IPVanish vs. NordVPN

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: 2 valuable and most demanding VPN services that are available in best features. The former is known for its user-friendly plans, and the latter for its features. Both offer a mixed fusion of security features that enhance users’ privacy and security. For VPN selection, select the one that provides a diverse range of options, including features and subscription plans. In this blog, we will compare the two services and their features, including security, encryption protocols, privacy, speed, pricing, and much more.

NordVPN performed exclusively better than IPVanish. It showed an edge over multiple features, such as speed, protection, torrenting, server location, customer support, and streaming. However, it is essential to note that IPVanish has also improved massively in the past few years. Earlier, it wouldn’t have made sense to compare the two services, but since then, IPVanish has come a long way. It has massively improved its service quality, including security, privacy, torrenting, streaming, and more. 

This table highlights the basic features of IPVanish and NordVPN:

	IPVanish	NordVPN
Servers	2,400+	6,400+
Server Location	55 Countries	111 Countries
No Logs policy	Available	Available
Torrenting	Available for all servers	Available for all servers
VPN Protocols	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec	OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx)
Streaming Service Access	BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and Netflix	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney++, Hulu.
Platforms Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android,
Apps Support	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Device Connections Simultaneously	Unlimited Connections are allowed	10
Support System	FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat, knowledge base	FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat, knowledge base

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Speed Comparison

Our team puts maximum effort into testing to find the strengths and weaknesses of VPNs. Likewise, they tested multiple servers from different countries to measure the speed of both VPNs and their response timing. Here is a quick snapshot of what our team was able to analyze: 

Download Speed

Country	IPVanish	NordVPN
The US	87%	94%
The UK	94%	95%
Canada	91%	95%
Sweden	95%	94%

Upload Speed

Country	IPVanish	NordVPN
The US	85%	93%
The UK	87%	93%
Canada	81%	92%
Sweden	82%	92%

The above two tables show the download and upload speeds. NordVPN is the clear winner. It is undisputed that NordVPN is superior to IPVanish in many aspects, including speed. The difference can also be seen in the protocols each has; for example, IPVanish has WireGuard, and NordVPN has NordLynx. NordVPN provided almost 93% of the speed in response to our baseline internet speed. That is fast. Such high speed makes NordVPN highly compatible for HD streaming and gaming purposes.

Furthermore, the speed remained consistent throughout our whole testing period, shoring the strength of NordVPN’s infrastructure.

IPVanish also deserves enormous credit for such a fantastic performance. The minimum download speed we observed remained intact at 87%, which is a huge milestone to achieve. The upload speed went low, about 81%. Nonetheless, this speed is still great. We enjoyed HD streaming without any interruptions for multiple sessions.

Moreover, the upload speed was mainly recorded as lower on Canadian servers. The upload speed has a direct effect on gaming quality and video calls. If you are connected to IPVansih’s Canadian servers, you are most likely to face some gaming problems.  Both IPVanish and NordVPN can do everyday activities effectively. They are good with security and privacy protocols. They have high-end encryption protocols to ensure the security of your data and identity.

Furthermore, you can enjoy seamless streaming using both of these services. Based on testing, NordVPN performed slightly better than IPVanish. It will provide far smoother streaming and torrenting services. Conversely, IPVansih offers a better subscription plan. It has a diverse set of price plans, which include both economical and premium packages.

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Features Comparison

Feature	IPVanish	NordVPN
RAM-only servers	None	Available
Split tunneling	Available	Available
Kill Switch	Available	Available
Private DNS	Available	Available
No-Logs Policy	Available	Available
Multiple VPN Protocol Support	Available  (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec)	Available (OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx)
WireGuard Protocol	Available	Available
Brower Extension	None	Available
Ad Block	None	Available
Obfuscated Servers	Available	Available
Onion over VPN Servers	None	Available
Device Connections Simultaneously	Unlimited	6

Speed is the most essential feature of any VPN. It depends on different factors, including server numbers and speed protocols. Luckily, both VPNs have a vast number of servers (IPVanish has 2400+ and NordVPN 6400+) and support multiple protocols simultaneously. Server number is essential as each server can only handle a limited number of users at once. If any specific server is overcrowded, its speed is drastically impacted. 

IPVanish has fewer servers than its competitor, NordVPN. This means NordVPN can easily manage a higher number of users and maintain a higher speed than IPVanish.  Fortunately, IPVansih has integrated a high-speed protocol called WireGuardVPN. It can compensate for the speed loss that might occur due to a reduced number of servers. WireGuard is a multifaceted protocol that helps improve speed, build faster connections with different networks, and provide high-end quality security to users’ data. Like IPVanish, various other VPNs are also switching towards WireGuard protocol, including OpenVPN. 

RAM-only Servers:

This is an important feature available only in NordVPN. Technically, it is a type of server that only runs on RAM Servers. It is an essential security feature: once servers are rebooted, the information saved inside them will vanish. RAM is a complete form of Random Access Memory; it is a volatile type of memory that cannot hold memory for a long time. Once turned off, it erases all memory from within.

 Split Tunneling:

 This unique feature, available in both IPVansih and NordVPN, lets you divide your network connection into two separate paths, private and public. You can access your essential content from a private VPN connection while continuing to use the rest of the content from a standard open server connection.

Kill Switch:

Both IPVanish and NordVPN provide access to this security feature. It is a high-tech feature that automatically turns off users’ internet access if the VPN connection is lost. It is built for emergency issues in case the connection is lost. This helps protect users’ data from being exposed to malicious forces. 

Private DNS:

This feature is also available in both IPVansih and NordVPN. It helps encrypt your DNS (Domain Name System) queries via private special servers dedicated to DNA queries.

No-logs Policy:

Both VPNs check on this security-related feature. No logs means the VPN is incapable of storing users’ personal information, including online activity, IP addresses, browsing history, and DNS queries, through special servers. No-logs features let you enjoy safe and secure online browsing, where no one can track you down, including your ISP.

Multiple Protocol Support:

This is an exciting feature and is available in both VPNs. It is also a leading cause behind improving VPN speed. Multiple protocol support lets a VPN use more than one protocol at once. For example, IPVanish currently relies on OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec protocols, whereas NordVPN has access to OpenVPN and WireGurad (NordLynx) protocols in their system. WireGuard is an advanced protocol that helps with improving system speed and security features.

Browser Extension:

 IPVanish is a conservative service that does not offer browser extensions. NordVPN, though, gives extensions on all major online systems, including Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers.

Ad Block Feature:

This feature builds encryption between your internet connection and device. It hides your online activity from eavesdropping. In simple terms, it keeps your overall internet connection private and secure. Besides, this feature is only available for NordVPN users.

Obfuscated Servers:

This is a type of specialized server dedicated to only specific functions. It is used to hide your VPN connection. It will mask your private connection into a standard connection so it is not apparent to others, especially ISPs, that you are using any VPN. This feature is handy in highly authoritarian states when online restrictions are cruel and might cause severe threats to personal lives.

Onion Over VPN Server:

This feature is specific to the Tor browser and provides security protection before connecting to it.

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Server Comparison

VPNs cannot function without a server network. In this case, both IPVanish and NordVPN comprise a massive number of servers across the globe. It is important to note that servers have different uses, and these VPNs also have different sections of servers that serve various purposes. 

About Servers	IPVanish VPN	NordVPN
Total Servers	2,400+	6,400+
Countries the network is spread to	55+	111
RAM-only Servers	Nope	Available
Virtual Locations	Available	Nope
Specialty Servers	Nope	Available

Both VPNs have stark differences in the number of servers they have. IPVavish comprises over 2,400 servers, whereas NordVPN shall consist of 6,400+ servers, respectively. IPVanish’s server network is spread across 55+ countries, and NordVPN is across 111 different countries. NordVPN takes the lead in server quantity. It is, therefore, not surprising to learn that NordVPN is faster than IPVanish.

Furthermore, NordVPN also comprises highly advanced servers, such as RAM-only servers and specialist servers. Both of these add higher value to the overall performance of NordVPN servers, making this server the fastest and most secure VPN on earth. 

IPVansih Servers

Surprisingly, IPVanish beats NordVPN on one point by providing access to Virtual location servers. NordVPN does not have any Virtual servers. Virtual servers are basically simulated versions of the physical servers. They are simulated, but they are powered by real physical servers somewhere on this planet. Additionally, as per IPVanish, it has over 40,000 unique IP addresses. It is a positive quality of any VPN to have as many IP addresses as possible since it helps VPNs easily bypass any geo-blocking. 

NordVPN, on the other hand, has an impressive number of servers—over 6400—almost double what IPVanish currently has. Moreover, these are all physical servers; NordVPN does not have any virtual VPNs. Despite some advantages to virtual servers, we would still prefer physical servers. They are more secure and trustworthy. Another interesting fact about NordVPN is that all its servers are RAM servers. This means NordVPN cannot keep its users’ information. Every time servers reboot, the overall information collected goes extinct. This feature helps increase security and prevent any malicious hacking attempts on the servers. 

As mentioned in the table above, NordVPN comes with specialty servers as well. These servers have special functions to perform. Some of them are as follows:

Double VPN Servers:

This feature provides double-layer security to your connection. It encrypts your network connection with two different private servers. Furthermore, you can also select host and destination servers, where you can show one server that shows your current location and the other that shows your destination location.

Obfuscated Servers:

These specialty servers are used to bypass cruel authoritarian censorship. They hide your location or online traffic and let you enjoy secure and seamless browsing. This feature is quite helpful for users belonging to authoritarian states like China and Russia.

Unique IP Address:

Nord VPN’s private servers can provide you with a unique IP address for an extra cost, ensuring your security and privacy.

Onion Over VPN:

This feature is dedicated to using the Tor Browser. NordVPN allows you to use Onion over VPN to ensure extra security and protection while you access the Tor browser.

P2P Servers:

This is related to Torrenting, which is used for file sharing with other users. Hundreds of NordVPN servers are optimized for this unique feature, where you can enjoy safe and secure file transfer peer-to-peer. NordVPN uses BitTorrent and Meshnet servers to help increase the security of its users’ file sharing.

How Is NordVPN Faster Than IPVanish?

A few essential features are required to increase the speed of VPN service. Here are a few of those featuers that help NordVPN provide the fastest speed.

Server Quantity :

NordVPN has an extensive network of servers, allowing it to provide access to more bandwidth. More servers also help reduce overload, which usually results in a lowering of speed. Having more servers can easily accommodate more users, resulting in less stress on servers.

Threat Protection :

NordVPN uses security features like ad blocking and various other tracking features to increase threat protection, which results in higher bandwidth and a faster load page.

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Encryption and Security Protocols

This part will examine two different parameters: encryption and security protocols. IPVanish and NordVPN are two essential services that offer advanced features. Their features are proven for both encryption and security. In this comparison, we will examine the specific qualities that make them stronger contenders for the best security VPNs in the market.

Encryption Protocols

Item	IPVanish	NordVPN
Protocols	IKEv2, IPsec & OpenVPN	IKEv2, IPsec & OpenVPN
Authentication	SHA1, Poly1305	SHA-256, Poly1305
RSA Key	2,096-bit,	4,096-bit
Cipher	AES-256, ChaCha20	AES-256, ChaCha20

IPVanish uses some advanced features to strengthen its encryption protocols. For example, it uses industry-standard protocols such as IKEv2, IPsec, and OpenVPN. IKEv2 stands for Internet Key Exchange Version 2, a tunneling protocol used to encrypt the communication between users’ devices and services using cryptographic algorithms. IPsec stands for Internet Protocol Security, which is used for traffic protection over any IP network and helps transport through a safe and secure path. OpenVPN is an open-source protocol that allows for the easy pinpointing of issues/bugs in the system. 

Furthermore, IPVanish uses the OpenVPN protocol specifically alongside the AES-256 cipher, SHA1 authentication, and a 2,096-bit RSA key. Additionally, IPVansih uses the WireGuard protocol alongside ChaCha20 and Poly1305. 

NordVPN

NordVPN has a slightly more advanced encryption protocol system than its counterpart, IPVanish. It uses OpenVPN alongside the AES-256 cipher, SHA256 hash authentication, and a 4,096-bit RSA key to build a stronger encryption net around the transport. Additionally, it uses WireGuard alongside ChaCha20 and Poly1305, which is surprisingly supported by its custom implementation system called NordLynx. 

Security Protocols

Feature	IPVanish	NordVPN
RAM-servers	No	Yes
Virtual Locations	Yes	No

IPVanish’s security features include virtual location. It provides its service using third-party rented servers, which is quite common among VPN services. Pursuing this design does not pose a security threat since the cloud servers have highly advanced manufacturing and security protocols. Conversely, NordVPN has advanced features that include RAM servers. This security feature removes all the data from its servers once they have undergone a reboot process. 

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Streaming

Most of the traffic on different VPN services is due to streaming. Many users intend to access other streaming services that are restricted to certain geo-locations. One of the most popular streaming services is known as Netflix. Various other platforms also fetch huge viewership to their credit. Here, we will compare the performance of both IPVanish and NordVPN to see which one provides ultra-seamless streaming service.

IPVansih supports almost all major streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, ESPN, Disney+, HBO Max, DAZN, and more. It also unblocks almost all major regions, including the US and UK libraries, for Netflix. From the perspective of limited infrastructure compared to NordVPN, IPVanish has definitely made massive growth and implemented advanced systems to allow for such a quality streaming experience. 

NordVPN, on the other hand, is a champion in the field of streaming. It has the most advanced system that allows for continuous streaming. It is capable of bypassing major firewalls and unblocking access to all significant geo-location libraries. NordVPN, as per popular narrative, is one of Netflix’s most popular services. It is capable of providing access to all regional Netflix libraries, such as the US, UK, Germany, Italy, and Canada. 

Voting for the best among these two streaming services is a tough decision, mainly because IPVanish and NordVPN performed equally well. They both supported almost all major streaming platforms seamlessly. There was only one difference: due to advanced infrastructure, NordVPN could unblock more regions than IPVansih. Besides that fact, there is barely any difference between the performance of the two services. 

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Speed and Performance

The speed and performance of both IPVanish and NordVPN are challenging to define in exact words. The reason is that the speed and performance of VPNs are variable-dependent. For example, the speed we measured during our testing depended on our connection speed, the distance of the server location from our testing site, and the features we used. When you test IPVansih or NordVPN, both VPNs will give a different output depending on how fast your network is, what services you are accessing, and how far the servers are from your current location. 

Based on our testing and research, both IPVanish and NordVPN are quality VPNs. They performed exceptionally well in providing security, privacy, speed, and streaming services. Both VPNs are capable of bypassing firewalls and unblocking libraries of significant streaming platforms from various regions across the globe. Still, if you are looking for a slight difference between the two, then we suggest looking at the speed response of each service.

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Plans

	Monthly	1 Year Plan	2 Year Plan
IPVanish	$10.99/m	$2.79/m plus 3 Months Free	$2.19/m plus 3 Months Free
NordVPN	$14.99/m (30-Day money back guarantee)	$6.99/m (30-Day money back guarantee)	$5.99/m (30-Day money back guarantee)

The price difference between the two services is quite huge. IPVanish starts its monthly offer at just $10.99 per month compared to NordVPN, which offers the same plan for $14.99 per month. The same is true for the yearly offer, which stands for about $6.99 per month for IPVanish and $6.99 per month for NordVPN. The maximum long-term plan stretches up to two years for both these services, which is about $2.19 per month for IPVansih and $5.99 per month for NordVPN.

Final Remarks

There is an overarching overlap of features between the two services. Both share almost similar technology in terms of security & encryption, torrenting and streaming, and more. Moreover, as mentioned above, streaming works tremendously fast and seamlessly on both services. Hence, it makes little sense to ignore IPVanish over NordVPN since both make a massive tradeoff in terms of essential security features. Price is an excellent indicator for making a decision. If you are looking for streaming or low-end service features, we recommend using IPVanish. However, if you are seeking an ultra-high level of security and privacy, we suggest using NordVPN, which also uses RAM-only servers – keeping your data extra secure. 

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