If you’re confused between these two VPNs, this article is just for you.
By the end of this piece, you’ll have a concrete idea of which is the better VPN. I’ve considered all the most important features you should pay attention to when selecting a VPN.
You can start with both VPNs without any payment commitments. You get 30 days of trial with each which means this piece isn’t a sales pitch. You only pay if you’re satisfied.
Let’s get started then?
Verified no log policy
Should you trust a VPN simply because it says it doesn’t store logs? Certainly not. A long list of VPNs long list of VPNs that have been caught colluding and chumming up to the FBI and other agencies.
This is where “verified” no-log policies come to the rescue. A number of VPNs get themselves audited by unaffiliated third parties. This proves that the VPN’s claims of not storing logs are true.
Fortunately, both ExpressVPN and IPVanish have been independently audited. In both the cases, it was found that no identifiable logs are stored by either of them
ExpressVPN has been audited by KPMG while IPVanish employed Leviathan Security Group for its audits. My problem is, Leviathan too is a U.S based company. While I’ve no issues with Leviathan, a U.S based security firm, auditing a U.S-based VPN does tingle my spidey senses.
Winner: Tie (both audited independently).
Jurisdiction
I wouldn’t even waste your time here. ExpressVPN is a clear winner when it comes to jurisdictions.
ExpressVPN operates out of the British Virgin Islands, which is known for its strong commitment to online privacy laws, the latter hails from the United States. We all know the state of privacy laws in the U.S, don’t we?
While both countries adhere to a “no mandatory data retention” policy, we know that’s just on paper. Big Brother isn’t always known to adhere to rules.
Oh, on the financial side, ExpressVPN pays lesser taxes due to the tax laws in BVI. As a result, they may use the funds to make the service better or offer cheaper rates to us.
Winner: Of course, ExpressVPN. I’m strictly against VPNs from the U.S.
Obfuscated Servers
Now this is a more advanced feature that you should look for. When you connect to a VPN, your ISP can generally detect that you’re using a VPN.
Some ISPs may flag you for this. In some countries, there may even be stricter punishments if VPNs are entirely banned in your region.
This is where you’d need obfuscated servers. When you connect to these servers using your VPN, your ISP can not detect your use of the VPN.
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer obfuscation. IPVanish has a version of it though. They call it “scrambled connection”. It basically masks your traffic ensuring your ISP stays in the dark.
Winner: IPVanish because ExpressVPN completely lacks the feature.
Available Server and Countries
So, which countries can you connect to?
ExpressVPN is one of the most country-rich VPNs on the planet. It lets you connect to as many as 94 countries.
IPVanish on the other hand only has 75 countries to connect to. Hey, that’s a long list too. However, this piece is all about ExpressVPN vs. IPVanish, isn’t it? Comparatively, ExpressVPN seems to be the winner here, doesn’t it?
Even if we look at the number of servers, ExpressVPN comes out on top. It offers 3400+ servers while IPVanish is limited at 2000+.
Winner: ExpressVPN, it offers more countries and servers than IPVanish.
Speed
What’s the most common problem with VPNs? They reduce speed. Hey, that’s a fact. Some VPNs impact speed lesser than others, but they all do.
Now, the winner here obviously will bet the VPN that reduces less of your speed.
Now, both the VPNs are fast for sure. IPVanish uses WireGuard which is one of the fastest VPN protocols in existence.
ExpressVPN on the other hand, developed one of its own protocols which they’re calling the “Lightway” protocol.
As the name suggests, it’s faster than most other protocols out there. It also offers some other desirable benefits such as hopping between connections. Meaning, during short network drops, the VPN still remains connected.
Even in my personal experience, ExpressVPN is faster. In fact, one of the primary selling points for ExpressVPN has always been its speed.
We’ve also already discussed the numbers of available servers, haven’t we? That’s another reason which impacts the speed you get with each VPN.
Winner: ExpressVPN.
Ad/Malware and Malicious Site Blocker
While a VPN’s primary job is to mask your IP address, that’s not its only function. At least, not for all VPNs.
ExpressVPN has this “Threat Protection” feature. It prevents ads, malicious sites from communicating with your device or harming you. It’s basically a DNS-blocker and the list is updated frequently on ExpressVPN’s end.
Unfortunately, IPVanish missed out on the feature entirely.
Winner: ExpressVPN.
Simultaneous Connections
This is one of the glory moments for IPVanish. It lets you connect unlimited devices to the VPN. This means you pay just once and your entire family (friends & relatives as well) are secure. No additional payments whatsoever.
And yes, this doesn’t result in any bandwidth throttling, speed reduction or anything else of that kind.
ExpressVPN on the other hand is limited just to 5 devices/account. Not just when compared to IPVanish, but 5 is a low number for the industry in general.
If you go through our NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN review, you’d see Nord too allows as many as devices.
Unblocking Netflix Libraries
Did you know your OTT providers do not grant you access to all the content they have? Yes. Netflix, the largest OTT platform on the planet only shows you selective content, here I am sharing with you my biggest all-time Netflix best series list.
This is primarily dependent on your location and not your account. However, you can’t take a flight to another country just to watch a movie, can you?
That’s where a VPN comes into effect. As is clear, the VPN will change your IP address, which changes your location which grants you unrestricted access.
The problem? Simply changing IP address doesn’t really unblock Netflix. Netflix is pretty smart and can detect most VPNs.
ExpressVPN is capable of unblocking about 7 regions without getting detected. Do note that these regions are specific. So, you trying to unblock other regions would still get you detected.
IPVanish on the other hand only unblocks the U.S libraries. This is an actual response from their support team confirming the same:
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Winner: ExpressVPN as it can unblock about 7 regions as compared to 1 region (U.S) by IPVanish.
Account Registration & Payment Anonymity
I include this in all my VPN comparisons for a reason. This is your first point of contact with the VPN, isn’t it?
Even with no log VPNs, you can’t ever be 100% certain. Hence, I like to make sure I’m anonymous from day 1, I’m sure you would too, eh?
Now, both VPNs do allow signing up with complete anonymity. They wouldn’t ask for your personal details or payment information. The user can easily find out any duplicate fake information https://www.fakepersongenerator.com/ and can generate any anonymous or self-disposable email service, By the user can use that email to buy any of one VPN services.
While fiat (traditional) payment modes are available, both VPNs also allow Cryptocurrency payments.
Winner: Tie, both are equally anonymous in terms of registration and payment.
VPN Splitting
This is a feature that offers you control over which apps/browsers should or shouldn’t use the VPN while connected.
E.g. you may be using the VPN in general but would also like to watch Netflix. Changing the IP will result in different content and maybe even detection, right? You do not need to give up your VPN protection altogether.
VPN Splitting lets you bypass your browser (or any other app) so that everything else uses the VPN, except the browser/app.
Fortunately, both ExpressVPN and IPVanish offer VPN splitting features.
Winners: Tie.
Support
The support you get should obviously factor-in when you’re choosing your VPN, shouldn’t it?
Now, both companies have a 24X7 live chat. That’s standard, expected and a happy feature.
However, if we look deeper, I’ve personally had a better experience with ExpressVPN’s support.
I say that because of the responses and attitude I received from both teams. The ExpressVPN team had more direct answers while the IPVanish team redirected me to articles and FAQ links for answers.
Context: I asked them both for a specific screenshot, ExpressVPN directly offered the screenshot AND a relevant link. IPVanish only shared a link from which I could capture the screenshot manually.
I’m not saying the IPVanish team isn’t good. They are. They’re also fast and very responsive. Also, it depends on each representative I got connected to, their mood at the time and so much more.
Winner: Tie, they both offer a fast and responsive chat so let’s leave it at that eh?
ExpressVPN vs. IPVanish Pricing Plans
Finally, let’s discuss the pricing, eh?
The cheapest plan you can get with ExpressVPN costs $6.67/month. IPVanish offers cheaper options with an entry-price of $3.33/month.
The plan mentioned above for ExpressVPN is only offered on its 12 month-package, and you get 3 free months. In total, you get 15 months. You’re billed $80.00 for 15 months.
IPVanish’s cheapest plan is billed for 2 years. Meaning, you’re paying $79.99 for 24 months.
Winner: IPVanish as it offers 24 months for the same pricing as ExpressVPN charges for 15 months.
Refund Policy
There’s a chance you may not like either of these VPNs, right? Will you get a refund? If yes, how many days do you have to test these out?
Well, both ExpressVPN and IPVanish offer a 30-day refund policy. No questions asked. You get a full refund in both the cases.
Winner: Tie.
Final Words:
So, which is the better VPN of these two? Certainly, ExpressVPN. Now you want to looking other vpn service that also very good in privacy and anonymity then you might try below given any one VPN services.
| NordVPN | Surfshark VPN | AtlasVPN | ExpressVPN | TorGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. NordVPN | 2. SurfShark VPN | 3. AtlasVPN | 4. ExpressVPN | 5. TorGuard |
 |  |  |  |  |
It’s faster, has better jurisdiction, offers more countries, has a malware blocker, and unblocks more OTT libraries.
IPVanish has its strengths too. It offers obfuscated servers and unlimited devices. It’s also cheaper, however; if you take my advice, never let budget be your driving factor when selecting a VPN.
Feel free to go with either VPN and take them for a ride? With their 30-day refund policies, I’m certain you can decide who wins this ExpressVPN vs. IPVanish fight for yourself!
