- Key differences between Surfshark and IPVanish
- Surfshark vs IPVanish price comparison
- Which has more global servers: IPVanish vs Surfshark
- Which is more secure: IPVanish or Surfshark
- Which VPN has stronger privacy policies: Surfshark or IPVanish
- Which is better for streaming: Surfshark or IPVanish
- Should I choose IPVanish or Surfshark for torrenting
- Should I choose IPVanish or Surfshark for gaming
- Which VPN is easier to use: Surfshark or IPVanish
- Surfshark vs IPVanish Reddit comparison
- Final verdict: is Surfshark better than IPVanish in 2025?
Both Surfshark and IPVanish are well-known VPN providers with similar advantages over other VPNs, such as unlimited simultaneous connections and strong security suites. IPVanish is a popular choice, especially for torrenting, while Surfshark boasts a bigger server network and feature-rich service. So, which one is better in 2025?
I collaborated with the VPNOverview research team to compare these two VPN service providers. We tested servers, speeds, unblocking capabilities, and security features. While both VPNs are quite similar, Surfshark won the race, narrowly edging IPVanish in key areas. Read the full article to learn more.
| VPN provider: | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Website: | Visit Surfshark | Visit IPVanish |
| Rating: | 9.0⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 8.5⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Servers: | 4500 servers in 100 countries | 3200 servers in 113+ countries |
| Speed performance: | Very fast | Fast |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Encryption: | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Streaming support: | Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more | Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more |
| Torrenting support: | ✅ Yes, P2P optimized servers | ✅ Yes, P2P optimized servers |
| Starting price: | $ 1.99/month | $ 2.19/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | ✅ Yes, 30 days | ✅ Yes, 30 days |
Key differences between Surfshark and IPVanish
Surfshark and IPVanish are top-tier VPN services. However, they both differ in some areas that can affect your online experience. After extensive testing, I gathered that Surfshark is a better choice for those who need a bigger server fleet, peak streaming performance, and a higher security level. However, IPVanish remains an excellent choice due to similar attributes.
| Surfshark pros & cons | IPVanish pros & cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Global server network. 4500 servers in 100 countries. | ✅ Full Network Ownership. IPVanish owns and manages its entire network of servers, which can enhance security and reliability. |
| ✅ Unblocks a majority of streaming platforms. My tests showed that Surfshark reliably accesses all major streaming platforms, including Netflix libraries and Disney+. | ✅ Fast Connection Speeds. IPVanish provides consistently fast connection speeds, which are ideal for HD streaming and gaming. |
| ✅ Advanced security features. Surfshark includes a robust feature set like CleanWeb (ad blocker), MultiHop (Double VPN), and a rotating IP address. | ✅ Phone Support. Unlike most VPNs, IPVanish offers 24/7 phone support, which is a major benefit for users who prefer speaking to a live agent. |
| ✅ Unlimited connections. A single subscription covers unlimited devices, making it a great value for families or users with many devices. | ❌ Fewer Extra Features. IPVanish’s feature set is more basic than Surfshark’s. |
| ❌ Some features come with an additional price. Not all useful extras come with the subscription, so you will have to pay more for them. | ❌ Fewer servers. While IPVanish covers more countries than Surfshark, it has fewer servers, which may lead to overcrowding. |
Below, I have listed the top 3 main differences between Surfshark and IPVanish:
- Surfshark has more servers. While IPVanish has 3200 servers in 113+ countries, Surfshark has 4500 servers in 100 countries, which results in a similar country coverage but better access and faster speeds due to load balancing.
- Surfshark is generally better for streaming. Through my tests, Surfshark proved to be more reliable at consistently unblocking a wider range of international streaming libraries compared to IPVanish.
- Surfshark is faster. While both service providers are considered to be fast, Surfshark is slightly faster on most occasions.
Surfshark vs IPVanish price comparison
As of September 2025, Surfshark is more affordable than IPVanish, with plans starting at $ 1.99/month compared to IPVanish’s $ 2.19/month.
Surfshark and IPVanish offer 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year subscriptions. If you are interested in a short-duration plan, IPVanish’s 1-month plan starting price is $12.99/month, while Surfshark’s is only $9.99/month. Continuing with 1-year plans, the monthly price drops significantly, with IPVanish being $3.33/month and Surfshark $3.19/month. You can get the cheapest monthly price with 2-year plans, where IPVanish costs only $2.19/month and Surfshark costs $1.99/month. Both of these VPN service providers are considered to be among the cheapest in the market.
| Subscription plans | Surfshark (Starter plan) | IPVanish (Essential plan) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-month plan: | $9.99/month | $12.99/month |
| 1-year plan: | $3.19/month ($38.28/year) | $3.33/month ($39.99/year) |
| 2-year plan: | $1.99/month ($23.88/year) | $2.19/month ($26.28/year) |
| Free trial: | ✅ Yes, 7-day for iOS and Android | ✅ Yes, 7-day for iOS and Android |
| Money-back guarantee: | ✅ Yes, 30-day | ✅ Yes, 30-day |
| Current deal: | 87% OFF! | 83% OFF! |
You can try both Surfshark and IPVanish for free through a free 7-day trial. While they are only available on mobile devices (and macOS for Surfshark), you can later set up both VPN providers on any device that you have and test them. For a prolonged testing period, you can also take advantage of money-back guarantees. Both Surfshark and IPVanish offer a risk-free trial lasting 30 days. While you have to do the initial payment, you can always get your money back if you ask for a refund before the 30-day period runs out.
Which has more global servers: IPVanish vs Surfshark
While Surfshark has more global servers (4500 servers compared to 3200 ), IPVanish covers more countries (109+ compared to 100 countries). So, whichever is better depends on your needs. If you need better performance and speeds, choose Surfshark. If you need to unblock specific websites, IPVanish is better, since it may have servers in countries where Surfshark doesn’t operate.
| Feature | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Total servers | 4500 | 3200 |
| Countries covered | 100 | 113 |
| Server types | RAM-only, P2P, MultiHop, Static IP | RAM-only, P2P, OpenVPN Scramble (obfuscated) |
| Specialized servers | ✅ Yes (Double VPN, MultiHop, Static IP, Dynamic MultiHop) | ✅ Yes (Double Hop) |
| Server ownership | Mostly owned | Fully owned |
When comparing server networks, Surfshark’s larger server count means less server congestion and better load balancing, which can result in improved speeds and performance. Meanwhile, IPVanish’s wider geographic reach with 113+ countries makes it more helpful for accessing region-locked and niche content. Surfshark also offers a bit more specialty servers. They include MultiHop for double-encryption and Static IP servers for consistent browsing. IPVanish also has a Double Hop feature, which routes your traffic through two servers for enhanced privacy.
Which is more secure: IPVanish or Surfshark
Surfshark and IPVanish are similar in terms of security. They offer a Kill Switch, DNS and IP leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and strong encryption. However, Surfshark wins this category by providing a broader and more advanced feature set.
| Security aspect | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands (part of the Nine Eyes alliance) | United States (founding member of the Five Eyes alliance) |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20 | AES-256, ChaCha20 |
| Protocols supported | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | ✅ Yes, independently audited by Deloitte | ✅ Yes, independently audited by Schellman |
| Kil Switch | ✅ Yes (customizable) | ✅ Yes |
| Leak protection | ✅ Yes, DNS, IP, WebRTC leak protection | ✅ Yes, DNS, IP, WebRTC leak protection |
During my testing, it was a tough challenge to find differences between the two providers in the security department. The only advantages of Surfshark were that it has a slightly better jurisdiction and that a more reputable firm audits the no-logs policy. Overall, as a user, I would feel safe with both providers, but if you are more privacy-conscious, Surfshark is a better option.
Kill Switch
A Kill Switch is a necessary feature for all VPN service providers since it cuts your internet connection if the VPN unexpectedly drops. Both Surfshark and IPVanish offer a powerful Kill Switch. During my tests, both worked as expected, immediately shutting down my internet connection on an unstable network.
The main difference between Surfshark and IPVanish’s Kill Switch is how they work. Surfshark’s kill switch has a “strict” and “soft” setting on some platforms, allowing you to choose how aggressive the feature is in blocking traffic. IPVanish’s kill switch is more of a standard on/off feature and is available on major platforms.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling feature is available on both Surfshark and IPVanish. It allows you to choose which applications you want to use a VPN connection and which don’t. For example, you can exclude your banking app from using VPN to avoid CAPTCHA and VPN block.
While both services provide the feature, Surfshark’s split tunneling is more flexible and is available on more platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Meanwhile, IPVanish’s split tunneling is only available on Windows, Android, and Fire TV devices. Therefore, Surfshark is a better option for those who own macOS and iOS devices.
Obfuscation
Both Surfshark and IPVanish offer an obfuscation feature, which is very convenient for bypassing strict censorship and unblocking restrictive networks, such as gambling sites. The feature works by disguising your VPN traffic to look like you are using regular internet traffic without any encryption.
Surfshark’s obfuscation is called Camouflage Mode and automatically activates when you use the OpenVPN protocol. It allowed me to unblock streaming platforms, known for their notorious VPN detection systems. IPVanish offers a similar feature called Scramble, which is also a setting within the OpenVPN protocol. To use it, I had to manually enable this feature in the settings.
Specialty severs
Surfshark and IPVanish offer specialized servers, designed for specific tasks, such as torrenting or bypassing censorship. However, Surfshark’s range of specialized servers is slightly wider than IPVanish’s. For starters, Surfshark offers MultiHop (Double VPN), which routes internet traffic through two servers for extra security. In addition, it provides Static IP servers, which give you the same IP address every time you connect. Also, Surfshark’s dedicated P2P servers are great for fast and secure file sharing, and obfuscated servers for more successful censorship bypassing. Meanwhile, IPVanish also allows P2P traffic and has obfuscated servers, but lacks more advanced specialty servers.
Ad & Malware Blocker
Both Surfshark and IPVanish offer a built-in ad and malware blocker feature. Surfshark’s is called CleanWeb, and IPVanish’s is called Threat Protection. They both successfully blocked intrusive ads and reported malicious domains during my browsing session. I also noticed increased page loading speeds in ad-heavy websites while ad blockers were active.
CleanWeb of Surfshark and Thread Protection of IPVanish are included in all available plans, so you won’t have to select a more expensive subscription to get an ad and malware blocker. Furthermore, they truly elevate browsing experience and enhance your privacy and security. CleanWeb is particularly effective at blocking a wider range of ads, including pop-ups and video ads.
Which VPN has stronger privacy policies: Surfshark or IPVanish
When it comes to privacy, Surfshark and IPVanish both take a strong stance. However, the main difference lies in their jurisdiction. IPVanish is based in the United States, a founding member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This is a concern for privacy-conscious users, as the US government can legally compel companies to hand over data. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which, while part of the Nine Eyes alliance, has stronger privacy laws and a better track record for protecting user data.
Furthermore, both Surfshark and IPVanish have a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited to verify that they do not track, store, or monitor user activity. Surfshark’s audits by Deloitte provide a high level of assurance. IPVanish’s audits by Schellman also confirm its no-logs claims.
I also tested both providers for DNS leaks. I can happily confirm that neither Surfshark nor IPVanish exposed my data.
No-Logs Policy
Both Surfshark and IPVanish claim to have a strict no-logs policy, meaning that they don’t track their users’ online activity. Furthermore, both claims have been independently audited. Surfshark has done it multiple times, with the most recent one in June 2025, when Deloitte verified Surfshark’s no-logs policy once again. IPVanish’s most recent audit was done in April 2025, confirming it is a no-logs VPN provider.
To decide which one has an advantage in this aspect, I had to look into both providers’ jurisdiction. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, while IPVanish is in the US. Both the Netherlands and the US belong to the Nine-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which is not ideal for privacy-conscious users. However, the Netherlands must comply with European data safety laws, which are much user-friendly than the US policies. Therefore, Surshark is a better choice in this scenario.
Independent Audits & Transparency Reports
Surfshark and IPVanish commit to user privacy by regular no-logs policy audits and published transparency reports. Surfshark’s no-logs policy stands out with multiple audits conducted by Deloitte, confirming that user activity is not stored. Likewise, IPVanish has undergone a no-logs policy audit by Schellman, which reaffirmed its commitment to privacy. Their transparency reports also show that both VPN service providers have no data to hand over. However, Surfshark is widely regarded as the more trustworthy option, due to its audits being handled by a more well-known firm from the “Big Four”.
Which is better for streaming: Surfshark or IPVanish
Regarding speeds, Surfshark is faster than IPVanish. However, the difference is not that extreme. During my tests with Surfshark, I retained 93% of my download speed on average. Meanwhile, with IPVanish, my speeds were just a little bit slower, retaining 91% of the original speed on average.
I also tested how well Surfshark and IPVanish unblock restricted websites. Surprisingly, both Surfshark and IPVanish unblocked tested platforms without any issues. I was also satisfied with streaming quality as both VPN service providers maintained lag-free connections and top speeds for watching on high resolution.
| Streaming service | Surfshark | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ITVX | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Disney Plus | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hulu | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| HBO Max | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
When it comes to Netflix, Surfshark is a top-tier choice for unlocking content from other regions, including the US. IPVanish is great at this task as well, but I noticed some streaming issues when trying to access distant Netflix libraries, such as Netflix Japan. Nevertheless, switching servers solved the issue.
Should I choose IPVanish or Surfshark for torrenting
Torrenting involves peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, and without protection, your IP address is visible to everyone, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your ISP can see your activity and may throttle your connection or, in some cases, issue copyright infringement notices. Therefore, it is crucial to use a VPN. It encrypts your traffic and masks your IP, ensuring your privacy and security.
Surfshark has a slight edge over IPVanish for torrenting due to its larger network of P2P-optimized servers and consistently faster speeds. While both VPNs perform well, Surfshark’s average speed retention is slightly higher, which can result in a more efficient and reliable torrenting experience, especially with large files.
Should I choose IPVanish or Surfshark for gaming
When choosing the best gaming VPN, I recommend looking for a fast and stable connection, low latency and ping, and good server coverage to avoid SBMM. It should also protect against DDoS attacks and preferably be compatible with routers or gaming consoles.
I tested Surfshark and IPVanish for gaming, and both performed really well. However, due to slightly faster speeds and better overall performance, Surfshark is better for gaming than IPVanish. With it, I also had a lower ping, compared to IPVanish. Surfshark also worked better with distant servers, retaining faster speed, which was great for unblocking bot lobbies in lower active player density areas.
Which VPN is easier to use: Surfshark or IPVanish
Both Surfshark and IPVanish are easy to download and install. The whole process took me around several minutes on computer devices, and just a few minutes on mobile devices. Both Surfshark and IPVanish made the user experience intuitive and straightforward, so I had no issues with installing the app and using it.
Surfshark supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Chromebook, and is easily configured on routers. It works with Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, and Opera browser extensions. It also supports unlimited simultaneous connections.
IPVanish supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire, ChromeOS, and can be configured on routers. However, it works only on Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge browsers. As Surfshark it supports unlimited simultaneous connections.
I enjoyed using Surfshark and IPVanish as their apps are easy to navigate and clutter-free. However, I found Surfshark’s app design to be more sleek and more polished than IPVanish’s.
Surfshark vs IPVanish Reddit comparison
Reddit is a great place to find honest and unfiltered opinions. So, I also tried to find some comments about Surfshark and IPVanish performance. Customers are satisfied with Surfshark’s performance, servers, speed, and affordability. Naturally, like any other popular VPN, it also has a bunch of negative reviews. Nevertheless, I always recommend double-checking information, as many users have an opinion based on false statements.
IPVanish is also highly-regarded by Redditors. However, I also found some bad opinions. Redditors expressed frustration with IPVanish’s billing and cancellation practices, with some users reporting difficulty getting refunds or being charged after canceling.
Overall, I noticed that users are more likely to recommend Surfshark than IPVansih. However, you can always check yourself what Redditors have to say regarding the VPN that you are interested in.
Final verdict: is Surfshark better than IPVanish in 2025?
Surfshark and IPVanish are quite similar VPN service providers in many ways. Finding aspects in which one is better is quite challenging, therefore I made this comparison. However, whichever to choose, depends on your needs.
| When to choose Surfshark? | When to choose IPVanish? |
|---|---|
| ✅ You need an affordable VPN as a first-time or an advanced user. | ✅ You prioritize ownership of the server network. |
| ✅ You need great streaming and unblocking capabilities. | ✅ You want a bigger country coverage. |
| ✅ You need faster speeds and better performance. | ✅ You need a VPN with phone support. |
| ❌ You don’t want to pay for extra features. | ❌ You need a cheaper VPN. |
- Pricing. Surfshark is cheaper, costing only $ 1.99/month compared to IPVanish’s $ 2.19/month.
- Servers. Surfshark has more servers (4500 compared to 3200), but IPVanish has bigger country coverage (113 compared to 100).
- Privacy and security. Surfshark is more secure with a better jurisdiction country and an audited no-logs policy.
- Performance. Surfshark is slightly faster and works better with distant servers than IPVanish. Overall, it is better for streaming, gaming, and torrenting than IPVanish, as Surfshark is more consistent and performs better during my tests.
In 2025, Surfshark is the superior choice for most users. Its combination of faster speeds, a larger server network, advanced security features, and a highly user-friendly interface makes it a more versatile and reliable VPN. While IPVanish is a solid contender, particularly for those who value its server ownership and a more technical interface, Surfshark offers a better overall experience and a more robust feature set for the price.
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The main differences between Surfshark and IPVanish are the server fleet, extra security features, and unblocking capabilities. Surfshark offers a larger server network (4500 servers in 100 countries) than IPVanish (3200 servers in 113 countries), making it better for bypassing geo-restrictions. While both offer unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark is more reliable at unblocking streaming platforms. In addition, Surfshark offers more useful extras, like the rotating IP, compared to IPVanish.
Surfshark is generally better than IPVanish due to several factors, such as a larger server network, more affordable long-term plans, and reliable unblocking capabilities. Nevertheless, both Surfshark and IPVanish are great options for VPN service providers with unlimited simultaneous connections and robust security features, such as a Kill Switch or military-grade encryption. Overall, whichever VPN service provider is better for you depends on your individual needs.
No, in most cases, Surfshark is slightly faster than IPVanish. Both VPN service providers use WireGuard tunneling protocol for improved speeds, but Surfshark consistently performs better on average across its server network. However, speed also strongly relies on the internet connection, device, and other factors, so results may vary occasionally.
Out of both VPN service providers, Surfshark is considered to be more reliable for bypassing sports blackouts than IPVanish. While both are great at unblocking geo-restricted content, Surfshark gets a slight edge over IPVanish for a more stable connection and consistent speeds during streaming, especially during intense matches.
