Surfshark vs IPVanish: Why is PureVPN a Better Alternative?

Brace yourself for an exhilarating VPN face-off: Surfshark vs IPVanish. But hold on, a new contender emerges – PureVPN.

In our comprehensive evaluation of these prominent options, you will discover defining features that set them apart, guiding you toward the VPN solution that perfectly matches your needs.

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Speed

Baseline speed: 1 Gbps

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Average download speeds	304 Mbps	325 Mbps	283 Mbps
Average upload speeds	271 Mbps	297 Mbps	256 Mbps

In our recent speed test, we went with the WireGuard protocol and connected to servers in the US, UK, and Canada. Then, we carefully measured the upload and download speeds of all three VPNs.

For download speeds, Surfshark stood out with an average of 325 Mbps, showing impressive performance. PureVPN maintained its consistency with an average of 304 Mbps, while IPVanish held its own at an average of 283 Mbps.

Related Read: How to Increase VPN Speed

In terms of upload speeds, Surfshark continued to perform well, achieving an average of 297 Mbps. PureVPN followed closely with an average of 271 Mbps, and IPVanish offered an average of 256 Mbps.

Who tops this category? Based on the results, Surfshark is the fastest VPN, followed by PureVPN.

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Server Locations

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Servers	6,000+	3,200+	2,200+
Countries	65	100	50

Surfshark boasts a robust network of 3,200+ servers (some of which are virtual) spread across an astonishing 100 countries, providing users with a diverse array of server locations to cater to their every need. 

IPVanish offers 2200+ servers across 50 countries. While it may have fewer servers compared to Surfshark and PureVPN, IPVanish strategically positions its servers to ensure reliable and efficient VPN connections in various regions.

PureVPN stands strong with a staggering network of 6000+ servers spread across 65 countries, offering users a vast selection of global virtual locations for unmatched access to content and superior browsing speeds.

Who tops this category? PureVPN may not offer as many countries as Surfshark, but it has the most number of servers. 

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Security

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec
Private DNS	Yes	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	No	Yes	No
Quantum-resistant	Yes	No	No

Surfshark provides strong security by implementing strong encryption with AES 256-bit. It offers multiple protocols to choose from, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Surfshark also utilizes private DNS servers to enhance privacy and operates RAM-based servers for added security. 

IPVanish, like its competitors, takes advantage of AES 256-bit encryption to keep users’ data secure. It lets you establish a VPN connection using protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and IPSec. When you use IPVanish, your DNS queries are sent via its private DNS servers.

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, employing AES 256-bit encryption. It lets you choose from a diverse range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and IPSec. While PureVPN uses its own network of DNS servers, it does not provide RAM-based servers. However, the VPN service is quantum-safe!

Who tops this category? Surfshark runs a RAM-based server infrastructure, whereas PureVPN future-proofs the security of user data through quantum resistant encryption keys. So, it is a two-way tie.

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Privacy

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Netherlands	United States
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes	Yes
Always on-audit	Yes	No	No

Surfshark operates out of the Netherlands, a country that is part of the Nine Eyes alliance surveillance network. However, Surfshark has a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, ensuring that it does not store any user data or activity.

IPVanish, based in the USA and a member of the Five Eyes alliance, raises privacy concerns for users due to potential surveillance implications. However, IPVanish offers some reassurance with its audited no-logs policy, meaning it does not retain any user data

PureVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring a favorable privacy environment. It follows a Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy, affirming that it does not retain user activity logs. What distinguishes PureVPN is its implementation of an always-on audit mechanism, providing an additional layer of transparency and accountability.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is first, Surfshark second, and IPVanish third.

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Unblocking

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Netflix	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	No	Yes
Max	Yes	Yes	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	Yes	Yes

Surfshark makes streaming an enjoyable experience, unblocking Netflix, Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ without any problems. While Hulu remains inaccessible, the rest of the options ensure a wide variety of content.

IPVanish impressively unlocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, granting users unrestricted access to a diverse range of content. However, it faces issues when it comes to accessing Max and BBC iPlayer.

PureVPN boasts impressive unblocking capabilities, ensuring seamless access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. With a wide range of supported platforms, PureVPN lets users enjoy their favorite content without any geo-restrictions.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is a reliable streaming VPN capable of unblocking all popular platforms no matter where you are.

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Pricing

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	Starter ($12.95), One ($17.95), One+ ($22.95)	$11.99
1-year	Standard ($3.74/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($6.24/month)	Starter ($3.99/month), One ($4.49/month), One+ ($8.29/month)	$4.49/month
2-year	Standard ($1.96/month), Plus ($3.21), Max ($3.85/month)	Starter ($2.49/month), One ($3.49/month), One+ ($6.49/month)	$3.33/month

Surfshark offers flexible pricing with three tiers that provide different capabilities: Starter, One, and One+. Customers can choose a plan according to their needs, whether it is monthly, 1-year, or 2-year.

On the other hand, IPVanish’s pricing structure is more straightforward. There are three plans available, including monthly, 1-year- and 2-year plans, giving users both short term and long-term options.

PureVPN also follows a tier-based pricing structure. The tiers are categorized as Standard, Plus, and Max, having different features and pricing levels. Users can choose from monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans within each tier.

Who tops this category? PureVPN’s flexible plans coupled with their affordable rates means it takes first position. 

Get PureVPN

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Features

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	No	Yes
Dedicated IP	Yes	Yes	No
Port Forwarding	Yes	No	No

Surfshark offers SmartDNS for instant access to geo-restricted content and multi-hop servers that let you connect to two VPN servers at the same time. Besides that, it comes with an antivirus, ad and pop-up blocker (aka CleanWeb 2.0), data breach detector, and a private search engine for an extra price.

IPVanish provides access to features like a SOCKS5 proxy for privacy protection without sacrificing speed, SugarSync for securely backing up files to the cloud, and 25 Gbps servers for establishing super-fast connections from any corner of the world. 

PureVPN offers impressive features with its 20 Gbps servers, delivering fast and reliable connections, and VPN over Tor offering enhanced anonymity. Additionally, PureVPN also provides a range of bundled products like a password manager (PureKeep), file encrypter (PureEncrypt), and privacy auditor (PurePrivacy), which can be purchased alongside the VPN service.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is packed with many useful features and even offers port forwarding as an add-on.

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Compatibility

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox
Multi-logins	10	Unlimited	Unlimited

Surfshark supports macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, along with browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. What sets Surfshark apart from PureVPN and PIA is the unlimited multi-logins feature, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want under one subscription.

IPVanish supports a wide range of devices, including macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also offers easy-to-use browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Like Surfshark, IPVanish allows users to connect as many devices as they want with one account.

PureVPN offers broad compatibility with easy-to-use apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Supporting up to 10 simultaneous multi-logins, PureVPN allows users to connect multiple devices.

Who tops this category? Surfshark and IPVanish are tied for first.

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Customer Support

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Live chat	Yes	Yes	Yes
Email	Yes	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	Yes	Yes

All three VPNs offer must-have customer support options such as live chat, email, knowledgebase, and in-app support. However, IPVanish goes a step further by providing users the option to get in touch via call as well.

Who tops this category? IPVanish since it also offers phone support. PureVPN and Surfshark are tied for second. 

Surfshark vs IPVanish vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?

	PureVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish
Pricing	1st	2nd	3rd
Speed	2nd	1st	3rd
Server locations	1st	2nd	3rd
Security	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	2nd
Privacy	1st	2nd	3rd
Unblocking	1st	2nd	3rd
Features	1st	2nd	3rd
Compatibility	2nd	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)
Customer support	2nd (Tie)	2nd (Tie)	1st

PureVPN performs exceptionally well in the most number of categories, so it is the best overall VPN service. Surfshark is second, excelling in speed, security, etc. IPVanish is a decent option as well in terms of compatibility and customer support, but could use some improvements in other areas. 

Get PureVPN