IPVanish and NordVPN are two of the most popular VPN services on the market. Nonetheless, the two are vastly distinct. IPVanish is a smaller VPN that has a good reputation and a large user base, but it’s not as recognized as NordVPN.
In this top VPN comparison, we’ll compare IPVanish vs NordVPN in a variety of categories, including speed, security, functionality, and streaming capabilities.
We’ll also announce the winners in each category, so be prepared for some surprises.
IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Head to Head Comparison
Want a quick overview to determine which is better in NordVPN vs IPVanish? Well, check the table below make your decision:
| NordVPN | IPVanish | |
| Trustpilot Rating: | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Servers: | 5600+ servers in 59 countries | 2000+ servers in 75+ VPN locations |
| Logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| Pricing: | Starts from $3.49/month | Starts from $3.75/month |
| VPN protocols: | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, Nordlynx | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, IKEv2 |
| Streaming Compatibility: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, and more | Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more |
| Platforms: | Linux, Windows, Firefox, Chrome, macOS, iOS, and Android | iOS, Mac, Windows, and Android |
| Simultaneous connections: | 6 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Support: | knowledge base, FAQs, 24/7 live chat, email support | knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, FAQs, email support, phone support |
IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Speed Test
The following figures indicate average download and upload speeds of servers located in the United Kingdom, the United States, Argentina, India, Japan, Canada, and Australia, respectively after being tested using different protocols:
The speeds are mentioned in this pattern: download speeds/upload speeds
| Protocols | NordVPN | IPVanish |
| Nordlynx/WireGuard | 87/58 | 80/24 |
| IKEv2 | 80/41 | 69/10 |
| OpenVPN (TCP) | 83/36 | 70/15 |
| OpenVPN (UDP) | 79/44 | 65/29 |
We compare the WireGuard protocol from IPVanish to NordVPN’s NordLynx version. IPVanish keeps up with NordVPN here, with download and upload speeds that are remarkably similar.
IKEv2 is supported by both VPNs. IPVanish and NordVPN have almost identical download speeds, while the latter has a better upload speed.
UDP is the quicker but less secure variant of OpenVPN. Although the upload speed differential is minimal, NordVPN certainly dominates in the download sector.
OpenVPN TCP is more stable, but it has lower performance, limiting its use. IPVanish is substantially faster than NordVPN in this scenario.
Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!
Which one has the best features?
Both services have all of the essential features of a premium VPN. NordVPN, on the other hand, offers something more that IPVanish does not. Take a look at the feature list and decide for yourself:
Stealth VPN
When an app or service discovers that you’re using a VPN, this function helps you avoid being blocked.
Obfuscated servers is a NordVPN feature that can be found in the Specialty Servers section. When you enable it, your traffic will appear to be HTTPS traffic.
In the case of IPVanish, you need to enable traffic obfuscation by checking the Scramble box under OpenVPN settings, which activates the XOR cipher that handles the rest.
However, IPVanish’s Stealth VPN appears to be having difficulty unblocking the internet in China, therefore this award goes to NordVPN.
Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!
Split tunneling
Split tunnelling is a handy feature that lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which connect straight to the internet.
Because of its compatibility, NordVPN wins this round as it offers split tunnelling on Windows and Android, whereas IPVanish only supports Android and FireOS.
Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!
Free SOCKS5 proxy
Torrenting favors the SOCKS5 proxy in particular. Setting it up in your torrent client will essentially disguise your IP address without encrypting your traffic. You gain some privacy as well as full-speed downloads this way.
All prominent P2P clients support SOCKS5 proxy configuration. However, keep in mind that your ISP might still monitor your activities if they so choose. Finally, IPVanish has a little edge over NordVPN in that it allows for scraping using SOCKS5.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Exclusive features
SmartDNS is the first of the NordVPN’s exclusive features. It unblocks Netflix and other entertainment platforms without encrypting communications when switched on.
Most significantly, SmartDNS is a “SmartPlay” function that allows you to access content on most game consoles, smart TVs, and other media devices.
There are also a number of security-related alternatives. CyberSec from NordVPN eliminates advertisements and viruses, while Double VPN (multi-hop) provides additional security by connecting to two VPN servers, and Onion Over VPN adds Tor relays on top for unrivaled privacy.
Read more about its features in our NordVPN review.
IPVanish is perhaps the only premium VPN service that offers encrypted cloud storage. For a nominal monthly price, SugarSync allows you to upload up to 500 GB. You can even transmit files through email, which comes in handy when your inbox storage runs out.
Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!
IPVanish VPN vs NordVPN: which is more secure?
When it comes to IPVanish vs Nordvpn security, both VPNs offer a variety of features to keep users private and secure. Although IPVanish provides good security and privacy, NordVPN’s service is superior.
Let’s check out a few of their security metrics to determine which is a better option over the other:
Jurisdiction
NordVPN is based in Panama, which has no data retention regulations and is not affiliated with the 5 Eyes monitoring alliance.
IPVanish is currently headquartered in the United States. This country is a founder member of the Five Eyes alliance, which poses a number of privacy concerns for digital companies.
This means that under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the US government can compel any corporation to acquire data.
Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!
Logging
As per the NordVPN vs IPVanish logging policies, they do not collect any user data.
NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited. That basically sums it up. IPVanish boasts a no-logs policy, although it hasn’t been audited in quite some time. Furthermore, unlike NordVPN, they do not allow users to pay with anonymous methods of payment (such as crypto).
Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!
Encryption Protocols
Both VPNs support OpenVPN, IKv2, and L2TP/IPsec. NordVPN also has its own “NordLynx” protocol, which is based on WireGuard and is the quickest and most secure protocol available. Since IPVanish has also started to offer WireGuard now, we’ll keep this round a tie.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Netflix and other streaming platforms
NordVPN unblocks more regional Netflix libraries than IPVanish and works quite well. We’ve tried this extensively and discovered NordVPN to be among the finest options for a reliable Netflix VPN with access to multiple regional libraries.
NordVPN, unlike IPVanish, provides access to a variety of Netflix libraries from across the world. With this VPN, you can watch Netflix in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, India, Japan, Australia, and Italy.
Furthermore, NordVPN is compatible with other streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime.
As for the rival, IPVanish was previously restricted by Netflix, it now provides limited Netflix support in the United States. Additionally, IPVanish promotes itself as an excellent choice for Kodi VPNs, with specific Kodi streaming apps.
However, unlike NordVPN, IPVanish has trouble unblocking BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. It has often been blocked for us.
Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!
Torrenting and P2P
For torrenting, IPVanish and NordVPN are excellent choices. Both offer a free SOCKS5 proxy, allowing you to download without having to worry about encryption slowing down your connection.
The primary difference is that IPVanish permits P2P on all of its servers, whereas NordVPN only allows it on a selected few. They do, however, have nearly three times as many servers, so overcrowding should not be an issue.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Plans and pricing
| Prices and Plans | NordVPN | IPVanish |
| Periods | 1 month | 1 month |
| 1 year | 3 months | |
| 2 years | 1 year | |
| Special offers and discounts | 70% off on the 2-year plan | 65% off on 1-year plan |
| Lowest price per month | $3.49/month | $3.75/month |
| Highest price per month | $11.99/mo | $10.99/mo |
Both the VPNs offer similar prices on their long-term plans. However, if you’re into smaller commitments, then you should opt for IPVanish. Otherwise, NordVPN’s 2-year plan comes at a great price along with commendable service.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Server locations
Well, it’s true that NordVPN offers thrice as many servers as IPVanish – 5600+ servers in 59 countries. This global server network can definitely not beat IPVanish’s 2000+ servers in 75+ locations.
Also, the quality and service of the former’s servers is great. NordVPN does not use virtual servers and majority of its servers are RAM-only, unlike IPVanish, which has its own physical servers.
However, if you’re checking out the server networks of all the well-known VPNs, then do compare IPVanish vs ExpressVPN vs NordVPN – our favorites – before making any decisions.
Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!
NordVPN vs IPVanish: device compatibility
| IPVanish | NordVPN | |
| OS supported | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android |
| Other devices and operating systems | Fire TV devices & Android TV | Kodi, Fire TV devices, and Android TVs |
| Browser extensions | Chrome & Firefox | |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited | Six |
NordVPN offers great compatibility, whereas IPVanish deprives its users from a Linux app and browser extensions. However, we did get into the details of both. Let’s check them out below:
Desktop apps
Each service has Windows and Mac apps that are comparable in appearance. You get a mid-sized window that can be maximized, and you can choose from a list of servers or the map that takes up the most space.
It’s also worth mentioning that NordVPN offers two macOS apps. The NordLynx and other protocols are supported by the App Store version, while the other version only supports OpenVPN but has more capabilities.
Advanced users will appreciate IPVanish’s features. By clicking Alt + C, you can activate keyboard shortcuts and connect, or by using Alt + L, you can see the server list.
There’s also a Diagnostics option under Settings that can help you debug problems on your own or with the help of customer service.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Mobile apps
IPVanish’s mobile apps are uninteresting, whereas NordVPN’s apps appear like their well-designed desktop equivalents.
Although the iOS clients offer less functionality than the Android clients, NordVPN does an excellent job of keeping their apps on par. Most notably, the iOS version provides an always-on kill switch, whereas IPVanish lacks this critical feature.
On Android, IPVanish offers split tunneling, Stealth VPN, insecure network notifications, and port selection, among some other features. OpenVPN and IKEv2 are two protocols that are available in the beta version.
Although NordVPN for Android lacks IKEv2, it compensates with NordLynx. Split tunneling, a custom kill switch, Stealth VPN, tapjacking protection, CyberSec, Onion Over VPN, and Custom DNS are all available. In comparison to IPVanish, there are more options to toggle and customize.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Customer support
Both companies offer 24/7 live chat support. The agents are friendly and helpful, and the wait periods are small.
Email is another option to contact IPVanish and NordVPN. While NordVPN replied within a few hours, IPVanish took two days to respond to our question.
Finally, each service offers access to a well-maintained knowledge source. FAQs, setup manuals, and troubleshooting sections can all be found here. IPVanish’s Support Center page provides system status at the top, which we liked.
So, if you’re having problems connecting, check to determine if the issue is truly on your end.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
IPVanish vs. NordVPN: which one is better?
Despite the fact that IPVanish is a good VPN, NordVPN outperforms it in practically every aspect. NordVPN has a larger server network, greater security measures, a zero-logs policy that has been audited, faster torrenting, and works with loads of streaming sites.
IPVanish is simple to use, and provides excellent performance for lag-free gaming. We particularly like that you may secure an infinite number of devices with a single subscription and seek a refund without having to contact customer service.
Despite these advantages, NordVPN continues to provide the best online privacy and security, as well as reliably unblocking practically any streaming site for lag-free TV and movies. It also outperformed IPVanish in multiplayer games and has a far larger server network.
FAQs
Is IPVanish faster than NordVPN?
When most tunneling protocols are compared, NordVPN is quicker than IPVanish. IPVanish, on the other hand, is rather fast and doesn’t lag far behind – its speeds are more than adequate for streaming and torrenting.
Is NordVPN good for gaming?
NordVPN offers the fastest VPN service on the market, making it the best VPN for gaming. It also safeguards your data transmission without causing any obvious slowdowns.