Surfshark vs. IPVanish: an in-depth comparison 

Surfshark and IPVanish are two leading providers in the VPN (Virtual Private Network) industry.

Choosing between the two?

Check out our Surfshark vs. IPVanish comparison to decide which is better for you when it comes to features, performance, and overall value.

Surfshark vs. IPVanish: quick overview

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Surfshark’s and IPVanish’s core features:

*Based on tests performed by Cybernews

Key differences between Surfshark and IPVanish

While both providers offer solid VPN features, they do have some key differences. Let’s take a closer look at how Surfshark and IPVanish compare in terms of pricing, performance, security, and extra features:

• Surfshark has a larger server network: Surfshark has more servers worldwide, with a total of 4,500+ servers compared to IPVanish’s 3,400+. The two services have servers in a similar number of countries — Surfshark in 100 countries and IPVanish in 112;
• Surfshark uses exclusively RAM-only servers: all of Surfshark’s servers are RAM-only, meaning any information on them is automatically erased once they’re rebooted. No data can be stored long-term, giving users an extra layer of security. IPVanish is currently transitioning to RAM-only servers and states that the overhaul will be completed in 2027;
• Surfshark offers a dedicated IP add-on: Surfshark users can get a dedicated IP that provides a constant IP (Internet Protocol) address uniquely theirs. It improves access to IP-sensitive sites and services while helping you see fewer human verification tests. IPVanish doesn’t have this feature;
• Surfshark supports more operating systems: Surfshark supports all major operating systems, offering dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and others. IPVanish supports most platforms, but it doesn’t have a dedicated app for Linux (manual configuration is required);
• Surfshark comes bundled with more cybersecurity tools: higher-tier Surfshark bundles combine VPN protection with antivirus software, a data leak monitoring tool, a data removal service, and more. IPVanish doesn’t offer a comparable range of services in its plans.

Subscription cost

One of the key aspects to consider when choosing a VPN provider is the price. While free services might be tempting, they usually lack functionality and can’t guarantee adequate security. Thankfully, there are budget-friendly VPN options like Surfshark and IPVanish, so you only need to decide which one best justifies the price.

Surfshark plans come in three tiers: Starter, One, and One+. IPVanish offers two tiers: Essential and Advanced. Here’s a pricing breakdown for the two providers’ entry-level plans, Surfshark Starter and IPVanish Essential.

Surfshark’s lowest monthly price is $2.49 per month with the two-year plan. For shorter commitments, the price is $3.39 for an annual plan and $16.45 for a one-month subscription.

For IPVanish, the two-year plan is $2.19 per month, and the one-year plan costs $3.33 per month. For short-term users, IPVanish charges $12.99 for a one-month plan.

However, the Surfshark Starter plan includes tools that IPVanish lacks, like a masked email and personal detail generator. This makes it a more attractive option for users who want broader cybersecurity coverage.

Looking to try out a VPN for free? Both providers offer 7-day free trials, but Surfshark is more accessible as its trial is available on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more. IPVanish, in contrast, restricts its 7-day trial to mobile devices only.

Payment options

Surfshark and IPVanish let users pay via the following payment methods:

Surfshark:

• PayPal;
• Credit/debit cards;
• Google Pay and Apple Pay;
• Cryptocurrencies.

IPVanish:

• PayPal;
• Credit/debit cards;
• Google Pay and Apple Pay.

While both providers offer multiple payment options, Surfshark provides greater flexibility by accepting cryptocurrency as a payment method. If you prioritize payment variety or want to keep your banking details private, Surfshark may be a better option.

Summing up

Surfshark and IPVanish are similarly priced, but the Surfshark Starter plan offers more features beyond a VPN. Surfshark’s 7-day free trial is available on more platforms, and Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency payments for users who want extra convenience or prefer to keep their banking details private.

Server locations

A VPN’s server network can significantly impact the overall quality of your VPN experience. More servers usually reduce congestion, and a broader geographic reach helps you maintain better speeds by making it easier to connect to a server that’s close to your physical location.

Both Surfshark and IPVanish have their server network set across the globe and cover a similar number of locations.

Surfshark’s server network

Surfshark has over 4,500 VPN servers in 100 countries, with some countries boasting multiple server locations. For example, you can choose from 24 locations in the US alone. This wide global server distribution ensures you find a nearby server with better availability and faster speeds.

Surfshark also provides:

• Dedicated IP servers, allowing you to get a unique IP address not shared with anyone else;
• Multi Hop double VPN servers that route your traffic through two servers, enhancing your privacy;
• Servers optimized for secure P2P (peer-to-peer) file exchange;
• Obfuscated servers that make it much harder to detect your VPN use, helping you access the internet even in heavily restricted areas;
• The world’s first 100 Gbps VPN servers in Amsterdam, which make it easier to get a smoother, more reliable internet connection.

Surfshark’s specialized servers and widespread network make it a great choice for those who value flexibility or seek greater privacy.

IPVanish’s server network

Though it has fewer total servers than Surfshark, IPVanish boasts over 3,400 servers across 112 countries, offering a broad global reach.

IPVanish also has specialty server features:

• Double Hop servers, which route your traffic through two different locations for added privacy and security;
• The Scramble feature — an obfuscation tool for the OpenVPN protocol that makes it harder for networks to detect VPN usage.

There’s a chance IPVanish’s lower server count can lead to higher congestion, resulting in slower speeds.

Summing up

Surfshark’s higher server count and richer VPN features offer both speed and strong protection. Its 4,500+ servers make it easier to find an uncrowded one near you, and features like dedicated IP and P2P-optimized servers help users customize their VPN experience.

Server speeds

A VPN’s speed plays a big role in your streaming, gaming, and browsing. Since VPNs encrypt your data and route it through remote servers, some slowdown is inevitable. However, quality VPN services keep this to a minimum by using fast servers, advanced protocols, and smart network optimization.

Both VPN providers exclusively use 10 Gbps servers, but Surfshark’s fleet also includes 100 Gbps servers.

Let’s look at Surfshark and IPVanish speed test results and how their download and upload speeds differ across various locations:

Surfshark speed test results*

IPVanish speed test results*

*Based on tests performed by Cybernews

Surfshark’s performance

Tests by Cybernews found that Surfshark offers average download speeds of 663.6 Mbps and upload speeds of 269.8 Mbps (WireGuard protocol). With such speeds, Surfshark VPN is well-equipped for high-bandwidth tasks like 4K streaming, online gaming, and transferring large files.

IPVanish’s performance

The same Cybernews tests revealed that IPVanish delivers an average download speed of 697.4 Mbps and an upload speed of 207.8 Mbps using the WireGuard protocol. In comparison to Surfshark, IPVanish still performs well, though its upload speeds are slightly lower on average.

Summing up

Surfshark and IPVanish are both fast and reliable VPNs that help users engaged in high-bandwidth activities. Surfshark has slightly faster upload speeds, so it’s a good choice for demanding online tasks.

Security and encryption

Both Surfshark and IPVanish use industry-leading encryption, but Surfshark offers a wider range of protocols, which can increase your chances of experiencing higher speeds and greater security.

Encryption

Surfshark and IPVanish both use strong encryption like AES-256 and ChaCha20 to keep your data safe. However, Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM, while IPVanish uses the older AES-256-CBC. The GCM mode encrypts your data and verifies it hasn’t been tampered with in a single step, whereas CBC only encrypts it and requires a separate check. As a result, Surfshark’s use of GCM makes it both faster and more secure.

What’s more, Surfshark’s proprietary Dausos protocol uses AEGIS-256X2 encryption, which is an even better choice. It protects your data faster and more reliably, with less risk of your security being compromised.

Both providers use ChaCha20 through the WireGuard protocol. Known for being lightweight and fast, especially on smartphones, it offers a strong balance of performance and security.

Summing up

Overall, Surfshark’s use of AES-256-GCM and AEGIS-256X2, which IPVanish lacks, makes it a better choice if you’re looking for fast and secure encryption.

VPN protocols

A VPN protocol is a set of rules that decides how your data travels between your device and the VPN server and how it’s kept secure along the way. The best protocols offer a good mix of speed, security, and reliability. Both Surfshark and IPVanish use modern protocols, but Surfshark also has a top-tier proprietary protocol that IPVanish lacks.

Proprietary protocols

Surfshark has its own high-speed Dausos protocol, built specifically for VPN users. Dausos incorporates AEGIS-256X2 encryption to deliver faster speeds than standard encryption used by many other leading protocols. It also delivers up to 30% faster speeds than other protocols and is fully post-quantum resilient.

Surfshark’s Dausos ensures more efficient resource use, stronger security, and faster speeds. It’s currently available on macOS.

IPVanish doesn’t have any proprietary protocols.

WireGuard: a reliable industry standard

Both Surfshark and IPVanish support WireGuard, a popular VPN protocol that offers strong security with minimal performance loss. It’s lightweight, reliable, and useful for speed-sensitive tasks like streaming or gaming.

IKEv2/IPSec: best for mobile users

IKEv2/IPSec is especially good for mobile use because it seamlessly switches between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Surfshark and IPVanish both support IKEv2/IPSec on multiple operating systems.

OpenVPN: a secure and reliable protocol

OpenVPN is a tried-and-true protocol that balances speed and strong security. Both Surfshark and IPVanish support OpenVPN in TCP and UDP modes across all major platforms, including Linux and routers.

Summing up

The Dausos protocol gives Surfshark an advantage in terms of speed and security. Otherwise, both VPN providers support a strong lineup of popular protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec, and OpenVPN.

Audits

VPN providers often say they offer strict no-logs policies, strong security, and reliable infrastructure. Nevertheless, these claims are hard to verify without independent confirmation.

Third-party audits provide transparency by letting cybersecurity organizations assess VPN security features and privacy policies. Both Surfshark and IPVanish have undergone numerous independent audits:

Surfshark audits

Surfshark has conducted multiple independent audits, focusing on its security infrastructure and no-logs policy.

• In 2023 and 2025, Surfshark’s no-logs policy was verified by Deloitte. This confirms that Surfshark doesn’t store or track user activity and reinforces its ongoing commitment to privacy;
• In 2018 and 2021, Surfshark underwent security infrastructure audits by Cure53. These audits examined Surfshark’s browser extensions and server security, confirming that its infrastructure is well-secured against potential threats;
• In 2025, SecuRing verified that Surfshark’s network infrastructure was protected against disruptions and attacks and aligned with the highest cybersecurity standards;
• In 2026, Surfshark’s proprietary Dausos protocol was independently verified by Cure53. The audit confirmed that Dausos is a stable, resilient platform with no critical or high-severity vulnerabilities.

This level of continuous auditing and transparency reporting makes Surfshark one of the industry’s most well-documented and verified VPN providers.

IPVanish audits

Compared to Surfshark, IPVanish has a shorter history of independent audits:

• In 2022, Leviathan Security audited its no-traffic-logs privacy policy;
• In 2025, Schellman also audited its no-logs policy.

In both cases, the audits found that IPVanish was fully compliant with its privacy claims.

Summing up

Both Surfshark and IPVanish have undergone independent audits, but Surfshark has been verified more times. What’s more, Surfshark’s audits cover a wider range of issues, from its no-logs policy to its infrastructure security.

Privacy

Privacy is the core of virtual private networks. As a VPN user, you’re entitled to know whether your online activities stay private and whether your personal data isn’t exposed to unauthorized access or surveillance. Let’s see how Surfshark and IPVanish approach this:

Jurisdiction

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a country known for its strong privacy and data protection laws. The EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) sets clear limits on how user data can be processed and gives users additional legal protections compared to many other regions.

IPVanish operates out of the US, so it’s subject to US laws like the Patriot Act. Nevertheless, IPVanish promises a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that even if data were requested, there’s nothing stored that could identify or track users.

Logging policy

Both Surfshark and IPVanish have had their no-logs policies audited and verified by reputable auditing firms. As confirmed, neither VPN provider tracks, logs, or stores any details about user activity. Both services had their most recent audits in 2025.

Transparency and privacy measures

Surfshark has established a strong reputation for transparency. Apart from multiple independent audits, Surfshark also runs 100% diskless (RAM-only) servers, which helps ensure no user data can be stored, even accidentally. On top of that, it’s part of the VPN Trust Initiative, a group that advocates for higher standards across the VPN industry and promotes best practices and transparency.

Additionally, Surfshark offers advanced privacy features. Multi Hop routes traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy, and Clean Web blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. Surfshark also routinely publishes Transparency Report updates to share info on legal and government requests.

Apart from undergoing independent no-logs audits, IPVanish also publishes a detailed Transparency Report through its Trust Center. It’s also a part of the VPN Trust Initiative, working alongside other providers to raise privacy standards and promote greater accountability across the VPN industry.

Summing up

When it comes to privacy, Surfshark goes the extra mile with RAM-only servers and more independent audits. With Surfshark being based in the Netherlands and IPVanish operating out of the US, both providers have strict policies in place to protect user data.

Customer support

Good customer support is a very important aspect of a VPN service. Let’s check out what Surfshark and IPVanish offer:

Support channels

Surfshark and IPVanish both offer plenty of ways to get help, including 24/7 live chat, email support, and detailed guides. IPVanish also offers phone support, but it’s only available in select countries from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.

In third-party testing, Surfshark’s live chat stood out with a smoother support experience. Its chatbot asked relevant questions upfront, and live agents were responsive and helpful. IPVanish’s AI-driven replies were quicker, though less personalized.

Summing up

Whether you’re troubleshooting or just need quick guidance, both VPN services have you covered with round-the-clock live chat, responsive email support, and detailed help centers packed with step-by-step guides and FAQs.

Bundled products and features

In addition to the usual security and encryption, many VPN providers include extra tools to boost privacy, improve usability, and give users more control over their security online. Both Surfshark and IPVanish offer a satisfying lineup of additional features and products, but Surfshark stands out with a few unique features you won’t find elsewhere.

Ad blocker

Surfshark includes Clean Web, a built-in ad blocker that keeps malicious ads, trackers, and shady websites out of your way. It’s especially handy when streaming in your browser, as it can block ads and make the viewing experience smoother.

IPVanish has a feature called Threat Protection that also boosts your online security by blocking ads and trackers and protecting you from harmful websites while you’re using the VPN.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling lets you pick which apps or websites use the VPN and which ones connect directly to the internet. It helps separate activities that need a VPN from those that don’t.

Surfshark calls this feature Bypasser. It lets you route specific websites outside the VPN on most platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and browser extensions, and even gives you app-level control on Windows, Android, and macOS.

IPVanish offers something similar, with app-based split tunneling on Windows, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. It supports domain-based split tunneling on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Apple Vision Pro.

Double VPN

Double VPN is a feature that routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of just one. It adds an extra layer of encryption to your traffic, making it harder to track, and improves your privacy and security, although it might significantly slow down your connection.

Surfshark calls this feature Multi Hop, while IPVanish names it Double Hop VPN. Both VPN providers let you customize your route by choosing your entry and exit servers, giving you more control over your setup.

GPS override

Surfshark includes a GPS spoofing feature for Android, something IPVanish doesn’t offer. It lets you change your device’s GPS location, which can come in handy for apps and games that use location tracking.

Dedicated IP

Dedicated IP gives you a personal IP address that doesn’t change and isn’t shared with anyone else. It’s great for things like online banking, getting fewer human verification requests, or securely accessing remote systems. Surfshark offers this feature as a paid add-on, while IPVanish doesn’t have the option at all.

Alternative ID

Surfshark’s Alternative ID is a unique feature that lets you create a new online identity, complete with an alternative name, email, and address. It is useful for sign-ups and online forms and reduces spam, tracking, and phishing.

IPVanish doesn’t offer anything similar, making this a standout Surfshark perk.

Alternative number

Surfshark also offers an alternative number, a feature that gives you a virtual US phone number. It helps keep your regular number private and protects it from potential spam and data leaks. It’s a paid add-on, separate from Alternative ID.

IPVanish doesn’t have a similar feature, giving Surfshark an extra edge when it comes to privacy tools beyond just VPN protection.

Antivirus

Surfshark Antivirus is a lightweight tool that focuses on traditional malware defense. It offers real-time scanning, scheduled system checks, and support for up to five devices. Included in the Surfshark One bundle, Antivirus is available on Windows, macOS, and Android.

IPVanish’s Threat Protection Pro functions more like a real-time browsing shield that blocks malicious downloads, phishing sites, and trackers. It’s currently limited to Windows and macOS on the Advanced plan, with no mobile antivirus support.

Email scam checker

Surfshark’s email scam checker is designed to help you spot phishing attempts directly in your inbox. It scans emails in Gmail for fraudulent links, suspicious sender patterns, and common scam techniques. Integrating this into your browsing experience helps prevent accidental clicks on malicious content.

IPVanish doesn’t have an email scam checker for analyzing incoming mail and has no tool for evaluating the legitimacy of new emails or warning you about phishing scams in real time.

Alert

Surfshark Alert is a real-time data leak detection tool that monitors the web for your personal details. It notifies you if your email, passwords, IDs, or credit card numbers appear in data leaks.

IPVanish’s Dark Web Scanner is more limited in scope. It’s a manual lookup tool that lets you check if your login credentials were leaked in an email-based breach.

Identity theft coverage

The Surfshark One+ bundle includes identity theft coverage that features identity recovery support and insurance-like protection in supported regions. It covers up to $1M in expenses related to identity restoration, including legal fees, document replacement, and lost wages.

IPVanish doesn’t offer similar identity theft insurance coverage. Its plans don’t include any financial protection layer or identity restoration support.

Web content blocker

Surfshark’s web content blocker adds category-based filtering to your browsing. It lets users or families restrict different types of websites at the device level. As a result, pages in categories like phishing, malware, or adult content won’t be accessible.

In contrast, IPVanish doesn’t have a dedicated web content blocker. Its privacy features don’t have any option to restrict categories of websites or set access rules for different users.

Incogni

Incogni is a data removal service that helps you remove your personal information from data broker lists. It is great for anyone worried about online privacy and how their data is being used.

It’s included with Surfshark’s top-tier Surfshark One+ plan. IPVanish doesn’t offer anything like it, giving Surfshark another privacy-focused advantage.

Cloud storage

With IPVanish’s Advanced plan, you get 1TB of cloud storage through Livedrive. It lets you automatically back up files from your computer and mobile devices, with continuous syncing and 30-day file recovery. You can also share and access your files from anywhere.

Surfshark doesn’t offer a similar cloud storage feature.

Summing up

If you’re big on privacy, Surfshark is the stronger choice. It comes with standout features like Alternative ID, alternative number, GPS override, and access to the Incogni data removal service.

Reddit reviews: Surfshark vs. IPVanish

If you’re torn between Surfshark and IPVanish, Reddit can be a great place to find real user feedback and get some first-hand insights. Here are some comments from various subreddits regarding the subject:

Reddit has a VPN comparison table where users review VPNs they have tried — it’s a community effort meant to simplify choosing and using VPNs. According to the table, Reddit users rank Surfshark among the top two, while IPVanish is sixth.

Remember, it’s always good to check it out for yourself.

Key takeaway: two reliable VPN providers

Both Surfshark and IPVanish are strong VPN contenders, each with unique strengths.

Surfshark is more versatile and privacy-focused, but IPVanish provides a solid foundation for users prioritizing specific US-based server needs and cloud storage. It’s also worth noting that Surfshark is faster, has more servers, works on more devices, and includes standout extras like GPS override and data removal tools.

Additional Surfshark reviews and comparisons

Check out how we compare to leading VPNs in general, or take a look at our in-depth Surfshark review.

• Surfshark vs. PIA
• Surfshark vs. NordVPN
• Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN
• Surfshark vs. CyberGhost
• Surfshark vs. ProtonVPN
• Surfshark vs. Mullvad
• Surfshark vs. Windscribe

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