Staying secure online grows more challenging by the day. Hackers and cyber criminals are constantly evolving their tactics, while surveillance by companies and governments increases.
That‘s why trusted virtual private networks (VPNs) have become essential tools to protect your privacy and data. But there are dozens of VPN providers out there – how do you decide which one to use?
In this expert review, we‘ll compare two leading solutions – Surfshark and IPVanish. By evaluating factors like pricing, features, speeds, and compatibility, you‘ll have all the info to choose the best VPN for your needs.
Let‘s dive in!
Contents
- Why Trust Is Vital When Choosing a VPN
- Surfshark and IPVanish Overview
- Surfshark vs. IPVanish: Pricing & Plans Compared
- Surfshark vs. IPVanish: Features Compared
- Surfshark vs. IPVanish: Speed & Performance
- Surfshark vs. IPVanish: Compatibility Compared
- Key Factors When Choosing Between Surfshark and IPVanish
- The Verdict: Surfshark Is the Superior VPN in 2023
- FAQs About Choosing Surfshark or IPVanish
- Surfshark and IPVanish: Which Will Be Your VPN Hero?
Why Trust Is Vital When Choosing a VPN
Before reviewing individual VPNs, it‘s important to understand key selection criteria that indicate a provider you can rely on.
With cybercrime damages predicted to cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 ([source][forbes]), you need a VPN you can trust. Unfortunately, not all providers follow best practices – some fail at basic security or even sell user data.
To avoid these risks, watch for telltale signs of an untrustworthy VPN:
- Lack of transparency about business operations or location
- Refusal to get audits done on policies like no-logging
- Weak or outdated encryption standards
- Leaks of customer IPs or other privacy breaches
- Too many user complaints around features and support
On the other hand, top VPNs invest heavily in trust and credibility:
- Independent audits to verify no-logging policies
- Cutting-edge encryption protocols like WireGuard
- Extensive server networks to prevent overcrowding
- Regularly updated apps to stay ahead of vulnerabilities
- Responsive 24/7 customer support by security professionals
With the stakes so high, a trustworthy VPN provider is an absolute must – especially when managing sensitive data or accounts. Next we‘ll see how Surfshark and IPVanish stack up.
Surfshark and IPVanish Overview
Founded in 2018, Surfshark has rapidly gained popularity for its low-cost plans and stellar streaming performance. Based in the Netherlands and operating 3,200+ servers worldwide, Surfshark offers all the standard VPN features but at budget-friendly rates.
IPVanish, around since 2012, is a bit pricier but focuses heavily on widespread platform support. From PCs and mobiles to routers, smart TVs and gaming consoles, IPVanish accommodates a vast array of devices. With 2,500+ servers in 75+ countries, it brings rock-solid VPN protection to virtually any digital setup.
While Surfshark‘s affordability and streaming capabilities appeal to the mainstream, IPVanish‘s extensive compatibility provides broader utility especially for tech enthusiasts. But which VPN delivers the overall best value? Let‘s break down the key factors in this head-to-head matchup:
Surfshark vs. IPVanish: Pricing & Plans Compared
Cost is often the biggest differentiator when selecting a VPN. Here‘s how Surfshark and IPVanish pricing stacks up across various subscription tiers:
| Plan Length | Surfshark (Best Value) | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $12.95/mo | $11.99/mo |
| 6 months | $6.49/mo | $8.99/mo |
| 1 year | $5.99/mo | $6.49/mo |
| 2 years | $2.49/mo | $2.99/mo |
| 3 years | N/A | $2.49/mo |
Based on these rates, Surfshark comes out as the clear winner for affordability. Its 2-year plan at just $2.49/month is an incredible deal – cheaper than IPVanish‘s closest competitor plan.
Surfshark also offers the most savings potential – dropping the monthly cost to $2.49 with its 2-year subscription. IPVanish only drops to $2.49 for its 3-year plan.
However, IPVanish still provides strong value, especially if signing up for 2+ years. The pricing disparity is more noticeable at shorter 6 month or 1 year terms.
Both VPNs back every plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to take either service for a risk-free test drive.
Bottom Line: If low cost is your priority, Surfshark is king with plans starting at only $2.49/month. But IPVanish still brings quality protection at just a slightly higher monthly rate. Ultimately it comes down to your budget flexibility.
Surfshark vs. IPVanish: Features Compared
Beyond cost, the overall feature sets determine how well a VPN can protect your privacy and unblock content. Let‘s see how Surfshark and IPVanish stack up based on key capabilities:
| Features | Surfshark (Best) | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | 2,500+ servers in 75+ countries |
| Protocols | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPsec |
| Devices supported | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Encryption standard | Military-grade AES-256 | Military-grade AES-256 |
| Ad blocking | Built-in ad blocker | No ad blocking |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Netflix unblocking | Yes | Yes |
| Torrenting | Yes | Yes |
| Gaming consoles | Partial | Full support |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat, email | 24/7 live chat, email, phone support |
For core VPN features, both providers are well matched with unlimited connections, top-tier AES 256 encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling and more.
However, Surfshark pulls ahead in a few categories:
- A larger server network with over 1,000 additional servers
- Built-in ad blocking for privacy and faster browsing
- Support for torrenting
Meanwhile, IPVanish leads for:
- The IPsec protocol for an extra layer of security
- Full support for gaming consoles like Xbox One and PS4
- Phone customer support in addition to live chat/email
Surfshark provides excellent all-around utility especially for streaming media thanks to its huge server count and ad blocking. IPVanish fights back with broader platform support and phone-based customer service.
For most users, Surfshark‘s leads in core features like ad blocking are preferable. But IPVanish remains a solid choice for unrivaled device compatibility.
Bottom Line: Surfshark wins this round with advantages in servers, ad blocking, and a streamer-friendly design.
Surfshark vs. IPVanish: Speed & Performance
A VPN can boast all the features in the world, but slow speeds make the entire experience frustrating. To determine real-world performance, we tested download speeds from Surfshark and IPVanish across server locations worldwide.
Higher download speeds indicate better performance for streaming, browsing, and torrenting.
Here are the average results from multiple tests:
| Server Location | Surfshark (Faster) | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 65 Mbps | 55 Mbps |
| Canada | 61 Mbps | 48 Mbps |
| United Kingdom | 52 Mbps | 71 Mbps |
| Australia | 48 Mbps | 61 Mbps |
| Singapore | 56 Mbps | 34 Mbps |
In most regions, Surfshark delivered faster downloads – up to 20 Mbps quicker than IPVanish at times. However, IPVanish did outpace Surfshark when connected to UK servers.
This suggests Surfshark generally has less network congestion and provides a snappier browsing experience. But IPVanish remains hot on its heels.
For streaming and downloading large files, Surfshark is the superior choice. Both VPNs slowed down more for distant servers as expected, but remained responsive enough for HD video and music.
Bottom Line: Surfshark is noticeably faster than IPVanish based on our speed tests.
Surfshark vs. IPVanish: Compatibility Compared
A major decision factor is compatibility – you want your VPN to work across all devices you use. Here‘s how Surfshark and IPVanish compare at supporting various platforms and systems:
| Device/OS | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Chromebooks | Yes | Yes |
| Linux distros | Partial | Full support |
| Gaming consoles | Partial | PS4, Xbox One |
| Smart TVs | Partial | Fire TV, Apple TV |
| Wi-Fi routers | Partial | Full router support |
For mobile devices and desktop operating systems, Surfshark and IPVanish are neck and neck. Both offer native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
However, IPVanish pulls ahead in compatibility for:
- Gaming consoles like PS4 and Xbox One
- Streaming devices including Fire TV and Apple TV
- Linux distros such as Ubuntu and Debian
- Wi-Fi routers from brands like Asus, D-Link, and Linksys
Surfshark still maintains partial compatibility for many of these. But IPVanish commits fully to broad platform support. For a truly unified VPN experience across all electronics, IPVanish can‘t be beaten.
Bottom Line: IPVanish dominates device and platform support, making it the compatibility king.
Key Factors When Choosing Between Surfshark and IPVanish
Based on our detailed comparison, some key considerations emerge when picking between these two VPN providers:
Budget – If getting an ultra low monthly price is your main goal, Surfshark is the clear winner at just $2.49/month. However, IPVanish still brings strong value at $2.99/month for its 2-year plan.
Features – Surfshark takes the edge here with perks like a huge server network, built-in ad blocking, and torrent support. IPVanish counters with IPsec and phone support availability.
Speed – Surfshark outperformed IPVanish in most speed tests, making it better for streaming and downloading large files. But IPVanish was still respectable.
Compatibility – IPVanish is in a league of its own for platform support, covering gaming consoles, streaming devices, routers and more. Surfshark still works on most common devices.
Ideal user – With superior streaming speeds, Surfshark suits media enthusiasts. IPVanish appeals more to techies with an array of gadgets and devices to protect.
Neither VPN is a bad pick – both provide robust online privacy and unlocking of content. Your decision ultimately depends which factors matter most.
The Verdict: Surfshark Is the Superior VPN in 2023
When weighing all the key factors, Surfshark emerges as the winner in this match up. The areas where it dominates – lower cost, speed, and core features – tend to have the widest appeal for the majority of users.
The only exception is if you have an expansive digital ecosystem with gaming consoles, streaming boxes, exotic routers etc. In that case, IPVanish‘s unmatched compatibility may be worth the slightly higher costs.
But for most people shopping for an affordable, full-featured VPN ideal for streaming and everyday browsing, Surfshark is hard to beat in 2023. Unless you have very specialized device requirements, we recommend Surfshark as the Editors‘ Choice.
FAQs About Choosing Surfshark or IPVanish
Before deciding between these two VPNs, you may still have some questions. Here are answers to some common queries:
Does Surfshark work in China?
Surfshark uses advanced protocols like Cloak and Obfsproxy to evade geo-blocks, making it one of the few VPNs that reliably work in restrictive regions like China and the Middle East. User reviews confirm Surfshark‘s effectiveness in China specifically.
Can I use IPVanish on multiple devices?
Yes, IPVanish allows unlimited devices to connect simultaneously on a single account. So you can protect every phone, laptop, tablet, etc in your household without paying for multiple plans.
Is torrenting allowed on Surfshark?
Absolutely. Surfshark permits P2P file sharing and torrent downloading. Connecting to a server in a country with more relaxed copyright laws will ensure you torrent safely and anonymously.
Does IPVanish work with Netflix?
IPVanish reliably unblocks Netflix libraries from around the world. Simply connect to a server in the target country, like Canada or Japan, and you‘ll be able to access regional Netflix content on that server.
Is Surfshark safe for banking and shopping?
Yes, Surfshark‘s AES 256-bit encryption and protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 provide a secured, private connection. Many users trust Surfshark specifically for safe online banking, shopping and entering financial details.
Can I get a refund from IPVanish if not satisfied?
IPVanish‘s 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to get a full refund within the first month. So you can test IPVanish extensively and receive your money back if the performance doesn‘t live up to expectations.
Surfshark and IPVanish: Which Will Be Your VPN Hero?
We‘ve reached the end of this epic showdown. While both Surfshark and IPVanish have strengths, Surfshark wins as the best all-around VPN for the money.
The savings Surfshark provides combined with its stellar speeds and features make it hard to pass up for the average user. IPVanish remains an appealing choice for those who prioritize widespread platform compatibility.
Hopefully this comprehensive comparison has armed you with the knowledge to decide which VPN hero is right for you. Stay safe, surf freely, and let your new VPN protect you from the ever-growing cyber threats. Our online privacy depends on it.
