In terms of advanced security features, ExpressVPN offers a bit more.
For starters, its the only one of the 2 that offers RAM-only servers.
It also has built-in full leak protection IPVanish only has DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
That said, neither VPN leaked my IP address in my tests.
However, only ExpressVPN includes multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
That said, IPVanish remains a highly secure option.
ExpressVPN and IPVanish have a split-tunneling tool, but they work differently.
Both VPNs allow obfuscation of all of their servers and protocols.
However, only ExpressVPN works in restrictive countries, such as Russia and Iran.
The VPNs have their own ad, tracker, and malicious site blocker.
In my tests, they stopped all ads from loading and prevented me from visiting malicious sites.
That said, ExpressVPN also comes with a helpful adult site blocker.
However, using a VPN with Tor slows speeds significantly, since Tor already encrypts traffic multiple times.
Its very simple to set up, and it worked as expected in my tests.
ExpressVPN has its own proprietary protocol, Lightway, available on all devices.
It provides super-fast speeds, and it minimizes battery drain on laptops and phones.
Plus, it has passed an independent audit, confirming that its safe.
IPVanish doesnt have a proprietary protocol but supports WireGuard, one of the fastest and most secure VPN protocols.
Both VPNs also offer OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec.
It also has its own proprietary protocol, which provides faster speeds than IPVanishs protocols.
Plus, it offers more extra features, like dedicated IP addresses and port forwarding.
Privacy Either VPN Is Great for Privacy
Both ExpressVPN and IPVanish offer excellent privacy.
ExpressVPNs no-logs policy has undergone independent security audits in 2019, 2022, and 2023.
IPVanish verified its no-logs policy with an independent audit in 2022.
Its Lightway protocol underwent independent audits in 2021 and 2022.
In 2022, its iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux apps also passed independent audits.
Plus, it has no data retention laws.
They follow strict, independently audited no-logs policies that dont log any of your data.
This gives you plenty of server options to find the fastest server nearby and avoid the overcrowded ones.
ExpressVPN and IPVanish use both physical and virtual servers, which are equally secure.
Physical servers are located in the country that corresponds with their IP address.
I tested 15+ virtual locations, and I was always assigned the correct IP address.
Both VPNs support P2P traffic and obfuscation on all of their servers.
However, only ExpressVPN works in countries that restrict VPN use, like Iran and China.
However, only ExpressVPN offers dedicated IP addresses for an extra cost.
Its also great that both VPNs allow Tor (The Onion Router) traffic on all of their servers.
I tested 30+ nearby and distant ExpressVPN servers and enjoyed lightning-fast speeds for all activities.
IPVanish had decent speeds on nearby servers, with websites, HD, and 4K videos loading instantly.
Plus, I was able to download a 20 GB file in 1519 minutes.
They also access less popular streaming sites, like Crunchyroll and CBC.
However, only ExpressVPN is compatible with Disney+.
The tool works with Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer.
Torrenting You Get Great P2P Support With Each
ExpressVPN and IPVanish are good picks for safe torrenting.
The VPNs work well with all popular P2P apps.
I also like that ExpressVPN supports port forwarding through its router app.
This feature allows direct peer-to-peer (P2P) connections, which leads to faster downloads.
With port forwarding enabled, my P2P speeds were about 1015% faster on average.
IPVanish doesnt offer port forwarding, but it has SOCKS5 support, which you dont get with ExpressVPN.
IPVanishs SOCKS5 proxy servers span across 9 countries, including the US, the UK, and Singapore.
In terms of torrenting privately, both providers have a kill switch and independently audited no-logs policies.
Before starting my torrenting tests, I ran several leak tests with each provider there were no leaks.
As expected, the results showed only the VPNs IP address, keeping my real IP address secure.
Winner (Torrenting): Its a tie
Both VPNs offer excellent torrenting support.
They allow torrenting on all servers and work well with popular P2P apps.
Plus, they have strong security features for protecting your privacy when torrenting.
Gaming ExpressVPN Is the Better Option
I tested ExpressVPN and IPVanish while playingDota 2.
ExpressVPN maintained significantly faster speeds and low ping on nearby and distant servers.
Both VPNs protect you from DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, which force you offline.
However, only ExpressVPN comes with anti-DDoS protection on all servers, which protects its servers as well.
Each provider offers router support, but only ExpressVPN provides a dedicated router app.
However, ExpressVPNs router app is much easier to install and use.
On top of that, both VPNs offer cloud gaming support.
This allows you to access platforms that stream video games to portable devices like smartphones and laptops.
Winner (Gaming):ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN maintains low ping for gaming on nearby and distant servers.
Plus, it offers anti-DDoS protection on all servers and comes with its own dedicated router app.
That said, both VPNs have cloud gaming support.
This helps avoid DNS-based blocks.
IPVanish is a pretty great option, too, if youre only interested in bypassing company and school networks.
However, only ExpressVPN has a dedicated router app and an app for Kindle Fire.
On the other hand, IPVanish has a dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro.
Both also support manual router setups.
Their mobile apps are feature-rich and easy to use.
ExpressVPNs apps are very beginner-friendly.
The desktop apps are great, too.
ExpressVPNs desktop apps have a simple design.
IPVanishs desktop apps are pretty intuitive, too.
My favorite part is the interactive map that displays all server locations.
To connect to a specific server, you just need to hit the country pin on the map.
If youre looking for a dedicated router app, I recommend ExpressVPN.
Its router app is simple to install and use.
The apps are super easy to use and come with plenty of features.
IPVanish has manual router support, while ExpressVPN offers a dedicated router app.
It offers 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans, available in 2 tiers:IPVanish EssentialandIPVanish Advanced.
A slight downside is that only its long-term plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The 2-year plan provides the best value, though it remains a bit pricey.
IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while ExpressVPN supports up to 8.
However, ExpressVPNs router app lets you protect unlimited devices in your home at once.
Both VPNs accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
ExpressVPN also supports payments made with Apple Pay, online transfer options (Giropay), and cryptocurrencies.
Plus, it offers a 7-day free trial for iOS and Android users.
Both VPNs accept credit/debit cards and PayPal payments, but only ExpressVPN supports cryptocurrencies.
They answer most of the questions you might have in setting up the VPN and making certain features work.
Both VPNs have good live chat, too.
It took 1015 seconds to connect with representatives who were always polite and answered all of my questions.
Plus, all responses were informative, so I never had to send a follow-up email.
IPVanish is one of the few VPNs offering phone support, but only with theAdvancedplan.
It operates Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm CT (UTC -6).
Winner (Customer Support): Its a tie
ExpressVPN and IPVanish have great customer support.
They offer detailed support libraries, 24/7 live chat, and prompt email responses.
IPVanish also stands out for providing phone support, a rare feature among VPN providers.
It has more extra features, like a password manager and smart DNS.
Plus, the VPN has the fastest speeds on the market and works with more streaming apps.
It also maintains a low ping for gaming and works in restrictive countries.
That said, IPVanish is still one of the best VPNs on the market for a good reason.
It has intuitive apps for most major devices as well as more affordable plans.
Plus, IPVanish is one of the few VPN providers to offer phone support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPVanish better than ExpressVPN?
No,ExpressVPN outperforms IPVanish in several areas.
That said, IPVanish has more affordable plans and offers phone support.
Which is faster ExpressVPN or IPVanish?
ExpressVPN is definitely faster than IPVanish.
It maintains super-fast speeds on nearby and distant servers for browsing, streaming, and torrenting.
IPVanish provides similar speeds on nearby servers, but it causes some slowdowns on distant ones.
Is ExpressVPN better than IPVanish for streaming?
Yes, ExpressVPN has better streaming support than IPVanish.
It works with 100+ streaming sites, including multiple Netflix libraries, Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime.
Unlike IPVanish, it also works with Disney+.
Are ExpressVPN and IPVanish secure?
Read more about the best VPNs in 2025
