IPVanish vs ExpressVPN - Who Wins in 2024?

IPVanish and ExpressVPN are two of the top VPNs in 2024. If you read their marketing material, they’re almost identical – promising the same mix of speed, performance, and military-grade protection.

So… how do you choose? Download them both and run side-by-side comparisons? You don’t have time for that. So we did it for you. As you’ll see in this quick guide, IPVanish and ExpressVPN have big, significant differences once you look under the hood. We’ll break them down so you can make the best decision.

IPVanish vs ExpressVPN – Which is best in 2024? 

ExpressVPN consistently outperforms IPVanish in several crucial areas, solidifying its position as the #1 VPN in the world.

• Server network: ExpressVPN's larger server network (3,000+ servers in 105+ countries) outperforms IPVanish's smaller network (2,200+ servers in 75+ locations), offering faster speeds, better reliability, and easier access to global content like Netflix US. 
• Security: ExpressVPN goes beyond standard VPN security, offering industry-leading features like its TrustedServer technology and exclusive Lightway VPN protocol.
• Privacy: ExpressVPN's audited no-logs policy and headquarters in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands make it a more trustworthy choice compared to IPVanish, which has a history of logging user data.
• Price: ExpressVPN costs more, but its long-term plans offer excellent value. Both VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try them risk-free.

For a detailed breakdown of each VPN’s features and performance, read our individual reviews of IPVanish and ExpressVPN. But, if you want a quick decision, ExpressVPN is the easy winner.

Pricing

Let's address the elephant in the room: ExpressVPN is notably more expensive than IPVanish.

• ExpressVPN: The annual plan is $99.95 per year (with three months free). That works out to $6.67 per month. A one-month subscription costs $12.95.
• IPVanish: Offers more budget-friendly options. Its annual plan starts at $39.99 for the first year and renews at $79.99. They also offer a monthly plan for $10.99.

The price difference between ExpressVPN and IPVanish is due to ExpressVPN’s superior features and performance. It’s the fastest and most secure VPN available, outperforming IPVanish in several areas.

If you're looking for a basic, budget-friendly VPN, choose IPVanish. However, if you prioritize top-notch speed, security, and a seamless online experience, ExpressVPN is well worth the investment.

Read more: The best budget VPNs in 2024

Both VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to test them out and experience the difference firsthand before making a final decision.

Try out IPVanish!

Which has better features? 

IPVanish allows simultaneous connections on unlimited devices, compared to ExpressVPN's limit of eight. However, ExpressVPN offers broader device compatibility, including game consoles, smart TVs, and browser extensions. You can install both VPNs on routers, but ExpressVPN simplifies this process.

ExpressVPN's extensive network of 3,000+ servers significantly outperforms IPVanish's 2,200+ servers, resulting in faster and more reliable connections worldwide. ExpressVPN also excels in streaming, thanks to its MediaStreamer SmartDNS tool, which provides smoother and buffer-free experiences than IPVanish.

Both VPNs cover security essentials like 256-bit AES encryption, kill-switches, and DNS/IPv4 leak protection. However, ExpressVPN offers additional features like TrustedServer technology and split tunneling, providing an extra layer of security.

In terms of privacy, ExpressVPN's audited no-logs policy and headquarters in the British Virgin Islands are more reassuring than IPVanish's history of secretly logging user data. It’s also based in the US.

Overall, ExpressVPN excels in performance, device compatibility, and advanced features, making it a superior choice despite its higher price point. IPVanish's strength lies in its greater number of simultaneous connections and affordability.

Are routers supported? 

IPVanish and ExpressVPN provide dedicated support for various routers, router guides, and live chat assistance for installation. However, ExpressVPN is easier to install and manage on routers.

While both VPNs support installation on compatible routers, IPVanish is compatible with fewer models. ExpressVPN is compatible with popular router brands like Asus, DD-WRT, and Tomato. 

ExpressVPN's installation process is generally smoother and requires less technical expertise than IPVanish. Its website also has comprehensive installation guides.

Overall, while both VPNs offer router support, ExpressVPN's wider compatibility and more straightforward installation process give it the advantage.

What websites do they access? 

Both ExpressVPN and IPVanish can unblock popular streaming platforms like: 

• Netflix
• BBC iPlayer
• Disney+
• HBO Max

But ExpressVPN excels with faster, more reliable connections, especially for live streaming and accessing regional content, thanks to its extensive server network.

ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature further enhances the streaming experience by minimizing buffering. While IPVanish also unblocks major streaming sites, it's much slower – especially during peak times.

Try out ExpressVPN!

Netflix libraries

IPVanish and ExpressVPN offer servers in popular Netflix regions, but ExpressVPN unlocks access to significantly more Netflix libraries globally due to its more extensive global server network (100+ countries). 

In contrast, IPVanish's smaller network of 2,200+ servers in 70+ countries limits access to specific libraries and experiences more congestion, leading to slower speeds and buffering during streaming.

While both VPNs can bypass Netflix's geo-restrictions, ExpressVPN's extensive server network provides a clear advantage in accessing a wider array of content and delivering a smoother, uninterrupted streaming experience.

Try out ExpressVPN!

Torrenting capabilities

IPVanish and ExpressVPN are both suitable for torrenting, and equipped with kill-switches to prevent data leaks and split tunneling for flexible network management.

IPVanish doesn't have dedicated P2P servers, but its connections can handle most torrenting traffic. It also includes a SOCKS5 proxy for enhanced P2P performance.

ExpressVPN, on the other hand, supports torrenting across its entire server network and boasts fast, secure connections without needing specialized servers. While it doesn't offer a SOCKS5 proxy, its overall speed and security make it a reliable option for torrenting.

Both VPNs prioritize user privacy and security with robust encryption protocols and no-logs policies. ExpressVPN, with its audited no-logs policy and headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, offers stronger privacy assurances than IPVanish, which is based in the US and has a history of logging user data.

Ultimately, the choice between IPVanish and ExpressVPN for torrenting depends on your priorities. IPVanish may appeal if you seek dedicated P2P servers and SOCKS5 proxy support, while ExpressVPN offers superior overall speed, security, and privacy features.

Try out ExpressVPN!

Setup & usability

IPVanish and ExpressVPN are easy to download, set up, and install across various operating systems, with user-friendly apps available for major platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux. IPVanish offers a Chrome browser extension, while ExpressVPN goes a step further by also supporting Firefox.

IPVanish's apps are available for all major platforms and offer a seamless user experience. Its interface features an alphabetical server list and a map view, providing additional information like ping and server load for each location.

ExpressVPN also boasts easy-to-use apps with easy server switching and customization options. It includes advanced features like split tunneling and MediaStreamer, which are unavailable in IPVanish.

Mobile features

IPVanish and ExpressVPN offer user-friendly mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, with essential features like automatic kill-switches, 256-bit AES encryption, and multiple VPN protocols (including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2).

IPVanish’s mobile apps stand out with unique features like network block, OpenVPN Scramble for obfuscation, and automatic server selection for optimal speed. ExpressVPN offers split tunneling on Android (not iOS due to Apple’s privacy setting) for flexible network management – a feature not available in IPVanish.

ExpressVPN provides in-app 24/7 live chat support for on-demand troubleshooting. IPVanish has no live chat support within the app.

While both VPNs deliver a smooth mobile experience, ExpressVPN excels with its faster speeds, wider server network, and additional features like split tunneling on Android and in-app live chat.

Try out ExpressVPN!

Performance & speed

In our tests, ExpressVPN consistently outperformed IPVanish in terms of speed. This can be attributed to several factors.

ExpressVPN boasts a significantly larger server network with over 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries, compared to IPVanish's network of 2,200+ servers in around 75 locations. This extensive network allows ExpressVPN to mitigate congestion and maintain faster speeds by distributing users across more servers.

ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol, designed for speed and efficiency without compromising security, contributes to its impressive performance, making it the world's fastest VPN. While IPVanish offers WireGuard, a fast protocol, ExpressVPN's Lightway often edges it out in performance tests.

IPVanish provides decent speeds, but ExpressVPN's larger server network, Lightway protocol, and optimized infrastructure give it a clear advantage in speed and reliability.

Security

ExpressVPN and IPVanish are both reputable VPNs with solid security measures. They offer 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill-switches, DNS/IPv4 leak protection, and multiple VPN protocols to safeguard your online activities.

IPVanish supports various industry-standard VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. However, ExpressVPN distinguishes itself with its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is renowned for its exceptional speed, reliability, and security.

While both VPNs prioritize security, ExpressVPN goes above and beyond with additional tools like TrustedServer technology, which ensures that all server data is wiped with each reboot, enhancing user privacy. ExpressVPN also offers split tunneling for greater flexibility and control over your connection.

Both VPNs provide robust security features, but ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol, TrustedServer technology, and additional security tools make it a more comprehensive and secure choice for users.

Privacy

For privacy-conscious users, the location of a VPN's headquarters is crucial. While IPVanish and ExpressVPN claim to follow strict no-logs policies, the truth is more complicated.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly location outside the major surveillance alliances. In contrast, IPVanish is headquartered in the US, a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance, and is known for its surveillance practices.

ExpressVPN further strengthens its privacy commitment by using TrustedServer technology, which ensures that its servers operate exclusively on RAM and are wiped clean with every reboot, leaving no trace of user data. IPVanish, on the other hand, does not employ such technology.

ExpressVPN also regularly undergoes independent audits to verify its no-logs policy and security practices. IPVanish, while claiming a no-logs policy, has a history of logging user data and has not undergone recent independent audits, raising concerns for some privacy advocates.

Both VPNs offer anonymous payment options like cryptocurrency, but ExpressVPN's stronger privacy features, jurisdiction, and transparency through independent audits make it a more compelling choice for those who prioritize privacy.

Try out ExpressVPN!

Customer service

ExpressVPN and IPVanish both offer comprehensive customer support but with some key differences.

Both VPNs provide 24/7 live chat support with human agents. However, ExpressVPN stands out with its consistently faster response times and more in-depth assistance.

IPVanish offers additional support channels, including email and phone support, which are unavailable with ExpressVPN. However, ExpressVPN's live chat is generally sufficient to resolve most issues efficiently.

Both VPNs provide extensive online resources such as setup guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles. IPVanish also offers a community forum where users can interact and seek help from fellow subscribers.

So, ExpressVPN excels with its fast and efficient live chat, while IPVanish provides a broader range of support channels. The choice ultimately depends on your preferred communication method and the required level of assistance.

Try out ExpressVPN!

Methodology: how we compared IPVanish and ExpressVPN

We rigorously evaluate every VPN using a comprehensive set of criteria and metrics. Only a select few of the hundreds of VPNs we’ve tested meet our stringent standards, and both IPVanish and ExpressVPN are among them.

Here’s a glimpse into the key factors we consider:

• Global server network: We prioritize VPNs with vast, speed-optimized server networks across numerous countries to ensure fast and reliable connections worldwide.
• Fast connections: A good VPN shouldn’t significantly impact your internet speed, and the best ones have minimal impact on your connection.
• Excellent security: At the very least, a VPN should offer 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv4 leak protection, automatic kill-switches, and other advanced security features.
• Transparent privacy policies: We prioritize VPNs with strict no-logs policies, RAM-only servers, and headquarters in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.
• Privacy tools: Additional features like stealth modes, ad blockers, and IP address rotators further enhance online anonymity and privacy.
• Access content: We only recommend VPNs that reliably unblock popular streaming platforms, banking apps, and other restricted content services.
• Good value: Affordability is important, so we look for VPNs with simple, cost-effective plans and generous money-back guarantees.
• Easy to use: The best VPNs have user-friendly apps across all devices, making them accessible even for less tech-savvy users.
• Customer support: Our top VPNs offer 24/7 live support (with human agents), extensive knowledge bases, forums, and more.

Looking to conduct your own VPN tests? You can follow our comprehensive review process as a guide. Or, you can save yourself the hassle and opt for ExpressVPN. 

Conclusion: IPVanish vs ExpressVPN 

ExpressVPN consistently outshines IPVanish in speed, performance, security, and overall user experience, making it our #1 VPN.

ExpressVPN's extensive server network ensures faster, more reliable connections worldwide. It effortlessly unblocks popular streaming platforms, provides robust security and privacy features and user-friendly apps, and allows up to eight simultaneous connections.

Don't just take our word for it – try ExpressVPN yourself and experience the difference. With a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose.