NordVPN and IPVanish are widely recognized as top-tier VPNs, yet they target completely different types of users. NordVPN is engineered for maximum speed and ironclad security, whereas IPVanish carves its niche as the go-to solution for budget-conscious families needing unlimited connections.
If you are in a rush, here is the honest truth: NordVPN is the better choice for most users because it offers significantly faster speeds for streaming and operates from a safer privacy jurisdiction. However, IPVanish is the superior option for large households that need to cover 10, 20, or even 50 devices on a budget.
We tested both services extensively from Vietnam to give you a verified answer for 2026.
NordVPN vs IPVanish - The quick verdict:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Price & value | IPVanish |
| Privacy & security | NordVPN |
| Speed & performance | NordVPN |
| Streaming | NordVPN |
| Gaming | Tie |
| Torrenting | Tie |
| Server network | NordVPN |
| Apps & UX | NordVPN |
| Customer support | IPVanish |
| Overall winner | NordVPN |
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Note: All data and information are updated as of January, 2026. Please be aware that speed and ping figures may vary depending on your network, device, geographical location, and testing environment.
1. NordVPN vs IPVanish: At a glance
If you are comparing these two options strictly by the numbers, this table breaks down the key specifications you need to know.
| Criteria | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 9.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Starting price | $3.39/mo | $2.99/mo (Essential) |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Jurisdiction | Panama (Safe) | USA (Five Eyes – Caution) |
| No-logs policy | Audited (PwC/Deloitte) | Audited (Schellman) |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| IP/DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes |
| VPN protocols | NordLynx (WireGuard), NordWhisper, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, IPSec |
| Gaming performance | 73ms (Singapore – Nearby server) | 122ms (Singapore – Nearby server) |
| Streaming services | Netflix (US/UK/JP/DE), Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max | Netflix (US/UK), HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu |
| Torrenting/P2P | Dedicated servers | Supported on all |
| Servers | 8,900+ | 3,200+ |
| Countries | 178 locations | 110+ countries |
| Connections | 10 Devices | Unlimited |
| Platforms | Win, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Win, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Support | 24/7 Live chat | 24/7 Live chat + Phone |
Choose NordVPN if:
- You need to unblock regional Netflix libraries (US, UK, JP, DE)
- You prioritize maximum speed for 4K streaming
- You require privacy from a non-Five Eyes jurisdiction.
Choose IPVanish if
- You have a large family with more than 10 devices
- You want the absolute lowest monthly price ($2.99/mo)
- You need phone support.
Quick decision matrix: 3 questions to find your winner
1. How many devices do you need to protect?
- If > 10 devices (Whole family/Smart Home): Choose IPVanish (Unlimited connections).
- If < 10 devices (Personal use): Choose NordVPN (Faster speeds).
2. Do you watch Netflix Japan, Korea, or Germany?
- Yes: Choose NordVPN (Reliably unblocks 15+ libraries).
- No (Only US/UK): IPVanish is sufficient.
3. Do you need phone support?
- Yes (I prefer talking to a human): Choose IPVanish.
- No (Chat is fine): NordVPN.
2. NordVPN vs IPVanish speed test: Real performance data
Winner: NordVPN – Wins in 2 out of 4 locations and maintains better consistency over long distances.
We conducted speed tests from Vietnam using a fiber connection (Baseline: 882.28 Mbps) and the WireGuard protocol (NordLynx for NordVPN).
| Server location | NordVPN (Download) | IPVanish (Download) |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (Nearby) | 16.47 Mbps | 18.36 Mbps |
| Japan (Regional) | 22.22 Mbps | 17.16 Mbps |
| US (Long distance) | 370.74 Mbps | 321.45 Mbps |
| UK (Long distance) | 402.18 Mbps | 413.62 Mbps |
The results were surprisingly close, but NordVPN takes the crown for overall utility. While IPVanish actually edged out NordVPN in the UK (413 Mbps vs 402 Mbps) and Singapore, NordVPN proved superior where it often matters most: the United States.
With a download speed of 370.74 Mbps connected to New York, NordVPN was roughly 15% faster than IPVanish on the same route. This consistency is vital for accessing American content from abroad without buffering.
NordVPN also secured a victory in Japan (22.22 Mbps vs 17.16 Mbps), showing it handles Asian routing slightly better.
Overall, NordVPN is approximately 5-10% faster on average across diverse global locations. It delivers the kind of speed where you forget you even have a VPN turned on.
NordVPN
IPVanish
Note: Speed results may vary depending on the time of testing, device used, network conditions, and other factors. Since these tests were conducted from Vietnam, users in North America or Europe may experience significantly different results due to server proximity.
3. NordVPN vs IPVanish pricing: Who offers better value?
Winner: IPVanish – It is cheaper upfront for the 2-year plan and offers unlimited connections.
| Feature | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $12.99 (Basic) | $12.99 (Essential) |
| 1-year plan | $4.99/mo (Basic) | $3.89/mo (Essential) |
| 2-year plan | $3.39/mo (Basic) | $2.99/mo (Essential) |
| Refund policy | 30 Days | 30 Days |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 Devices | Unlimited |
| Payment methods | Credit Card, PayPal, Google Pay, Crypto (BTC, ETH, XMR) | Credit Card, PayPal, Google Pay |
IPVanish is the clear winner for budget-conscious shoppers. Its 2-year “Essential” plan costs just $2.99 per month, compared to NordVPN’s $3.39 per month. While a difference of $0.40 might seem small, it adds up to about $10 in savings over the contract term.
The real value of IPVanish lies in its Unlimited simultaneous connections. Most VPNs, including NordVPN, limit you to roughly 10 devices. IPVanish lets you protect every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV in your house on a single account.
Comparison: Renewal prices
However, you must be careful with renewal prices. Both services increase their rates significantly after the introductory period ends.
| Plan duration | NordVPN (Basic plan) renewal price | IPVanish (Essential plan) renewal price |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year | ~$139.08 | ~$89.99 |
IPVanish remains cheaper upon renewal, charging roughly $90 per year versus NordVPN’s steeper $139 per year.
NordVPN justifies its higher price by including advanced features like Threat Protection Pro and Meshnet, but if you only need a basic secure connection, IPVanish offers better raw value.
Please note that prices were recorded on January 22, 2026, and may change due to seasonal deals, taxes, or your location. All amounts are listed in US Dollars before tax.
4. Privacy & security: Is Panama safer than the USA?
Winner: NordVPN – Jurisdiction and Payment Anonymity are deciding factors.
| Feature | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Panama (Safe) | USA (Five Eyes) |
| Logging policy | Audited (PwC/Deloitte) | Audited (Schellman) |
| RAM-only servers | Yes | Transitioning (Goal 2027) |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
This is where the differences become critical.
NordVPN operates out of Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no data retention laws.
In contrast, IPVanish is based in the US, a “Five Eyes” member that could theoretically be compelled by court orders to share user data.
Infrastructure is another major differentiator. NordVPN runs entirely on RAM-only servers, ensuring data is physically wiped upon every reboot.
IPVanish is also transitioning to this technology with a goal of a full upgrade by 2027; while this is a significant move that will eventually equalize the playing field, NordVPN holds the current advantage.
Regarding trust, both companies have proven their no-logging policies, though their histories differ.
NordVPN boasts a spotless track record backed by audits from “Big 4” firms like PwC and Deloitte.
IPVanish has a clean audit from Schellman, a crucial step to recover from a 2016 logging incident.
Finally, for privacy purists, the money trail matters. NordVPN accepts cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero for anonymous payment, whereas IPVanish generally requires Credit Cards or PayPal, linking your identity to the account.
5. Streaming support: Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
Winner: NordVPN – More reliable access to varied libraries.
| Feature | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US/UK/JP/DE) | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu / Disney+ | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | No | No |
| Amazon Prime | Yes | Yes |
| HBO Max | Yes | Yes |
If you love streaming international content, NordVPN is the more robust tool. In our tests, both VPNs successfully unblocked Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Japan, and Germany.
Additionally, both represent reliable options for unlocking other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney Plus.
NordVPN
IPVanish
However, NordVPN’s “SmartPlay” technology gives it a distinct edge. This feature is integrated into all apps and automatically reroutes your DNS request when you visit a streaming site. This ensures a smoother playback experience without you needing to change settings.
In contrast, IPVanish works well, but we occasionally had to switch servers to find one that wasn’t blocked by streaming providers.
It is important to be honest about limitations because neither VPN worked with BBC iPlayer during this specific round of testing. This is a common issue as the BBC aggressively blocks VPN IP addresses.
If British TV is your main priority, you might need to look for another VPN or use a dedicated IP. For everything else, especially Netflix, NordVPN is the reliable king.
6. Gaming: Which VPN has lower ping?
Winner: Tie – Both services struggled to maintain low latency in this test.
| Server location | NordVPN ping (ms) | IPVanish ping (ms) |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 73 ms | 122 ms |
| Japan | 82 ms | 99 ms |
| US | 235 ms | 195 ms |
| UK | 272 ms | 200 ms |
For gamers, ping (latency) is everything.
Ideally, you want a ping under 50ms for smooth gameplay. A ping between 50-100ms is acceptable but may have slight delays, while anything over 100ms will result in noticeable lag and rubber-banding. Anything above 150ms is generally unplayable for competitive games.
In our tests, neither VPN hit the “sweet spot” of under 50ms.
NordVPN performed better regionally with 73ms to Singapore and 82ms to Japan, making it playable for casual games.
IPVanish lagged behind in Asia with 122ms to Singapore, which is too slow for fast-paced shooters.
Conversely, on long-distance routes to the US and UK, IPVanish technically had lower numbers (195ms vs 235ms), but both were well into the “unplayable” territory for gaming.
Because neither service could deliver a flawless, low-latency experience in this specific test environment, we declare this round a Tie.
Note: Ping and latency results may vary depending on the time of testing, device used, network conditions, and server load.
7. Torrenting: P2P servers and safety
Winner: Tie – NordVPN is safer; IPVanish is more convenient.
| Feature | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| P2P allowed | Specialty servers | All servers |
| SOCKS5 proxy | Yes | Yes |
| Port forwarding | No | No |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
This category is a draw because it depends on what you value more: safety or ease of use.
IPVanish is more convenient because it allows P2P traffic on every single server. You don’t need to hunt for a specific location; just connect and start downloading. Both providers also offer a SOCKS5 proxy, which is faster for torrenting but lacks encryption.
NordVPN is safer. While it restricts P2P to “Specialty Servers” (it will automatically switch you to one if it detects torrent traffic), its Panama jurisdiction means it does not forward DMCA copyright notices.
IPVanish, being US-based, operates in a legally risky environment for torrenters. If you want zero risk of copyright trolls, NordVPN is the smarter play.
8. Server network: Global coverage comparison
Winner: NordVPN – Larger fleet and more countries.
| Feature | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Total servers | 8,900+ | 3,200+ |
| Total countries | 178 locations | 110+ countries |
| 10Gbps hardware | Yes (Global rollout) | Limited (Select hubs) |
| Obfuscated servers | Yes (Dedicated list) | Scramble (OpenVPN only) |
NordVPN dwarfs IPVanish when it comes to sheer scale. With over 8,900 servers spread across 178 locations, you are far less likely to encounter a congested server.
Note: There are conflicting reports regarding NordVPN’s exact country count, with some sources citing 129 countries and others suggesting up to 167. Currently, NordVPN officially lists “178 locations” on their website without specifying a definitive country total.
NordVPN has also aggressively upgraded its infrastructure to 10Gbps colocated servers. This means they own the hardware rather than renting it, ensuring higher performance ceilings.
IPVanish is transparent about owning much of its own network (which is rare and commendable), but it simply cannot match the global footprint and hardware modernization of NordVPN.
9. Apps & user experience: Ease of use
Winner: NordVPN – Cleaner, list-based interface and superior Apple TV app.
| Feature | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| UI style | Modern list view | Dashboard/Stats |
| Setup ease | Easy | Easy |
| Fire TV Stick app | Good | Excellent |
| Apple TV (tvOS) | Yes | Yes |
| Router support | Yes | Yes |
NordVPN offers a highly polished, minimalist experience. Its interface focuses on a clean list view, allowing you to quickly find and connect to countries without visual clutter.
The design is intuitive, making it easy for beginners to navigate settings without getting lost. The mobile app is particularly impressive, retaining almost all the powerful features of the desktop version without feeling cramped.
IPVanish takes a different approach. Its interface is a dashboard full of real-time graphs and data. Power users might love seeing their upload/download speeds on the home screen, but beginners often find it cluttered and overwhelming.
On the living room front, both services now offer native Apple TV (tvOS) apps, which is a huge upgrade for streamers.
IPVanish remains a favorite for Fire TV Stick users (especially the Kodi community) because its app is remote-friendly and provides detailed connection stats on your TV screen.
10. Customer support: Chat and help centers
Winner: IPVanish – Phone support gives them a unique edge.
| Feature | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Live chat | Yes | Yes |
| Email support | Yes | Yes |
| Phone support | No | Yes |
| Knowledge base | Extensive | Good |
Customer support is where IPVanish pulls a surprising ace from its sleeve. It is one of the very few VPN providers to offer phone support during business hours. If you are not tech-savvy and prefer explaining your problem to a human voice rather than typing into a chat box, this is a game-changer.
Customer support is reliable with both providers. NordVPN and IPVanish both offer 24/7 live chat to assist you with any issues. This ensures you can get help immediately, regardless of your time zone.
11. Bypassing censorship: Do they work in China?
If you are traveling to restrictive regions like China, Russia, or the UAE, NordVPN offers dedicated Obfuscated Servers that disguise your VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS web traffic. This allows it to slip past deep packet inspection firewalls more effectively.
IPVanish has a “Scramble” feature for OpenVPN that attempts to do the same thing. While it can work, it is historically less reliable against sophisticated firewalls like the Great Firewall compared to NordVPN’s specialized implementation.
Both providers offer tools to help you connect, but you may need to perform manual configurations on either service to get online in these regions.
12. Unique features & add-on ecosystem
Beyond the basic VPN connection, both providers offer distinct extra tools. Here is how their “beyond VPN” features compare:
12.1. Threat protection
Modern VPNs are evolving into complete security suites. Here is how the two services differ in blocking malicious content:
- NordVPN (Threat Protection Pro): This acts as a “Lite-Antivirus.” It actively scans downloaded files for malware and blocks malicious ads/trackers. Crucially, it works 24/7, even when you are not connected to a VPN server.
- IPVanish (Threat Protection): Offers a basic DNS filtering version. It effectively blocks ads and bad domains, but it requires an active VPN connection to function.
12.2. Proprietary tech: NordWhisper
While IPVanish relies on standard protocols, NordVPN offers NordWhisper, a proprietary protocol designed to disguise VPN traffic as regular web browsing.
Built specifically for restrictive networks, it bypasses firewalls and censorship without compromising speed.
This provides a more reliable solution for accessing blocked content compared to IPVanish’s standard obfuscation methods.
12.3. The ecosystem battle (Bundles)
Both providers offer additional software bundles to increase value, but they focus on different user needs:
- NordVPN (Security focus): Often bundles NordPass (a top-tier password manager) and NordLocker (encrypted cloud storage). This is ideal for users looking to lock down their digital identity.
- IPVanish (Utility focus): Higher-tier plans often include VIPRE Antivirus and SugarSync (cloud storage). This is great for “digital hoarders” who need backup space, though a password manager is generally more essential for daily safety.
13. Our methodology for testing NordVPN and IPVanish
To ensure this comparison is transparent and trustworthy, we established a strict testing environment:
- Device: Windows 11 Pro PC.
- Internet: Fiber Optic connection in Vietnam (Baseline: ~882 Mbps).
- Protocol: We used WireGuard (NordLynx for NordVPN) for all speed tests, as it is the current industry standard for performance.
- Tools: Speed data was captured using Speedtest.net by Ookla. Leak tests (DNS/WebRTC) were conducted via IPLeak.net.
- Conditions: Streaming tests were performed on a clean browser instance (incognito/Chrome guest mode) to avoid cache interference. We used real, paid subscriptions for both services instead of developer builds.
For a deeper dive into our rigorous process, you can read more about How we test and review VPNs.
14. FAQs about NordVPN vs IPVanish
Is NordVPN faster than IPVanish?
Yes, generally. In our tests, NordVPN was about 5-10% faster on average, particularly on critical routes to the US and Japan. However, IPVanish is still very fast and capable of 4K streaming.
Which VPN is cheaper: NordVPN or IPVanish?
IPVanish is cheaper. Its 2-year plan costs around $2.99/mo, whereas NordVPN’s equivalent plan is $3.39/mo. IPVanish also offers unlimited device connections, adding to its value.
Does IPVanish work with Netflix?
Yes, IPVanish works with Netflix US and UK. However, NordVPN unblocks more regional libraries and is generally more consistent at bypassing VPN blocks.
Can I use NordVPN and IPVanish on a router
Yes, both VPNs support router configuration (OpenVPN). This allows you to protect devices that don’t have native apps, like PlayStation or Xbox.
Which is better for gaming, NordVPN or IPVanish?
In our specific tests, both struggled with high latency, resulting in a tie. However, NordVPN had better regional ping (73ms) compared to IPVanish (122ms), making it slightly better for casual gaming.
Do they both have a money-back guarantee?
Yes, both providers offer a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You can cancel for any reason within the first month for a full refund.
Is IPVanish owned by a US company?
Yes, IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, a US-based company. This places it under US jurisdiction, which is a member of the Five Eyes alliance.
15. Conclusion: Which VPN should you buy?
After extensive testing of NordVPN vs IPVanish, the data shows that NordVPN remains the superior product for 80% of users.
It offers a faster network, better streaming capabilities, and operates from a safer privacy jurisdiction. The inclusion of Threat Protection Pro makes it a comprehensive security tool rather than just a simple proxy.
However, IPVanish is an excellent alternative if you have a tight budget or a house full of gadgets. Its unlimited simultaneous connections and phone support make it a uniquely user-friendly option for families.
- Get NordVPN if you want the best all-rounder for streaming and privacy.
- Get IPVanish if you have a tight budget and need to cover 10+ devices in your home.
To see more comparisons between top VPNs, visit our VPN comparisons section or explore more security tips on Safelyo.
