NordVPN vs IPVanish - Is There a Clear Winner?

In the wide world of different VPN services, finding the perfect one that ticks all the boxes is like finding a needle in a haystack! Reviewsed has decided to help you find the best of the best VPN service by comparing two of the leading VPN services – NordVPN and IPVanish.

Both VPN services launched in 2012, and since inception, we have seen both the VPN services evolve with the needs of the time and technology.

It is needless to say that both NordVPN and IPVanish has widespread popularity across the globe. However, when it comes to deciding the king of VPN services, everyone has their options as to why and how one VPN service is better than the other.

As we continue to understand the severity and gravity of online threats and risks to our personal information in the year 2022, the need for the best VPN is now greater than ever. Thankfully there are tons of great options to choose from. We suggest that you choose only the best in the market to ensure a reliable and safe experience, which is why we are comparing two of the best in this article.

Our ultimate VPN comparison will settle this debate for once and for all! Let’s start with a quick overall comparison:

	NordVPN	IPVanish
USABILITY	Very Easy To use	Very Easy, Supports All Devices
JURISDICTION	Panama	The USA (5-Eyes Alliance)
LOG FILES	No connection logs	No connection logs
LOCATIONS	5800+ servers in 62 countries	1200+ servers in 60+ countries
PARALLEL CONNECTIONS	6	10
SUPPORT	24/7 Live Chat Support	No Live Chat support
SPEED REDUCTION	Approx. 35%	Approx. 38%
TORRENTING	P2P & Torrenting Allowed	P2P & Torrenting Allowed, Encouraged
NETFLIX	Unblocks Netflix USA	Yes 1/4
ENCRYPTION/PROTOCOL	256-bit AES/OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPsec.	AES 256-bit, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, SSTP, PPTP.
P2P SUPPORT	Yes	Yes
BEST PRICING PLAN	$3.49/month 3-year plan	$3.25/month 1-year plan
OFFICIAL WEBSITE LINK	https://nordvpn.com/	https://www.ipvanish.com/

NordVPN vs IPVanish – Pros and Cons

	NordVPN	IPVanish
Pros
	Impressively stable speed	Improves Speed By Approx. 18%
	Supports a wide range of features	Reliable Working App
	Comes with an Ad-blocker	Zero Traffic Logs
	Double data encryption	Forced 256-Bit Encryption
	Cash and Cryptocurrencies accepted as payment	Free Socks5 Web Proxy
	30-day money back guarantee	A Fantastic 10 Device Connection Limit
	Excellent for Netflix support And Other Streaming Systems	Allows Access To Netflix And Other Streaming Systems
	No IP or DNS Leaks Found	No IP Leaks Or Malware Found
	Overall Impressive Security And Privacy Features	Kill Switch Option Available
	Helpful and fast customer service	Good enough speed for 8k video support
Cons
	Slow app and server connections	No Live Chat Support
	OpenVPN configuration isn’t user-friendly	Lack Of Optimized Servers
	Discount for longer package subscriptions only	Unusual Server Location Information Found

Detailed NordVPN vs IPVanish Comparison

IPVanish vs NordVPN: Speed

NordVPN Speed Test Scores

To test the speed of NordVPN, I decided to use a 100 Mbps Cable Network internet connection. Without NordVPN, I received the following benchmark scores:

The speed test performance score of NordVPN turned out as:

I also test NordVPN on US, EU, and Asian Servers. The benchmark scores are:

	US Server	EU Server	Asia Server
Ping	102ms	36ms	212ms
Download	55 Mbps	73 Mbps	13 Mbps
Upload	28 Mbps	47 Mbps	6 Mbps

IPVanish Speed Test Scores

Similarly, to test the speed of IPVanish, I decided to use a 100 Mbps Cable Network internet connection. The speed test performance score of IPVanish turned out as:

	US Server	EU Server	Asia Server
Ping	132ms	37ms	340ms
Download	34 Mbps	82.60 Mbps	7.60 Mbps
Upload	24.73 Mbps	43.18 Mbps	5.87 Mbps

Although, both the VPN services performed well. However, it is evident that NordVPN offers faster speed performance than IPVanish.

Note: VPN speed scores may differ due to factors including users’ location, the VPN servers’ location, and what time of day it is

Speed Winner: NordVPN

NordVPN vs IPVanish: Pricing

	NordVPN	IPVanish
Subscription Periods	1 month	1 month
	1 year	1 year
	2 years
Best Discount Offer	68% discount on two-year subscription	Save $58.50 on first year subscription
Highest price per month	$12.33 per month on 1-month plan	$3.49 for first month$9.99 per month after first month
Lowest price per month	$3.82 per month on 2-year plan	$2.62 per month on first year subscription (of the annual plan)
One-year price	$5.08 per month (billed $60.88 for first year only – $147.91 thereafter)	$2.62 per month (Billed $31.49 for first year only – $89.99 thereafter)
Money-back guarantee	30 days	30 days with Yearly Plan only

For many VPN users, pricing is the biggest deciding factor. For the past few years, we have observed that NordVPN offered an overall, more affordable pricing plan.

However, IPVanish’s pricing plans can be a little misleading/confusing. So, we would recommend you to understand and compare the prices closely before selecting the best alternative.

Pricing Winner: IPVanish

Torrenting

Securing your online privacy when torrenting is especially important due to the nature of downloading torrents. They can be a hotbed for hostile entities and malicious files such as malware and spyware. Unprotected torrenting can make you vulnerable to those trying to identify your IP address while you download free content. Unsecured torrenting can also put you on the radar of authorities attempting to crack down on pirated content downloads.

It is best to use a bullet-proof VPN service with exceptional security features to avoid any run-ins with the law or prying eyes. The best VPN for torrenting will include essential tools like DNS leak protection and encryption technology that stops outsiders from finding your IP address. It should also come with a kill switch that allows you to keep your IP address safe in case the connection to the VPN server breaks.

Another vital consideration for Torrenting is the speed of the VPN. While downloading does not require a constant connection like streaming, large downloads can be painfully slow if the speed of the VPN isn’t good. Therefore, for the best torrenting experience, an uninterrupted connection with quick speed is essential.

Both VPN services, NordVPN and IPVanish offer a complete set of strong IP protection features needed for torrenting. Unfortunately, IPVanish doesn’t come with a kill switch, which we deem necessary for optimal security if something goes wrong.

Both services offer a similar level of security and also performed well in our leak tests. As far as speed is concerned, NordVPN takes the clear lead, as we have talked about earlier in the review.

The quicker speeds of NordVPN make it a better choice for torrenting.

Unblocking capabilities (Torrenting) Winner: NordVPN

NordVPN vs IPVanish: Logs And Privacy

Customer data logging is a major factor that determines how trustable the VPN service is. Although, both NordVPN and IPVanish claim to have a strict “Zero Log Policy”; however, only NordVPN has lived up to its claims.

Unfortunately, during the final quarter of 2018, IPVanish was caught into a major “Customer Logging Controversy.” IPVanish was caught red-handed, providing FBI their customers’ data. Since then, users are hesitant to trust IPVanish with their data fully.

On the other hand, NordVPN is amongst the very few verified ‘No Logs’ VPN providers. Thus, NordVPN is has a more trustable reputation when it comes to privacy and data protection.

Logs and Privacy Winner: NordVPN – a clear winner!

IPVanish vs NordVPN: Encryption And Security

If we talk about encryption specifically, then you will surely be impressed to know that both NodrVPN and IPVanish user 256-bit AES encryption. In addition to that, both the VPNs also offer a kill switch and DNS servers for additional security.

NordVPN users are connected using IKEv and OpenVPN; whereas, IPVanish users are connected via IKEv2, OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP protocols.

But the real question is: do both NordVPN and IPVanish offer the same level of security? Unfortunately, no! NordVPN is based in Panama; whereas, IPVanish is based in the US.

The United States is a ‘Five Eye Country’ – which means that your activity data may be shared between the Five Eyes countries that include the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. On the other hand, Panama has no mandatory data retention laws, so you can be worry-free with using NordVPN.

NordVPN has a trusted ‘no logs policy’; whereas, IPVanish provided logs to Homeland Security for an investigation that makes IPVanish’s security questionable.

Encryption and Security Winner: NordVPN

Nord vs IPVanish: Multi-Platform Support and Configuration

When it comes to multi-platform support, NordVPN wins by a huge margin as it offers the best overall VPN support. No matter if it is Torrent support, Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS – NordVPN is the most widely user-friendly platform. Although IPVanish comes also provides supports multi-platforms, nothing close to NordVPN.

Multi-Platform Support and Configuration Winner: NordVPN

IPVanish Vs NordVPN: Unblocking capabilities Netflix

NordVPN is widely famous for its ability to bypass stubborn geographic network blocking. Although, IPVanish also does a fantastic job of unlocking a range of regional streaming platforms. But can we say that it also performs well at bypassing stringent geo-restriction to unblock popular streaming platforms? Well, no!

Even when it comes to bypassing the ‘recently updated’ China’s Great Firewall, NordVPN is amongst the very few (if not the only) VPNs that can bypass China’s restrictions against VPN services. However, keep in mind that there are certain apps and websites in China that most VPNs, including NordVPN, cannot unblock.

Unblocking capabilities (Netflix) Winner: NordVPN

NordVPN vs IPVanish: Customer Support

Having prompt customer support service is always a plus. Although both NordVPN and IPVanish claims to provide exceptional customer support 24/7.

However, when we tested out the customer service of NordVPN and IPVanish, and to no surprise, NordVPN had a faster service. The customer service of NordVPN was not only prompt, but they were able to handle our queries efficiently and provided an adequate response.

All-in-all, NordVPN has an in-house live chat service that greatly improves the overall quality of their response and duration. Hence, NordVPN hands down have a better Customer service than IPVanish.

IPVanish Vs NordVPN: Transparency and third-party audits

Auditing and testing a company’s systems can assist in evaluating whether a VPN provides the data privacy that it claims. As a result, transparency is critical when it relates to reviewing the services.

IPVanish has not been audited by a third party and does not provide a transparency report. However, the corporation claims to conduct internal audits on a regular basis to ensure that its policies are in line with its practices. Furthermore, the corporation lacks a warrant canary.

PwC, an independent organization, reviewed NordVPN’s zero-log policy to ensure that the company provides its users with complete anonymity. The audit examined the new servers as well as systems to determine their functionality. NordVPN stated plans to undertake additional assessments in the future in order to create and sustain customer trust.

Transparency and third-party audits Winner: NordVPN

IPVanish Vs NordVPN: Native Clients

A solid VPN should be accessible from all of your devices, like your desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and smart televisions.

You may connect as many devices as you need to one VPN account with IPVanish. You can access the services from any spot where the VPN is available. One of IPVanish’s benefits is that it gives a uniform user experience across different operating systems, plus a smooth transition from one platform to another.

On the other hand, one NordVPN account may secure up to six devices irrespective of the OS system. Furthermore, by connecting NordVPN to your router, you can safeguard all of the devices on your network.

Native Clients Winner: IPVanish

IPVanish Vs NordVPN: Browser Extensions

A VPN browser plugin connects your browser to a virtual private network (VPN) server. This connection protects all data sent and received by your web browser, essentially concealing your location as well as the IP address. However, whether or not you utilize a browser extension will be determined by how you use your computer.

IPVanish provides a Chrome browser add-on. However, the NordVPN extension provides robust encryption to ensure no one can decipher your browser data.

Browser Extensions Winner: NordVPN

What are the similarities between NordVPN and IPVanish?

To be clear, you can’t go wrong with either IPVanish or NordVPN.

They’re both simple to set up. They both support torrents, unblock Netflix, and provide access to countless safe, fast server connections worldwide.

When it comes to leaks, they’re both watertight. We tried DNS Leak Test and DNS Leak, but our IP addresses were always completely masked.

Furthermore, NordVPN and IPVanish run well on any client you will likely use, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Fire TV. (There is a Linux client for NordVPN, so you can also work on Linux in the attic.)

Obviously, you wouldn’t want a VPN service that didn’t have a dependable death switch, and both of these providers provide a perfect experience. However, NordVPN gets a little edge with its distinct application kill switch for more susceptible connections like torrents.

Both of these providers also provide unlimited testing for 30 days. If you don’t like what you are seeing, you can take your money back with no questions asked.

So Which is the Better VPN Plan for Me – NordVPN or IPVanish?

This is a difficult one. It isn’t easy because both NordVPN and IPVanish are excellent VPN options for the majority of your needs.

Many of you will indeed be concerned with pricing, which makes sense. When you invest in a paid VPN service or a SaaS subscription, you want to feel comfortable with it for a long time.

There’s the device setup, as well as the time spent figuring out how to make use of the dashboard and tweaking the settings. Every VPN operates in a unique manner. You don’t want to swap after you’ve found something you enjoy and can use.

NordVPN is the more expensive choice in terms of price, especially when you consider safe storage plus a password vault, which many of us use.

But keep in mind that NordVPN is making great strides in integrating its services, boosting performance as well as security while keeping up with the current UI trends, while IPVanish is still making tiny advances.

NordVPN vs IPVanish for Your Business

Now that data breaches and remote work are commonplace in the business sector in 2023, it’s difficult to argue against the usefulness of a reliable VPN. While personal use is increasing, the reality is that VPNs are mainly aimed toward business use, with the goal of adding a layer of security as well as peace of mind to the safety of your company.

Fortunately, IPVanish is an excellent alternative for freelancers. NordVPN provides a business-facing product called Nordlayer that can assist you in taking the security of your business data to the next level. Here’s how they stack up against one another:

Nordlayer offers more advanced business features compared to IPVanish. Although IPVanish allows linking unlimited devices, NordLayer is yet to provide this convenience.
Having said that, NordLayer is the more affordable choice for businesses than IPVanish.

In a nutshell, NordLayer is a clear winner for businesses because it provides business-specific capabilities and has very affordable pricing.

IPVanish is one of the most popular commercial VPNs. It owns all of its 2,200+ servers, which are located in over 55+ countries, rather than leasing them through third-party data centers like some of its competitors do.

While NordVPN may offer some of the best upload and download speeds in the industry, IPVanish has it leaked, actually going the extra mile to ensure that a connection doesn’t suffer when you connect to a server. This is particularly relevant when linking to transatlantic servers since we discovered it to be one of our fastest VPNs throughout testing.

	NordVPN	IPVanish
Live chat	Yes (in-house)	Yes (outsourced)
Average email response time	2 hours, 47 minutes	4 hours, 27 minutes
Email support	Yes	Yes
Ticket support	Yes	Yes
Phone support	No	No
Video guides	Yes	Yes
Searchable knowledgebase	Yes	Yes

Customer Support Winner: NordVPN

FINAL VERDICT: NordVPN Wins!

After thoroughly testing out both NordVPN and IPVanish, It is fairly easy to conclude that NordVPN is a definite winner. There is no doubt in the fact that both the VPNs offer impeccable security and have a network of thousands of servers in more than 60 countries across the globe.

Nonetheless, NordVPN impresses us with its fantastic range of features, responsive customer service, user-friendly interface, uncompromised security, and privacy, remarkable 30-day money-back guarantees, and the astonishing unblocking capabilities.

IPVanish only stands out for its affordable price plans. On the other hand, NordVPN proves to offer an overall impressive VPN service with reasonable pricing plans.

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Markhascole

Mark is a cyber security enthusiast. He loves to spread knowledge about cybersecurity with his peers. He also loves to travel and writing his travel diaries.

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