IPVanish vs Private Internet Access
Complete comparison guide to help you choose between these two popular VPN services. We analyze pricing, features, performance, and security to determine which VPN offers the best value for your needs.
Quick Overview & Winner
IPVanish
- 2,400+ servers in 140+ locations
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Starting at $2.19/month
- US-based company
- Advanced privacy features
Private Internet Access
WINNER- 10,000+ servers in 91 countries
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Starting at $2.19/month
- Open-source VPN client
- Port forwarding support
Our Verdict
While both VPNs offer excellent value, Private Internet Access emerges as the winner for most users. PIA's combination of a massive server network, proven no-logs policy, open-source transparency, and superior torrenting capabilities make it the better choice despite IPVanish's unlimited device connections advantage.
Pricing Comparison
Both VPN services offer competitive pricing with significant discounts on longer-term plans. Here's a detailed breakdown of current pricing and what you get with each plan.
| Plan Duration | IPVanish Price | PIA Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99/month | $11.99/month | PIA saves $1/month |
| 1 Year | $3.33/month | $3.33/month | Equal |
| 2+ Years | $2.19/month | $2.19/month (+2 free months) | PIA offers 2 extra months |
PIA Additional Services
30-day money-back guarantee
30-day money-back guarantee
Security Features & Protocols
Security is paramount when choosing a VPN. Both IPVanish and Private Internet Access offer robust security features, but they differ in their implementation and transparency approaches.
| Security Feature | IPVanish | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 | AES-128/256 |
| VPN Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Kill Switch | ||
| DNS Leak Protection | ||
| Split Tunneling | ||
| No-Logs Policy | Claimed | Audited |
| Open Source | ||
| SOCKS5 Proxy | ||
| Port Forwarding |
IPVanish Security
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption
- Advanced threat protection
- Multiple protocol support
- No independent security audits
- Closed-source software
PIA Security
- Proven no-logs policy (court-tested)
- 100% open-source VPN client
- Third-party security audits
- Customizable encryption levels
- Advanced privacy features
Security Winner: Private Internet Access
PIA's open-source approach, proven no-logs policy, and third-party audits provide superior transparency and trust. While IPVanish offers solid security, PIA's track record in legal challenges and commitment to user privacy make it the more trustworthy choice.
Speed & Performance Analysis
VPN speed is crucial for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing. We've analyzed speed test results from multiple sources to give you accurate performance comparisons between IPVanish and Private Internet Access.
Download Speed
Upload Speed
Latency
Protocol Performance Comparison
Performance Winner: Close Tie with Edge to IPVanish
IPVanish edges out slightly in download speeds, averaging 161 Mbps compared to PIA's 150 Mbps. However, PIA performs better in upload speeds and latency. Both VPNs offer excellent performance that's suitable for streaming 4K content, gaming, and heavy downloads.
Server Network & Global Coverage
A robust server network ensures better performance, more location options, and reduced server load. Here's how IPVanish and Private Internet Access compare in their global infrastructure.
IPVanish Network
PIA Network
Regional Server Distribution
Server Network Winner: Private Internet Access
PIA dominates with over 10,000 servers compared to IPVanish's 2,400+. While IPVanish covers more countries (108 vs 91), PIA's massive server count provides better load distribution and performance. PIA also covers all 50 US states, making it superior for US-based users.
Streaming & Torrenting Capabilities
Both VPNs support streaming and P2P activities, but they differ in their effectiveness and feature sets. Here's how they perform with popular streaming services and torrenting applications.
IPVanish Streaming
PIA Streaming
Torrenting & P2P Features
| Feature | IPVanish | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| P2P Support | All Servers | All Servers |
| Port Forwarding | ||
| SOCKS5 Proxy | ||
| No-Logs Policy | Claimed | Proven |
Streaming & Torrenting Winner: Private Internet Access
PIA excels in both streaming and torrenting. It reliably unblocks more streaming services and offers superior P2P features including port forwarding, which is crucial for optimal torrenting performance. The proven no-logs policy also provides better protection for P2P users.
VPN Market Statistics
Understanding the VPN market landscape helps contextualize where IPVanish and Private Internet Access fit within the broader industry trends and user preferences.
Global Users
VPN users worldwide
Market Value
Global VPN market 2024
Growth Rate
Annual growth (CAGR)
VPN Usage by Region
Market Trends
- 124% usage increase during COVID-19
- 67% of VPN usage on mobile devices
- Privacy concerns drive 68% of users
- Content access motivates 45% of users
User Demographics
- 42% of US internet users use VPNs
- 25-34 age group leads adoption
- Higher education correlates with usage
- Remote workers show 60% higher usage
User Experience & Interface
A VPN's usability can make or break the user experience. We compare the apps, customer support, and overall user-friendliness of both services.
IPVanish Apps
PIA Apps
IPVanish Support
PIA Support
User Experience Winner: Tie
Both VPNs offer excellent user experiences with intuitive apps across all platforms. IPVanish provides phone support (on Advanced plan) while PIA offers browser extensions. The choice depends on your specific support preferences and device usage patterns.
Final Recommendations
After extensive analysis of pricing, features, performance, and user experience, here are our recommendations based on different use cases and priorities.
Overall Winner
Private Internet AccessBest For:
- Privacy-conscious users
- Torrenting enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Streaming multiple services
- Open-source preference
Runner-up
IPVanishBest For:
- Multiple device households
- Speed-focused users
- Advanced features needs
- Phone support requirement
- Global server coverage
Recommendations by Use Case
Torrenting
Port forwarding and proven no-logs policy
Streaming
Better unblocking capabilities
Gaming
Slightly better speeds and latency
Business
Open-source transparency
Families
Unlimited device connections
Budget
2 extra months free on long-term plans
Why Private Internet Access Wins
PIA's combination of massive server network, proven privacy track record, open-source transparency, and superior streaming/torrenting capabilities make it the better choice for most users, despite IPVanish's unlimited device advantage.
Get PIA Now - 30-Day GuaranteeRelated: PIA vs SafeShell VPN
Related: PIA vs Proton VPN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is better for Netflix streaming?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is better for Netflix streaming. Our testing shows PIA consistently unblocks Netflix US, UK, Canada, and other regions, while IPVanish has more limited success with streaming services. PIA's larger server network provides more options for accessing geo-restricted content.
Can I use these VPNs for torrenting safely?
Both VPNs support P2P traffic on all servers, but PIA is the better choice for torrenting. PIA offers port forwarding (crucial for optimal torrent speeds), has a proven no-logs policy tested in court, and provides better overall privacy protection. IPVanish supports torrenting but lacks port forwarding capabilities.
How many devices can I connect simultaneously?
IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large families or users with many devices. Private Internet Access allows 10 simultaneous connections, which is sufficient for most users but may be limiting for households with numerous smart devices.
Which VPN offers better customer support?
Both offer 24/7 live chat and email support. IPVanish provides phone support with their Advanced plan, while PIA focuses on chat and email support plus an active community forum. Both have comprehensive knowledge bases and setup guides.
Are there any free trials available?
Neither VPN offers a traditional free trial, but both provide 30-day money-back guarantees on annual and longer plans. This allows you to test the service risk-free for a full month. Monthly plans from IPVanish are not eligible for the money-back guarantee.
Which VPN is faster for gaming?
IPVanish has a slight edge in raw download speeds (161 Mbps average vs PIA's 150 Mbps), but PIA offers lower latency (28ms vs 35ms). For gaming, lower latency is more important than raw speed, making PIA potentially better for competitive gaming, though both perform well.
Can I change my subscription plan later?
Yes, both services allow plan changes. You can typically upgrade immediately and receive prorated billing. Downgrading usually takes effect at your next billing cycle. Contact customer support for specific assistance with plan changes.
Which VPN is better for beginners?
Both VPNs offer user-friendly apps suitable for beginners. IPVanish has a slightly more polished interface, while PIA provides more customization options. Both include quick-connect features and automatic server selection. IPVanish might have a slight edge for complete beginners due to its streamlined interface.
Ready to Choose Your VPN?
Both IPVanish and Private Internet Access offer excellent value, but your choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose IPVanish If:
- You need unlimited device connections
- Speed is your top priority
- You want advanced privacy features
- Phone support is important
Choose PIA If: (Recommended)
- Privacy and transparency matter most
- You torrent frequently
- Streaming is a priority
- You want the best overall value
Both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees. Try risk-free!