Surfshark vs. IPVanish 2024: Who Takes the Crown?

In this battle of the ritans, we pit Surfshark's unbeatable pricing and expansive server list against IPVanish's robust platform compatibility.

Ryan L. Clancy, Author

Steph Trejos, Editor

Last updated Jul 12, 2024

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

4.6

Editorial Rating

On Surfshark's website

VPN

Surfshark

7 day free trial on 12 and 24 month plans

All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support

4.5

Editorial Rating

On IPVanish's website

VPN

IPVanish

Unlimited devices for each plan
Works with popular streaming services like Netflix
Independently verified no-logs policy
Failed kill switch test
Desktop interface isn't as clean as the mobile app

Surfshark and IPVanish are two juggernauts in the VPN space, offering comprehensive features and strong performance metrics in regard to speed, streaming, and more.

But which is the knight in shining armor? Is it Surfshark, the cost-effective service for all your protection needs, or is it IPVanish, the versatile defender of all your devices? Let's delve into the details to see how Surfshark and IPVanish stack up.

In this article

At a glance
Which VPN is the better value?
Which VPN is faster?
Which VPN is more secure?
Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer support?
FAQs
Which VPN is better?

Surfshark vs. IPVanish at a glance

While Surfshark VPN and IPVanish VPN both offer a treasure trove of security features, they differ significantly in some key areas, such as pricing, server count, and customer support.

Surfshark excels for comprehensive security, offering an ad blocker and alternative IDs along with antivirus and identity protection on higher tiers. On the other hand, IPVanish brings lots of compatibility to the table.

Surfshark: Best for comprehensive security
IPVanish: Best for multiple types of devices

How do Surfshark and IPVanish compare?


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, Android, iOS, and more	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more
# of servers	3,200+ in 100 countries	2,400+ in 90+ countries
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish Review

How we test and rate VPNs

We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.

Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.

To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.

Surfshark pros and cons

Surfshark is an impressive newcomer to the VPN market. It has an easy-to-use interface, with a quick connection option and clearly labeled server options for anyone new to VPNs.

One way Surfshark stands out is its unlimited simultaneous connections. That way, you'll be able to connect every computer, smartphone, and smart device in your home without worrying about running out of slots.

Pros

Budget-friendly pricing
User-friendly interface
Allows for unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons

Based in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes alliance country
Too many plan options could get confusing

IPVanish pros and cons

IPVanish has a starting price of $2.19/mo (billed every two years), which is easy on the wallet. And if you're unsure, you'll have 30 days to test out the service Similar to Surfshark, IPVanish also lets you connect an unlimited number of device so you can't go wrong with either option for value.

IPVanish's extensive compatibility will ensure that you can put those device connections to good use. Beyond your standard operating systems and smartphones, you'll also be able to connect routers, Apple TVs, Fire TVs, Nokia Streaming Box, and more devices.

Pros

Budget-friendly pricing
Allows for unlimited simultaneous connections
Extensive compatibility with operating systems, phones, smart devices, and more

Cons

Smaller server network than Surfshark
Based in the U.S., a Five Eyes alliance country

Which VPN is the better value?

	Our Pick
Price range	$2.19–$17.95/mo	$2.19–$10.99/mo
Best value plan	24-month plan for $2.19/mo (billed every two years)	2- year plan for $2.19/mo (billed every two years)
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 30 days
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish Review

When it comes to your wallet, Surfshark and IPVanish offer a range of pricing plans designed to suit various budgets, its prices range from $2.19–$17.95/mo.

Surfshark's prices have such a wide range because there are three pricing tiers: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. Surfshark Starter is the most basic plan, but it still includes the VPN, plus an ad blocker and alternative IDs. Surfshark One and One+ are for more comprehensive protection, including features like antivirus and data removal services.

We selected the two-year Starter plan as the best value, which costs $2.19/mo (billed every two years).

On the other hand, IPVanish prices run from $2.19–$10.99/mo, with the only difference in plans being the subscription length. The two-year plan priced at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) serving as the best value.

Both providers give peace of mind with their 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to essentially take each VPN for a test run. This is a great way to decide which service best suits your needs without any financial risk. If you're looking to save money on a VPN, these extended plans certainly offer the most bang for your buck.

Surfshark vs. IPVanish: payment options

Surfshark and IPVanish offer a variety of payment options, including credit/debit cards and PayPal. Surfshark goes a step further by supporting Google Pay and Apple Pay, along with a broader range of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether. Using cryptocurrencies for payment can add an extra layer of anonymity, which may appeal to privacy-focused users.

Surfshark payment options

Credit/debit cards
PayPal
Google Pay
Apple Pay
Cryptocurrencies (bitcoin, ether, etc.)

IPVanish payment options

Credit cards
PayPal
Bitcoin and additional cryptocurrencies

Winner: Surfshark edges out as the winner. Although both services have the same starting price, we appreciate Surfshark's additional payment methods and plan variety.

Which VPN is faster?

One of the critical factors that can make or break your VPN experience is internet speed. We evaluate a VPN's speed performance first by recording our baseline internet speed with no VPN connection. Then, we'll connect to servers worldwide and record our new speeds.

The table below shows how much of a hit Surfshark and IPVanish took to our baseline speed while connected to servers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.

Server location		Our Pick
US	4% slower	4% slower
CA	9% slower	5% slower
UK	9% slower	10% slower
AU	34% slower	29% slower
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish Review

Surfshark and IPVanish actually had similar results in their speed tests. Both only slowed our internet connection by 4% while connected to a U.S. server. However, IPVanish also had a smaller impact on our speeds with the Canadian server as well as the Australian server.

It's crucial to note that servers physically distant from your location are naturally prone to slower speeds and higher latency. So we were impressed both services had only small decreases in download speed while connected to the U.K. server.

Winner: It was a tight race, but we'll give the win to IPVanish. It slowed our speeds less with more server locations than Surfshark.

Which VPN is more secure?

Although they appear matched in features, Surfshark takes the win for its larger server network and headquarters with no data retention laws.

Feature	Our Pick
Number of servers	3,200+ servers in 100+ countries	2,400+ servers in 90+ locations
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
VPN headquarters	The Netherlands	United States
Encryption	AES-256-GCM	AES-256
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPsec
Kill switch
Split tunneling
DNS leak protection
Ad blocker
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish Review

At first glance, Surfshark and IPVanish seem evenly matched in features, offering military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling.

You can easily choose which apps are required to use the IPVanish VPN connection and which apps should bypass the VPN connection. This may be ideal for apps that need a faster connection, such as games.

Kill switches are crucial for ensuring your data isn't exposed if the VPN connection drops, while split tunneling allows you to route some traffic through the VPN and some through your local network — essential for users who want to access local and international content simultaneously.

But if you dig a little deeper, there are notable differences. Surfshark boasts a more extensive network with over 3,200 servers across 100 countries. IPVanish has a thousand fewer servers along with a smaller country count.

Unfortunately, both VPN providers are based in Eyes alliance countries, with the Netherlands in the Nine Eyes Alliance and the U.S. in the Five Eyes Alliance. However, the Netherlands doesn’t have an obligatory data retention law, so it’s more privacy-focused.

At least both have no-logs policies. Surfshark's no-logs policy was independently audited by Deloitte, while IPVanish's no-logs policy was independently audited by Leviathan.

Surfshark also comes with CleanWeb, which is not just an ad blocker but a malware and tracker blocker too. IPVanish also has its own content blocker, known as Threat Protection.

A screenshot of the Surfshark VPN settings menu with the CleanWeb ad blocker option highlighted

Winner: Surfshark nudges ahead with its more extensive server network and privacy-friendly jurisdiction.

Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?

	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Routers
Smart devices
Browser extensions	Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Live chat, email, online guides	Live chat, phone, email, online guides
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish Review

Navigating Surfshark and IPVanish’s user interfaces is generally a smooth experience. However, Surfshark’s UI has a more intuitive design, making it easier for VPN newbies to get up to speed quickly.

The Surfshark dashboard open on the main VPN page. — Surfshark app dashboard

IPVanish isn't far behind but could benefit from a more streamlined settings menu.

Both VPN services offer 24/7 customer support, but IPVanish slightly edges out Surfshark with more comprehensive support options. Surfshark offers live chat, email, support, and online guides but lacks the phone support included with IPVanish.

Winner: While both VPNs are strong contenders, Surfshark slightly leads in compatibility due to its more intuitive user interface. However, if customer support options, particularly phone support, are a priority for you, IPVanish has a modest edge.

FAQs

What are Surfshark’s downsides?

While Surfshark offers a comprehensive suite of features, it does lack phone support and has fewer years in the industry, affecting its standing against longer-established rivals.

Its also based in an Eyes alliance country, which could be trouble to privacy-minded users.

What is cheaper than IPVanish?

When it comes to pricing, CyberGhost emerges as the cheaper option, offering its lowest-priced plan at just $2.03/mo (billed every two years).

Is Surfshark good for Netflix?

Absolutely, Surfshark shines when it comes to unblocking Netflix libraries from around the globe. With an expansive network of 3,200-plus servers spread across 100 countries, you can expect highly reliable connections, smooth streaming, and minimal buffering, perfect for those Netflix marathons.

Is it safe to use IPVanish?

Generally speaking, IPVanish offers a secure online experience thanks to its industry-standard AES-256 encryption and a variety of VPN protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN. The service maintains a strict no-logs policy, providing users with anonymity. However, its base in the United States may raise some concerns for those particularly sensitive about jurisdiction and data retention laws.

Is Surfshark or IPVanish better?

Surfshark comes in strong with its cost-effective pricing of $2.19/mo (billed every two years), a vast array of over 3,200 servers, and a robust no-logs policy. Its drawbacks are its lack of phone support and occasional speed inconsistencies. On the other hand, IPVanish shines in its additional security and support options but comes with a slightly higher starting price and fewer servers.

Overall, Surfshark takes the crown for its unbeatable price, a larger number of servers, and its versatile feature set.

Surfshark vs. IPVanish alternatives

Not sold on Surfshark or IPVanish? Here are some of the best VPN alternatives:


Price	$3.39–$15.99/mo	$2.03–$11.99/mo	$2.03–$12.99/mo
Free version
Max # of connected devices	10	Unlimited	7
# of servers	6,400+ servers in 111 countries	Servers in 91 countries	Servers in 100 countries
VPN protocol	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec	WireGuard, OpenVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Encryption	AES-256-GCM	AES-128-GCM	AES 256-bit
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs	No logs
Headquarters	Panama	United States	Romania
Netflix access
Learn more	Get NordVPN	Get Private Internet Access	Get CyberGhost

Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network

4.6

Editorial Rating

On Surfshark's website

VPN

Surfshark

7 day free trial on 12 and 24 month plans

All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.