Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
X-VPN and IPVanish are two VPN services that offer varying features. X-VPN, based in Hong Kong, has a higher overall rating of 67.5% compared to IPVanish’s 48.5%. It also boasts a larger server network with over 8,000 servers in 65 countries. However, it does not have a no-logging policy and only allows up to 5 simultaneous connections. IPVanish, based in the United States, offers a no-logging policy and unlimited simultaneous connections, but has a smaller server network with 2,200 servers in 53 countries. Both VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and support AES-256 encryption. IPVanish offers a cheaper monthly price at $2.49, whereas X-VPN’s cheapest price is $4.79 over a 12-month subscription. From a user’s perspective, X-VPN could be the preferred choice due to its larger server network and higher overall rating, despite its higher price.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: X-VPN vs IPVanish
| VPN Company | X-VPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Hong Kong | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $4.79/mo over 12-month subscription | $2.49/mo |
| Monthly Price | $11.99 | $12.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | No | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-128, AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, Everest Protocol | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, PPTP, and SSTP |
| Servers | 8,000 | 2,200 |
| Servers Countries | 65 | 53 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Phone call |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, X-VPN and IPVanish are standout choices.
IPVanish’s service begins at $2.49/mo for 24-month subscription. X-VPN costs $11.99 a month when you subscribe on month-by-month basis and costs just $4.79 per month when you go with annual subscription.
IPVanish Plans
X-VPN Plans
Jurisdiction: X-VPN Slightly Better
Comparing Hong Kong-based X-VPN and United States-based IPVanish reveals significant privacy differences due to their different legal and surveillance environments.
Hong Kong, despite being a special administrative region of China, has its own legal system and offers a degree of internet freedom and privacy protection. Though, recent political changes and the imposition of new security laws have raised concerns about user privacy in the city.
On the other hand, United States is part of an intelligence-sharing alliance (the 14-Eye). Companies based in United States (ie. IPVanish) might face legal pressures to surrender user data to the government and its alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security, particularly with the push for encryption backdoors.
All in all, while Hong Kong-based X-VPN offered a slightly higher degree of privacy, changing political dynamics have blurred this advantage and placed them closer to the surveillance realities faced by VPNs in 14-Eyes countries. Hence, for those dealing with sensitive data and need maximum online privacy, you might want to look beyond these two VPNs.
| Aspect | X-VPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction and Data Laws | Previously more privacy-friendly, but changing due to new security laws | Subject to extensive surveillance laws |
| Data Retention Policies | Potentially less stringent | Often more stringent due to legal requirements |
| Anonymity and User Information | Traditionally higher, depending on the company’s policy | Potentially lower due to regulatory requirements |
| Legal Obligations to Respond to Warrants | Increasingly complex and uncertain | More straightforward and often legally obligated |
| Global Surveillance Concerns | Growing concerns due to political changes | High due to intelligence-sharing agreements |
More About the 14-Eyes Alliance and Its Privacy Implications
The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries.
The presence of a VPN provider in a 14-Eyes country could mean legal obligations to surrender user data to government entities, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: X-VPN Better
The server fleet size of X-VPN and IPVanish is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. X-VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 8,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, IPVanish maintains a more modest server presence, with only 2,200 servers across 53 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from IPVanish, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of X-VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Why the Number of VPN Servers Matter?
The size of a VPN’s server fleet significantly impacts user experience in several key areas.
Firstly, a larger server network ensures a more evenly distributed user load, which translates to faster internet speeds and reduced risk of server overload. This is crucial for maintaining high-speed connections, especially important for streaming, downloading, and browsing. In contrast, a smaller server fleet might face challenges handling high traffic volumes – which often leads to slower speeds and longer connection times. Additionally, extensive server coverage offers users a wider choice of geographical locations, enhancing the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access diverse content.
Additionally, extensive server coverage offers users a wider choice of geographical locations, enhancing the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access diverse content. From a privacy standpoint, a larger server fleet can offer better anonymity, as user activities are dispersed across more servers, reducing the likelihood of tracking and data breaches.
Simultaneous Connections: IPVanish Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing X-VPN and IPVanish is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows.
X-VPN permits users to connect up to five devices at the same time – which is generally sufficient for individual users or small families. IPVanish, on the other hand, takes this a step further by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing IPVanish over X-VPN.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both X-VPN and IPVanish reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee*, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of X-VPN to the advanced security protocols of IPVanish – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Bottomline
In conclusion, users seeking extensive server coverage and a slightly better jurisdiction might lean towards X-VPN, while those needing unlimited simultaneous connections and a cheaper monthly price might find IPVanish more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between X-VPN and IPVanish should be based on individual requirements and priorities, ensuring a satisfactory and personalized VPN experience.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use ourX-VPN and IPVanish comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About X-VPN & IPVanish
IPVanish
IPVanish, established in 2012, is based in the United States. The service is known for its strong security features, including AES-256 encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. IPVanish offers a wide network of servers globally and is compatible with various devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.
To learn more, read our IPVanish review.
X-VPN
X-VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) company established in 2017. It was founded by Daniel Lee who has over 10 years of experience in the internet and security industry. The company headquarters is based in the Hong Kong, but it has operations worldwide. X-VPN provides a secure and private internet browsing experience for its users while preserving their anonymity and data privacy. X-VPN offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $4.79/mo and require a 12-month commitment.
To learn more, read our X-VPN review.