After experiencing both IPVanish and ExpressVPN, I can affirm that they boast a commendable track record in ensuring internet users’ privacy, security, and liberty to navigate the online realm.
- IPVanish: Ideal if you’re on a tight budget and have extensive families or teams requiring multiple device connections.
- ExpressVPN: Most suitable for those willing to invest extra as it provides more VPN servers and locations, delivering superior speed compared to IPVanish.
This write-up will delve into the fundamental offerings of both VPN services, highlighting their commonalities and points of distinction.
While both IPVanish and ExpressVPN boast compelling VPN attributes that might pose a challenge in decision-making, below is a comparative analysis of the two VPN services to assist you in making an informed choice.
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| VPN protocols | ||
| Simultaneous device connections | ||
| Countries and locations | ||
| Number of servers | ||
| Kill switch | ||
| Smart DNS | ||
| Data breach monitoring | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Free version | ||
| Initial cost | ||
|
|
Comparison of Pricing for IPVanish and ExpressVPN
Pricing for IPVanish
The pricing options for IPVanish include:
Monthly package: Commences at $10.99 monthly. Suitable for occasional VPN users.
Biennial package: Designed for long-term commitment. Priced at $2.19 per month, totaling $59.13 for the first two years.
Annual package: Priced at $2.79 per month, billed at $41.85 annually.
It’s worth noting that the annual and biennial subscriptions include an additional three months, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. IPVanish also presents a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android devices for annual subscription users.
Pricing for ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN, similar to IPVanish, segments its plans into one-month, six-month, and 12-month options.
1-month plan: Tailored for short-term use, priced at $12.95 per month.
6-month plan: Priced at $9.99 monthly, billed semi-annually.
12-month plan: Ideal for extended use, priced at $8.32 per month, providing cost savings upfront.
Each ExpressVPN plan is accompanied by a 30-day money-back guarantee, along with a free 7-day trial available exclusively on mobile devices.
Analyzing Features: IPVanish versus ExpressVPN
Although IPVanish and ExpressVPN offer parallel services, their functionalities vary significantly. An in-depth examination of their features is detailed below.
Data Protection Attributes
While IPVanish asserts data security against sharing, censorship, and government intervention, a concerning security aspect is its US-based operation, which falls within the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance jurisdictions that interchange user information as required. Notably, during my tests, I did not come across a data breach monitoring function on IPVanish.
VIEW: NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Comparing VPN services (TechRepublic)
Conversely, ExpressVPN is more dependable in terms of data protection and trust. Operating from the British Virgin Islands, a region without data retention laws, ExpressVPN employs breach monitoring via its password manager, ExpressVPN Keys. This feature promptly notifies users in case of password or data exposure during a breach.
VPN Security and Encryption
Both VPN providers implement OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols featuring a 256-bit AES encryption standard. However, IPVanish integrates support for the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and enhanced security compared to OpenVPN and IKEv2.
VIEW: Top 6 Enterprise VPN Solutions to Opt For (TechRepublic)
ExpressVPN is slightly superior in this realm, having developed its protocol named Lightway. Comparable to WireGuard, the Lightway VPN protocol is considered more secure than OpenVPN. Enabling the Lightway protocol by default necessitates activating Advanced Protection within your ExpressVPN application.
Additionally, ExpressVPN features RAM disk servers, ensuring that data is never retained on physical disks. Conversely, IPVanish employs encrypted hard drive servers, potentially jeopardizing user data in scenarios of server seizure.
Dividing Internet Traffic
Split tunneling enables the segregation of internet traffic between a VPN connection and regular internet connectivity. In ExpressVPN, split tunneling offers the choice to include or exclude specific applications and is accessible on Windows, Mac, Android, and routers. However, I discovered that this feature was unavailable on my Mac due to the absence of support on macOS 11 and later versions.
On the contrary, IPVanish presents dual options for split tunneling: domain-centric and application-centric. Domain-based split tunneling permits selection of websites not to be routed through the VPN, whereas application-based split tunneling allows for the prioritization of specific applications through the VPN service.Please determine which applications on your device should exclude the VPN connection.
Smart DNS
ExpressVPN holds an edge here as IPVanish lacks a Smart DNS feature. This particular feature, MediaStreamer, on the ExpressVPN app allows seamless streaming on devices that do not support native VPN applications, like smart TVs or gaming consoles.
SEE: The 5 Best Chrome VPN Extensions: A Complete Buyer’s Guide (TechRepublic)
While MediaStreamer enables unblocking of streaming sites in the U.K. and the U.S., remember that it does not encrypt your traffic or hide your IP address while in operation. Therefore, exercising caution with this feature is recommended.
Interface and user-friendliness
Both IPVanish and ExpressVPN offer applications for various operating systems such as Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. While IPVanish does not support any browser extensions, ExpressVPN provides extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
IPVanish excels in terms of device connections with its unlimited simultaneous device connection capability. In comparison, ExpressVPN allows connections to just eight devices simultaneously, which might be limiting given its high cost.
IPVanish advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections.
- Reliable kill switch.
- Responsive 24/7 live chat support.
- Seven-day free trial.
- Affordable two-year plan.
Disadvantages
- Lacks dedicated servers.
- Operates under surveillance-heavy U.S. government.
- No data breach monitoring.
ExpressVPN advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- RAM-only server technology.
- Quality, speed, and performance.
- Offers Smart DNS.
- Servers spread across 105 countries.
- Operates under user-friendly jurisdiction.
Disadvantages
- Considered costly.
- Does not offer two-year or longer subscriptions.
Should your organization opt for IPVanish or ExpressVPN?
Both IPVanish and ExpressVPN serve as top-tier VPN options for regular VPN users, each offering unique product aspects.
If speed is of utmost importance to you, and you value specialized servers and stringent privacy regulations, I recommend opting for ExpressVPN.
SEE: How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity (TechRepublic Premium)
However, if budget is a concern and you require an affordable premium VPN service with robust security and performance, then IPVanish would be a suitable choice. Despite its limitations, IPVanish comes at a lower cost compared to ExpressVPN.
In a direct comparison, I lean towards ExpressVPN, not only because of my current usage but due to its user-friendly interface when contrasted with IPVanish. Additionally, ExpressVPN is faster with a wider network of VPN servers spanning more countries, providing a truly premium VPN experience.
Review approach
My evaluation of IPVanish and ExpressVPN entailed practical testing of their mobile variants through the seven-day free trials. I scrutinized their features and performance on Android devices. During the testing phase, I observed that IPVanish offers the option to permit or restrict apps or websites from a secure VPN connection, while ExpressVPN allows this control only for apps.
In terms of speed, both exhibited commendable ratings, yet ExpressVPN appeared to deliver superior performance. To complement my assessment, I assimilated information from their respective websites and reviewed feedback from verified users.
About Author
