IPVanish vs. Private Internet Access 2024: Which Is More Reliable and Cost-Effective?

Private Internet Access (PIA) is the superior VPN when compared to IPVanish, especially when it comes to being a budget-friendlier option that still delivers on all the security and privacy features you're looking for. Still, IPVanish is not a bad choice either.

It's more important than ever to safeguard your online privacy and security. As there are numerous virtual private network (VPN) services available, it can be daunting to choose the right one. That's why we pit the best VPNs against each other to find the best of the pack.

In this article, we will compare the costs, features, performance, and more between IPVanish and Private Internet Access, two popular VPN providers, so that you can make an informed decision about which to purchase.

IPVanish vs. Private Internet Access at a glance

Both IPVanish and Private Internet Access offer specific benefits that can cater to different user needs. The former is best suited for those seeking a VPN that offers high-speed performance, robust customer support, and good streaming. In contrast, PIA has an extensive server network and it is suitable for users on a budget, providing an affordable service without compromising any security features.

• IPVanish: Best for users seeking high-speed performance
• Private Internet Access: Best for budget shoppers

How do IPVanish and Private Internet Access compare?

		Our Pick
Starting price	From $2.19/mo (billed every two years)	From $2.19/mo (billed every two years)
Max # of connected devices	Unlimited	Unlimited
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
# of servers	2,400+ servers in 130+ locations	Unlisted in 91 countries and 50 U.S. states
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPsec	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish review	Get PIA Read PIA review

IPVanish pros and cons

IPVanish is a strong option for a VPN, letting you have unlimited simultaneous connections for an affordable price point. It has a good amount of servers at your disposal, plus gives you access to some top-notch security features, like a kill switch, split tunneling, and even an ad blocker.

Not only does IPVanish have a no-logs policy, it has also been independently verified, which helps support their image as a company that cares about your privacy.

PIA pros and cons

In terms of pricing, Private Internet Access is definitely the more affordable option, with plans starting at $2.19/mo (billed every two years). In comparison, IPVanish's lowest plan starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years).

But its cheaper price doesn't mean you get less in return. You'll get a decent amount of server locations, a court-tested no logs policy, and the shiny security features, like a kill switch, split tunneling, multihop, and more. You can even check to see if your email has been part of a data breach, thanks to Identity Guard.

Which VPN is the better value?

While both IPVanish and PIA are very affordable VPN options, PIA pulls out ahead and offers the slightly better value.

		Our Pick
Price range	$2.19–$14.99/mo	$2.19–$11.99/mo
Best value plan	2-year plan for $2.19/mo (billed every two years)	2 years + 2 months plan for $2.19/mo (billed every two years)
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30-day risk-free	Yes — 30-day risk-free
	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish review	Get PIA Read PIA review

IPVanish offers a monthly, annual, and biannual plan. These range from just $2.19/mo (billed every two years) to $12.99/mo for the monthly plan. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee provided, allowing users to try IPVanish’s services risk-free.

Private Internet Access offers a one month, six month, and two-year plan. These range from about $2.19/mo (billed every two years) to about $11.99/mo for the monthly plan. PIA also allows you to select the most suitable plan for you while being covered by their 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test their service without worrying.

Payment options

Both IPVanish and Private Internet Access offer a variety of payment options for users to choose from, including traditional credit card payments, PayPal, and various cryptocurrencies. For users seeking additional privacy and anonymity, using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin can provide an extra layer of security, as these transactions do not require the disclosure of personal information.

IPVanish payment options

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Google Pay
• Amazon Pay

PIA payment options

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Cryptocurrency (bitcoin, ether, litecoin, etc.)
• Amazon Pay
• Paygarden (supported U.S. gift cards)

Which VPN is faster?

When comparing IPVanish and PIA speeds, our tests found that IPVanish was more consistently able to deliver better speeds, though sometimes the results were very close.

Server location	Our Pick
Speed % difference with US server	-4% slower	-6% slower
Speed % difference with UK server	-11% slower	-51% slower
Speed % difference with AU server	-29% slower	-50% slower
	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish review	Get PIA Read PIA review

The influence of a VPN on internet speeds is an important part of its performance, so we tested IPVanish and Private Internet Access’s internet speeds.

We began the speed testing by measuring download, upload, and download latency (ping) without a VPN connection. Then, we used IPVanish and Private Internet Access to connect to VPN servers in the following locations:

• U.S. (to evaluate if the VPN creates a delay even while connecting to a nearby server)
• U.K. or Europe
• Canada
• Australia

In our speed test results, both IPVanish and Private Internet Access demonstrated varying download speed, upload speed, and latency results depending on the server location. IPVanish provided consistently better upload speeds, though the results when connecting to a United States server were fairly comparable.

Which VPN is more secure?

Both VPNs offer the basic security features, but PIA takes things a step further thanks to its additional offerings.

		Our Pick
Number of servers	2,400+ servers in 130+ locations	Unlisted in 91 countries
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
VPN headquarters	United States	United States
Encryption	AES-256	AES-256
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPsec	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec
Kill switch
Split tunneling
DNS leak protection
Ad blocking
	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish review	Get PIA Read PIA review

IPVanish and Private Internet Access share several features, such as a no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, Netflix, and torrenting support. Both VPNs are headquartered in the United States, which may raise some privacy concerns due to the country's data retention policies. That said, both VPNs have passed a public third-party audit for its no-logs policy, so that may help you feel more secure.

While both VPNs offer multiple VPN protocols, IPVanish supports WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPsec, whereas PIA only utilizes WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec (on iOS).

Private Internet Access offers a built-in ad and tracker blocker called PIA MACE. IPVanish also offers an ad and tracker blocker called RedMorph as a plug-in. This feature enhances your online privacy and security by preventing unwanted ads and trackers from collecting your data.

PIA also offers data breach monitoring, while IPVanish doesn’t. This feature allows you to check if your email addresses have been part of a data breach, which is a handy security feature.

Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?

Both VPNs offer convenient customer service with a variety of options, but PIA takes this round thanks to its better compatibility (including browser extensions) and more user-friendly interface.

		Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Router
Smart devices
Browser extensions		Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Opera
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Live chat, phone, email, online guides	Live chat, email, forums, online guides
	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish review	Get PIA Read PIA review

Compatibility

As far as compatibility, both IPVanish and Private Internet Access provide support for the same operating systems, mobile apps, and even routers and smart devices.

However, PIA has the edge with its browser extension compatibility, which IPVanish does not offer.

Ease of use

When it comes to user interfaces, both IPVanish and Private Internet Access offer intuitive and user-friendly designs. Each VPN has taken care to ensure that its applications are easy to navigate, making it simple for users to connect to servers, adjust settings, and access other features.

That being said, some users might find minor differences in layout and design preferences between the two VPNs. IPVanish features a visually appealing interface with a map view and easy-to-find settings, while PIA opts for a more minimalistic design with a focus on functionality. Overall, both VPNs provide a seamless experience, and users should have little trouble finding the settings they need or understanding how to use the applications.

Customer service

Both IPVanish and Private Internet Access offer comprehensive customer support options to assist their users. With 24/7 live chat, you can expect prompt assistance in resolving any issues you might encounter.

In addition, to live chat, both VPN providers offer email support and a wealth of resources, such as support forums and knowledge bases, to help users troubleshoot problems or learn more about their VPN's features. IPVanish also offers phone support, while PIA does not.

In general, users have reported positive experiences when interacting with the customer support teams of both IPVanish and Private Internet Access. The representatives are knowledgeable and responsive, ensuring that users receive the help they need in a timely manner.

FAQs

Is IPVanish or Private Internet Access better?

Considering the features, security, price, and server network, Private Internet Access is the better overall choice for most users. With its extensive server network, more-than-competitive pricing, and suitable strong security features, PIA is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective VPN service.

Still, IPVanish offers excellent security features and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a great choice for performance-conscious users. However, its pricing is higher compared to Private Internet Access and its interface isn't quite as smooth.

Top alternatives

Curious about other options at your disposal when it comes to the best VPNs on the market? Here's how IPVanish and PIA compare against three more highly-rated VPNs: