ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Which is Fastest and Secure in USA in 2022?

Last updated: January 8, 2024
William Sams
William Sams
Read this in-depth comparison guide of ExpressVPN vs IPVanish VPN from BestVPN.co and learn which provider takes the victory cup home!
ExpressVPN-vs-IPVanish-in USA

Selecting a VPN service in USA has become a difficult task. With a multitude of options available online, all providers claim to be the best in the marketplace. But can they provide you with what you need? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you how you measure that out in a VPN provider in USA.

In this ExpressVPN vs IPVanish comparison analysis in USA, I have tested both the providers in USA to help you choose the best one considering the primary features such as Features, Pricing, Speed, Servers, Security, Privacy, Configuration, Interface, Unblocking Capabilities, and Customer Service.

If you’re looking for a premium VPN in USA for streaming, torrenting, or everyday browsing, ExpressVPN and IPVanish are both strong names to take care of your VPN needs.

So, if you’re thinking, “IPVanish vs ExpressVPN which is better between the two in USA?” then pop that bubble above your head and start with the highlights to ease your curiosity!

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Highlights in USA

ExpressVPN IPVanish
  1. 3000 Servers in 105 Countries
  2. 4.7 Trustpilot Rating
  3. AES-256-CBC and AES-256-GCM
  4. 5 Simultaneous Connections
  5. Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS & Android
  6. Zero Logs (Audited by PwC & F-Secure)
  1. 2000+ Servers in 75 Countries
  2. 4.6 Trustpilot Rating
  3. 256-bit AES Encryption
  4. Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
  5. User-Friendly and Intuitive Apps
  6. Strict No Logs Policy (Audited by Leviathan)

For more information, visit our dedicated guides for ExpressVPN and IPVanish!

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Features in USA

ExpressVPN IPVanish
Simultaneous Connections 5 Unlimited
Operating System Apps Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV/Firestick, some routers Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV
Manual Install Devices Some Routers, Set Top Boxes Linux, Routers, Set Top Boxes
Split Tunneling Yes Yes
Free Extras MediaStreamer Smart DNS, browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari Browser Extension for Chrome and App for Windows Phones

In terms of features, ExpressVPN offers great value for your money. It has apps for all major platforms/devices in USA, including preconfigured routers and an app that runs on DD-WRT and Tomato routers as well.

IPVanish, on the other hand, does offer the same app compatibility in USA. However, they do not offer a browser extension for Mozilla Firefox users, which does affect its overall value.

You also have more features available in USA with ExpressVPN, including Rotating Servers, Dedicated Router App, MediaStreamer Smart DNS, and plenty more, whereas IPVanish is quite basic.

ExpressVPN even offers obfuscation servers which allows users in USA to use a VPN in heavily restricted regions like China.

The only advantage of signing up with IPVanish is that you can get more simultaneous connections in USA. Where ExpressVPN supports only 5 multi-logins, IPVanish doesn’t have a limit on simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Pricing and Discounts in USA

In terms of pricing in USA, ExpressVPN leans over to the more expensive side, whereas IPVanish tends to be incredibly budget-friendly. If you plan to subscribe to ExpressVPN, you will have three plans available: 1 month, 12 months, and 6 months.

ExpressVPN IPVanish
Special offer 49% Off on the 1-Year Plan 69% Off on the 1-Year Plan
Highest price per month AU$ 19.96 ($12.95) AU$ 16.94 ($10.99)
Lowest price per month AU$ 10.28 ($6.67) AU$ 5.13 ($3.33)
One-Year Price AU$ 154.04 ($99.95) AU$ 61.63 ($39.99)
Money-Back Guarantee 30 Days 30 Days (On the 1-Year Plan Only)

As far as the money-back guarantee is concerned in USA, ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back offer on all of its plans. On the other hand, IPVanish too offers a 30-day money-back offer, but its only applicable if you sign up for the 1-year plan.

IPVanish wins in this category since it is more budget-friendly than the mighty ExpressVPN. However, if you’re looking for a money-back offer with a short-term plan, then ExpressVPN is preferred in USA.

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Speed

ExpressVPN IPVanish
USA Server
Download Speed 93.53 Mbps 80.94 Mbps
Upload Speed 89.23 Mbps 72.44 Mbps
UK Server
Download Speed 88.28 Mbps 77.09 Mbps
Upload Speed 83.49 Mbps 74.58 Mbps
Canada Server
Download Speed 89.72 Mbps 71.83 Mbps
Upload Speed 85.36 Mbps 68.01 Mbps
Germany Server
Download Speed 83.53 Mbps 70.92 Mbps
Upload Speed 79.12 Mbps 66.84 Mbps
Average
Download Speed 88.76 Mbps 75.19 Mbps
Upload Speed 84.3 Mbps 70.46 Mbps

Upon conducting the ExpressVPN vs IPVanish speed test, we can safely say that ExpressVPN wins this battle by offering blazing fast connections, especially if you connect to a server near to your physical location.

The ExpressVPN speed test was conducted with the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol which achieved an average download speed of 88.76 Mbps and an average upload speed of 84.3 Mbps.

IPVanish, too offered decent speed with its OpenVPN (UDP) protocol, achieving an average download speed of 76.19 Mbps and an average upload speed of 70.46 Mbps.

Here are the screenshots of my speed test:

Test 1: US Server

IPVanish US Speed

ExpressVPN

IPVanish US Speed

IPVanish

Test 2: UK Server

ExpressVPN UK Speed

ExpressVPN

IPVanish UK Speed

IPVanish

Test 3: Canada Server

ExpressVPN Canada Speed

ExpressVPN

IPVanish Canada Speed

IPVanish

Test 4: Germany Server

ExpressVPN Germany Speed

ExpressVPN

IPVanish Germany Speed

IPVanish

I used the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol as it is the most used protocol for hardcore gaming and streaming. However, if you connect to the OpenVPN (TCP) variant, the speed will most probably decrease as the protocol requires more juice to establish a stable connection.

Both of these VPNs offer more advanced protocols too. While IPVanish has WireGuard, ExpressVPN has its own propriety protocol called Lightway, which is super-secure and flashy-fast!

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Servers and Performance in USA

ExpressVPN IPVanish
Server Countries 105 75
Total Number of Servers 3000 2000+

Determining the winner in this category is quite easy. As you can see above, ExpressVPN offers way more diversity in servers selection as compared to the US-based IPVanish.

Where ExpressVPN offers 3000 servers in 105 countries, IPVanish only reaches 2000+ in 75 countries. As a result, users may face server load and latency issues.

So I would recommend going for ExpressVPN for a decent network of servers and performance in USA.

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Security Features

ExpressVPN IPVanish
VPN Protocols IKEv2, OpenVPN, Lightway IPSec, IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard
OpenVPN Data Encryption AES-256 AES-256
OpenVPN Control Channel Encryption RSA-4096 RSA-2048
Cloaking Technology Cipher Block Chaining OpenVPN Obfuscation
App Security Kill Switch Kill Switch
DNS Status Private DNS Private DNS

For users who sign up with ExpressVPN, you can feel assured to receive better security than IPVanish in USA. The VPN supports IKEv2, OpenVPN, and Lightway protocols.

For security, you receive protection via AES-256-CBC and AES-256-GCM ciphers. The difference between the two is of something called “chosen ciphertext attacks”. AES-256-CBC uses a secure Message Authentication Code (MAC), along with AES.

Conversely, AES-256-GCM has built-in authentication codes, which makes the process a whole lot faster! For added security, ExpressVPN utilizes Perfect Forward secrecy via the DH-2048 Diffie-Hellman key exchange.

IPVanish, on the other hand, uses the same technologies and encryption in USA but falls behind because of using the old RSA-2048 control channel encryption, which is not as effective as ExpressVPN’s RSA-4096!

So it is clear that the winner is ExpressVPN in USA in this category because of the better encryption mechanism and its propriety Lightway protocol.

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Privacy Features in USA

ExpressVPN IPVanish
Headquarters British Virgin Islands United States
Connection Logs None None
Activity Logs None None
Sign Up Information Email Address Email Address
Anonymous Payment Methods Bitcoin None

Excluding ExpressVPN’s incredibly safe British Virgin Islands location (away from EU and US jurisdictions), the provider has an incredibly strong zero logs policy.

Though some account information is recorded in USA, like name, email address, and payment information, the VPN does not store session/connection information, timestamps, and IP activity.

In fact, even the Turkish authorities could not find anything on ExpressVPN servers following a seizure after the assassination of the Russian Ambassador of Turkey.

IPVanish, on the other hand, has its headquarters in the Five Eyes Alliance country, the US. As such, it automatically loses a lot of its credibility as the government mandates data retention.

Therefore, if IPVanish receives a court order accompanied by a gag request, they will have to comply with the law, so as not to get into legal hassles.

So ExpressVPN is definitely the safer option if you’re hunting for a super private VPN in USA.

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Configuration in USA

ExpressVPN IPVanish
Address Allocation Shared Shared
Static IPs No No
DDoS Protection Yes Yes
NAT Firewall Yes Yes

Both VPNs adopt a similar configuration of using shared IP addresses in USA. Neither gives the ability to access dedicated/static IPs and this emits a huge audience that may want to safely indulge in banking transactions or access remote networks in USA.

ExpressVPN and IPVanish both offer Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection, which is great news for those users who may be using the VPN for gaming in USA.

As a positive, Express and IPVanish do use NAT firewalls to block unsolicited incoming traffic by decrypting packet headers, getting the relevant IP address, and only sending traffic from that IP where it’s needed in USA!

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Setup and Interface in USA

ExpressVPN IPVanish
Automatic Setup Wizard Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV
Main Location Selection List-based Map & List-based
Extra Settings Pages Yes Yes
Mobile Friendly Yes Yes

Both ExpressVPN and IPVanish offer intuitive apps that work smoothly on larger and smaller screens. They have a neat outlook with a one-click connection interface with easy location selection feature in USA.

Desktop apps

Both VPNs have GUI clients for Windows and macOS but there is no graphical app available for Linux users in USA. To use ExpressVPN or IPVanish, you’ll have to manually set it up using your terminal window.

The desktop version of ExpressVPN in USA uses more compact style than IPVanish and unlocks most of its features hidden upon clicking on the menu button in the top left corner.

It has a big connect button with options for selecting a location underneath along with Smart Location and Recent Locations for quick connecting to servers.

ExpressVPN interface

IPVanish, on the other hand, has a more broader design with accessibility to more features than its mobile counterparts.

You can choose a server using any interface you prefer in USA, list-based or map-based. Upon clicking on the gear icon in the left panel, you get to play with more features of IPVanish, including general settings, kill switch, LAN traffic blocking, protocol settings, and network security settings.

IPVanish Windows interface

By comparison, though, it still falls behind ExpressVPN’s barebones automatic reconnection and Smart Location feature, along with an easy-to-comprehend look.

Mobile apps

The mobile version of ExpressVPN in USA is almost identical to the desktop version with the same attributes and style, which is pretty much okay as the desktop version is easy to use.

ExpressVPN Android Interface

IPVanish, on the other hand, has a different look for its mobile apps in USA as compared to its desktop counterparts. It is designed to be more compact and less cluttered to perfectly fit a mobile screen.

IPVanish Android interface

And keep in mind that the Android version of IPVanish in USA is superior to the iOS version since it has more features like the split tunneling option and obfuscation toggle.

Comparing them both, I would recommend ExpressVPN’s mobile interface in USA as it is well-maintained and easy to navigate with far more features than IPVanish.

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Unblocking Capabilities in USA

ExpressVPN IPVanish
Netflix Yes Yes
Hulu Yes Yes
Sky Go Yes Yes
Amazon Prime Yes Yes
BBC iPlayer Yes Yes
ABS Yes Yes
CBS Yes Yes
NBC Yes Yes
ITV Yes Yes
Channel 4 Yes Yes

As you can see above, both VPNs in USA, ExpressVPN and IPVanish, offer functionality to streamers by unblocking Netflix and other mentioned streaming services in USA such as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Sky Go, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

However, while I experienced a “hit and miss” scenario with IPVanish with these streaming platforms in USA to unblock different libraries, ExpressVPN worked the first upon connecting to a server with a smooth streaming experience because of its MediaStreamer feature.

So I would definitely recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for streaming in USA.

As far as torrenting is concerned, both VPNs in USA are champions in this category, offering P2P on all servers to keep your original IP hidden to avoid copyright infringement issues.

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Do they actually work in China?

When it comes to bypassing the “Great Firewall”, you need a strong provider that does not skimp on security. The Great Firewall service implements algorithms that instantly block repeat IP addresses suspected to be part of a VPN provider.

It also disables the connection to any device that tries accessing content outside China or vice versa. Upon testing the two providers, only ExpressVPN proved incredibly successful in overcoming the challenges set by the “Great Firewall”

While the BVI-based provider doesn’t offer any Chinese servers, you can use the VPN while residing in China, as it offers a special obfuscation feature to make your VPN traffic look like regular traffic to the ISP. The feature is made for heavily restricted regions.

IPVanish, on the other hand, offers no such features for access in China specifically.

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Customer Service in USA

Both IPVanish and ExpressVPN offer support in USA via live chat, email, and a ticket system.

IPVanish even has a phone line. I haven’t used it myself but it is good to have an extra option in case you don’t want to type a scenario-based problem and instead explain it verbally to a representative in USA.

Testing the live chat services in USA revealed that responses were quite fast. Email/ticket support did take some time with IPVanish (averaging at 3 hours per reply), whereas ExpressVPN cut it shorter (averaging at 40 minutes).

We conducted these tests by sending each VPN three questions via email. Among them, two were general queries and two were a little more technical. See the statistics below:

ExpressVPN IPVanish
Video Guides Yes Yes
Knowledge Base Yes Yes
Phone Support No Yes
Email Support Yes Yes
Average Email Response Time 40 Minutes 3 Hours
Ticket Support Yes Yes
Live Chat Support Yes Yes

Customer Service: ExpressVPN

Question Initial Response Time Number of Emails Question Answered
Can ExpressVPN unblock Netflix US? 30 Minutes 1 Yes
What logs does ExpressVPN store if any? 30 Minutes 1 Yes
Can ExpressVPN be used in China and how? 50 Minutes 1 Yes
How to use uTorrent safely with ExpressVPN? 50 Minutes 1 Yes

Customer Service: IPVanish

Question Initial Response Time Number of Emails Question Answered
Is IPVanish good for Torrenting? 3 Hours 1 Yes
Does IPVanish work with Netflix? 2 Hours 1 Yes
Why is IPVanish not working on Firestick? 3 Hours 1 Yes
What routers work with IPVanish? 4 Hours 1 Yes

Who is the Winner in USAn Users?

ExpressVPN vs IPVanish: Winner ExpressVPN

While both (ExpressVPN vs IPVanish) are great services in USA, the BVI-based ExpressVPN definitely wins this comparison in USA. It is located in a safer jurisdiction, has a verified no-logging policy, and unblocks all major streaming platforms in USA.

Not to mention, you have great functionality for accessing the VPN in China and exceptional support for apps, including one for routers that work on both: DD-WRT and Tomato using the dedicated router app.

If you are in search of an alternative to ExpressVPN in USA, the best option would be to go for Surfshark. It is a newcomer that offers the same functionality as ExpressVPN but at a minimal price of AU$ 3.84/mo (US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee) on a 2-year plan.


Other VPN Comparisons Guides


FAQs: ExpressVPN vs IPVanish in USAn Users

Is ExpressVPN better than IPVanish in USA?

Yes, ExpressVPN is better than IPVanish in USA because of its jurisdiction. It is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, while IPVanish is based in the US, which is a founding member of the 5 Eyes Alliance.

ExpressVPN has a massive network of 3000 servers in 105 countries, covering 160 locations, while IPVanish falls behind with its 2000+ servers in 75 countries.

How should I choose between ExpressVPN and IPVanish in USA?

While choosing between any two VPNs in USA, compare the major factors such as speed, security, streaming support, server network, customer support, pricing, and more.

According to our comparison test between ExpressVPN and IPVanish in USA, ExpressVPN stands out as a better provider to cater to user needs in USA.

Are there any deals available for ExpressVPN and IPVanish in USA?

Yes, ExpressVPN is currently offering 49% off on its 1-year plan, while IPVanish has 69% off on its 1-year plan. The discount is automatically applied on these plans in USA when you sign up.

Can I trust ExpressVPN in USA?

ExpressVPN is a trustworthy, safe, and capable VPN service in USA. The provider is based in the British Virgin Islands which a safe jurisdiction and not a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance.

ExpressVPN has TrustedServer Technology which means all of its servers run on the RAM infrastructure, which cannot log any customer data. The VPN in USA also has a strict no-logs policy which has been audited by PwC and F-Secure.

What VPN is better than IPVanish in USA?

ExpressVPN offers more (and better) features than IPVanish in USA. The BVI-based VPN offers better speeds, strong security, streaming and P2P-optimized servers, and handy features such as kill switch, dedicated router app, split tunneling, and more.

Why ExpressVPN is the best in USA?

ExpressVPN qualifies as the best VPN in USA of all time because of its strong encryption and privacy features. Furthermore, the VPN offers fast speeds and a network of 3000 servers in 105 countries.

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