You are likely stuck in a dilemma because these two VPNs look almost identical on paper. Both Surfshark and IPVanish offer unlimited simultaneous device connections and aggressive budget pricing between $2.00 and $3.00 per month. This makes choosing between them incredibly difficult for the average user.
However, our January 2026 tests reveal massive differences hidden beneath the spec sheets. While they compete closely on price, we found significant disparities in speed consistency, streaming reliability, and privacy jurisdictions.
Surfshark vs IPVanish - The quick verdict:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1. Pricing & Value | Surfshark |
| 2. Privacy & Security | Surfshark |
| 3. Speed & Performance | Surfshark |
| 4. Streaming Capabilities | Surfshark |
| 5. Gaming | Surfshark |
| 6. Torrenting (P2P) | Surfshark |
| 7. Server Network | Surfshark |
| 8. Apps & User Experience | Tie |
| 9. Customer Support | IPVanish |
| OVERALL WINNER | Surfshark |
Safelyo is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission to help maintain our operations. This does not affect our independent testing process.
Note: All data and information are updated as of January 16, 2026. Please be aware that speed and ping figures may vary depending on your network, device, geographical location, and testing environment.
1. Surfshark vs IPVanish: At a glance
To help you understand the core differences before diving into the details, we have summarized the technical specifications and test results in the table below.
| Criteria | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Starting Price (2yr plan) | $1.99/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 Days | 30 Days |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands (9-Eyes) | USA (5 Eyes Member) |
| No-logs policy | Audited (Deloitte – 2025) | Audited (Schellman – 2025) |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Leak Test Results | Passed (No IP/DNS Leaks) | Passed (No IP/DNS Leaks) |
| VPN Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Gaming Performance | Good (Low Latency) | Variable (Good in US only) |
| Streaming Services | Netflix (16+ Libs), Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max | Netflix (8+ Libs), Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max |
| Torrenting/P2P | Supported on all servers | Supported on all servers |
| Servers | 4,500+ | 3,200+ |
| Countries | 100 | 110+ |
| Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Router | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Router |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat | Live Chat + Phone |
Choose Surfshark if:
- You need the absolute lowest monthly price ($1.99/mo).
- You prioritize privacy and want to avoid US jurisdiction.
Choose IPVanish if:
- You prefer speaking to a human support agent on the phone.
- You want 1TB of Cloud Storage included (available in the Advanced plan).
2. Surfshark vs IPVanish: Pricing & value
Winner: Surfshark – It is cheaper on all term lengths and offers better long-term savings.
When analyzing the value proposition, Surfshark wins the “budget” battle by a clear margin. At just $1.99 per month for the 2-year Starter plan, it undercuts IPVanish’s best offer. However, to understand the true cost, we need to look beyond the introductory sticker price.
Note: Prices were retrieved on January 16, 2026. Prices and terms are subject to change depending on active promotions, seasonal offers, your region, and VAT/tax regulations
2.1. Initial monthly breakdown (current deals)
This table reflects the effective monthly cost for the first billing cycle.
| Plan Duration | Surfshark (Starter) | IPVanish (Essential) | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $15.45 | $12.99 | None on monthly |
| 1 Year | $3.19/mo | $3.33/mo | 30 Days |
| 2 Years | $1.99/mo | $2.19/mo | 30 Days |
Surfshark uses a tiered system: Starter ($1.99), One ($2.49), and One+ ($4.19). For most VPN users, the Starter plan is sufficient as it includes the VPN, Ad Blocker, and Cookie Pop-up Blocker.
IPVanish simplifies this with an Essential plan ($2.99) and an Advanced plan ($4.14), but the entry price is simply higher.
2.2. The real cost: Renewal prices & long-term totals
Many users worry about getting “ripped off” by low introductory prices that skyrocket later. To be completely honest, both services increase their prices significantly upon renewal.
However, even with the price hikes, Surfshark remains the cheaper option in the long run. Below is a transparent breakdown of exactly what you will pay upfront and what you will pay to stay subscribed.
Scenario 1: You subscribe to the 2-year plan (Commitment for 4 years)
| VPN Plan | First Order (Years 1-2) | Renewal Price (Years 3-4) | Total Cost for 4 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark Starter | $53.73 | $158.00 | $211.73 |
| Surfshark One | $67.23 | $198.00 | $265.23 |
| Surfshark One+ | $113.13 | $238.00 | $351.13 |
| IPVanish Essential | $71.76 | $179.98 | $251.74 |
| IPVanish Advanced | $99.36 | $259.98 | $359.34 |
Even after the renewal hike, Surfshark Starter is still ~$40 cheaper than IPVanish Essential over a 4-year period.
Scenario 2: You subscribe to the 1-year plan (Commitment for 2 years)
| VPN Plan | First Order (Year 1) | Renewal Price (Year 2) | Total Cost for 2 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark Starter | $47.85 | $79.00 | $126.85 |
| Surfshark One | $50.85 | $99.00 | $149.85 |
| Surfshark One+ | $94.35 | $119.00 | $213.35 |
| IPVanish Essential | $46.68 | $89.99 | $136.67 |
| IPVanish Advanced | $64.68 | $129.99 | $194.67 |
Interestingly, for the 1-year plan, IPVanish Essential has a slightly cheaper first-year entry price ($46.68 vs $47.85). However, its higher renewal price ($89.99 vs $79.00) means that by the end of year 2, Surfshark becomes the cheaper option again.
2.3. Beyond the VPN: Ecosystem & extra value
When comparing these two services, the monthly price isn’t the whole story. The extra features bundled into each plan show that Surfshark and IPVanish are built for very different use cases.
Surfshark: An all-in-one identity protection suite
Surfshark positions itself as more than just a VPN, offering a broader digital security ecosystem.
Even on the Starter plan, you get Alternative ID, which creates a fake name, email address, and phone number. This lets you sign up for less trustworthy websites without exposing your real contact details, reducing spam and lowering the risk of data leaks.
Higher tiers like Surfshark One and One+ expand this into a full security bundle. They include a lightweight antivirus, data breach alerts, and a private search tool.
IPVanish: A VPN plus cloud storage
IPVanish takes a different approach, putting less emphasis on identity protection and more on data storage.
Its Advanced plan includes 1TB of SugarSync cloud storage, which is useful if you want an easy way to back up photos, videos, and documents. Having this storage directly bundled with a VPN can be convenient for users who already rely on cloud backups.
Which ecosystem adds more value?
If your priority is protecting your digital identity, Surfshark is a “buy 1 get 10” bargain that replaces multiple separate tools.
However, if you specifically need a massive cloud backup solution alongside your VPN, IPVanish’s storage bundle offers a unique utility that Surfshark cannot match.
Important considerations regarding costs:
- Short-term costs: If you only need a VPN for one month, IPVanish is the better deal at $12.99 compared to Surfshark’s steep $15.45.
- Free trials: Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for all devices, whereas IPVanish offers a 7-day free trial specifically for Android and iOS users.
3. Surfshark vs IPVanish: Privacy & security
Winner: Surfshark – Safer jurisdiction and superior RAM-only infrastructure.
| Feature | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands (9-Eyes) | USA (5-Eyes) |
| Logging Policy | Audited No-Logs | Audited No-Logs |
| Infrastructure | 100% RAM-only | Mixed / Upgrading |
| Encryption | AES-256 / ChaCha20 | AES-256 / ChaCha20 |
| Audit Status | Verified by Deloitte (2025) | Verified by Schellman (2025) |
This category highlights the biggest structural difference between the two providers. Jurisdiction is the primary concern for privacy advocates.
IPVanish is based in the United States, a core member of the 5-Eyes alliance. This means the company is subject to US subpoenas and warrants. While IPVanish has redeemed its reputation with a 2025 audit by Schellman, its history includes a 2016 incident where user data was handed over to authorities.
Surfshark operates out of the Netherlands. While technically a 9-Eyes country, it strictly adheres to GDPR laws and has no mandatory data retention laws for VPNs.
Infrastructure security:
- Surfshark runs on a 100% RAM-only (diskless) network. This ensures that no data can physically be stored on hard drives; everything is wiped instantly upon reboot.
- IPVanish is currently upgrading its network but still relies partly on traditional infrastructure.
4. Surfshark vs IPVanish: Which VPN is faster? (Speed test results)
Winner: Surfshark – Dominated in 3 out of 4 locations tested, especially in Asia.
We conducted these tests from Vietnam on a Windows 11 PC with a baseline speed of 872 Mbps, utilizing the WireGuard protocol for both services.
Note: Actual speeds may vary depending on your location and internet provider.
| Server Location | Surfshark Speed | IPVanish Speed | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (Asia) | 465 Mbps | 18 Mbps | Surfshark Win |
| Japan (Asia) | 472 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Surfshark Win |
| US (North America) | 393 Mbps | 433 Mbps | IPVanish Win |
| UK (Europe) | 28 Mbps | 25 Mbps | Surfshark Win |
The test results from January 2026 reveal a shocking disparity in global consistency.
Surfshark
IPVanish
The "Asia" shock:
In our specific testing environment from Vietnam, the difference was night and day. Surfshark maintained blazing speeds of over 460 Mbps in Singapore and Japan. In contrast, IPVanish collapsed to roughly 18-20 Mbps, struggling significantly with high-speed tasks in this region.
The US exception:
IPVanish redeemed itself on the US server. It actually outperformed Surfshark in this specific round, delivering 433 Mbps compared to Surfshark’s 393 Mbps. This makes IPVanish a viable and fast option if your primary use case is connecting exclusively to the United States.
Verdict:
Surfshark is the globally consistent choice, maintaining high performance across different continents. IPVanish is fast, but primarily only within North America and Europe.
5. Streaming performance: Netflix & beyond
Winner: Surfshark – Unblocks twice as many Netflix libraries compared to IPVanish.
| Streaming Platform | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix Libraries | 16+ Regions | 8+ Regions |
| Hulu / Disney+ | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Failed | Failed |
| Amazon Prime | Yes | Yes |
| HBO Max | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark stands out as the superior choice for streaming enthusiasts because it simply opens more doors. Our testing revealed distinct differences in how these two providers handle global content:
- Netflix & gobal libraries: Surfshark successfully unblocked over 16 Netflix libraries, including niche catalogs in South Korea and Brazil. IPVanish worked well for major libraries like the US and UK but struggled with smaller regions.
- Major platforms (HBO Max, Disney+): Both services performed reliably with HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+, delivering HD streams without buffering errors.
- The BBC limitation: We must be honest that both VPNs failed to unblock BBC iPlayer in this specific test round. Even after attempting to connect through multiple different UK servers, we consistently encountered location errors with both providers.
Surfshark
IPVanish
6. Gaming: Ping & latency test
Winner: Surfshark – Significantly lower local latency makes it playable.
| Server Location | Local Ping (Singapore) | Japan Ping | US Ping | UK Ping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | 49 ms | 256 ms | 265 ms | 238 ms |
| IPVanish | 120 ms | 238 ms | 201 ms | 218 ms |
For gamers, low ping is critical. Our tests from Vietnam showed a decisive victory for Surfshark on local connections.
Local performance:
Surfshark offered a ping of 49ms to the nearby Singapore server. This is low enough for competitive gaming without noticeable lag.
IPVanish, however, registered a ping of 120ms to the same location, which results in noticeable delay and rubber-banding, making fast-paced games unplayable.
Distance performance:
Interestingly, IPVanish had better ping times to distant servers in the US (201ms) and the UK (218ms).
However, gaming on servers halfway across the world is rarely a good experience, regardless of the VPN. Since most gamers connect to the nearest available server, Surfshark’s optimization for local connections makes it the winner.
7. Torrenting & P2P capabilities
Winner: Surfshark – Safer jurisdiction reduces legal risks.
| Feature | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| P2P Support | All Servers | All Servers |
| Port Forwarding | No | No |
| SOCKS5 Proxy | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | System-wide | System-wide |
| Jurisdiction Risk | Low (Netherlands) | High (USA) |
| Speed (P2P) | Fast | Variable |
Both providers support P2P file sharing on all servers, meaning you do not need to hunt for specialized “P2P” tabs.
While IPVanish technically supports torrenting, its US jurisdiction poses a potential risk. The US has stringent copyright laws and DMCA regulations. Since IPVanish is a US company, it could theoretically be compelled to identify users in copyright infringement cases.
Surfshark, being based in the Netherlands, operates in a much safer environment for P2P activities, providing greater peace of mind for torrenters.
8. Server network & locations
Winner: Surfshark – Wins on quantity and technology, despite fewer countries.
| Feature | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Total Servers | 4,500+ | 3,200+ |
| Total Countries | 100 | 110+ |
| Infrastructure | RAM-only (Diskless) | Upgrading |
| Specialty Servers | Dynamic MultiHop | Double Hop |
Server capacity
Surfshark runs a much larger server network. More servers generally mean less congestion and more consistent speeds, which matches the test results.
Country coverage
IPVanish operates in more countries, including some niche locations like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. If you need an IP from one of these regions, IPVanish is the better option.
Routing flexibility
Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop allows you to manually choose both entry and exit servers. This gives more control than IPVanish’s fixed Double Hop setup.
Bottom line
IPVanish wins on country count, but Surfshark offers a larger server network and more flexible routing. For most users, Surfshark delivers better overall value and performance.
9. Apps & user experience: Simplicity vs. control
Winner: Tie – Both are excellent, but serve entirely different user mindsets.
9.1. Desktop & mobile: modern UI vs. detailed metrics
Both providers offer polished apps, but the experience feels very different.
Surfshark
Designed with simplicity in mind. The interface centers around a large Quick Connect button and keeps menus minimal. This makes it easy for non-technical users to connect quickly without digging through settings.
IPVanish
Built for users who want visibility and control. The main screen shows real-time speed graphs, server load, and detailed connection stats. This approach appeals to power users and IT-minded users who prefer manual server selection and performance monitoring.
9.2. Smart TV & Apple TV: Native apps & remote usability
This is where the user experience truly diverges, especially for living room entertainment.
Fire TV Stick / Android TV:
Surfshark excels with its “Flat Design” and large button layout. The interface is specifically optimized for 4-way remote navigation. You can easily select servers or change settings even when half-asleep on the couch, without needing a frustrating virtual mouse cursor.
IPVanish addresses a specific fear for Kodi and IPTV users: the Kill Switch. Unlike many competitors, IPVanish integrates a functional Kill Switch directly into its TV app. This is crucial for preventing your ISP from detecting your activity if your VPN connection suddenly drops while streaming.
Apple TV (tvOS):
Both providers now offer native apps on the App Store, eliminating the need for complex router setups.
- Surfshark shines with a clean interface optimized for smooth streaming, allowing for quick server switching to find the best 4K connection.
- IPVanish focuses on stability and strong encryption, ensuring a consistent viewing experience once connected.
9.3. Gaming consoles: the Smart DNS factor
For devices that do not support VPN apps, such as PS5, Xbox, or older Samsung Tizen TVs, Surfshark has a clear advantage.
Surfshark
Includes a Smart DNS feature. Setup is simple and only requires copying a code into your console’s network settings. It does not encrypt traffic, but it is fast and very convenient for unblocking streaming services.
IPVanish
Does not offer Smart DNS. Console use usually requires installing the VPN on a router, which is more technical and less flexible if you want to switch locations quickly.
10. Customer support
Winner: IPVanish – The advantage of Phone Support.
| Support Channel | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Live Chat | Yes (Bot First) | Yes (Bot First) |
| Phone Support | No | Yes (Business Hours) |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Knowledge Base | Extensive | Extensive |
IPVanish secures its only decisive victory in this category thanks to a “Blue Ocean” feature: Phone Support. IPVanish offers telephone support during business hours, allowing you to speak directly to a human agent. For users who find chatbots frustrating or have complex billing issues, this is a massive advantage.
Both services offer decent 24/7 live chat, though both force you to interact with a chatbot before connecting you to a human agent.
11. Censorship & obfuscation: Bypassing the Great Firewall
Working reliably in heavily censored regions such as China, the UAE, or Russia is one of the toughest challenges for any VPN. In this area, the difference in approach between Surfshark and IPVanish is easy to see.
Surfshark – NoBorders mode
Surfshark includes a dedicated feature called NoBorders mode, designed specifically for restricted networks.
When the app detects censorship or network limitations, NoBorders mode activates automatically and suggests a list of servers optimized to bypass blocking.
In practice, this makes Surfshark more consistent in high-censorship environments, as well as on restrictive networks like offices or schools that actively block VPN connections.
IPVanish – OpenVPN scramble
IPVanish does not offer a standalone anti-censorship feature. Instead, it relies on Scramble, an optional setting within the OpenVPN protocol that masks VPN traffic to resemble regular HTTPS traffic.
This approach can be enough for basic VPN blocks, but it tends to struggle against more advanced censorship systems that use deep traffic inspection, particularly in China. Without dedicated obfuscation tools, IPVanish’s access in these regions is less reliable.
Verdict
Generally speaking, both VPNs have the technical capacity to function in high-censorship regions (such as China, Russia, and the UAE).
However, Surfshark tends to offer a more seamless experience thanks to its NoBorders mode, which automatically adapts to network conditions, while IPVanish’s manual Scramble method is often less resilient against sophisticated firewalls.
Please note that connectivity in these specific countries can be unstable due to constant government blocking efforts.
12. Our methodology for testing Surfshark and IPVanish
To ensure accuracy and fairness, we conducted rigorous tests on both Surfshark and IPVanish using identical environments.
Our process involved multiple speed tests across global servers, stress-testing security features like the Kill Switch, and verifying unblocking capabilities on major streaming platforms. We also scrutinized their privacy policies and independent audit reports.
For a deeper dive into our testing standards, you can read more about how we test and review VPNs.
13. FAQs about Surfshark vs IPVanish
Is Surfshark blocked by Netflix?
No, Surfshark is not blocked by Netflix. In fact, it is one of the most effective VPNs for streaming, successfully unblocking over 16 different Netflix libraries including the US, UK, and Japan catalogs.
What are the downsides of Surfshark?
The main downside is that the introductory price significantly increases after the initial 2-year term expires. Additionally, it lacks phone support, which some users prefer for troubleshooting.
Surfshark vs IPVanish cost: Which is cheaper?
Surfshark is cheaper for long-term plans. Its 2-year starter plan costs $1.99/mo compared to IPVanish’s $2.19/mo. However, IPVanish is cheaper if you only need a VPN for a single month.
Is IPVanish good for gaming?
IPVanish is decent for gaming if you are connecting to servers in the US or Europe. However, our tests showed it performs poorly in Asia, with high latency and slow speeds making it unsuitable for gaming in that region.
Does IPVanish offer a dedicated IP address?
No, IPVanish currently does not offer a Dedicated IP option. Surfshark, on the other hand, provides Dedicated IP addresses as a paid add-on, which can be useful for avoiding CAPTCHAs and accessing banking sites securely.
Is the IPVanish Cloud Storage (SugarSync) deal actually worth it?
Yes, if you have a genuine need for backup space. Purchasing 1TB of SugarSync separately can be quite expensive (often costing more than the VPN itself).
Getting it bundled with IPVanish makes the “Advanced” plan a strong value proposition for users who need both security and storage.
Should I still be worried about IPVanish’s 2016 logging scandal?
While the 2016 incident is a valid historical concern, IPVanish has since changed ownership and undergone independent audits (most recently by Schellman in 2025) to verify its no-logs policy.
However, for users who demand a completely unblemished track record, Surfshark’s history is cleaner.
Which one is easier to cancel and get a refund?
Surfshark is generally easier to cancel. Their 24/7 live chat agents can process your refund request relatively quickly. IPVanish also honors its 30-day guarantee, but the process can sometimes involve more verification steps to finalize the cancellation.
14. Conclusion
After extensive testing in 2026, the verdict of this Surfshark vs IPVanish comparison is clear: Surfshark is the superior product for 90% of users. It dominates in critical areas like speed, price, privacy jurisdiction, and streaming reliability.
You should choose Surfshark if:
- You want the fastest possible speeds, especially internationally.
- You are looking for unbeatable value with its $1.99/mo price point.
- You need to unblock 16+ Netflix libraries, making it the king of budget streaming.
You should choose IPVanish if:
- You specifically value Phone Support for direct assistance.
- You want to take advantage of the 1TB Cloud Storage bundle.
- Your primary usage is strictly within the United States.
Check out our VPN Comparisons page to see how top services stack up. Ready to secure your digital life? Visit Safelyo for expert VPN reviews and cybersecurity guides.
