When you’re choosing a VPN today, it’s not just about price or a pretty homepage. It’s about how fast you connect, whether the service actually protects you, and whether it unlocks content you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. And that’s why I’ve embarked on a direct comparison of IPVanish vs ExpressVPN. Both services have a strong name, but that doesn’t mean they’re equal.
I’ve created a handy overview of how these two VPNs perform in real-world use – in terms of security, speed, number of servers, streaming options, control, and price. I test VPNs every day, so I know what really works – and what’s just marketing speak.
🔐 Which VPN offers better security?
ExpressVPN: High levels of protection and no compromises
- AES-256 encryption with proprietary Lightway protocol – fast, lightweight and secure.
- Kill Switch (Network Lock) available across platforms – reliably protects IP in the event of an outage.
- Zero-logs policy verified by independent audits (PwC).
- Servers run only in RAM mode – nothing is stored.
- Headquarters: British Virgin Islands – beyond the reach of intelligence alliances like Five Eyes.
IPVanish: Solid foundation, but a few weak spots
- AES-256 encryption with support for OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2.
- Kill switch only on selected platforms (not on iOS).
- It is based in the US, so it is subject to federal surveillance and possible data sharing.
- In the past there was a case of data transfer to the FBI (it is an older case, but relevant).
Verdict
If security is your number one priority, ExpressVPN is the clear winner. It offers independent audits, RAM-only servers, and is based outside of jurisdictions that commonly share data.
📊 Which VPN has better features? IPVanish or ExpressVPN
| Functions | IPVanish | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Current device connections | Unlimited | 8 devices |
| Total number of servers | 2 400+ | 3 000+ |
| Number of countries | 75 (140 sites) | 105 |
| Split tunneling (traffic splitting) | ❌ (Android and Fire TV only) | ✅ (Windows, Android, routers) |
| Kill switch (emergency disconnect) | ✅ (desktop applications only) | ✅ (all major platforms) |
| Traffic blackout (obfuscation) | ❌ | ✅ (automatically activated) |
| Custom DNS servers | ❌ | ✅ (fully owned and protected) |
⚡ Connection speed: Who can handle 4K stream and gaming?
A VPN shouldn’t slow down your internet so much that you can cook dinner in the meantime. I tested both services in multiple locations – Europe, US, Asia – and tried common scenarios: surfing, streaming 4K videos, and online gaming.
ExpressVPN
- Average speed loss: 8-12%
- The Lightway protocol significantly speeds up connections, especially when switching servers.
- Stable performance without interruptions even under high load.
- Streaming and gaming are smooth, with no lag or buffering.
IPVanish
- Speed loss: 15-22% depending on location.
- The WireGuard protocol produces good results, but the fluctuations are more noticeable.
- Servers in the EU and US are fast, but Asia and South America fluctuate.
- Torrenting works without restrictions – which is a plus for P2P users.
Verdict
ExpressVPN is faster and more stable, especially for streaming and gaming. IPVanish is competitive, but performance is less consistent across regions.
🌍 Wherever you connect: Servers and coverage
ExpressVPN (as of June 2025)
- 3 000+ servers
- 105 countries
- 164 sites
- Servers optimized for streaming, TOR, P2P.
- They work even in heavily censored countries (China, Iran, Russia).
- Some servers are virtual, but stability does not suffer.
IPVanish
- 2 400+ servers
- 75+ countries ( 140 locations ) over 40,000 IP addresses
- All servers are physical, no virtual IPs.
- Not as strong in regional coverage (Africa, Asia has a weaker presence).
- Strong focus on the US market and Europe.
Verdict
If you want access to global content (e.g. when travelling), ExpressVPN offers a much wider choice. IPVanish keeps up in the major regions, but otherwise loses out.
🎬 Streaming: who unlocks more content?
This is often the main reason why people get a VPN in the first place – to bypass geoblocks and watch content they can’t at home. I’ve tested access to services like Netflix US/UK, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video and more.
ExpressVPN
- Works on almost all major VOD platforms
- Netflix US, UK, JP, DE – no problems.
- Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer – fully accessible.
- Smart Location automatically recommends the most suitable server.
- Excellent speeds even when streaming 4K content.
IPVanish
- Netflix works on selected servers (often by trial and error).
- Disney+ and Hulu tend to be blocked.
- No servers optimized for stream.
- Buffering at higher resolutions is not exceptional.
Verdict
ExpressVPN is the obvious choice for streamers. If it’s Netflix, HBO Max or sports streaming (ESPN, DAZN) you’re after, look no further. IPVanish may be fine for the undemanding, but it’s not a “Netflix from around the world” VPN.
📱 Application, interface and usability
VPNs shouldn’t be a science. Turn it on, pick a server, go. That’s how it’s supposed to be.
ExpressVPN
- Elegant and minimal interface – suitable for beginners.
- Support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, Smart TV, Fire TV, PS5, Xbox…
- Features split tunneling, custom DNS, dark mode, tracking protection.
- Pleasant even on mobile – ideal for travelling.
IPVanish
- It offers more technical options – great for geeks.
- Works on all major systems + Amazon Fire TV.
- Unlimited number of devices within one account.
- The design is functional, but not that modern or intuitive.
Verdict
ExpressVPN is simple, clean and stable. IPVanish will please technical types who want to tweak the parameters, but it’s not a VPN for grandma or a non-technical user.
💬 Customer support and user experience
ExpressVPN
- Live chat 24/7, lightning fast response.
- Answers accurate, human, no frills.
- Documentation is clear, instructions in Czech.
- Possibility of contact via e-mail – reply within a few hours.
IPVanish
- Live chat works, but sometimes longer wait.
- Email support within 48 hours.
- Documentation OK, but less clear.
- The forum for community support is missing.
Verdict
ExpressVPN has some of the best support in the industry. If you’re not a techie and need help, they’ve got your back. IPVanish is a little slower and less personal.
💸 VPN prices and value for money
| Plan | ExpressVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.95 | $12.99 |
| 2 year plan | 1-year plan $99.95 (roughly $4.99/month) | $52.56 (roughly $2.19/month) |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Number of devices | 8 simultaneously | Unlimited |
Verdict
IPVanish is cheaper and more convenient for those who need to protect a lot of devices. ExpressVPN is more expensive, but offers better quality, security and a better streaming experience.
🧠 Summary: Who is the winner of these 2 VPN services?
- ExpressVPN – better security, speed, support and streaming. Ideal for demanding users.
- IPVanish – cheaper, simple to P2P and download, strong in number of devices.
If you’re after top quality and everything has to work right the first time, ExpressVPN is a safe bet. If you’re looking for a VPN for everyday use and want to protect your entire household without limits, IPVanish is a great bang for your buck.
