Choosing the right VPN can be challenging with so many options available. IPVanish and Surfshark are two of the most popular VPN services, each offering a range of features to enhance online privacy and security.
This comparison will break down the key aspects of these two services to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Pricing
IPVanish offers three pricing plans: a monthly plan at $13, a yearly plan at $48 for the first year (then $90 annually), and a two-year plan at $72 for the first two years combined (then $90 annually). They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee for the yearly and two-year plans.
Surfshark is more budget-friendly, with a monthly plan at $12.95, a 1-year plan at $47.88 ($3.99/month), and a 2-year plan at $59.76 ($2.49/month). Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Security and Encryption
Both IPVanish and Surfshark use AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for securing data. IPVanish supports multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPsec, providing flexibility for different security needs.
Surfshark also supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols but does not include IPsec. However, Surfshark offers additional security features such as CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and MultiHop, which routes your traffic through multiple countries for added security.
Both services have undergone independent audits to verify their no-logs policies.
Speed
Speed is a critical factor for VPN users. Surfshark generally performs better in speed tests, particularly when connected to U.S. and Canadian servers, with smaller percentage drops in speed compared to IPVanish. Surfshark uses 10Gbps servers, while IPVanish boasts 25Gbps servers, which means IPVanish offers higher bandwidth.
However, Surfshark showed lower ping when connecting to nearby servers, making it a better option for activities like gaming and streaming.
Server Locations
Surfshark has a larger server network, with over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. This extensive network allows for better performance and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
IPVanish, while having fewer servers (2,200+), covers more than 75 locations worldwide. IPVanish hosts more servers in the Americas, which can be beneficial for users in that region.
Compatibility
Both IPVanish and Surfshark offer apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also support various router models, allowing users to secure their entire home network with a single VPN connection.
Additionally, both services provide browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, making it easier to secure your online activities while browsing the web.
Customer Support
IPVanish and Surfshark both offer 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and extensive knowledge bases. IPVanish has an edge with over-the-phone support, which Surfshark lacks. However, Surfshark’s knowledge base includes a search option, making it easier to find relevant information quickly[1][2][4].
Additional Features
IPVanish offers several additional features, including:
- Auto-Startup: Automatically starts the VPN when your device boots up.
- Cloud Storage: Partnership with SugarSync for secure cloud storage.
Surfshark provides unique features, such as:
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Bypasser: Allows users to select which apps or websites bypass the VPN.
- GPS Spoofing: Changes your device’s GPS location to match the VPN server location.
- Nexus: A feature that allows users to connect to multiple servers simultaneously for enhanced security.
Final thoughts
Both IPVanish and Surfshark are excellent VPN providers, offering robust security, fast speeds, and a wide range of server locations.
Surfshark has a slight edge in terms of additional features and server network size, while IPVanish offers higher bandwidth and over-the-phone support.
Ultimately, the choice between these two providers will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
