The internet is no longer a place where you can be casual about your safety and privacy. This is where VPNs come in. A great VPN can protect you by encrypting your data and hiding your location while keeping your online activities untraceable.
But deciding on the right one can become a challenging task. But hey, worry no more, as today we have brought you a face-off between the two biggest giants, IPVanish and ExpressVPN. In this in-depth ExpressVPN Vs. IPVanish review, we will break down features, functionalities, customer service, performance, speed, and every single detail of these VPNs to help you decide which of these two is better for your usage and why.
So, grab yourself a burger, dim the lights and let’s get started with the announcement of the Winner at the Start.
| 🏆 Winner: | ExpressVPN |
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall Rank: | #1 out of #24 |
| 📖 Logs Policy: | Stringent zero-logs policy |
| 💵 Price: | $6.67/mo |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3000+ Servers in 94 Countries |
| 🍿 Streaming Services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| 🔥 Special Deal: | 3 Months Free on its Yearly Subscription |
Comparison Baseline: ExpressVPN Vs. IPVanish
At a glance, all VPNs appear more or less the same. All VPNs utilize similar technology and do the same fundamental job, which is to hide your IP, location, and help you access blocked or geo-restricted content.
But as you start to look closer and compare, things become interesting, and the differences become obvious, thus allowing you to make the right choice. So, let’s start the contest by listing the crowning achievements of both ExpressVPN and IPVanish.
| ExpressVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|
| Fast and Easy to use | Less Expensive and secure |
| Wide range of plugins and features | Good features and Compatibility |
| Optimized Streaming mode | Great for media and Streaming |
| Live Chat Customer Support | Live Chat Customer Support |
Speed Test: IPVanish Vs. ExpressVPN
From the performance point of view, speed is of critical importance. The faster the connection speed of a VPN to its servers, the seamless the server switching and the smoother the online experience, especially when streaming or torrenting.
So, let’s put the two contenders through their paces. Using a 30 Mbps baseline internet, we will compare the average speeds at different server locations for both ExpressVPN and IPVanish.
| ExpressVPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 26.62Mbps | 24.46 Mbps |
| UK | 26.43 Mbps | 24.91 Mbps |
| Germany | 28.15 Mbps | 25.4 Mbps |
| Australia | 26.33 Mbps | 24.86 Mbps |
It’s clear from the results of the speed test that ExpressVPN is faster. ExpressVPN uses lightway technology, enabling it to connect to its servers quicker than many competitors.
The ability of ExpressVPN to offer mind-numbing connection speed and unparalleled reliability makes ExpressVPN one of the fastest VPNs in the market today. So, in the speed test, ExpressVPN wins by simply outclassing IPVanish.
Pricing and Packages: ExpressVPN Vs. IPVanish
Price is the single most important factor influencing a customer’s choice. The same is true when it comes to VPNs. As a customer, you want a great bargain; striking that perfect balance between features, price, and discounts is what makes or breaks a sale.
In this round of our Express VPN Vs. IPVanish matches, we will compare which of the two has the right mix of functionality and affordability
| ExpressVPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Periods offered | Monthly, Six Month Bundle, and Yearly | Monthly, Yearly, Quarterly Bundle |
| Minimum Monthly Cost | $6.67 | $3.33 |
| Maximum Monthly Cost | $12.95 | $10.99 |
| Yearly Cost | $80.04 | $39.99 |
| Guarantee Period | 30 days | 30 days |
| Special Offers | 49% off with a yearly subscription and three extra months free. | 62% off with a yearly subscription and the first year for free. |
IPVanish wins this round as it is providing the best deals and discounts. In addition, IPVanish allows you to connect unlimited devices simultaneously with the VPN as compared to ExpressVPN’s 5, adding that proverbial cherry on top.
ExpressVPN Vs. IPVanish: Which VPN Should You Get For Streaming?
Having the right VPN can not only unblock your favorite content but will also ensure your privacy. In this round, we will compare the streaming capabilities of ExpressVPN and IPVanish.
Our primary focus will be on features like split tunneling and streaming optimization, ensuring you enjoy your shows, movies, and seasons without lags and interruptions. Here’s how the two VPNs stack up in terms of their ability to access major streaming platforms.
| ExpressVPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | ✅ | ✅ (inconsistent) |
| Amazon Prime | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hulu | ✅ | ✅ |
| Disney+ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SkyTV | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vudu | ❌ | ❌ |
| Sky (UK) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Showtime (US) | ❌ | ❌ |
When it comes to streaming, ExpressVPN can unblock more platforms and content libraries as compared to IPVanish.
With a fast and reliable split tunneling mode and a built-in automatic mode for streaming optimization, ExpressVPN wipes the floor with IPVanish by providing high-quality streaming. ExpressVPN wins this round and cements its status as one of the best VPNs for streaming.
Servers and Performance – Which One’s the Best?
When it comes to performance, both VPNs have a no-logs policy.
However, ExpressVPN has its no-logs policy independently audited and verified to prove beyond a doubt that when you use ExpressVPN, no records of your activities or data are kept or can be traced back to you. Hence ExpressVPN offers you the privacy and security your need.
IPVanish has a slight disadvantage because its operations are based in the US. This means that, per US laws, IPVanish would have to share your information with the government if requested. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is operating from the British Virgin Islands, where no such government policies and restrictions exist.
When it comes to servers and server locations, the more, the merrier. More servers mean more IP addresses and more secure and faster service. Here’s a breakdown of how both VPNs fare regarding servers and performance:
| ExpressVPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Server Countries | 94 Countries | 75 Countries |
| No. Of Servers | 3000 | 1,600 |
| Mobile-Friendly | Yes | Yes |
ExpressVPN has more servers and offers service in more countries than IPVanish, making it a superior choice for global users. Both VPNs have mobile and desktop apps with great compatibility across all major platforms. So ExpressVPN stands victorious in this round as well.
Security and Privacy: ExpressVPN Vs. IPVanish
The fundamental aspect of a VPN is its ability to effectively encrypt your data and conceal your location and IP.
You can say that VPN protocols and privacy features make or break a VPN. Let’s take a look under the hood and determine which VPN offers better protection and security, ExpressVPN or IPVanish.
| ExpressVPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols Supported | OpenVPN,IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec and more |
| Data Encryption on OpenVPN | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| Network Killswitch | Yes | Yes |
| Private DNS Servers | Yes | Yes |
Both VPNs are capable of offering military-grade data encryption through a 256-bit protocol. However, the clear winner and champion of security and privacy would have to be ExpressVPN.
The reason is that ExpressVPN offers the basic 256-bit protocol and much more such as OpenVPN, lightway protocol, faster and more reliable server connections, and more efficient network kill switches and obfuscated servers.
By virtue of these amazing features, ExpressVPN wins in this category, and it’s truly one of the most secure and reliable VPNs out there.
Additional Features: ExpressVPN Vs. IPVanish
The primary features, such as private DNS and router support, cross-platform compatibility, browser plug-ins, and extensions, are some of the key factors in measuring the overall outlook of a VPN service. Below, are some of the key features offered by ExpressVPN and IPVanish.
| ExpressVPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous active connections | 5 Devices | Unlimited |
| Platforms supported | Windows, iOS, macOS, Android Linux, FireTV, NookHD, and ChromeOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. |
| Manually Installation | Has smart connect for routers and TV | Has no smart DNS or router support. No smart TV support |
| Independent IP Address | Not Offered | Offered as an add-on |
| Included extras | Ad-blocking built in, malware-blocking, automatic WiFi protection, internet killswitch, browser extensions (Chrome and Firefox), Kindle Fire app, Chromebook support, dedicated router apps, and Obfuscated Servers. | Internet killswitch, Adware blocker can be added separately, Data leakage protection does not offer browser extensions |
ExpressVPN once again proved its worth over IPVanish by offering a truckload of features such as browser extensions, Smart DNS built-in adware blocker, and more, which are just not on the cards with IPVanish. Overall a solid win in the category of features for ExpressVPN
Customer Service: ExpressVPN Vs. IPVanish
The customer support team at IPVanish is there to help you via live chat, but the working hours for chat-based support are limited. In addition, IPVanish offers email-based customer support. With troubleshooting guides and setup guides available on the company website, the customer support structure is decent, to say the least.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, offers 24/7 live chat support. The customer support team is not only there for you all the time; they are efficient at solving your issues. A phone-based customer support option is also available as an added layer. But the help does not stop there; ExpressVPN has detailed guides and video tutorials alongside a dedicated discussion board.
By virtue of this extremely integrated and multi-layered support structure, ExpressVPN outclasses IPVanish in this round.
Torrenting and P2P: ExpressVPN vs. IPVanish
One of the major reasons to get a VPN is to enjoy fast, secure, and reliable P2P data sharing and torrenting. So, no comparison can be complete without breaking open the P2P features on offer.
The key feature when it comes to torrenting is split tunneling. Split tunneling allows you to control which programs and apps bay through the VPN and which don’t. An effective split tunneling mode ensures faster download and a more stable connection.
While both IPVanish and ExpressVPN offer secure and high-speed torrenting. Split tunneling, though, is more efficient with ExpressVPN; however, IPVanish uses SOCKS5 proxy, which is not available with expressVPN. Both VPNs are evenly matched, so this round is a draw between ExpressVPN and IPVanish.
Performance for Netflix and China Region
The Great Firewall of China is a touchstone test for the ability of a VPN to bypass Geo-restrictions. The Chinese government allows only government-approved content and streaming. In China, mock-ups of all major internet platforms like Netflix, Google, and Facebook exist, which are ones allowed to be accessed in China.
Unblocking all major libraries of Netflix while keeping your location and activities hidden from the toughest surveillance system on the planet is every VPN’s dream. ExpressVPN has an extensive network of servers alongside some of the most secure data encryption protocols.
Moreover, ExpressVPN also ensures the quality and speed of streaming are not compromised by virtue of a dedicated streaming optimization mode.
So, ExpressVPN is your perfect partner when streaming from China and beyond.
What Reddit Has To Say: Express VPN Vs. IPVanish
While IPVanish has been favored by Redditors due to its torrenting features and strict no-logs policy, ExpressVPN is still the number one choice owing to the impressive speeds and streaming quality it offers.
The Comparison at a Glance
Here is how the contest has progressed thus far:
| ExpressVPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Upload Speed | ✅ | |
| Download Speed | ✅ | |
| Price | ✅ | ✅ |
| Protocols | ✅ | ✅ |
| Privacy | ✅ | |
| Features | ✅ | |
| Torrenting/P2P | ✅ | ✅ |
| Censorship Evasion | ✅ | |
| Streaming Services | ✅ | |
| Street Cred | ✅ | |
| Customer Support | ✅ | |
| Overall | ✅ |
Picking The Right Choice
So, here is the gist of it, IPVanish is not a bad VPN having some of the well-known VPN protocols under its belt, having cheaper price plans IPVanish is an attractive bargain for someone not too keen on traceability. If you just need a functional VPN for torrenting and streaming, then IPVanish will fit the bill for you.
But … the winner of the contest by a landslide is ExpressVPN. When talking about ExpressVPN Vs.IPVanish express manages to outclass its rival in speed, optimized streaming, device compatibility, features, and plug-ins and not to mention security and privacy.
So, we recommend ExpressVPN although it’s expensive, it’s worth the price.