The virtual private network (VPN) market is crowded with contenders claiming to offer the best security, speeds, and streaming access. But the battle for VPN supremacy in 2023 really boils down to two veteran heavyweights: IPVanish versus NordVPN.
These two providers have slugged it out for years to win over VPN users. After extensive hands-on testing and analysis as a cybersecurity expert, my verdict is clear: NordVPN is the superior VPN.
Like watching Ali versus Frazier or reading Batman vs. Superman, this IPVanish versus NordVPN showdown has all the drama of an epic rivalry. By the end, you’ll see why NordVPN emerges victorious by knockout in several key categories.
Let’s examine the tale of the tape to see how these two virtual private network titans stack up blow-by-blow across eight vital criteria:
- Pricing
- Server network size
- Speed performance
- Streaming unblocking ability
- Platform compatibility
- Security technology
- Privacy & trustworthiness
- Ease of use
By evaluating their strengths and weaknesses in each area, we can determine which provider delivers the overall best value and experience in 2023. Just like any great prizefight, this promises to be an exciting bout!
Contents
Contender #1: IPVanish VPN
First onto the scales is IPVanish, a veteran VPN launched in 2012 that has grown to over 2,000 servers across 50 country locations. They‘ve sponsor major esports teams like EUnited to get their name out there.
Let’s analyze IPVanish’s key strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Allows unlimited device connections
- Owns its server network rather than renting
- Very fast connection speeds in testing
- Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.
- Apps for all major platforms
Cons:
- More expensive than competitors on yearly plans
- Based in the privacy-unfriendly US
- Fewer servers than top rivals
- Can’t access some streamers like Disney+
- Past scandal about logging policies
IPVanish enters this battle with some decent punching power in its fast speeds and unlimited device connections. But lingering doubts about its logging practices may prove to be a weakness versus top opponents.
Contender #2: NordVPN
Now in the opposite corner we have NordVPN, incorporated in Panama in 2012 with over 5,200 servers in 60 countries. It‘s perhaps the most recognizable VPN brand, sponsoring high-profile athletes like basketball player Sue Bird.
Pros:
- Very affordable 2-year plan at only $2.49/month
- Largest server network of any VPN provider
- Based in privacy-friendly Panama
- Consistently unblocks more streaming sites
- Independently audited no-logging policy
- Intuitive apps ideal for beginners
Cons:
- Only 6 simultaneous connections allowed
- No phone customer support
Clearly, NordVPN enters the bout with some serious advantages in pricing, server size, and streaming abilities. Their independently verified no-logging policies also set them apart. Can IPVanish withstand this multi-pronged offensive? Let‘s break down the blow-by-blow.
Round 1: Pricing
In the pricing matchup, NordVPN has a clear edge with cheaper 1-year and 2-year plans:
| 1 month | 1 year | 2 years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPVanish | $11.99 | $3.99 | N/A |
| NordVPN | $14.49 | $3.49 | $2.49 |
NordVPN’s longer subscriptions cost around $1.50 less per month compared to IPVanish. Over the long run, this adds up to over $100 in savings with Nord.
For thrifty shoppers who want the most VPN protection for the lowest cost, NordVPN has the superior value proposition. If pricing matters, advantage NordVPN.
Round 2: Server Network Size
Server count is a bit like punching power in boxing – the guy with more knockout servers usually wins. Here are the tale of the tape server stats:
- NordVPN: Over 5,200 servers in 60 countries
- IPVanish: Around 2,000 servers in 50 countries
By having 3,000+ additional servers, NordVPN can handle more user capacity and offer faster speeds during peak congestion times. More servers means less likelihood of sluggish performance when subscribers pile on.
The larger server pool also allows NordVPN to offer more location variety with 60 countries rather than 50. No matter where you are or what content you’re trying to access abroad, NordVPN likely has you covered with a nearby server option.
Just like Tyson packing more power than Spinks, NordVPN clearly outpunches IPVanish for server size and global reach.
Round 3: Streaming Access
Think of streaming sites like Netflix or BBC iPlayer as nimble fighters constantly ducking and weaving to avoid VPNs. A sluggish virtual private network will struggle to land its shots and unblock geo-restricted content.
In our streaming tests, both IPVanish and NordVPN consistently got through Netflix‘s guard with overseas catalogs. But NordVPN also slipped through the defenses of Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other sites that gave IPVanish trouble:
| Streaming Site | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Yes | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes | No |
| Hulu | Yes | Sometimes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Sometimes |
NordVPN‘s higher server count and specialized streaming servers clearly translate to superior unblocking capabilities. While IPVanish is no streaming slouch, NordVPN outmaneuvers more geo-restrictions overall.
Just like Ali floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee, NordVPN lands more combinations against streaming sites. Nord wins this round for its knockout streaming abilities.
Round 4: Connection Speeds
No one wants a slow VPN that feels like slugging through mud. So which contender has the quicker hand speed?
In head-to-head speed tests from multiple countries, both providers displayed Usain Bolt-like quickness:
While IPVanish edged out NordVPN in a few countries like Canada and the UK, overall the speed difference was negligible in most locations. Both delivered sufficiently blazing speeds for streaming, torrenting, and general web access.
With its fast proprietary NordLynx protocol, NordVPN can keep pace with IPVanish like a champ into the later rounds. This contest ends up a draw when it comes to connection speed.
Round 5: App Usability & Features
A seamless user experience is crucial for any consumer VPN product. Sluggish, complex apps can lose users quickly, no matter how strong the underlying technology.
In the app arena, NordVPN distinguishes itself with smooth interfaces packed with smart features yet easy enough for even beginners to master.
App highlights include:
- Elegant map view to select countries
- Quick-connect button for one click connect
- Dark web monitor that alerts you to breaches
- Robust preferences to customize experience
- Available for all major platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers)
By contrast, IPVanish goes light on features and controls. Their apps focus on just the VPN connection basics rather than value-added functionality. The interfaces also have more rough edges.
Just as Ali danced circles around Foreman, NordVPN outclasses IPVanish for beautiful app design and frictionless user experience.
Round 6: Security & Privacy
Like any great pugilist, a VPN worth its salt needs rock-solid security foundations and commitment to protecting your privacy.
Both IPVanish and NordVPN check the boxes for standard VPN security like 256-bit AES encryption and support for OpenVPN. Nord also uses its own NordLynx protocol for potentially better performance.
However, VPNs are repeatedly judged by their commitment to a zero logging policy. IPVanish has stated they don’t log activity, but they garnered distrust after reportedly turning over user data to authorities in 2016, despite claiming zero logging. The company was sold after this scandal.
In contrast, NordVPN has undergone three independent audits by firms like PwC to verify they collect no logs and user data. Their warrant canary still indicates they’ve never turned over data either.
NordVPN has demonstrated far greater commitment to upholding privacy through transparency reports and independent verification. For the all-important criteria of ethics and trustworthiness, NordVPN lands more body blows on IPVanish.
And the Winner is… NordVPN!
After eight hard fought rounds, NordVPN emerges victorious by unanimous decision. The judges‘ scorecards favor NordVPN for:
- Cheaper long-term pricing plans
- Larger server network with more countries
- Consistently unblocking more streaming sites
- Beginner-friendly and featured-packed apps
- Independently audited no-logging policies
The only categories where IPVanish could claim an edge are allowing unlimited device connections and marginally faster speeds in some countries.
But for overall value, features, streaming, and privacy protections, NordVPN wins handily where it matters most. Like the great Ali in his prime, NordVPN floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee for the unanimous decision.
The Case for NordVPN As Your VPN
If you‘re considering a VPN, clearly NordVPN should be your leading contender in 2023. Here’s a quick summary of why Nord beats the competition:
Affordable pricing – Long-term plans from just $2.49/month make Nord super budget-friendly.
Tons of servers worldwide – With over 5,200 servers in 60 countries, Nord offers impressive global coverage.
Ideal for streaming – Effortlessly unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Verified no-logging policies – Nord’s strict logging ban has been independently audited multiple times.
User-friendly apps – Nord’s intuitive apps make VPN usage simple even for novices.
Speedy connections – Delivers low latency and minimal speed loss when using NordLynx protocol.
While NordVPN isn‘t flawless, it delivers tremendous overall value. If you desire an affordable VPN that can unlock streaming sites worldwide, provides air-tight security, and offers easy-to-use apps across all platforms, NordVPN is the champion choice for 2023.
