IPVanish vs ExpressVPN: Which is better?

Choosing a VPN while you live on the move isn’t the same as choosing a VPN for home use. A digital nomad needs stable access in any country, strong protection on public networks, unrestricted access to work tools, and privacy that stays intact even when you change networks several times daily. The good news is that we’ve found popular options, yet the choice can feel confusing. Today, we analyse and compare IPVanish vs ExpressVPN, two well-known brands that offer different solutions and suit different user profiles.

Throughout this article, we’ll compare both VPNs clearly and practically. We’ll assess speed, privacy, security features, servers, streaming performance, overseas connections, and which one fits the nomad lifestyle better. Our goal is to help you choose the option that truly lets you work and travel without worrying about your connection.

General comparison: IPVanish vs. Express VPN

Before we dive into a full analysis, here’s a comparison table of what each VPN offers. Broadly speaking, IPVanish stands out for strong baseline speed and unlimited device connections, which helps if you travel with several devices (laptop, phone, tablet, and more). On the other hand, ExpressVPN is known for global stability, advanced privacy features, and exceptional performance across regions, from Europe to Asia and Latin America.

Either way, both VPNs are excellent choices for digital nomads. With that said, let’s look at the key differences and similarities between IPVanish vs ExpressVPN:

Great, those are the main features of both VPNs at a glance. Now we’ll dive deeper and compare security tools, performance, server networks, device compatibility, user experience, and more. In the end, you’ll know which VPN suits your nomad needs better.

Security features comparison: IPVanish vs ExpressVPN

When a digital nomad chooses a VPN, security isn’t a small detail: It’s the foundation for working anywhere without exposing sensitive information. So, you should review more than encryption and protocols. You should also check how each service behaves on public WiFi, what it does to prevent leaks, and whether external audits back up its promises.

Both IPVanish and ExpressVPN are recognised options, yet each one takes a different approach. IPVanish focuses on speed and simplicity, while ExpressVPN combines performance with a stronger, better-audited security ecosystem. The table below shows each security feature side by side, so you can quickly see which one fits your needs for travel and remote work.

In pure security terms, ExpressVPN offers a more mature and complete set of protections. Its proprietary Lightway protocol aims for higher speed and stability, and it also strengthens safety on public networks. This matters for digital nomads who rely on café, airport, and short-stay WiFi. Also, TrustedServer infrastructure and frequent external audits add extra confidence, because they show publicly that it doesn’t retain sensitive information.

IPVanish, on the other hand, meets modern security standards: AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, RAM-only servers, and modern protocols like WireGuard. For most use cases, it’s secure enough. However, it lacks advanced tools like obfuscated servers and independent audits. These gaps matter when you work from restricted countries or need maximum integrity for sensitive data handling.

In summary, both VPNs suit everyday use, yet ExpressVPN has a clear edge for digital nomads and remote workers. It brings audited architecture, the Lightway protocol, and strong stability and safety on unreliable networks.

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Performance: Which VPN is faster?

Speed is another top factor for people who work remotely or live on the move. It affects video calls, file transfers, collaboration tools, and stability on public networks. Here, both VPNs perform well, but they don’t offer the same level of global consistency.

IPVanish delivers very strong speeds thanks to WireGuard, a fast and efficient protocol used by most reputable VPNs. This supports solid connections to nearby servers, although distant servers can vary more. Also, on congested networks (cafés, airports), performance can fluctuate more than ExpressVPN. So, it’s fast, yet it doesn’t stay fully consistent.

ExpressVPN, however, is one of the market’s most consistent VPNs. The reason is its Lightway protocol, which the brand designed for higher speed, stronger stability, and better battery efficiency. So, it keeps excellent consistency, even across continents. Also, it stays very stable on weaker public networks.

So, how do both VPNs handle streaming and online gaming? Let’s see:

Overall, ExpressVPN delivers more consistent performance, especially for people who work remotely across countries and need stability in any region. Its Lightway protocol, optimised network, and reliability for streaming and gaming make it a more complete option for digital nomads.

IPVanish, meanwhile, is a fast and very usable VPN, especially over shorter distances. With WireGuard, it delivers excellent performance for daily tasks, home networks, and local streaming. However, its global consistency is lower, which can affect people who rely on a VPN while travelling internationally.

No-logs policy, jurisdiction, and audits: IPVanish vs. ExpressVPN

Privacy matters as much as speed when you work remotely or live on the move. Each time you connect from an airport, café, or temporary stay, your data travels through networks you don’t control. So, you should understand what a VPN logs and which laws govern it. Let’s look at this in more detail.

Jurisdiction

IPVanish operates under US jurisdiction, and the US belongs to the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. This means that, in theory, it could be compelled to cooperate with government requests.
Although the company now follows a stricter no-logs policy, US jurisdiction isn’t the most privacy-friendly option.

In contrast, ExpressVPN bases itself in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction that doesn’t belong to Five Eyes or any surveillance alliance. It doesn’t require mandatory data retention, and it protects user privacy through local law.

No-logs policy

Both VPNs claim a no-logs policy, which means they say they don’t store activity data, traffic, or personal user data. Also, both use RAM-only servers, which wipe data automatically on every reboot.

However, IPVanish had an incident in 2016, when it provided data to a federal investigation. Although ownership and policies have changed since then, this history still matters for very demanding users.

ExpressVPN presents an even clearer no-logs policy, and it has no historical incidents of providing user data. In fact, the company says it designs internal processes so no data links back to a user. As a quick takeaway, both VPNs say they don’t log data, yet ExpressVPN holds a stronger track record with fewer contradictions.

External audits

Here’s another major difference between IPVanish vs ExpressVPN. Express VPN The first doesn’t provide public external audits of its no-logs policy. So, you have no option except trusting that IPVanish does what it promises. For a standard user this may be sufficient, but for digital nomads or those handling sensitive work data, the absence of audits is a weakness.

Express VPN, on the other hand, has been repeatedly audited by independent companies such as PwC and Cure53. In fact, it ranks among the most audited VPNs on the market. These checks confirmed its no-logs policy, TrustedServer technology, Lightway security, and app leak protections.

So, you can say ExpressVPN offers verifiable proof, while IPVanish relies on statements without external verification.

Overall conclusion: Privacy and trust

For a digital nomad or remote worker, privacy goes beyond encryption. It depends on a favourable jurisdiction, a true no-logs policy, and transparent external audits. In this context:

• IPVanish is secure and it now follows better practices, but US jurisdiction and missing external audits mean it relies more on trust than proof.
• ExpressVPN, however, combines a very strong jurisdiction, a consistent no-logs policy, and regular audits, which makes it more reliable long term.

Customer service IPVanish vs. ExpressVPN

When you rely on your VPN to work across countries, fast support matters if you need a fix within minutes. Here, both IPVanish and ExpressVPN offer good service, but they don’t match on speed or availability.

IPVanish offers fairly complete customer support, although it feels less agile than ExpressVPN. Its channels include live chat (but it doesn’t always reply instantly), an email and ticket system with moderate waits, and a help centre with guides, tutorials, and technical articles. If you work remotely in stable environments and don’t need second-by-second help, IPVanish support does the job.

ExpressVPN offers one of the most complete and reliable support experiences among premium VPNs. It provides 24/7 chat with human agents (not a chatbot), fast email support, and a very extensive knowledge base, with guides for each operating system and country. Unlike IPVanish, it helps a lot when you face urgent issues during a trip, or when you need to unblock content in a specific country.

To wrap up, IPVanish offers good support, yet ExpressVPN is clearly superior thanks to ultra-fast 24/7 chat, a stronger technical team, and faster problem-solving. This matters when you travel or work remotely across time zones.

For a digital nomad who relies on a stable connection to work, ExpressVPN offers the most reliable, fast, and accessible support.

Prestige and reviews: IPVanish vs. ExpressVPN

A VPN’s reputation matters for security and privacy. Not every company has the same track record, audits, or recognition, and this shapes user trust. Here, the differences between IPVanish and ExpressVPN are clear.

ExpressVPN is one of the world’s most awarded and respected VPNs. For over a decade, tech outlets and cybersecurity experts have highlighted it consistently. So, it often ranks highly in CNET – Best VPN Overall and PCMag – Editors’ Choice.

IPVanish, in contrast, is well known and it has a strong user base, especially in the US. However, its prestige is lower than ExpressVPN, and part of this comes from its history.

So, what do users say? ExpressVPN holds excellent ratings on Trustpilot, technical forums, and Reddit. Users often highlight its consistency, ease of use, 24/7 support, and strong streaming and travel performance. The most common complaint is price, since it costs more than many other VPNs.

With IPVanish, users often value speed, unlimited device connections, and competitive pricing. The most mentioned negatives include inconsistent streaming access, weaker international performance, and missing external audits.

So, in prestige, recognition, and verified user feedback, ExpressVPN holds a clear and sustained advantage.

Plans and prices: Which VPN offers better value?

To close this comparison, we’ll review IPVanish vs ExpressVPN plans and pricing. Express VPN. When you work with a tight budget, price can tip the scales. If money isn’t an issue, you may happily pay more for fuller protection.

At a glance, IPVanish offers lower prices, which suits users who want a good VPN without overspending. If you want the most connected devices at a low cost, its two-year plan offers a very affordable and flexible option.

If you value consistent service, premium features, and global stability, ExpressVPN’s Basic or Advanced plans feel balanced, with strong value for people who travel or work across countries.

IPVanish vs. Express VPN: Which should you choose for travelling abroad?

Both IPVanish and ExpressVPN offer strong features, but when we focus on what a digital nomad truly needs (global stability, reliable security on public networks, consistent performance, and immediate support) ExpressVPN is the stronger option.

Its Lightway protocol, consistent server network, external audits, and strong privacy record make it especially reliable for people who change countries often or rely on a secure connection for remote work.

IPVanish is a fast and affordable alternative, and it suits you if you want to connect many devices and use the VPN mainly within one region. However, missing audits, a less favourable jurisdiction, and less stable international performance make it less robust for constant mobility.

In short, if your work depends on a VPN and you travel regularly, ExpressVPN offers the safest and most reliable experience.

Which VPN do we recommend from Holafly?

At Holafly, we recommend that travellers and digital nomads combine our international eSIMs or global plans with a VPN focused on real privacy and global stability. So, if you want a safe, transparent option built to protect you while you travel, Proton VPN is the smartest choice, especially if you prioritise privacy, security, and consistent worldwide connections.

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