In the modern digital era, protecting your online privacy and securing your internet activities is more important than ever. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become essential tools for maintaining anonymity and safeguarding personal data.
Among the leading VPN providers, Surfshark and IPVanish are two well-regarded options that cater to a range of privacy needs.
This detailed comparison will examine the strengths and weaknesses of both VPNs, providing insights into their features, pricing, and overall performance. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which service might be better suited for your privacy needs.
Overview of Surfshark and IPVanish
Overview of Surfshark
Surfshark has made a significant impact on the VPN market since its launch, despite being a relatively new player.
Based in the British Virgin Islands, it benefits from a privacy-friendly jurisdiction that is outside of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance.
Surfshark’s commitment to offering robust privacy features, including MultiHop (double VPN) and CleanWeb (ad-blocker), has helped it quickly rise in popularity.
It provides unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a great choice for users with multiple devices or families seeking comprehensive protection.
Overview of IPVanish
IPVanish, headquartered in the United States, is one of the more established names in the VPN industry, offering a reputation built on speed and reliability.
With a focus on performance, IPVanish caters to those who require fast and secure connections, especially for activities like streaming and torrenting.
Its user-friendly apps and support for a wide range of devices make it a versatile option.
While being based in the US might raise concerns for some privacy-conscious users due to data-sharing laws, IPVanish reassures users with a no-logs policy to maintain their anonymity.
Features Comparison: Surfshark vs. IPVanish
1. Security and Encryption
Surfshark: Employs AES-256-GCM encryption, which is considered the highest standard for data protection.
It offers extra features like MultiHop, routing user traffic through two different VPN servers for additional security. Surfshark also includes a kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
With features like CleanWeb, users enjoy protection from ads, malware, and phishing attempts while browsing.
IPVanish:
Uses AES-256-bit encryption as well, providing industry-standard security. IPVanish supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols, giving users flexibility in choosing the right protocol for their needs.
While it does not offer a MultiHop feature like Surfshark, it includes a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection to keep users’ data secure.
IPVanish also allows users to switch between servers quickly, ensuring that they maintain a secure connection.
2. Server Network and Performance
Surfshark: Offers a network of approximately 3,200 servers spread across 100+ countries.
This global coverage ensures users can connect to servers in key locations around the world, making it easier to bypass geo-restrictions and access content.
Surfshark’s speeds are generally reliable, allowing users to stream in HD and enjoy smooth browsing.
IPVanish:
Has a smaller network with around 2,000 servers across 75+ countries.
However, its servers are known for delivering excellent speed, making it a strong contender for users who prioritize performance.
IPVanish owns and manages its entire server network, which is an advantage for those who value direct control over server infrastructure and performance.
3. Streaming Capabilities
Surfshark:
Known for its ability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+.
With the Smart DNS feature, Surfshark enables users to access geo-restricted content even on devices that do not natively support VPNs, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
IPVanish: While IPVanish can unblock some streaming services, it is not as consistent as Surfshark in bypassing geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
It focuses more on providing fast connections, which can still be beneficial for streaming in regions where geo-blocks are not as strict.
4. Privacy and Logging Policy
Surfshark: Operates with a strict no-logs policy, meaning that it does not store any records of users’ browsing activities, IP addresses, or connection timestamps.
The British Virgin Islands jurisdiction further enhances user privacy, as the country has no mandatory data retention laws.
IPVanish: Also claims a no-logs policy, assuring users that their data will not be recorded or stored.
However, its location in the United States, which is part of the 5 Eyes intelligence alliance, may be a concern for those seeking the highest level of privacy.
Nevertheless, IPVanish has updated its policies to align with users’ privacy expectations.
5. Device Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections
Surfshark: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it an ideal choice for households or users with many devices.
It is compatible with major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
IPVanish: Supports unlimited simultaneous connections as well, a recent change that matches Surfshark’s offering.
This makes it suitable for users looking to secure multiple devices. IPVanish also offers apps for various operating systems, including routers, providing flexibility in how users secure their entire network.
Pricing of Surfshark and IPVanish
Surfshark Pricing Plans
Surfshark offers different plans, with significant discounts for longer commitments. Here’s a detailed look at their pricing structure:
- Monthly Plan:
- Cost: $12.95 per month
- Billed: $12.95 each month.
- Features:
- Access to 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 customer support.
- CleanWeb feature (ad-blocker and malware protection).
- MultiHop (double VPN) and NoBorders mode (for restricted regions).
- AES-256 encryption and a kill switch for added security.
- Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee for new users.
- 12-Month Plan:
- Cost: $3.99 per month.
- Billed: $47.88 annually.
- Features:
- All features included in the monthly plan.
- Lower cost per month compared to the monthly option.
- Good balance between long-term commitment and affordability.
- Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24-Month Plan:
- Cost: $2.49 per month.
- Billed: $59.76 every two years.
- Features:
- Same features as other plans.
- Offers the best value with substantial savings over time.
- Ideal for users who plan to use a VPN for the long term.
- Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee.
Additional Costs & Features
Optional Add-ons: Surfshark offers add-ons like Surfshark One, which includes an antivirus, data breach alerts, and a private search feature.
This add-on is available for an additional cost of around $1.49 per month.
Payment Methods: Surfshark accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and more.
IPVanish Pricing Plans
IPVanish has a more straightforward pricing structure, with an emphasis on faster speeds and the option to bundle with secure cloud storage through SugarSync:
- Monthly Plan:
- Cost: $11.99 per month.
- Billed: $11.99 each month.
- Features:
- Access to 2,000+ servers in over 75 countries.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 customer support via chat and phone.
- AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols.
- DNS and IP leak protection, kill switch, and split tunneling.
- Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for the monthly plan; it applies only to the annual plan.
- 12-Month Plan:
- Cost: $3.33 per month.
- Billed: $39.99 annually for the first year (renews at $89.99).
- Features:
- All features included in the monthly plan.
- Significant discount for the first year.
- Includes access to all IPVanish servers and connection features.
- Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee for new users.
- Bundle with SugarSync Cloud Storage:
- Monthly Plan with SugarSync: $12.99 per month.
- Annual Plan with SugarSync: $4.99 per month, billed at $59.99 annually.
- Features:
- Includes 500 GB of secure cloud storage in addition to VPN protection.
- Ideal for users who need both cloud storage and secure browsing.
- All other VPN features remain the same.
- Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee for the annual plan with SugarSync.
Additional Costs & Features
- Optional Features: IPVanish offers its own SOCKS5 proxy servers for better speed during torrenting activities.
- Payment Methods: IPVanish supports payments through credit cards and PayPal, but does not support cryptocurrency payments.
Pricing Summary Comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Plan | $12.95 per month | $11.99 per month |
| 12-Month Plan | $3.99 per month ($47.88 billed annually) | $3.33 per month ($39.99 first year) |
| 24-Month Plan | $2.49 per month ($59.76 every 2 years) | Not available |
| Bundle with Storage | Not available | $4.99 per month with 500 GB storage (annual) |
| Refund Policy | 30 days (all plans) | 30 days (only on annual plan) |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | 2,000+ servers in 75+ countries |
Surfshark’s longer-term plans provide greater value for users looking for a budget-friendly solution, while IPVanish’s inclusion of cloud storage can be appealing for users who need secure file management along with VPN services.
The choice between these two may depend on whether users prioritize lower costs over time (Surfshark) or integrated storage options (IPVanish).
FAQs
1. Does Surfshark support streaming services?
Yes, Surfshark is highly effective at unblocking streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
2. Which VPN is better for torrenting?
Both Surfshark and IPVanish support torrenting with P2P-optimized servers, offering secure and fast downloads.
3. Can I use IPVanish in China?
IPVanish may face challenges in China due to the Great Firewall, while Surfshark’s NoBorders mode might offer better performance in restricted regions.
4. Is Surfshark or IPVanish faster?
IPVanish is known for its speed, but Surfshark provides consistently reliable speeds that support HD streaming and gaming.
5. How many devices can I connect with Surfshark?
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, letting users secure multiple devices with a single account.
6. Does IPVanish keep logs?
No, IPVanish follows a no-logs policy, ensuring that user data is not stored or tracked.
7. Which VPN is more affordable?
Surfshark generally offers more affordable long-term plans compared to IPVanish.
8. Does Surfshark offer a free trial?
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS users.
9. Can I use IPVanish for gaming?
Yes, IPVanish’s fast speeds and low latency make it suitable for gaming.
10. Which VPN has better customer support?
Both Surfshark and IPVanish provide 24/7 live chat support and extensive online resources.
Conclusion: Which VPN Should You Choose?
Deciding between Surfshark and IPVanish depends largely on your specific needs and preferences. Surfshark stands out for users seeking a cost-effective solution with unlimited device connections and a strong emphasis on streaming capabilities.
Its 24-month plan offers the best value for long-term users, and its ability to unblock major streaming services makes it a favorite among binge-watchers.
IPVanish, on the other hand, is ideal for those who prioritize speed and direct control over their server connections.
Its recent addition of unlimited connections matches Surfshark’s offering, making it a strong competitor. For users who value fast downloads and want to pair their VPN with cloud storage, IPVanish’s bundled plans can be an attractive option.
Ultimately, both VPNs provide robust features and reliable security. If privacy and budget are your main concerns, Surfshark may be the better fit.
If you’re looking for speed and versatility, IPVanish could be your go-to choice. Both services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test them out and make an informed decision based on your experience.
