NordVPN vs IPVanish: Which VPN is better?

Should I choose NordVPN or IPVanish?

Last Updated on 30/10/2024

Unsure whether to go for NordVPN or IPVanish? We feel you. While NordVPN bundles together more overall features and offers a marginally better rep, IPVanish is super-fast and their price plans represent some seriously good value, right?

The NordVPN vs IPVanish battle has been ongoing ever since 2012 and both VPNs have so much to offer that it really is a tough call for many internet users. In this guide, we pit both VPNs against each other in our efforts to unpick which is the best fit for different kinds of consumers. Here we go.

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ExpressVPN
Recommended
Favicon
4.6/5
  • Wide server coverage and continuous expansion
  • Lightning-fast VPN speeds
  • Flexible pricing plans with a money-back guarantee
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Hulu
bbc_iplayer
from $8,32 / Month
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Payment Methods
Mastercard
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CyberGhost
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.6/5
  • Robust server network
  • Fast WireGuard connections
  • Wide streaming compatibility
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Hulu
from $2,37 / Month
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Payment Methods
PayPal
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Mastercard
+
Apps
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NordVPN
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Lightning-fast server speeds
  • Wide server coverage globally
  • Advanced security features
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Hulu
from $3,59 / Month
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Google Pay
Mastercard
Visa
+
Apps
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Private Internet Access
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • High streaming performance and extensive server network
  • Robust security features and privacy measures
  • Affordable pricing plans and reliable service
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Hulu
from $1,98 / Month
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Payment Methods
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Surfshark
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Wide server network, extensive coverage
  • Unlimited device connections
  • Excellent streaming capabilities
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Hulu
from $2,49 / Month
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Payment Methods
Visa
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PayPal
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Apps
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Hide.me
6.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Top-rated VPN for privacy
  • Lightning-fast connection speeds
  • Innovative features for security
Data Logging
Yes
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Torrents
Netflix
bbc_iplayer
from $2,59 / Month
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Payment Methods
Visa
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American Express
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PureVPN
7.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Always-on auditing for transparency
  • AES-256 encryption and obfuscation
  • Competitive pricing and streaming
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Hulu
bbc_iplayer
from 2,04€ / Month
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Mastercard
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ProtonVPN
8.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Free version with excellent features
  • Extensive server network
  • Top-tier encryption and security
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
from $4,99 / Month
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
+
Apps
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StrongVPN
9.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • User-friendly VPN for beginners
  • Strong privacy and security features
  • Access to 950 servers
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
from $3,97 / Month
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
+
Apps
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Bitdefender
10.
Favicon
4.4/5
  • Affordable pricing plans
  • Robust encryption and security
  • Impressive server network
Data Logging
Yes
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Torrents
from $2,50 / Month
Visit Site
Payment Methods
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Visa
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CompanyTefincom S.AJ2 Global, Inc
Websitenordvpn.comipvanish.com
CompanyTefincom S.AJ2 Global, Inc
Customer SupportLive Chat, PhoneLive Chat, Phone, Email Support
Verified byn/an/a
Payment Methods
Google Pay
Mastercard
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Visa
Mastercard
American Express
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Bonusfrom $3,59 / Monthfrom $3,33 / Month
VisitGo to NordVPN
T&Cs apply, 18+
-
T&Cs apply, 18+

Which is better, NordVPN or IPVanish?

First and foremost, let’s take a look at some pros and cons of each provider:

NordVPN Pros and Cons

NordVPN main
Pro and Con
  • Long standing industry rep
  • 5,800 servers in 60 countries
  • Compatible with most devices
  • Tonnes of additional features
  • A little pricey
NordVPN
4.5/5
from $3,59 / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to NordVPN
NordVPN Highlights
  • Lightning-fast server speeds
  • Wide server coverage globally
  • Advanced security features

IPVanish Pros and Cons

IP Vanish VPN all devices
Pro and Con
  • More competitive price plans
  • Great for gaming and torrenting
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Less server options

Our expert comparison between NordVPN and IPVanish

Before we dive right in, let us just say that whichever of the two VPNs you choose to go for, NordVPN or IPVanish, you’ll be getting a market-leading product that’s packed full of useful privacy features and tons of amazing capabilities. But just so you can see for yourself, here’s what to expect from each in a few all-important areas:

Speed and reliability

So, when comparing NordVPN vs IPVanish on speed, which is fastest? Well, on the surface, NordVPN advertises server speeds of up to 10Gbps, against IPVanish’s up to 25Gbps, making the latter appear the superior option at a first glance.

That said, we conducted one or two reality tests on either VPN, using the same server locations (New York and Tokyo), and racked up the following average results:

VPN Average download speed Average upload speed
NordVPN 196 Mbps 99 Mbps
IPVanish 254 Mbps 104 Mbps

For us, IPVanish came out slightly quicker, though you’ve probably seen other tests and reviews out there that tend to disagree. If so, that’ll be because there really isn’t much in it between these two.

Cost and value for money

Here’s one of few categories in our review that delivers a clear favourite. IPVanish can be purchased on a two-year plan for just $2.92 per month, against NordVPN’s $3.49 a month, making the former the cheaper deal.

Though some would certainly say that NordVPN wins out from a value for money perspective, as their most competitive price plans throw in trackers, ad-blockers, and cross-platform password managers as part of your deal – though you are essentially paying extra for the brand’s reputation here. We’ll leave you to decide which is best, as they both look like terrific value from where we’re standing.

Server and country options

NordVPN advertises an impressive 5,800 server locations, which span across 60 different countries in total. If you’ve read any of our other comparisons, you’ll know that this doesn’t make it the best VPN for server options by a mile, though these are some hugely respectable stats for sure.

By way of comparison, IPVanish offers 2,200 servers across 75 different locations, on top of unlimited bandwidth and the ability for you to choose between 40,000 different IP addresses. Again, it’s a very capable VPN server-wise. In fact, both companies have a hell of a lot to offer in this category.

Security and privacy

Should the security-conscious among you go for NordVPN or IPVanish? Well, a lot of people tend to shout about the water-tight nature of NordVPN’s RAM-disk servers and their AES 256-bit encrypted data tunnels. However, those of you with a keen eye will spot that remarkably similar tools are in use over at IPVanish, too.

IPVanish also comes with that impressive selection of 40,000+ dynamic IP addresses, giving you endless options whenever you feel the need to switch. That said, many tech wizzes swear by NordVPN as having some of the most secure servers in the business. At our end, we’d feel bubble-wrapped with either one of these uber-secure VPNs.

Usability

On the topic of user-friendliness, is NordVPN better than IPVanish? Well, the Nordic-inspired server map offered by NordVPN is really easy to use, so long as you didn’t flunk Geography in school, but we’re bigger fans of IPVanish’s learning-focused interface, which will definitely appeal more to beginners who want to get their heads around what makes a VPN tick.

Special features

IPVanish offers full peer-to-peer (P2P) compatibility, something that will for sure appeal to any torrenters among you. They also protect their users against speed throttling and DDoS attacks, which is tech-speak for “they’re good for gaming”, too.

You’ll find comparable features with NordVPN for sure, as well as excellent streaming capabilities if one of your end goals here is to unlock hidden Netflix content that’s restricted to certain geographical locations. We also love NordVPN’s easy-to-use data breach scanner, and its excellent ad-blocking tools, which come in real handy when online shopping, or perusing spammy news websites.

What other VPNs are worth a look?

Still unsure whether either of these is right for you? Here are some other sensible alternatives:

1. ExpressVPN

Offering 3,000 servers in more than 90 different countries, ExpressVPN is a fantastic choice in terms of flexibility. They also have a top-tier rep for security and privacy, too.

ExpressVPN
4.6/5
from $8,32 / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Highlights
  • Wide server coverage and continuous expansion
  • Lightning-fast VPN speeds
  • Flexible pricing plans with a money-back guarantee

2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers lightning-fast speeds and a user interface that’s an ideal fit for VPN first-timers. Their plans are also incredibly affordable, and come in many shapes and sizes.

Surfshark
4.5/5
from $2,49 / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to Surfshark
Surfshark Highlights
  • Wide server network, extensive coverage
  • Unlimited device connections
  • Excellent streaming capabilities

3. ProtonVPN

With no leaks, no logs, and water-tight servers, ProtonVPN is one of the best VPNs out there from a security standpoint. They’re also great for streaming and remote work.

ProtonVPN
4.5/5
from $4,99 / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN Highlights
  • Free version with excellent features
  • Extensive server network
  • Top-tier encryption and security

Final thoughts – NordVPN vs IPVanish – which should you choose?

There’s a recurring theme to this review, and it’s this – both NordVPN and IPVanish are incredible VPNs, and we don’t think any user would feel disappointed in any way with either of them.

Nevertheless, if it’s a question of NordVPN vs IPVanish on price, the latter offers the cheapest price plans to those of you who are on a budget, and offers amazing features for gamers and those who enjoy torrenting, too. Conversely, if you’re looking at the two from more of a security or reputation side, NordVPN is a little longer in the tooth and generally has a greater brand image and rep.

More of our our favorite VPN deals

ExpressVPN
1.
Favicon
4.6/5
from $8,32 / Month
Mastercard
Visa
PayPal
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
CyberGhost
2.
Favicon
4.6/5
from $2,37 / Month
PayPal
Visa
Mastercard
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
NordVPN
3.
Favicon
4.5/5
from $3,59 / Month
Google Pay
Mastercard
Visa
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
Private Internet Access
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
from $1,98 / Month
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
Surfshark
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
from $2,49 / Month
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+

NordVPN vs IPVanish FAQ

🏃 Should I choose NordVPN or IPVanish if I want the fastest VPN?

Different VPNs all offer vastly different connection speeds, and there are several variables that affect your download and upload times. NordVPN and IPVanish both rank among the fastest VPNs out there on average, but is one provider better than the other overall? Find out with our expert reviews and comparisons today.

✂️ Which VPN has the best discount on a two-year plan?

VPNs routinely advertise special promotions, offers and discounts – and the best ones tend to impact the cost of their longer-term plans of two years or more. You can compare prices between some of today’s top-ranking VPN providers using Strafe.com to find the ideal VPN service to suit your unique needs.

🧐 What is the main disadvantage of NordVPN?

While there are tons of amazing VPNs out there, no provider will ever be 100% perfect. NordVPN is one of the best VPNs in the business, particularly if you’re looking for low prices and fast speeds, but what are the potential downsides of using this provider? Find out now with our detailed review.

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