NordVPN vs IPVanish
Choosing a VPN service should be taken seriously. After all, trusting a company with your valuable data isn’t something that should be taken lightly.
NordVPN and IPVanish are two of the most popular VPN services out there. Despite sharing some core similarities, they’re different in some aspects. In this NordVPN vs. IPVanish head-to-head comparison, we’ll see how each of these VPNs fare against each other. Let’s start!
Last updated 11th November 2024
NordVPN is the clear winner in this comparison thanks to its high number of servers, WireGuard support, and broader compatibility. However, that doesn’t mean that IPVanish is no good.
In fact, it shares many of NordVPN’s features while also being cheaper, making it a good option for budget-minded users. Not to mention, its sleek user interface makes it suitable for beginners.
Features Comparison
NordVPN | IPVanish | |
Servers | 5600+ | 1300+ |
Encryption | AES-256 with 4096-bit DH key | AES-256 with 4096-bit RSA key |
Devices | 6 | Unlimited |
Average Server Speed | 57 Mbps | 34.4 Mbps |
Netflix Support | Yes | Yes |
Torrenting Support | Yes | Yes |
Customer Service | 24/7 live chat and email | 24/7 live chat, email, and phone |
Free Trial | No | No |
Pricing | Starts at $3.71/month | Starts at $3.75/month |
Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 7 days |
NordVPN vs IPVanish - Full Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these services stand out on the core elements.
Security
Security is the most critical aspect of a VPN service, and it’s the reason why many people use a VPN service in the first place. NordVPN and IPVanish take security very seriously by incorporating AES-256 encryption, the same encryption technology that governments and multinational corporations use.
And while both services use 4096-bit keys, NordVPN has a DH key while IPVanish uses an RSA one. Without getting into much detail, they offer more or less the same level of protection.
Both tools also come with an automatic kill switch, protecting your identity from getting exposed if the connected server goes down.
Servers & Speed
NordVPN has over 5600 servers in more than 60 countries, the highest ever for a VPN service. On the other hand, IPVanish has 1300 servers in 55 countries, which isn’t that many compared to NordVPN.
Nevertheless, both VPN services have good geodiversity when it comes to server locations, so finding a nearby server shouldn’t be all that hard to do.
When it comes to speed, NordVPN only causes a 30% drop in internet speeds, while IPVanish results in an internet speed that’s around 40% slower.
DNS Leak Protection
DNS leaking in VPN services can be a significant problem as you could get your real IP address exposed. Both NordVPN and IPVanish have a robust DNS leak protection system, which was confirmed through various DNS leak test tools.
User Interface
One area where IPVanish clearly has the upper edge over NordVPN is the user interface. IPVanish flaunts an easy-to-use interface that beginners would definitely love. Despite being easy to navigate, IPVanish’s interface offers lots of configurable settings that you can mess with.
On the contrary, NordVPN’s user interface is somewhat complicated and harder to figure out compared to that of IPVanish. It’ll take a while for you to get used to it, especially if this is your first time using a VPN service.
Streaming & Gaming
Streaming services continuously try to block VPN services, but NordVPN and IPVanish are still capable of unblocking the most popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Both VPN services are good for gaming, but NordVPN has a slight edge considering that it’s faster than IPVanish.
Torrenting
Both NordVPN and IPVanish support P2P connections, allowing you to use your favorite BitTorrent client to download torrent files.
Protocols
IPVanish supports OpenVPN (TCP or UDP), an open-source protocol, as well as IKEv2, L2TP, and SSTP.
With the exception of L2TP and SSTP protocols, NordVPN uses the same protocols that IPVanish uses, in addition to WireGuard, an emerging open-source protocol that promises to deliver enhanced security, speed, and stability.
Platforms
Both NordVPN and IPVanish are available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. But NordVPN also works with routers, Chrome, and Firefox.
Subscription Plans
NordVPN offers 4 subscription plans. The monthly plan costs $11.95/month, while the annual plan will set you back at $69/year. Alternatively, you can opt for the 2-year plan at $89 if you’re ready to commit long-term. There’s also a semi-annual plan that costs $54.
On the flip side, IPVanish has 3 pricing options. The monthly plan starts at $10/month, while the 3-month plan costs $26.99. You can also go for the extended annual plan that costs $77.99.
Both services offer a money-back guarantee, but NordVPN is more generous, giving you up to 30 days to get a full refund compared to 7 days with IPVanish. However, neither services have a free trial.
Customer Support
Both VPN services offer customer support through web-based channels like live chat and email, but IPVanish goes the extra mile by providing phone support.
Pros & Cons of NordVPN
Pros
- 5600+ servers in 60 countries
- Faster speeds
- Supports WireGuard protocol
- Allows 6 simultaneous connections
- More flexible pricing plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Supports routers and some web browsers
Cons
- A bit more expensive
- User interface is somewhat complicated
Pros & Cons of IPVanish
Pros
- Affordable
- Supports L2TP and SSTP protocols
- Has phone support
- Beginner-friendly user interface
- 7-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limited number of servers compared to NordVPN
- A bit slow
Verdict
To wrap it all up, NordVPN is a great choice for power users who want sophisticated features like WireGuard support and blazing fast speeds. On the other hand, IPVanish is a more beginner-friendly VPN with just enough features to keep your data safe without costing too much.