IPVanish vs NordVPN

IPVanish vs NordVPN: Our Detailed Comparison

In the last few years, virtual private networks (VPN) turned from the sophisticated entertainment for geeks into the reliable and popular instrument of ensuring Internet anonymity and enciphering transmitted data. The demand for such tools increased, so this fact led to an overwhelming number of apps services that deal with Internet security issues.

In general, VPN products help users to secure the data transferred to the Internet via public networks. More importantly, it provides privacy of network activity and overcomes geographical restrictions to access particular content. Ordinary proxy servers, unlike VPN, hide the IP addresses but does not encrypt transferred data. In turn, VPN creates the ciphered “tunnels” between the user’s device and servers, providing more effective protection against different network threats.

The saturated market of VPN products may confuse you. It might be challenging to choose a VPN for the first time, especially when you know nothing about its characteristics, essential for adequate protection. So, we are here to provide you with the independent review of the two most popular VPN services, which have a strong position in the world of VPN apps.

The crucial criteria we need to discuss are reliability, speed, extra features, connections, work with torrents & streaming services, security, logging policy, price, payments and refund policies, and devices. These points are worth considering if you want to choose the most appropriate product for your needs and to have the best experience with Internet anonymity. 

Today, we are going to speak about IPVanish that is positioned as service with the maximum protection opportunities. In the red corner, we have one more VPN giant – NordVPN, the best app in enciphering and anonymity. Let’s take a closer look at the features they offer and decide who is the winner of this contest.

Speed Test: IPVanish vs NordVPN

Often VPN apps may decrease the speed of Internet access considerably. It is connected with specifics of their work. So, in this case, VPN services speed is the crucial parameter when making the decision. We did not use the optimum connection in the tests; the servers in the same regions were chosen. This approach allows a divergence of results when using not test environments because some servers can be more suitable for the location of test devices.

To test our contestants, we used the SpeedTest website. First, let’s talk about NordVPN. NordVPN has one of the most extensive server networks that we have ever faced. It has about 5,200 servers in 60 countries. For some of you it may be appealing, how does the number of servers and countries is connected with speed. But it is critical to know that the distance from VPN network is one of the factors influencing the speed and ping reaction. The server near your actual location will give you more chances of the low ping score and high speed.

The tests with IPVanish and NordVPN we conducted used the 256-bit OpenVPN UDP protocol. Also, we did try not to choose the overloaded server. So, let’s take a closer look at the numbers we got.

The first server we tested was New York that provided us with 53.59 Mbps download speed. Ping in this region was rather high, as you can see – 101 Ms. 

The same server for IPVanish demonstrated the following test results. Ping is lower (95 Ms), and download speed is higher (85.21 Mbps) than in the case with NordVPN.

United Kingdom servers show us the following numbers. IPVanish demonstrates great results.

We have high download speed – 91.75 Mbps and a low ping rate – 51 Ms.

If to speak about NordVPN, the results are as follows: ping Ms is 30, download is 81.20.

The last server we tested was Germany. Both NordVPN and IPVanish demonstrated good results.

The numbers of NordVPN are the following: download is 74.57 Mbps, ping is 24.

IPVanish gave us 19 Ms for ping, and 95.01 for download.

As we can see, the results both NordVPN and IPVanish are quite comparable, but this time, IPVanish wins.

Features: IPVanish vs NordVPN

Some VPN providers take essential VPN services as a basis and transform them into a fundamentally new product. They expand functionality, providing additional safety services, and increasing usability. NordVPN belongs to such class of providers.

We want to highlight the considerable network of specialized servers, Kill Switch working at a rupture of protected connection, an option of double encryption and a resolver of DNS leaks. And, most importantly, NordVPN strictly adheres to no-logs policy – this app does not make any records about users’ network activity. It became possible thanks Panama location, which does not have laws on obligatory data storage.

Let’s take a closer look at the features both NordVPN, and IPVanish can offer.

NordVPN has a wide set of features, providing several unique solutions:

• OpenVPN, PTPP, L2TP, IPSec, and IKEv2 protocols;
• logs-free policy;
• CyberSec – an ad- and malware blocker;
• customizable Kill Switch feature;
• 6 simultaneous connections;
• Additional servers for better privacy protection (Double VPN, TOR-over-VPN, anti-DDoS, P2P);
• Hidden servers that mask VPN traffic, transforming it into HTTPS encryption.

In turn, IPVanish can provide us with the following features:

• logs-free policy;
• AES 256-bit, OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPsec;
• Kill Switch
• 10 simultaneous connections.

Depending on your requirements, you can choose ultrafast servers for watching video content, or use of P2P networks, or VPN with double enciphering, anti-DDoS servers preventing the attacks, or just ordinary servers for concealment of the IP address, enciphering of communications and protection against tracking on-line activity. All these features, and many others, you can experience with NordVPN.

Both NordVPN and IPVanish keep logs neither about service use nor about characteristics of sessions. The only data on users that are stored by these two services are the e-mail addresses, users’ names, and transactions. Even the users concerned about safety will feel comprehensively protected, having used an anonymous mail service and payment service providers like Bitcoin which are supported by NordVPN and IPVanish in combination with double encryption.

All in all, IPVanish cannot provide the same amount of features, like NordVPN. We can say, in terms of features, this app is rather basic VPN service. So, NordVPN wins this round.

Security & reliability: IPVanish vs NordVPN

For those users for whom Internet safety is in the first place, NordVPN recommends to use OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec encryption protocols. The OpenVPN protocol in which 2048-bit SSL enciphering of a military class is used is established by default in Windows applications and Android. And safer IKEv2/IPsec protocol, the last addition to a set of NordVPN protocols, is chosen by default in apps for iOS and Mac OS. In it 3072-bit enciphering the Perfect Forward Secrecy system generating a unique confidential key of encryption for each session is applied.

The NordVPN service also allows the ciphered requests from DNS servers utilizing a special resolver of DNS leakages that ensures the safety and security of all inquiries. In addition to military encryption level used by default, NordVPN also offers “Double VPN.” That means during connection to the NordVPN server; all your traffic is routed via the second VPN server before going on-line. Data are ciphered two times. Besides, NordVPN allows using TOR.

The Kill Switch function finishes the connection to the Internet when the contact with the VPN server becomes unstable, and it protects the anonymity of the user. So, the service also does not keep logs and does not record the activity of users in any way. Therefore, we can say that NordVPN is a safe and reliable service.

If to speak about IPVanish, it also uses reliable encryption – AES 256-bit encryption protocol. It is impenetrable, and it is the tool which will defend your devices permanently, every hour, every day. Besides, it supports all of the major VPN protocols. For instance, it utilizes OpenVPN (the most advanced and secure protocol), PPTP, and L2TP / IPSec. OpenVPN is the one you need, mainly because it is the primary one for most VPN-services. 

During the reliability and security test, both NordVPN and IPVanish showed rather decent results. We could not detect any IP-address and DNS leaks. You can be assured of IPVanish security because of providing an IPv4-address, which is guaranteeing your IPv6-address will not leak out of the VPN tunnel. Also, IPVanish implies automatic DNS protection activation. At last, if the VPN connection is broken, disable it instantly, and all your data will be secure.

Overall, despite the fact that both VPNs have good safety characteristics, NordVPN is a winner here because of its high-level military encryption and security approach.

Netflix and Other Streaming Services

We want to say from the very beginning that NordVPN is a definite winner in this category because it utilizes smart DNS technology, helpful for streaming. This technology allows the user pretending to be in some other place by the permission of DNS queries in the specified arrangement. It is ideal for streaming of content blocked on a geo-location.

According to NordVPN, users can have access to more than 150 streaming services using NordVPN SmartPlay. They are Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, ABC Go, Zattoo, Cartoon Network, Shudder, WeTv.com, Telemundo, VH1, Vevo, TNT Drama, Sundance.tv, StarTrek, Spike, PBS, Slacker, NBC Sports, FoodNetwork, DramaFever, Discovery, Crackle, and many others.

Introduction of NordVPN Smart DNS is quite unusual. First, it uses the encrypted proxy connection. Second, it does not demand additional control. It is compatible with all applications where NordVPN is installed.

And when you are connected to the VPN server, it defines whether the streaming service of additional routing of DNS is required. In practice, it means you could US Netflix even connecting to the non-American server. However, it did not work with BBC iPlayer. One of the shortcomings of this function is that you cannot adjust Smart DNS NordVPN for work. On devices which cannot start the VPN client: for example, smart TV, video game console or Roku.

In turn, IPVanish, despite all its benefits, does not work with Netflix at all. Even the developers of this service declared the same. Of course, we try to combat the system and assure ourselves, but Netflix blocked all IPVanish servers we tried. Even when we got the pop-ups that the server is connected, we still could not watch something or play games because or terminated connection.

So, our verdict: NordVPN is the indisputable winner in this round.

Torrenting: IPVanish vs NordVPN

Torrenting is one more important reason why people use VPN services. Let’s take a closer look at possibilities of NordVPN and IPVanish in torrenting.

NordVPN is an excellent choice for working with torrent clients such as uTorrent and BitTorrent mainly, and it does its job well. We can even say it is a perfect VPN service for torrenting. Thanks to P2P protocol, it allows downloading and uploading files at high speed and without any problems. It also does not fix any logs.

Last but not least, while torrenting, you can be sure the Kill Switch feature will protect you if the connection drops. Kill Switch from NordVPN can be used for concrete applications and programs that perfectly suitable for torrents. When VPN is disabled, you still can read or check e-mail, but your torrent client will stop.

NordVPN suggests the user choose the best connection servers for torrenting, which also protects against DDOS attacks or government shadowing. So, your IP will stay secure in any case.

If to speak about IPVanish, it is also a good option for dealing with BitTorrent and uTorrent. This VPN service ensures your anonymous torrenting. Like NordVPN, IPVanish also uses SOCKS5 so that you can be sure, your IP address will be hidden and the privacy will be protected. Moreover, your speed will not suffer from utilizing VPN.

IPVanish also keeps no logs. Thus, nobody will know about your Internet activity.

Overall, both NordVPN and IPVanish treat speed, anonymity, and safety rather seriously and will not force you to sacrifice them for some other features. Therefore, we cannot pick up an unconditional leader here.

Logging Policy & Jurisdiction

When we pick a VPN service, we want to be sure nobody will find our traces on the Internet. Primarily, we require a VPN to provide us the maximum anonymity and opportunity to hide all possible data we do not want to share with anybody. So, in this case, the VPNs can offer us zero-logs policy, which is quite necessary to ensure privacy on the Internet.

NordVPN is located in Panama, and the company promises not to store the logs in general. According to their web site, “NordVPN does not trace, does not store and does not write down the log for any user of VPN. We do not store the communications given about time, the used frequencies, magazines of visits, the IP addresses.” Notably, NordVPN is also out of reach of CIA and 5 Eyes Alliance.

Panama has no censorship on the Internet and provides no government observation. It is also convenient; all this is out of the direct impact of NSA and GCHQ. Really, the simple fact that this VPN provider is based in Panama and does not store the log makes it one of the best options available to fanatics of confidentiality.

So, as far as any logs are not collected, nobody can buy or stole it from the VPN services that increases the reliability of the provider.

In turn, IPVanish has some specifics of their zero-logs policy. The main drawback is that the headquarters is located in the United States. As we know, this country is 5 Eyes Alliance. So, if the VPN has such an order, they will be obliged to provide the necessary data.

More importantly, despite their so-called zero-logs policy, IPVanish faced troubles with keeping their word. This provider was involved in the scandal connected with this policy. The users blame the provider because it provides the logs to the authorities despite the strict “no-logs” policy.

Thus, lying about keeping logs, IPVanish undermined the confidence of users regarding this VPN’s reliability. So, the winner in this category is NordVPN.

Supported Device

It’s impossible to deny, today nobody uses only one device for Internet surfing, streaming, or downloading some interesting content – it is somewhat weird. So, when you choose a VPN provider, pay attention to the number of simultaneous connections it can support. It is also essential to learn what platforms it is compatible with to ensure a smooth experience.

Both NordVPN and IPVanish are compatible with a wide range of platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Mainly, NordVPN is the best option for AndroidTV. Also, they provide ergonomic apps to be installed on smartphones.

Chromebook, Linux, and routers (both with open-source code and with the signature interface) can be adjusted manually; there are detailed instructions on the website. You can also use the client software of OpenVPN with open-source code on the platforms supporting him, including Raspberry Pi.

If you don’t want to install the whole VPN application, you may address to browser extensions. NordVPN is super-usable in the form of a browser extension for Google Chrome and Firefox.

If you choose NordVPN, you will have the opportunity to connect 6 various devices simultaneously. 

IPVanish also has applications for devices utilizing various OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows Phone, Fire TV, Chrome OS, even Wi-Fi routers. This provider also claims the maximum speed while using VPN on all devices. 

The offer of 10 simultaneous makes this provider rather attractive for use. Besides, installing IPVanish on your router will guarantee you almost unlimited opportunities.

So, it is difficult to name the winner in this category because both providers can offer significant opportunities.

Pricing & Plans

All of us want to get the product with a wide range of functions and reasonable price, which can be comparable. So, reviewing NordVPN and IPVanish, we have to pay attention to the pricing policy and plans these providers can offer.

IPVanish has 3 plans:

• $10.00 per month;
• $26.99 for 3 months;
• $77.99 for 12 months.

Now the service provides possible users with 50% discounts.

In turn, NordVPN has 4 plans – monthly and yearly plans mostly. Its price a bit higher than the previous VPN establishes, but it is fair enough in terms of long use. These plans are as follows:

• Monthly plan – $11.95 per month (or $143 per year);
• 1-Year plan – $6.99 per month (or $84 per year);
• 2-Year plan – $3.99 per month (or $48 per year);
• 3-Years plan – $2.99 per month (or $35.88 per year).

NordVPN also offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Even though IPVanish has lower prices, we can say the winner of this round is NordVPN because its pricing policy is more reasonable.

Free & Trial versions

Unfortunately, neither NordVPN nor IPVanish offer a free trial. Generally, you can download the app, of course, but you cannot use it without a subscription. So, we cannot name the winner of this category because providing the users with free trial makes sense.

Payment Methods & Money Back Guarantee

Things are not so bad. Both VPN services have various options for the money-back guarantee. According to NordVPN, they do not offer a completely free trial. But all users can try the application without any risks, addressing the 30-day money-back guarantee. Also, they can get a full refund if the experience turns out to be unsatisfactory. 

In case of IPVanish, a 7-day money-back guarantee option is available, which is not that generous as in NordVPN case.

So, in this round the winner is NordVPN. Here we go!

If to speak about payment methods, both NordVPN and IPVanish give the space to choose the best payment alternative. These options include PayPal, credit cards, but IPVanish, unlike NordVPN, does not provide the possibility to pay with cryptocurrencies, while NordVPN supports them.

We can say, cryptocurrencies are not widespread, so it is not the that significant advantage of NordVPN. Here both providers are comparable enough.

Final Thoughts

We reviewed two VPN providers and want to share our verdict. In spite of the benefits IPVanish can provide, NordVPN is the unconditional leader in this race. The company suggests choosing connection servers for various tasks – torrents, streaming, games, and also for protection against DDOS attacks or against government shadowing. 

Killswitch from NordVPN can be used for concrete applications and programs that are perfectly suitable for torrents. Switching between servers is also quite smooth. All process takes less than five seconds, and it is an example of how NordVPN surpasses IPVanish.

NordVPN does not use virtual servers, and therefore, it is considered the best VPN for games as the ping will be the fastest.

Service underwent the test for leakage of DNS and also passed the WebRTC test and the test for leakage of IP, having shown the brilliant results. If you use the service, nobody will be able to keep track of your location.

NordVPN suggests returning money for 30 days if the quality of services does not suit you. It is one of the most extended terms, and refund works.

With the lowest long-term tariff plan which we ever saw, it is a little challenging to surpass NordVpn in price. Along with extensive network, the advanced functions and excellent reputation, NordVPN is the obvious winner in everything.