising digital surveillance, tools like VPNs have become essential.
When it comes to choosing a reliable service, the IPVanish vs NordVPN comparison stands out. Both are good choices for getting around geo-restrictions and protecting your data on public Wi-Fi. But how do they compare in performance, features, and value?
| Feature | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $3.09/mo (annual) | $2.19/mo (annual) |
| Servers | 7,400+ in 118 countries | 2,400+ in 109 countries |
| Speed Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard) | WireGuard |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | Unlimited |
| Streaming Libraries Unblocked | 20 Netflix regions, Disney+, etc. | 5 Netflix regions |
| Kill Switch Coverage | All protocols & devices | OpenVPN only (no iOS) |
| Headquarters (Jurisdiction) | Panama (no data-retention laws) | USA (Five Eyes alliance) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Pricing and Subscription Options: IPVanish vs NordVPN Breakdown
NordVPN’s Tiered Pricing Structure
When you compare the pricing of IPVanish vs NordVPN, you can see that NordVPN has more options. Their prices start at $3.09 per month if you pay annually.
Basic 4.99$ /mo annual billing | Plus 5.99$ /mo annual billing | Complete 6.99$ /mo annual billing |
30-day money-back guarantee Secure, fast VPN | 30-day money-back guarante Secure, fast VPN Anti-malware & browsing protection Ad & tracker blocker Password manager & breach scanner | 30-day money-back. guarante Secure, fast VPN Anti-malware & browsing protection Ad & tracker blocker Password manager & breach scanner 1 TB cloud storage |
NordVPN’s higher-priced plans come with additional features like identity theft protection and cyber extortion insurance. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving users a risk-free trial period.
IPVanish’s Pricing Structure
IPVanish, on the other hand, offers a more straightforward pricing structure, with its plans starting at $2.19 per month. Here’s a breakdown of their plans:
Essential 3.33/mo | Advanced 4.49/mo |
While IPVanish’s entry-level price is lower than NordVPN’s, the price difference narrows when comparing their higher-tier plans. Like NordVPN, IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for annual and biennial plans.
Performance and Speed: Which Is Faster—IPVanish vs NordVPN?
When selecting a VPN, speed is often a deciding factor. Let’s explore how IPVanish and NordVPN perform in real-world scenarios.
NordVPN’s Speed Performance
NordVPN consistently outperforms IPVanish in speed. NordVPN uses its own NordLynx protocol.
This protocol is based on WireGuard. It provides fast download speeds. You can also expect reliable performance on many servers around the world.
- Download speed retention: 93-95% of baseline speeds across multiple locations
- Upload speed retention: 92-93% on average
These speed metrics make NordVPN a solid choice for users who require high bandwidth, such as gamers, streamers, and content creators.
IPVanish’s Speed Performance
IPVanish also uses the WireGuard protocol and provides decent speed performance. However, its performance in certain locations lags behind NordVPN, particularly in upload speeds.
- Download speed retention: 90-94% across several regions
- Upload speed performance: Varies significantly, with some locations dipping as low as 36% in the US.
IPVanish is still fast for browsing and streaming. However, NordVPN shows more consistent speed, especially for heavy activities.
Server Network and Global Coverage
NordVPN’s Expansive Server Network
NordVPN boasts an extensive network with over 7,400 servers spread across 118 countries. This impressive network allows users to access content from nearly any region while maintaining a high level of performance. Additionally, NordVPN offers specialized servers for specific tasks, such as Onion Over VPN, Double VPN, and P2P-optimized servers.
IPVanish’s Server Network
IPVanish, while smaller, still offers a reliable network with 2,400+ servers across 109 countries. IPVanish allows unlimited connections at the same time. This is great for users who want to protect many devices with one subscription. However, it lacks the variety of specialized servers that NordVPN offers.
Security Features and Privacy Protections
Encryption and Protocols
Both providers use AES-256 encryption, which is industry-standard and offers robust protection for online activities. However, they differ in their choice of VPN protocols:
- NordVPN: Includes NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and NordWhisper, a protocol designed for obfuscation.
- IPVanish: Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and L2TP, but does not have an obfuscation-focused protocol like NordVPN.
Kill Switch and Privacy
Both VPNs offer a kill switch feature that cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops. NordVPN’s kill switch works with all protocols. In contrast, IPVanish’s kill switch only works with OpenVPN. It also does not work on iOS devices.
NordVPN is based in Panama. Panama has no laws that require data to be kept.
On the other hand, IPVanish is based in the United States. The U.S. is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This gives NordVPN an edge in privacy.
Streaming and Content Access
NordVPN for Streaming
NordVPN excels in unblocking content from various streaming platforms. It works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and many other services. Users can access 20 Netflix regional libraries and stream without interruptions. Its fast speeds make it ideal for buffering-free HD streaming.
IPVanish for Streaming
IPVanish supports Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube, but its compatibility with streaming services is more limited compared to NordVPN. It only supports 5 Netflix libraries. This could be a deal-breaker for users who want to access content from different countries.
If you’re exploring options, you might also enjoy our full comparison of IPVanish vs NordVPN for 2025.
Unique Features and Differentiators
NordVPN’s Exclusive Features
- Threat Protection Pro: A security suite that blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Dark Web Monitor: Alerts you if your credentials appear in data breaches.
- Dedicated IP: Available at an additional cost for those who need a consistent IP address.
- Onion Over VPN: Provides maximum anonymity by combining VPN encryption with Tor network routing.
IPVanish’s Key Advantages
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Perfect for users with many devices to protect.
- Phone Support: IPVanish offers phone support, a feature that some users may find more convenient than live chat.
- Double VPN Flexibility: IPVanish offers more customization in selecting entry and exit points for Double VPN functionality.
Customer Support Options
Both services provide 24/7 live chat and email support, as well as comprehensive knowledge bases. IPVanish is unique because it offers phone support during business hours. This can attract users who like to talk directly for help.
Which VPN Offers Better Value in 2025?
In 2025, NordVPN stands out as the best choice for most users. It offers faster speeds, a larger server network, better streaming options, and strong security features. A high-quality VPN offers good privacy and performance. This makes it perfect for users who want the best service.
However, IPVanish provides significant advantages in specific use cases, such as unlimited simultaneous connections and affordable pricing. A strong choice exists for those on a budget or those who need to protect multiple devices simultaneously.
Lastly, if you prioritize privacy, streaming, and security, NordVPN is the recommended choice. If you have many devices or are budget-conscious, IPVanish might be a better option.
By considering your specific needs, you can confidently choose the VPN that best fits your lifestyle.
