IPVanish vs ExpressVPN: Complete Comparison
Choosing between IPVanish and ExpressVPN? This comprehensive comparison analyzes pricing, features, security, speed tests, and streaming capabilities to help you make an informed decision. We've tested both VPN services extensively to provide you with detailed insights on which service offers better value for your specific needs.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | ExpressVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $4.99/month | $2.19/month |
| Server Locations | 105 countries | 108+ countries |
| Total Servers | 3,000+ | 2,400+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | United States |
| Netflix Support | ||
| 24/7 Support |
VPN Market Context & Statistics
The VPN market has experienced explosive growth, with over 1.75 billion users worldwide as of 2025. In the United States, VPN adoption has reached 32%, driven by increasing privacy concerns and remote work trends. The global VPN market is projected to reach $87.1 billion by 2027, making the choice between established providers like ExpressVPN and IPVanish increasingly important for consumers seeking reliable, secure internet connections.
Comprehensive Pricing Analysis
Monthly Cost Comparison
Detailed Pricing Breakdown
ExpressVPN Pricing
- 2 Years + 4 Months Free: $4.99/month
- 1 Year + 3 Months Free: $6.67/month
- Monthly Plan: $12.95/month
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
IPVanish Pricing
- 2 Years Plan: $2.19/month
- 1 Year Plan: $3.33/month
- Monthly Plan: $12.99/month
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Cost Analysis Summary
IPVanish offers significantly lower pricing across all plans, with savings of up to 56% compared to ExpressVPN on long-term subscriptions. However, ExpressVPN's pricing includes additional features like MediaStreamer and enhanced security audits. For budget-conscious users, IPVanish provides excellent value, while ExpressVPN justifies its premium pricing with superior security infrastructure and broader device compatibility.
Speed & Performance Analysis
Speed Test Results (Mbps)
Performance Insights
ExpressVPN Performance
ExpressVPN delivers consistent speeds with its Lightway protocol, achieving average speeds of 581 Mbps across test locations. Performance remains stable across different geographical regions with minimal speed variation.
IPVanish Performance
IPVanish shows impressive peak performance with WireGuard protocol, reaching speeds up to 829 Mbps. However, performance can be inconsistent across different server locations, with average speeds of 532 Mbps.
Key Findings:
- ExpressVPN offers more predictable performance
- IPVanish can achieve higher peak speeds
- Both support modern protocols (WireGuard/Lightway)
- Distance affects both services similarly
Security & Privacy Features
Security Feature Comparison
ExpressVPN Security
- AES-256 Encryption: Military-grade encryption standard
- TrustedServer Technology: RAM-only servers, no data storage
- Network Lock Kill Switch: Automatic protection if connection drops
- Split Tunneling: Route specific apps outside VPN
- Threat Manager: Blocks malware and trackers
- Perfect Forward Secrecy: New encryption keys per session
IPVanish Security
- AES-256 Encryption: Same military-grade standard
- WireGuard Protocol: Modern, fast, and secure
- Kill Switch: Automatic connection protection
- Split Tunneling: Selective routing capabilities
- DNS Leak Protection: Prevents IP exposure
- Scramble Feature: Obfuscation for restricted networks
Privacy & Jurisdiction Analysis
ExpressVPN
Based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the Five Eyes alliance. No mandatory data retention laws. Has undergone multiple independent audits by KPMG and Cure53. Proven no-logs policy tested in real-world scenarios including government server seizure in Turkey.
IPVanish
Based in the United States, subject to Five Eyes surveillance alliance. However, has completed independent no-logs audit by Leviathan Security Group. Uses modern security protocols but operates under US jurisdiction which may concern privacy-focused users.
Server Networks & Global Coverage
Server Distribution
Network Comparison
ExpressVPN Network
IPVanish Network
Regional Coverage Analysis
Both providers offer extensive global coverage, but with different strengths. ExpressVPN maintains a larger server fleet with 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, focusing on high-quality server infrastructure with 10 Gbps connections. IPVanish recently expanded to 108+ countries with over 2,400 servers, adding 15 new locations in August 2024 and continuing rapid expansion through December 2024.
Americas
Both providers offer excellent coverage across North and South America, with multiple US server locations
Europe
Comprehensive European coverage from both services, strong presence in major cities
Asia-Pacific
Growing presence in Asia-Pacific region, with recent expansions by both providers
Streaming & Torrenting Capabilities
Streaming Performance
ExpressVPN Streaming
- Netflix (Multiple regions)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
- Hulu
- BBC iPlayer
- MediaStreamer for Smart TVs
IPVanish Streaming
- Netflix (US & UK)
- BBC iPlayer
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu (Limited)
- Fire TV Apps
- Android TV Support
Torrenting & P2P
Both Services Support:
- P2P traffic on all servers
- No bandwidth limitations
- Strong encryption protocols
- Kill switch protection
Performance Analysis
Both VPN services have dramatically improved their streaming capabilities in . ExpressVPN maintains a slight edge with its dedicated MediaStreamer feature and broader platform support, while IPVanish has made significant improvements and now successfully unblocks major streaming platforms including Netflix US and UK.
Streaming Winner: ExpressVPN
Superior global Netflix access and MediaStreamer technology
Torrenting: Tie
Both offer excellent P2P support with different jurisdiction advantages
User Experience & Applications
ExpressVPN Apps
Supported Platforms:
Browser Extensions:
Key Features:
- • One-click server connection
- • Automatic protocol selection
- • Built-in speed test
- • MediaStreamer configuration
IPVanish Apps
Supported Platforms:
Special Features:
Key Features:
- • Dark/Light theme options
- • WireGuard protocol support
- • Connection per app settings
- • SOCKS5 proxy included
Device Connection Comparison
ExpressVPN: 8 Simultaneous Connections
Sufficient for most users and families. Router installation can extend coverage to unlimited devices on your home network.
IPVanish: Unlimited Connections
Perfect for large families, small businesses, or users with many devices. No restrictions on simultaneous connections.
Customer Support Comparison
ExpressVPN Support
IPVanish Support
Support Quality Assessment
Both VPN services provide excellent customer support with 24/7 live chat staffed by human agents rather than chatbots. ExpressVPN offers slightly more comprehensive multilingual support and extensive documentation, while IPVanish provides the unique advantage of a real-time system status page and mobile app free trials. Response times are typically under 2 minutes for both services during peak hours.
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Final Verdict & Recommendations
Category Winners
Our Recommendations
Choose ExpressVPN if:
- • Privacy and security are your top priorities
- • You need reliable Netflix and streaming access
- • You prefer proven jurisdiction advantages
- • Budget is less of a concern
- • You want premium customer support
Choose IPVanish if:
- • You want the best value for money
- • You need unlimited device connections
- • You have a large family or multiple devices
- • You prioritize speed over privacy jurisdiction
- • You want modern WireGuard protocol
Overall Winner: ExpressVPN
While both VPN services offer excellent features and performance, ExpressVPN emerges as the overall winner due to its superior security infrastructure, better privacy jurisdiction, and more reliable streaming capabilities. However, IPVanish provides exceptional value for budget-conscious users and families needing multiple device connections.
ExpressVPN Advantages:
- • Superior security and privacy
- • Better streaming compatibility
- • Proven no-logs policy
- • Premium jurisdiction
IPVanish Advantages:
- • More affordable pricing
- • Unlimited connections
- • Strong performance improvements
- • Good feature set
Related: PIA vs NordVPN
Related: PIA vs Surfshark
Frequently Asked Questions
ExpressVPN generally offers more consistent speeds averaging 581 Mbps across test locations, while IPVanish can achieve higher peak speeds (up to 829 Mbps) but with more variability. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol provides stable performance, while IPVanish's WireGuard implementation shows impressive peaks but inconsistent results across different server locations.
ExpressVPN is superior for Netflix streaming, offering reliable access to multiple regional Netflix libraries including US, UK, Canada, and others. It includes MediaStreamer technology for Smart TVs and gaming consoles. IPVanish has significantly improved and now works with Netflix US and UK, but ExpressVPN maintains broader platform compatibility and more consistent unblocking performance.
IPVanish is significantly more affordable, with 2-year plans starting at $2.19/month compared to ExpressVPN's $4.99/month. This represents savings of approximately 56% on long-term subscriptions. Monthly plans are comparable ($12.99 vs $12.95), but IPVanish offers better value on annual commitments. However, ExpressVPN's higher price includes premium features like TrustedServer technology and broader device support.
ExpressVPN offers superior security due to several factors: TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers), jurisdiction in privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, multiple independent security audits by firms like KPMG and Cure53, and proven no-logs policy tested in real-world scenarios. IPVanish provides strong security with AES-256 encryption and audited no-logs policy, but operates under US jurisdiction which may concern privacy-focused users.
IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large families or users with many devices. ExpressVPN limits connections to 8 devices simultaneously, which is sufficient for most users but may be restrictive for some. Both services can be installed on unlimited devices, but the simultaneous connection limits differ significantly. ExpressVPN's router support can effectively provide unlimited connections on your home network.
Both VPNs support torrenting on all servers with no bandwidth restrictions. ExpressVPN benefits from British Virgin Islands jurisdiction (no DMCA compliance required), while IPVanish operates under US jurisdiction where DMCA takedown notices apply. Both offer strong encryption, kill switches, and no-logs policies. IPVanish includes SOCKS5 proxy for faster torrenting, while ExpressVPN provides more jurisdictional privacy protection.
Both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees. IPVanish also provides free trials for Android and iOS apps through their respective app stores, allowing you to test the service before purchase. ExpressVPN doesn't offer a traditional free trial but relies on its comprehensive 30-day refund policy. Both guarantees are straightforward with no hidden clauses, though IPVanish has some exceptions for certain payment methods.
Make Your Choice Today
Both ExpressVPN and IPVanish offer excellent VPN services with unique advantages. Choose ExpressVPN for premium security and streaming, or IPVanish for unbeatable value and unlimited connections.