When it comes to VPN services, NordVPN and IPVanish are both excellent options. So how do you choose between them if you want to pick just one?
The main differences between IPVanish and NordVPN are the number of servers each has around the world and the apps they provide to help you easily access and use each one on your computer or mobile device. Other points to note include any extra security measures, the tools within each app, and the company policies each has to protect users’ privacy.
In this IPVanish vs NordVPN comparison, we’ll look at some key differences and similarities between the two to help you decide which is best for you.
Basic features — IPVanish vs NordVPN
IPVanish has over 2,300 servers in over 80 countries and employs over 50,000 shared IP addresses. Its service includes 256-bit AES encryption, the IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, and OpenVPN protocols, up to ten simultaneous connections, and unlimited bandwidth.
NordVPN has approximately 6,200 servers in 65 countries worldwide. Its service includes the IKEv2, 256-bit AES encryption, and OpenVPN protocols, up to six simultaneous connections, and unlimited bandwidth.
Log Keeping: IPVanish vs NordVPN
One of the most significant components of a VPN is its attitude to log-keeping. VPNs assist in keeping your online activity safe from prying eyes, therefore those that track and log your activity are not preferred.
This is because third parties can have access to those logs, thereby rendering the VPN useless. For this IPVanish vs NordVPN comparison, we found that both promise to maintain no logs.
IPVanish VPN, for example, states that under no circumstances, on any platform, does it collect, monitor, or log any traffic or use of its Virtual Private Network service. An account is essential in order to bill you and ensure that you continue to get service.
Aside from that, IPVanish claims it does not track you. However, keep in mind that IPVanish is based in the United States, which has aggressive surveillance authorities.
Similarly, NordVPN states: We do not retain logs of IP addresses or servers used, websites viewed, or files downloaded, nor do we track the time or duration of any online session. In other words, none of your private and protected data is ever logged or acquired.
NordVPN claims that it cannot comply with any information requests since it does not save that information. The service is based in Panama, which does not have any data retention rules.
We feel that in this NordVPN vs IPVanish comparison, Nord has the edge.
Servers and Locations — IPVanish vs NordVPN
A great VPN service should provide a vast number of servers from which users can pick. This allows you to receive a solid, fast connection no matter where you are or where you are trying to spoof.
Let’s look at the servers and locations of IPVanish vs NordVPN.
In the case of NordVPN, you have over 6,200 servers to choose from. Some countries may add extra features to their servers — P2P, Double VPN, and so on — but others will employ a simple VPN connection to disguise your identity.
The majority of servers are located in Europe, with 2,483 servers in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Sweden. The Americas came in second with 2,024 servers in countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.
NordVPN has the single largest number of servers in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom. The number of shared IP addresses used by the company’s VPN is not specified.
Despite having servers in more than 75 locations throughout the world, IPVanish trails in terms of absolute server count with just over 1,300. The largest number are in the Americas, with 699 servers spread throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
Europe comes in second with 470 servers in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Italy. Again, IPVanish has the single largest number of servers in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom.
In addition, IPVanish has over 40,000 shared IP addresses. If you intend to operate mostly in Europe or North America, either VPN service should suffice.
However, in most other parts of the world, NordVPN outperforms IPVanish.
Performance — IPVanish vs NordVPN
We tested the servers in the morning and evening for our comparison of NordVPN vs IPVanish. When comparing outcomes, performance is virtually the same across the board.
Depending on where the VPN server is located, you may notice a slight decrease in speed in some circumstances and a slight boost in others. Overall, performance is a plus.
However, keep in mind that the performance of a VPN service is dependent on where you are in the world and where the server of the VPN to which you connect is situated.
Tip: while looking for a VPN service to use, make sure the company offers a money-back guarantee within a set number of days of signing up. This will allow you to test its service and assess whether its network’s performance will meet your needs in the long run.
Devices — IPVanish vs NordVPN
If you only want to use a VPN on one device, any service will suffice. However, the majority of people nowadays have numerous gadgets.
This is why high-quality VPN services provide many connections under the same account. Let’s look at the number of devices IPVanish vs NordVPN accounts would allow you to use.
IPVanish provides for up to ten concurrent connections under a single account. There is one restriction: only one device can connect using L2TP or PPTP, while the others must use IKEv2, OpenVPN, or IPSec.
This isn’t a big deal because you’ll want to stick to the last three protocols for the best performance. IPVanish may also be used with a DD-WRT or Tomato router, which means that any device connected to that router will receive the same VPN protection.
NordVPN allows you to use up to six devices simultaneously under the same account. NordVPN, like IPVanish, may be used in conjunction with a router to protect all connected devices.
Bandwidth Limits — IPVanish vs NordVPN
Using a VPN to ensure privacy only to be informed that you’ve exceeded your bandwidth limit is unacceptable. You’ll usually run into this problem if you use a free VPN, but you won’t have to worry about it here.
For this IPVanish vs NordVPN review, we found that both provide unlimited bandwidth with no throttling. You are free to connect to a VPN server and stay connected for as long as you like.
Features — IPVanish vs NordVPN
NordVPN has a lot of extra features that most users will appreciate. These include a double VPN system that adds an extra layer of privacy, which is ideal for anyone who is threatened by political powers.
It also offers a CyberSec filter for malicious websites and ads, and uses dedicated P2P servers for file sharing and Onion access.comparing the features of IPVanish vs NordVPN, we notice that both VPN services provide kill switches and built-in DNS leak prevention mechanisms.
One difference between IPVanish vs NordVPN is that IPVanish does not have dedicated servers for P2P sharing, nor does it offer a live chat option if you require support. You may email both companies and expect a rapid response, but NordVPN also offers live chat.
In addition, NordVPN has a kill switch that will prevent your device from accessing the internet if its connection to the NordVPN network is lost. Other capabilities include dual VPN and simple streaming of region-restricted video.
Similarly, if your computer or device’s connection to the IPVanish network is lost, a kill switch in these programs will prevent you from accessing the internet.
If you connect using the OpenVPN protocol, another additional function will attempt to bypass firewalls that are configured to terminate OpenVPN connections.
When comparing NordVPN vs IPVanish, in terms of features, NordVPN takes the lead.
Pricing and Plans — IPVanish vs NordVPN
NordVPN offers four different options, each with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don’t enjoy the service. The best deal is a three-year package, which costs roughly $3.49 each month.
This package includes a three-month free trial. The two-year package will cost you roughly $5 each month.
There’s also a one-year plan that costs around $7 per month, and a one-month plan that costs about $12. IPVanish offers three plans with a seven-day money-back guarantee.
A yearly plan costs approximately $6.49 per month; a three-month plan costs approximately $9 per month, and a monthly plan costs approximately $10.
If you want to use IPVanish on a monthly basis, it will be a couple of dollars less expensive. When we compare NordVPN vs IPVanish, it looks like NordVPN will take less of your money on a monthly basis.
Customer Support — IPVanish vs NordVPN
Customer service is extensive, polite, and problem-solving at both NordVPN and IPVanish. A large website knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, and an email ticket system are used to provide customer help.
The knowledge base contains frequently asked questions (FAQs), troubleshooting tutorials, and setup guides. You can quickly locate solutions by entering a keyword related to your search into the search bar.
Most answers to various difficulties can be found in the knowledge base without contacting customer support. The live chat is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and a bot provides the initial solution.
If the answer is not sufficient, you have the option of contacting the customer service team. Most of them respond quickly with appropriate solutions.
Depending on the problem, you may have to wait for a few seconds as they confirm with the appropriate department. It is recommended to use the email ticket system for technical and billing concerns that cannot be resolved immediately.
However, this form of service takes longer to provide you with a solution. When we compared NordVPN vs IPVanish, we noticed that NordVPN had a faster response time than IPVanish, which could take days.
RAM-based servers — IPVanish vs NordVPN
RAM-based servers are an effective approach for reducing the risks associated with hard drive seizures. They improve uniformity and security as well.
With RAM-based servers, all data is deleted on every reboot because no data is written to the hard drives. If the police or other unauthorized parties gain access to the servers, they will not be able to obtain any information.
NordVPN uses RAM-based servers as well as co-located servers that are maintained and monitored by NordVPN personnel. This offers the highest level of privacy and security.
IPVanish continues to use encrypted hard drive servers, which can pose a concern if the servers are seized by the authorities. However, IPVanish manages and operates its complete infrastructure, including servers, thus reducing redundancy while improving privacy and security.
Ease of Use and Compatibility — IPVanish vs NordVPN
It is simple to get started; simply sign up, subscribe, and install the right VPN program for your device. The interfaces of the native VPN apps are streamlined, user-friendly, and simple to use.
NordVPN apps have a list and map-based interface for convenient server choosing. The home screen also provides access to specific servers as well as the quick connect button.
Both VPN services offer native apps for desktops, smartphones, routers, and streaming devices. However, NordVPN supports more platforms than IPVanish.
NordVPN offers apps to help you set up and utilize its service on Android, Android TV, Fire TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows devices. It can also be used on gaming consoles and routers.
There are also Chrome and Firefox extensions that allow you to utilize NordVPN through these browsers. These apps include an ad blocker and a harmful site blocker.
IPVanish apps are available for routers, Amazon Fire TV, Android, Chrome OS, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices to help you set up and utilize the service.
Overall, once again in this NordVPN vs IPVanish comparison, Nord edges out on top.
Conclusion — IPVanish vs NordVPN
We have reached the end of our comparison of NordVPN vs IPVanish. Both of these VPN services have a lot to offer, such as robust encryption, no-log policies, and outstanding performance.
Either one will be a welcome addition to your privacy arsenal. However, if you want to connect to many servers throughout the world, NordVPN is the way to go.
This is also the one to choose if you want to be able to use a double VPN to further protect your online anonymity. You can also pay for a dedicated IP address, which will cost somewhat less each month if you commit to a long-term plan.