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IPVanish vs NordVPN

IPVanish vs NordVPN

IPVanish vs. NordVPN – An In-Depth Analysis

While millions of people use the internet daily, less than half have any form of online security. Basic data security measures are estimated to prevent up to 93 percent of online data breaches. A VPN secures your data, keeps you anonymous online, and allows you to access geo-restricted content. 

The problem is that there are so many VPN providers to choose from that it can be challenging to decide. As a result, we've compared two VPN providers: IPVanish and NordVPN, to make your decision easier. IPVanish was founded by Mudhook Media Inc. in Orlando in 2012. 

This business has expanded. IPVanish now has 1675 servers spread across 75 different countries. This company owns most of its servers to ensure the best possible service. 

NordVPN is one of the most popular today, with 5,000 servers in 59 countries. To improve network speed and ensure no logging, NordVPN was launched in 2012 and is based in Panama, and now uses diskless RAM servers. 

Apps are available for IPVanish, NordVPN, Android, iOS, and macOS. For Chrome OS, IPVanish has a Chrome add-on. In addition, NordVPN has extensions for Chrome and Firefox. 

You can also install IPVanish and NordVPN on routers and smart TVs. IPVanish and NordVPN are compared in-depth in this article. We'll assess their performance, features, and logging policies.

Speed Test

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a VPN service provider is speed. Unfortunately, it can be inconvenient to use a VPN that causes your internet speed to slow down. Fortunately, both IPVanish and NordVPN are well-known for providing relatively fast connection speeds. 

The speed of a VPN service varies depending on the server and protocol you choose to connect to. We used the OpenVPN protocol to conduct the speed test, and we tested servers in both Europe and the United States. 

When tested in two European countries, NordVPN achieved an average speed of 160Mbps, while IPVanish achieved around 90Mbps. In addition, NordVPN had internet speeds of approximately 180Mbps in the United States, while IPVanish had speeds of 95 to 100Mbps. 

When it comes to speed, NordVPN beats IPVanish hands down. When the NordLynx protocol is used, the connection is twice as fast as when using the TCP protocol.

Features

IPVanish and NordVPN have some of the features you can expect from any state-of-the-art VPN service.

The features you stand to enjoy from IPVanish include the following:

  • Unlimited bandwidth; no throttling
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Unlimited server switching
  • Up to 40,000 IP addresses
  • AES 256-bit AES encryption
  • Multiple protocols; IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and OpenVPN (UDP and TCP)
  • SOCKS5 web proxy
  • Zero logging
  • Torrent and P2P support
  • Access to geo-blocked content
  • Kill switch
  • DNS leak protection
  • Split tunneling (for Android devices only)
  • XOR obfuscated servers
  • Free 250GB cloud storage on SugarSync
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
IPvanish logo in white color
Overall Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Visit IPVanish

If you’re not familiar with the features of NordVPN, here are what you stand to gain from this service:

  • Unlimited bandwidth; no throttling
  • Uninterrupted connection
  • Supports six simultaneous connections
  • No logging
  • AES 256-bit AES encryption
  • DNS leak protection
  • Cybersec (malware and phishing protection)
  • Ad blocker
  • Multiple protocols (NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec)
  • Kill switch
  • Access to geo-blocked content
  • Onion over VPN
  • Double IP protection
  • Torrent and P2P support
  • Hide IP address
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Although IPVanish offers some unique features, such as free 250GB cloud storage, NordVPN appears to offer a greater number of features than IPVanish, including CyberSec, Onion over VPN, Double IP protection, and the NordLynx protocol, which are not available with IPVanish (which is built on WireGuard).

For this reason, NordVPN is the winner in this category.

NordVPN logo in white color
Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Visit NordVPN

Reliability

What does "reliability" mean to you as a virtual private network (VPN) user? Looking for an uninterrupted connection, high-speed Internet access, or complete protection? 

Whatever reliability metric you use, I'm confident that IPVanish and NordVPN will come out on top, no matter how you measure it. Earlier this year, IPVanish experienced some technical difficulties that made it impossible for users to connect to the service. 

The problem, on the other hand, was quickly resolved. It's worth remembering because it was the first and only time that there was a widespread issue with this VPN in many years.

NordVPN is also highly dependable. Even though the platform was subjected to a data breach in 2018, the security measures on this VPN have since been enhanced to make it more resistant to such attacks. 

If reliability is your primary concern, I believe you will have no reason to be concerned with either of these VPN providers. In terms of dependability, IPVanish and NordVPN are tied for first place, so there is no clear winner in this category; it is a tie for second.

Security

Without adequate security features, a VPN service is practically useless. IPVanish and NordVPN are both concerned about their users' safety. As a result, both VPNs have excellent security features that allow you to browse the internet anonymously and safely.

The security provisions of IPVanish include:

AES 256-bit Encryption: This is the standard in today's VPN industry. The majority of top VPN providers use this encryption method. It is regarded as cutting-edge and highly secure, ensuring end-to-end encryption. IPVanish includes SHA1 authentication and 2,043-bit key exchange in addition to AES 256-bit encryption.

VPN Protocols: IPVanish supports IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and OpenVPN (UDP and TCP). All of these protocols are safe to use. However, it does not support any WireGuard-based protocols, which some may consider a disadvantage.

IP and DNS Leak Protection: This feature ensures that you remain entirely anonymous when you use IPVanish to access the internet.

Kill Switch: Every VPN service should have a kill switch. It's a security backup feature that protects your identity even if your VPN service is down.

SOCKS5 Web Proxy: This is a welcome addition to IPVanish's security protocol arsenal. Your IP address and IP address are hidden using a SOCKS5 proxy. It also allows for faster connection times.

The security provisions of NordVPN include:

AES 256-bit Encryption: NordVPN, like IPVanish, uses AES 256-bit encryption. SHA256 hash authentication and a 4096-bit exchange are also included with NordVPN.

VPN Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and NordLynx are among the VPN protocols offered by NordVPN.

Mask Your IP: This feature makes it virtually impossible for anyone to see your IP address.

Double Protection: This feature allows you to connect to multiple NordVPN servers located in different countries.

Onion Over VPN: You can use this feature to supplement NordVPN's security features with the Onion network (Tor).

Kill Switch: A kill switch ensures that your safety is not jeopardized if your VPN protection is ever compromised.

CyberSec: In addition to all of NordVPN's impressive features, it also includes CyberSec, which protects you from phishing and malware attacks.

NordVPN has more features than IPVanish, so it is the winner in this category.

Logging Policies

IPVanish adheres to a strict no-logs policy. By not logging any user data, the company has repeatedly stated its commitment to protecting its customers' privacy. This includes activity logs, traffic or connection logs, etc. However, the company keeps a close eye on general activity on its platforms. 

IPVanish was embroiled in a controversy in 2018 after it was revealed that the FBI had forced the company to hand over user data in connection with a bomb threat investigation. Because IPVanish is based in the United States, it is bound by US laws and had no choice but to comply with the FBI's request. 

With that said, IPVanish's management has changed, and the company has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its zero-logging policy. StackPath has audited IPVanish's no-logs policy. NordVPN adheres to a strict log-free policy. 

As previously stated, the company is transitioning to diskless RAM servers to maintain its commitment to no logging. NordVPN does not store any logs of your online activities. PricewaterhouseCoopers audits NordVPN every year to ensure that it maintains its no-logs policy. 

Because NordVPN is based in Panama, it is unlikely that the company will be forced to hand over user data by Western authorities. Therefore, even though both IPVanish and NordVPN are committed to no logging, NordVPN wins this category. 

We chose NordVPN because the company's platform is audited every year. Furthermore, IPVanish has previously been forced to violate its no-logs policy raises some concerns, primarily since the company is still based in the United States.

Jurisdiction

IPVanish is governed by the laws of the United States of America. The United States of America is one of the alliance's five members. This means that the company may be required to collect, store, and provide information about its customers under certain circumstances. 

Other data retention laws exist in the United States, and IPVanish must adhere to them consistently to maintain its service. No matter how good IPVanish's no-logs policy is, a question mark will always accompany it. 

Located in Panama, NordVPN's headquarters are in a country that does not have clear data retention regulations. In addition, Panama is not a member of any of the alliances, including the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. 

Because the country does not abide by the same set of laws or agreements as the United States, NordVPN is not obligated to violate its no-logging policy, which is not the case in that country. As a result, NordVPN is unquestionably the best VPN service in this category.

Streaming Capabilities (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

One of the most common reasons people use a VPN is to unblock Netflix and other streaming services. Unfortunately, IPVanish isn't the most reliable VPN when watching movies and TV shows online. It isn't always compatible with streaming services like Netflix. 

Some platforms, such as BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, do not support it. It's worth noting that IPVanish can occasionally work with some streaming platforms, but it's not always reliable. IPVanish appears to be more effective at unblocking geo-restricted sports content

This VPN provider may be the best option for you if you enjoy sports. In addition, NordVPN is well-known for unblocking content from all major streaming services, including Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many others. 

NordVPN allows you to stream without interruption. In addition, Netflix libraries are available in many countries around the world. 

If you have any problems streaming content with NordVPN, all you have to do is try a different server or protocol. In this category, NordVPN comes out on top. Unblocking streaming content does not appear to be a top priority for IPVanish.

Torrenting & File Sharing

On the majority of its servers, IPVanish allows torrenting and file sharing. In addition, this VPN's speed makes it ideal for torrenting and file sharing. 

On the majority of its servers, NordVPN allows torrenting and file sharing. Although IPVanish appears to have more dedicated servers for P2P file-sharing than NordVPN, you should have no trouble finding one. 

Torrenting and P2P file sharing are made easy with IPVanish and NordVPN. In addition, both VPN services include essential security features such as a kill switch, complete encryption, and more. 

This means you'll be safe when downloading or uploading files over the internet. In this category, there is no clear winner. IPVanish and NordVPN are tied for first place.

Pricing & Plans

IPVanish and NordVPN both offer a variety of pricing options, so no matter what your budget is, you'll be able to find something that suits you. Like those other VPN providers offer, a longer subscription plan is more cost-effective.

IPVanish Pricing:

  • 1 month - $4.49
  • 3 months - $12.12
  • 1 year - $35.04

Regardless of which IPVanish subscription plan you select, you'll have access to all the features of this VPN.

IPVanish accepts different payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, and more.

NordVPN Pricing:

  • 1 month - $11.95
  • 1 year - $59.04
  • 2 year - $89.04

Regardless of which subscription plan you choose, you'll have access to all of NordVPN's standard features. There are, however, add-on features (NordPass and NordLocker) that can be purchased for $1.49 each. 

In addition, NordVPN accepts various payment methods, including debit/credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and Google Play, similar to IPVanish.

When comparing the monthly subscription costs of both VPN providers, it's clear that IPVanish is the more cost-effective option. As a result, IPVanish is the clear winner in this category. 

Although NordVPN's prices are slightly higher than those of most VPN providers, the VPN's unrivaled service makes it worthwhile.

Pricing & Plans

For new users, IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. IPVanish encourages you to contact its customer service team via email, live chat, or phone if you are dissatisfied with this VPN. 

However, if you are certain that this VPN will not meet your needs, you may request a refund. The only stipulation for IPVanish's money-back guarantee is that the refund request is made within 30 days of the subscription's purchase date. 

Within three business days, the company will refund your money. In addition, NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on your first purchase. If you sign up for this VPN service and later decide it is not for you, you can get a refund. 

The only requirement from NordVPN is that the refund request is made within 30 days of the payment. After deducting the fee from your account, NordVPN does not offer refunds for recurring subscriptions. 

Subscriptions purchased through a third-party store are not eligible for refunds from IPVanish or NordVPN. This category has no clear winner because both VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. It's a stalemate.

Good Value?

Now that you know what these VPNs offer and how much their subscription plans cost, the question is whether they offer good value for your money. IPVanish has many great features that make it worth more than its low price. 

This VPN is one of the most cost-effective options on the market today, but it still provides excellent service. One of the biggest disadvantages of using IPVanish is that you might have trouble streaming content on certain servers. 

However, given its low price, I believe it is worth overlooking. NordVPN is a premium VPN service with many features and a reasonable price. NordVPN is the only VPN service that is undeniably worth its money. 

With NordVPN, you don't just get the standard features that other VPNs offer; you also get a slew of extras that boost the service's security, speed, and reliability. IPVanish and NordVPN are tied in this category because they offer good value for money.

Conclusion (Overall winner)

The VPN platforms IPVanish and NordVPN are two that stand out from the rest of the pack in today's market when it comes to privacy and security. 

Because you prefer one option over another does not imply, in and of itself, that the other option does not have anything worthwhile to offer in exchange for your preference. 

NordVPN was the clear winner in our tests, claiming a convincing victory. Even though NordVPN is more expensive than IPVanish, it delivers on its promises regardless of price. 

Considering IPVanish, NordVPN has a competitive advantage over the latter due to the features it offers and the overall performance it provides.

The Future of Online Security
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By: Michael Miller
Michael is the CEO of VPN Online, one of the fastest-growing media companies in the cyber-security space. VPN Online was started in 2019 after Michael consulted with many Fortune 500 companies and saw the lack of understanding about cybersecurity many of their employees had.