What Is a VPN?
ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: A Comparative Look
ExpressVPN and IPVanish are two of the most popular VPN services available, and both are excellent services. But no two services are the same, and as we’ve seen from the comparison of ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, there are bound to be pros and cons for each type of service. By analyzing how well each service performs across objective criteria, we can get a complete picture of the performance of each service. So let’s jump right into it. Check out ExpressVPN today!
ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Connectivity
ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Features
ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Security
No Logging Policies
Security Protocols
ExressVPN vs IPVanish: Speed
ExressVPN vs IPVanish: Unblocking Strength
One of the lesser-advertised capabilities of VPN services is to unlock geo-restricted and paywall-restricted content on streaming websites. Streaming websites like Netflix, Hulu, and Hulu are known to restrict their content across different regions following licensing agreements. If you live in Japan or Singapore, for example, you will not be able to access movies and shows from the UK or the US. VPNs like ExpressVPN and IPVanish maneuver around these restrictions by masking your IP address and substituting it with one from a different country. All you need to do is access a server from the country where the content is available, and the service handles the rest. As we’ve mentioned, ExpressVPN also comes with an obfuscation feature that allows users in countries or areas with a default firewall (i.e., China) to bypass those restrictions. IPVanish does not offer any feature that relates to bypassing firewalls. Coupled with reliable connection speeds and add-ons, ExpressVPN appears to be the better option for gaining access to restricted streaming sources.
ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Privacy
VPNs have the primary duty of protecting your privacy, so it only makes sense for these companies to employ a strict no-logging policy. But while most VPNs promise complete privacy, it’s just impossible to find out what goes on behind closed doors. Having said this, the only way that companies can prove to their clients that they do not collect user data is to have third-party auditors come in regularly for security and privacy audits.
Security and Privacy Policies
ExpressVPN undergoes regular independent audits to test its security and no-logs policy, and the company appears to have passed all of these tests with flying colors. ExpressVPN’s fidelity to its privacy policy was tested a few times. In other words, it has been verified time and again to adhere to strict privacy policies, and you can rest assured your data is not being logged. In one particular case, Turkish authorities seized ExpressVPN servers as part of an investigation into the murder of a Russian ambassador. As it turns out, the investigators found the servers empty of data logs. Like ExpressVPN, IPVanish does not keep user logs, but what it does keep are connection logs. The connection logs may include your email address, zip code, state, city, and other basic information. IPVanish has also recently implemented regular security and privacy audits conducted by independent bodies.
VPN Locations and Privacy
Another issue that brings up security concerns is the respective locations of IPVanish and ExpressVPN headquarters. IPVanish is based in the US, which is a member of the Five Eyes alliance, an intelligence network composed of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Member countries of the Five Eyes alliance allow governments to acquire intelligence from their citizens. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is based in the Virgin Islands, an autonomous country that’s not part of any intelligence alliance.
ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Pricing and Plans
The best things in life may come for free, but that can’t be the case with services that protect your internet connection. VPNs run on physical servers, with the best services running theirs on high-quality server farmers. While servers aren’t expensive to maintain, server network maintenance requires IT expertise, which is costly. VPN prices vary depending on the individual features and popularity, but most cost between USD 10 to 15 dollars per month. Of course, there are free VPNs available; these are simply not as good as premium, subscription-based VPNs.
Average Costs
In the ExpressVPN vs IPVanish discussion, both services belong to the mid-range portion of the VPN pricing scale. ExpressVPN costs an average of USD 13 per month, while IPVanish costs USD 10.99 per month, both on a month-to-month payment basis. Both services also offer longer-term plans, which take the form of semi-annual or annual plans. These plans are cheaper in the long term, incentivizing people to commit to the services for longer.
Alternative Plans
ExpressVPN’s six-month installment plan costs an average of USD 9.99 per month (billed as USD 59.95 every six months). IPVanish substitutes the six-month plan for a quarterly plan, which costs SD 10 per month (billed as USD 29.99 per quarter). Both services also have an annual plan, with ExpressVPN’s annual plan costing USD 6.67 per month (billed as USD 99.95 annually). The annual plan comes with a free, extra three-month subscription for a total subscription period of fifteen months. IPVanish’s annual plan costs USD 7.5 per month (billed as USD 89.99 per year). It must be noted that, unlike antivirus software, the services included for each package type are essentially the same. The differences in cost only relate to the duration of the subscription. In other words, the service is uniform throughout the different packages for each brand.
Price Comparison
Just looking exclusively at a price, IPVanish is cheaper than ExpressVPN. But then again, the price consideration always comes secondary to the consideration of value, and you will have to decipher which one offers better value. Additionally, we need to note that neither plans offer a thirty-day free trial, but both offer a 430-day money-back guarantee just in case you change your mind.
Security Risks in the Digital World
The Value Proposition of VPNs
Final Thoughts on ExpressVPN vs IPVanish
ExpressVPN and IPVanish are two of the most popular VPN services available, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. However, if we compare ExpressVPN vs IPVanish point for point, ExpressVPN seems to offer better value. The service has most of the traits you would want from a VPN. That includes premium speeds, strong security with upgraded security protocols, and many add-on features. Not to mention, it comes with the ability to unlock restricted content. It also comes with the ability to connect to devices that don’t typically support VPNs. The service may be a little more expensive on the price scale. Additionally, there are a few aspects that the program can improve on, such as allowing more devices simultaneously. But it is nonetheless a well-rounded program offering great value for money. For additional information about the VPN service, here is a comprehensive review of ExpressVPN.
