IPVanish clearly wins the pricing battle with its Essential plan starting at just $2.19 per month for a two-year commitment. This represents exceptional value considering you get unlimited device connections and access to the complete VPN service. NordVPN's pricing starts higher but includes additional features in its upper tiers that may justify the cost for users requiring advanced functionality.
IPVanish vs NordVPN: Complete Comparison Guide
Choosing between IPVanish vs NordVPN can be challenging when both VPN services offer robust security features and competitive pricing. This comprehensive comparison examines every aspect of both providers, from pricing and performance to streaming capabilities and customer support. Whether you're looking for the best value for money, superior streaming performance, or maximum security features, this detailed analysis of NordVPN vs IPVanish will help you make an informed decision based on real-world testing and current data.
Quick Verdict
NordVPN takes the lead with superior streaming capabilities, larger server network, and advanced security features, while IPVanish offers better value for money with unlimited device connections and simpler pricing structure.
VPN Market Landscape
$61.42B
Global VPN Market Size
1.75B
VPN Users Worldwide
32%
US VPN Usage Rate
Pricing Comparison: IPVanish vs NordVPN
Price remains one of the most critical factors when choosing between IPVanish and NordVPN. Both services offer competitive pricing tiers, but their approaches differ significantly. IPVanish focuses on simplicity with two main plans, while NordVPN provides three comprehensive tiers with varying feature sets.
| Plan Duration | IPVanish Essential | IPVanish Advanced | NordVPN Basic | NordVPN Plus | NordVPN Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99 | - | $12.99 | $13.99 | $14.99 |
| 1 Year | $2.79 | - | $4.99 | $5.99 | $6.99 |
| 2 Years | $2.19 | $3.29 | $3.39 | $4.39 | $5.39 |
Features Overview
The feature comparison between IPVanish and NordVPN reveals distinct approaches to VPN service delivery. While both providers offer essential VPN functionality, NordVPN extends its feature set with specialized servers and additional security tools, whereas IPVanish focuses on core VPN performance with unlimited device connections.
IPVanish Features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 2,200+ servers in 108 countries
- AES-256 encryption
- Kill switch protection
- DNS leak protection
- Split tunneling
- 24/7 customer support
- No-logs policy
NordVPN Features
- 7,400+ servers in 118 countries
- 6 simultaneous connections
- Double VPN servers
- Onion over VPN
- CyberSec ad blocker
- Threat Protection Pro
- Meshnet feature
- Dedicated IP option
IPVanish's unlimited device connections policy stands out as a significant advantage for households with multiple devices or small businesses. Meanwhile, NordVPN's specialized servers like Double VPN and Onion over VPN provide enhanced security layers for users with specific privacy requirements.
Server Network Analysis
Server network size and distribution significantly impact VPN performance, connection reliability, and geo-unblocking capabilities. NordVPN maintains a substantial advantage with over 7,400 servers across 118 countries, while IPVanish operates 2,200+ servers in 108 countries. Both networks have expanded considerably in .
IPVanish Network
Total Servers:
2,200+
Countries:
108
Server Types:
Standard
RAM-based:
10 locations
NordVPN Network
Total Servers:
7,400+
Countries:
118
Server Types:
Multiple
RAM-based:
All servers
NordVPN's larger server network provides better load distribution and more location options, particularly beneficial for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content. IPVanish has strategically focused on high-performance servers in key locations, with recent additions of RAM-based servers enhancing security by ensuring no data persistence after reboot.
Performance & Speed Tests
Speed performance directly affects your browsing, streaming, and downloading experience. Our comprehensive testing across multiple server locations reveals interesting patterns in how both VPNs handle different connection scenarios and geographical distances.
Download Speeds
NordVPN: 85%
IPVanish: 82%
Average speed retention
Upload Speeds
NordVPN: 78%
IPVanish: 80%
Average speed retention
Latency
NordVPN: 25ms
IPVanish: 28ms
Average ping increase
Both VPNs deliver excellent performance with minimal speed reduction. NordVPN edges ahead slightly in download speeds and latency, while IPVanish shows marginally better upload performance. The differences are minimal for most users, with both services providing sufficient speeds for streaming, gaming, and heavy downloading.
Security & Privacy
Security and privacy form the foundation of any reliable VPN service. Both IPVanish and NordVPN employ military-grade encryption and maintain strict no-logs policies, but their approaches to additional security features differ significantly.
IPVanish Security
- AES-256 encryption
- OpenVPN, IKEv2 protocols
- Kill switch functionality
- DNS leak protection
- No-logs policy
- RAM-based servers (select locations)
- No third-party audits
NordVPN Security
- AES-256 encryption
- OpenVPN, NordLynx protocols
- Post-quantum encryption
- Double VPN servers
- Threat Protection Pro
- RAM-based servers (all)
- Independent security audits
Privacy Jurisdictions
IPVanish: United States (5 Eyes alliance member)
NordVPN: Panama (privacy-friendly jurisdiction)
NordVPN holds a significant advantage in privacy protection due to its Panama jurisdiction, which operates outside intelligence-sharing agreements. The service also provides advanced security features like Double VPN and has undergone multiple independent security audits. IPVanish, while offering solid security, operates under US jurisdiction, which may concern privacy-focused users.
Streaming & Torrenting
Streaming capabilities and torrenting support are crucial factors for many VPN users. Our testing evaluated both services' ability to unblock popular streaming platforms and their policies regarding P2P activities.
IPVanish Streaming
Netflix US
Intermittent
Amazon Prime Video
Works
Disney+
Blocked
Hulu
Limited
BBC iPlayer
Works
NordVPN Streaming
Netflix US
Excellent
Amazon Prime Video
Works
Disney+
Works
Hulu
Works
BBC iPlayer
Works
Torrenting Support
IPVanish: Full P2P support on all servers with no restrictions
NordVPN: P2P support on optimized servers with dedicated P2P locations
NordVPN clearly dominates streaming performance with reliable access to major platforms including Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. IPVanish struggles with some streaming services but excels in torrenting with unrestricted P2P access across its entire network. For streaming enthusiasts, NordVPN is the clear winner, while torrenting users will find both services capable.
Device Compatibility
Modern households require VPN protection across multiple devices and platforms. Both IPVanish and NordVPN offer comprehensive device support, but their simultaneous connection policies differ significantly.
IPVanish Compatibility
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS
Fire TV
Router support
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
NordVPN Compatibility
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS
Smart TVs
Router support
Simultaneous connections: 6 devices
IPVanish's unlimited device connections policy provides exceptional value for families and small businesses with numerous devices requiring protection. NordVPN's six-device limit is generous compared to many competitors but may feel restrictive for users with extensive device ecosystems. Both services offer comprehensive platform support with user-friendly applications across all major operating systems.
Customer Support
Quality customer support can make the difference between a frustrating experience and seamless VPN usage. Both providers offer multiple support channels with varying response times and effectiveness.
IPVanish Support
- 24/7 live chat
- Phone support (US)
- Email tickets
- Knowledge base
- Setup tutorials
Average response time: 2-3 minutes (chat)
NordVPN Support
- 24/7 live chat
- No phone support
- Email tickets
- Extensive knowledge base
- Video guides
Average response time: 1-2 minutes (chat)
IPVanish stands out by offering phone support for US customers, a rare feature among VPN providers. Both services maintain responsive 24/7 live chat support with knowledgeable agents. NordVPN's knowledge base is more comprehensive, while IPVanish's phone support option provides an additional communication channel for complex issues.
Pros & Cons Summary
IPVanish
Pros
- • Most affordable pricing
- • Unlimited device connections
- • Phone support available
- • Strong torrenting support
- • Simple pricing structure
- • Good upload speeds
Cons
- • US jurisdiction concerns
- • Limited streaming success
- • Smaller server network
- • No specialized servers
- • Higher renewal prices
NordVPN
Pros
- • Excellent streaming performance
- • Largest server network
- • Advanced security features
- • Panama jurisdiction
- • Independent audits
- • Specialized servers
Cons
- • Higher pricing
- • Only 6 device connections
- • No phone support
- • Complex pricing tiers
- • Premium features locked
Final Verdict: IPVanish vs NordVPN
IPVanish
Best for Budget & Multiple Devices
8.5/10
Overall Score
NordVPN
Best for Streaming & Security
9.2/10
Overall Score
The choice between IPVanish vs NordVPN ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. NordVPN emerges as the overall winner with superior streaming capabilities, advanced security features, and a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. However, IPVanish offers exceptional value with unlimited device connections and competitive pricing.
Choose IPVanish if you prioritize affordability, need protection for many devices, or require phone support. The service delivers solid performance at an unbeatable price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious users and families with multiple devices.
Choose NordVPN if streaming, advanced security, or privacy jurisdiction matters most to you. Despite higher pricing, the service provides superior streaming performance, innovative security features, and operates from a privacy-friendly location.
Money-Back Guarantee
Both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to test either option risk-free and determine which better meets your needs.
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Related: IPVanish vs PIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Both VPNs offer excellent speed performance. NordVPN slightly edges ahead in download speeds and latency (85% speed retention vs 82% for IPVanish), while IPVanish shows marginally better upload speeds. The difference is minimal for most users.
NordVPN consistently unblocks Netflix US and other regional libraries with excellent reliability. IPVanish has intermittent success with Netflix US and struggles with other streaming platforms. For streaming, NordVPN is the clear winner.
IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections across all devices, making it ideal for families or small businesses. NordVPN limits connections to 6 devices, which is generous but may not suffice for households with many devices.
Both use AES-256 encryption and maintain no-logs policies. NordVPN has advantages with its Panama jurisdiction (outside 5/14 Eyes), independent security audits, and advanced features like Double VPN. IPVanish operates under US jurisdiction, which may concern privacy-focused users.
IPVanish offers the cheapest pricing at $2.19/month for a 2-year plan with unlimited device connections. NordVPN's basic 2-year plan costs $3.39/month but includes only 6 connections. For pure value, IPVanish wins significantly.
Yes, both VPNs fully support torrenting. IPVanish allows P2P traffic on all servers without restrictions, while NordVPN provides dedicated P2P-optimized servers. Both offer strong torrenting performance and maintain no-logs policies.
Ready to Choose Your VPN?
Both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees. Try them risk-free and decide which works best for your needs.