ExpressVPN vs IPVanish
Head-to-head comparison based on published specifications and independent benchmarks. Pricing and specs verified August 2026.
Winner: ExpressVPN wins in 4 out of 7 categories
Category-by-Category
| Category | ExpressVPN | IPVanish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 9.7 | vs | 8.7 |
| Privacy | 9.4 | vs | 8.5 |
| Streaming | 9.8 | vs | 8.6 |
| Security | 9.5 | vs | 8.4 |
| Price | from $3.49/mo | vs | from $2.19/mo |
| Network | 214 | vs | 2,400+ |
| Devices | 10 to 14 (by plan) | vs | Unlimited |
Speed Comparison
ExpressVPN has a -2% speed drop while IPVanish shows -10%. ExpressVPN takes this category on reported speed figures. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations, not our own testing.
Privacy Comparison
ExpressVPN is based in BVI while IPVanish operates from USA. ExpressVPN edges ahead in privacy with a stronger overall privacy profile. Scores are based on no-logs policies, audit history, jurisdiction, encryption standards, and leak protection.
Streaming Comparison
ExpressVPN unblocks 8 streaming services while IPVanish unblocks 4. ExpressVPN wins this category with more reliable streaming access across platforms. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.
Security Comparison
Both ExpressVPN and IPVanish offer AES-256 encryption and kill switch protection. ExpressVPN scores higher in security due to additional features and infrastructure hardening. Security scores are based on encryption, protocol implementation, DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch reliability, and server infrastructure.
Full Specification Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | Lightway, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-hop | No | No |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Obfuscation | Automatic obfuscation (supported platforms) | Not recorded |
| Fire TV App | Amazon Appstore | Not recorded |
| Smart DNS | MediaStreamer | Not recorded |
| Jurisdiction | BVI | USA |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 to 14 (by plan) | Unlimited |
| Server Count | Not published | 2,400+ |
| Country Count | 113 | 90 |
| Speed Drop (reported) | -2% | -10% |
| Lowest Price | from $3.49/mo | from $2.19/mo |
| Plan Length | 2yr plan | 2yr plan |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Peacock, DAZN, Paramount+ | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime |