Surfshark vs IPVanish – Which VPN is Better? (2023 Comparison)

(Last Updated On: January 10, 2023)

The following guide compares Surfshark vs IPVanish to determine which VPN provider is better.

Without a question, Surfshark and IPVanish are two of the most popular VPN services available today.

After Surfshark earned our number one VPN ranking, many have asked us to do a full comparison to IPVanish.

Although IPVanish is now ranked second on our list of best VPN providers, this is still one of the best VPNs available.

We will compare all aspects of these VPN services including pricing, speed, device compatibility, features, and more.

Millions of users trust Surfshark and IPVanish to provide secure VPN connections on all of their favorite Internet-connected devices.

This includes streaming devices such as the Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Android TV boxes, PCs, Macs, phones, tablets, and more.

For those new to VPNs, a virtual private network (VPN) will encrypt your connection to the Internet so that all activity from your connected devices is unreadable.

This will ensure that your Internet service provider (ISP), hackers, developers, website operators, and other bad actors can’t monitor what you are accessing.

There are numerous factors to consider when determining which VPN is best for you.

We also provide speed tests for both services to determine which provides a faster connection on our end.

Surfshark vs IPVanish – The Basics

In order to compare all aspects of Surfshark vs IPVanish, we signed up for accounts with both.

Both are high-quality VPN providers, and here are some quick highlights each service has that all subscribers can access with an account.

Surfshark Highlights

• Zero Log Policy
• Fabulous Firestick and Android applications
• Unlimited simultaneous connections with one account
• Low introductory pricing with our Special Discount
• Fast download & upload speeds
• Working Kill Switch on Firestick, Fire TV, and Android TV devices
• Ad blocker and malware blocker
• Split Tunneling available
• Over 3,200 VPN servers in 65 countries across the world
• Geo-block prevention works on popular streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video
• Provides popular VPN protocols
• Cooperative with Real-Debrid
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Customer Support
• Accepts Credit Card, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and Cryptocurrency

Full Surfshark Review

IPVanish Highlights

• Zero Log Policy
• 256-bit encryption
• Over 2,000 VPN Servers in over 75 countries
• Fast download speeds
• Low introductory pricing with our Special Discount
• Unlimited simultaneous connections with one account
• Compatible VPN Apps for nearly any device
• Provides popular VPN protocols
• SOCKS5 Proxy Server
• Cooperative with Real-Debrid
• Kill Switch is available on Windows, Mac, and iOS devices
• Split Tunneling
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 24/7 customer support
• Accepts PayPal and all major credit/debit cards

Full IPVanish Review

Below you will find a detailed review of the vital features of each VPN service.

Zero-Log Policy

One of the first items to review when comparing any VPN service is their company’s policy on keeping logs.

Both Surfshark and IPVanish carry a strict no-logs policy. This means neither VPN provider will monitor or keep logs of your Internet activity.

It’s not uncommon for some VPN services (such as free VPNs) to keep logs, as this data is often sold to third parties for a profit.

Where are Surfshark and IPVanish Located?

This is an important topic to discuss as Surfshark is based in the Netherlands. This means that their local laws do not force VPN providers to keep logs.

This is a huge plus for Surfshark, as the Netherlands have some of the best laws when it comes to user privacy.

Their website states the following:

“Surfshark is based in the Netherlands. We play by their rules (which are pretty great when it comes to user privacy), as there is no obligatory data retention law, we do not have to store logs, and it makes for a perfect location for a VPN provider.”

IPVanish on the other hand is located in the United States.

While the United States doesn’t have a mandatory data retention law, if an ISP or VPN company keeps communication records or other data from their customers, the government can request access to this information as per the Stored Communications Act (SCA). Furthermore, if the authorities manage to identify a specific user, they have the power to require a VPN provider to keep logs of that individual, including their online activities and financial details for at least 90 days.

Surfshark vs IPVanish – Speed

One of the most important factors when choosing a VPN provider is speed. This is especially useful for those using streaming devices to view content.

Both Surfshark and IPVanish are known to be fast VPNs when compared to the hundreds of other services available.

For our speed tests below, we tested the two VPNs on both an Amazon Fire TV Stick and Windows PC.

Although there are hundreds of Internet speed tools available, for this example I am using the Analiti Speed Test App.

Analiti is available on Firestick/Android devices which you can install through both Amazon App Store and Google Play.

The following speed test was conducted on a 200 Mbps max Internet plan.   

Wireless tests were conducted through ASUS AC3100 Router which is approximately 20 feet away from the device.

Firestick VPN Speed Tests

After installing both VPN apps on our Firestick, we ran a few speed tests for comparison purposes.

As mentioned previously, we used Analitit Speed Test and quick-connected to the server located within the USA by default.

Surfshark Chicago Server

Wi-Fi: 84 Mpbs download & 8 Mbps upload

Below is the same speed test while using IPVanish with their Chicago-based Server.

IPVanish Chicago Server

Wi-Fi: 62 Mbps download & 12 Mbps upload

As you can see from our results shown above, our internet speed is much faster when comparing Surfshark vs IPVanish.

Windows VPN Speed Tests

We also wanted to look at VPN speed test results on a Windows PC between the two providers.

Surfshark Chicago Server

Wi-Fi: 204 Mbps download & 11 Mbps upload

IPVanish Chicago Server

Wi-Fi: 138 Mbps download & 12 Mbps upload

Surfshark vs IPVanish – Server Breakdown

VPN servers play a huge role in determining your speed when connected to a VPN.

Here is a server breakdown for both Surfshark and IPVanish.

Surfshark Servers

• 3,200+ Servers
• 95 Countries

IPVanish Servers

• 2,000+ Servers
• 75+ Countries

Servers and server locations are vital when choosing a VPN Provider.

Unblocking Streaming Apps & Services

Another important factor to consider with VPNs is their ability to unblock any geo-restrictions and censorship that is common among streaming apps.

This is often the case with streaming apps/services like Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Peacock TV, and others.

After several tests with these popular streaming apps, we found Surfshark bypassed several geo-restrictions while IPVanish did not.

We even created a dedicated article that tested Surfshark with Netflix and found this VPN worked very well with unblocking geo-restrictions!

Ads/Malware Blocking

The ability to block advertisements and malware is becoming more important than ever in a growing digital world. This is an area where Surfshark excels over IPVanish.

Surfshark offers a popular CleanWeb feature on NVIDIA Shield that will stop annoying ads/malware while protecting against other attacks from hackers.

A feature like this is very important for those who use movie streaming sites and sports streaming sites to view content from their devices.

Pricing

When comparing Surfshark vs IPVanish it is important to note that both of these are paid services.

Free VPNs oftentimes come with a catch therefore we never recommend using a free VPN to protect your privacy.

Many free VPN Companies sell user data to 3rd party purchasers which eliminates the purpose of a VPN completely.

STAY AWAY FROM FREE VPNs.

The price of a VPN is typically less than that of a bucket of popcorn at a Movie Theater and will ensure safety when browsing online.

VPN companies typically have varying prices so be sure to check the official website of each service for current pricing:

IPVanish Official Website

Surfshark Official Website

Currently, Surfshark and IPVanish have comparable pricing as illustrated below.

Note: These prices are always subject to change and you should refer to the official websites for current pricing

Surfshark Prices

• $2.21/month for 2-year plan
• $3.99/month for 1-year plan
• $12.95/month for 1-month plan

IPVanish Prices

• $2.50/month for 2-year plan
• $3.99/month for 1-year plan
• $10.99/month for 1-month plan

As you can see, both VPNs offer similar pricing. Surfshark is cheaper if you are looking for a longer-term plan such as two years.

IPVanish is cheaper if you decide to pay month-to-month, but we don’t recommend doing this as it’s very expensive.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Both Surfshark and IPVanish offer 30-Day Money-Back Guarantees for their VPN services.

This is a fabulous benefit that users should take full advantage of to determine which is best.

Simply pay for a 1-month subscription and test them both to find the VPN best suited for your needs.

You can then reach out to Customer Support and cancel for a complete refund.

Surfshark vs IPVanish – Device Connections

In today’s technology-filled world, many of us are using numerous devices at the same time that benefit from a VPN.

Both Surfshark and IPVanish offer unlimited simultaneous connections for all your favorite devices.

This means you never have to worry about browsing the internet unprotected with one Surfshark or IPVanish account.

Enjoy Surfshark or IPVanish on your mobile phone, tablet, streaming device(s), PC, and more all at the same time, and never worry about your data being tracked or logged.

Most other VPNs only allow users to connect between 5-10 devices to their VPN account at a time.

Many of us have up to 12 internet-connected devices at any given moment in our household.

This means you will likely be missing out on security and privacy for numerous devices if using other VPN providers.

Device Compatibility

One of the most important factors when choosing a VPN Provider is device compatibility.

Both Surfshark and IPVanish have easy-to-install applications that you can find in numerous app stores.

This is important for cord-cutters and streamers who use their VPN service in conjunction with streaming apps and services.

However, all apps are not created equal as we found in our comparison.

When testing these apps on Firestick, the Surfshark application stood out above IPVanish.

The user interface and available settings make the Surfshark app a much better choice when compared to IPVanish.

This is vital for those who are trying to adjust settings, change servers, and access other features within a VPN application.

Below are screenshots of both the Surfshark application and the IPVanish application on Firestick.

Surfshark Application Screenshots

IPVanish Application Screenshots

The settings option within Surfshark’s Firestick app is full of various options that can increase your experience when connected.

Kill Switch

Enabling a kill switch on a VPN will disable your internet connection if your VPN is disconnected for any reason.

However, most VPN services don’t provide a kill switch on Firestick, Fire TV, and Android TV devices; IPVanish included.

Surfshark provides a working kill switch on Firestick, Fire TV, and Android TV devices that is not seen in other VPN services.

Torrenting

Using a secure VPN is a must when it comes to torrenting and downloading files on the Internet from torrent sites.

When comparing these two VPN providers, we found IPVanish to be the best VPN for torrenting.

This is due to the SOCKS5 proxy server offered by IPVanish that is not found in Surfshark or most other VPN services.

SOOCKS5 is an Internet protocol that adds another layer of protection to your VPN traffic when torrenting.

Real-Debrid Compatible

Many cord-cutters are pairing their streaming apps with Real-Debrid to access premium links for smoother playback.

Streaming without Real-Debrid can be a hassle as many encounter buffering and lag without this service implemented into their preferred app.

After testing many VPNs with this service, we found that both Surfshark and IPVanish are compatible with Real-Debrid.

Many of our subscribers also asked us to do an in-depth look at using Surfshark with Real-Debrid. See the link below for more information on that.

Does Surfshark Work With Real-Debrid?

Continue reading below for our final verdict between Surfshark vs IPVanish.

Surfshark vs IPVanish – Final Verdict

Comparing Surfshark vs IPVanish finds many similarities between these two VPN providers. However, there are many key differences as well.

When it comes to protection, you can ensure your safety with a subscription to either of these options.

Here is a breakdown of Surfshark vs IPVanish:

Speed

As shown in our tests above, Surfshark has faster download speeds when compared to IPVanish.

Advantage: Surfshark

Price

Both services provide comparable prices however Surfshark offers a slightly better rate for long-term plans.

Advantage: Surfshark (but it’s close) 

Unblocking Streaming Apps & Services

After several tests with these popular streaming apps (Netflix, Prime Video, etc.) we found Surfshark bypassed several geo-restrictions while IPVanish did not.

Advantage: Surfshark 

Torrenting

IPVanish provides a SOCKS5 Proxy Server that adds another layer of protection to your VPN traffic when torrenting. Most other VPNs don’t have this feature.

Advantage: IPVanish

Servers

Both offer a wide array of servers with Surfshark having over 3,500 in comparison to IPVanish’s 2,000.

If you are looking just at overall numbers, Surfshark has more options in server comparison.

Advantage: Surfshark

Device Connections

Both Surfshark and IPVanish provide access to unlimited devices simultaneously with just one account.

Advantage: Even

Encryption & Log Policy

Since both VPN providers offer 256-bit encryption and “zero-log” policies, this feature is an even split between the two services.

Advantage: Even

User Interface/Application

After extensive testing with both apps, it is clear to see that Surfshark has a much higher quality interface and application design.

Advantage: Surfshark

Kill Switch

Surfshark provides a working kill switch on Firestick, Fire TV, and Android TV devices while IPVanish does not.

Advantage: Surfshark

VPN Protocols

After comparing and testing the different protocol options within both VPNs, we found both VPNs provide the most popular protocols.

This includes WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP & TCP), and IKEv2 protocols.

However, IPVanish also offers L2TP, PPTP, and SOCKS5 proxy on Windows PC and Mac computers so they get the slight nod in this category.

Advantage: IPVanish

Real-Debrid Compatibility

Both Surfshark and IPVanish are compatible VPNs that work great with Real-Debrid and other premium link services.

Advantage: Even

Surfshark vs IPVanish – Closing Thoughts

Both VPNs offer a complete zero log policy which means you’ll never have to worry about these services selling or sharing your data with anyone.

Prices between the two are also comparable however you will save money by purchasing Surfshark if you choose the two-year plan.

While Surfshark and IPVanish both provide numerous VPN protocols, IPVanish offers SOCKS5 which is essential for torrenting files.

Speed is another critical factor for VPN users and Surfshark separates itself in this category.

This is found in our speed tests above that showed Surfshark having faster speeds on the Firestick and Windows PC when compared to IPVanish.

Overall, we feel that Surfshark is the better service of the two VPNs.

However, IPVanish is still a quality VPN that is ranked second behind Surfshark in our TROYPOINT VPN rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which VPN is Better Between Surfshark vs IPVanish?

This comparison reviews Surfshark vs IPVanish to determine which is the better VPN provider.

Is Surfshark Cheaper than IPVanish?

Prices oftentimes vary for VPN providers however Surfshark offers cheaper monthly rates for users with our special discount.

Is Surfshark Faster than IPVanish?

Yes. In our speed tests on an Amazon Firestick and Windows PC, Surfshark showed faster speeds when compared to IPVanish.

Does Surfshark or IPVanish Offer Any Deals?

Yes, both VPN services offer special deals exclusive to TROYPOINT visitors that can be found in this guide.

What is the Best VPN?

VPN preferences vary therefore we suggest testing numerous VPNs to determine which service is best for you.

How Many Connections Do Surfshark and IPVanish Provide?

Both Surfshark and IPVanish provide unlimited device connections with one account.