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Surfshark One
Surfshark One beat IPVanish on speed, streaming and security tools in my tests. It costs slightly more upfront, but the antivirus, breach alerts and Alternative ID make it the better value.
- Unlimited devices
- 4500+ servers in 100+ countries
- 96% speed retention
- Antivirus and Alert
- CleanWeb and NoBorders
- 96% speed retention in my tests
- Unlimited devices
- Antivirus and Alert included
- RAM-only servers
- Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
- Dynamic MultiHop and Nexus IP rotation
- Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes)
- Owned by Nord Security
- Higher renewal price
- Some tools not on every platform
Surfshark vs IPVanish 2026: My Honest Comparison (Early Black Friday Update)
I’ve been testing VPNs full time for more than four years, and I’ve published 600+ VPN videos across my two YouTube channels, All Things VPN and VPNR. Surfshark and IPVanish are two of the VPNs I come back to most, because both give you unlimited devices at a budget price. I retested both for this early Black Friday 2026 update with fresh speed runs, streaming checks and current deal prices.
My verdict is clear: Surfshark One is the better all-around VPN in 2026. It was faster in my tests, more reliable for streaming, and it bundles antivirus, breach alerts and Alternative ID into the same subscription. IPVanish is still a genuinely strong runner-up, and its Essential plan is the cheaper of the two this Black Friday.
Black Friday 2026 lands on Friday, November 27, and Cyber Monday follows on November 30. The prices on this page are early Black Friday deals, and I verified every one of them today. I’ll recheck them on Black Friday itself, so bookmark this page if you want to see whether anything changes.
Quick Ranking: Surfshark vs IPVanish
Surfshark One sits at #1 and IPVanish at #2 in my full Black Friday 2026 ranking of 10 VPNs. That means neither one is a bad pick. The gap between them comes down to speed, extra security tools and how much you want to pay upfront.
- Surfshark One: best overall, fastest VPN I tested, and the best security bundle
- IPVanish: unlimited devices, fast speeds and a lower upfront price
Surfshark One
The fastest VPN I tested, bundled with antivirus, breach alerts and Alternative ID for unlimited devices.
- Unlimited devices
- 96% speed retention
- Antivirus included
- + 3 months free
IPVanish
A fast, no-frills VPN with unlimited devices, Threat Protection and the lower upfront price.
- Unlimited devices
- 93% speed retention
- Threat Protection
- + 3 GB eSIM data gift
Surfshark One vs IPVanish at a Glance
Both VPNs cover unlimited devices, use WireGuard, and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The differences show up in speed, extra security tools and privacy infrastructure. Here are the early Black Friday deals and the key specs side by side.
| VPN | Early Black Friday deal | First payment | Devices | Speed retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark One | 88% off, $2.49/mo + 3 months free | $67.23 for 27 months | Unlimited | 96% |
| IPVanish Essential | 85% off, $2.19/mo + 3 GB eSIM data gift | $52.56 for 24 months | Unlimited | 93% |
| Category | Surfshark One | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | 4,500+ in 100+ countries | 3,650+ servers, 56,000+ IP addresses, 150+ locations |
| Simultaneous devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| No-logs audit | Deloitte audited | Independently verified (Leviathan Security) |
| RAM-only servers | Yes | No |
| Antivirus | Yes, included in Surfshark One | No |
| Ad and malware blocker | Yes (CleanWeb) | Yes (Threat Protection on Essential) |
| Breach alerts and Alternative ID | Yes (Alert, Alternative ID) | No |
| MultiHop | Yes (Dynamic MultiHop) | No |
| Obfuscation | Yes (NoBorders, Camouflage Mode) | Yes (Scramble on OpenVPN) |
| Netflix reliability | 20+ libraries, first try | Works, may need a server switch |
| Support | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat |
| Jurisdiction and owner | Netherlands (Nine Eyes), Nord Security | USA (Five Eyes), Ziff Davis |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
How I Tested Surfshark and IPVanish
I tested both VPNs on the same connection, on the same days, using the same devices. Every number on this page comes from my own runs, not from the providers’ marketing pages. Here is the routine I follow for every VPN I review.
- Speed tests with WireGuard on nearby, US, UK and Asia-Pacific servers, measured against my unprotected baseline
- Streaming checks on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, ESPN and DAZN
- DNS, IPv4, IPv6 and WebRTC leak tests with the kill switch on
- Apps installed on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
- Live chat questions to test response time and answer quality
- Deal prices checked at checkout on November 1, 2026
Speed Results: Surfshark One Is Faster
Speed is the most important real-world metric for a VPN, and it is where I spend the most testing time. I used WireGuard on both, since it is the fastest protocol either provider offers. Surfshark One retained 96% of my base download speed, while IPVanish kept 93%.
On local servers you’ll barely notice the difference between them. The gap widens on long-distance connections, where Surfshark held steadier speeds on US and Asia-Pacific servers. IPVanish dropped more noticeably on distant servers, although it was still perfectly usable for HD streaming.
| Server location | Surfshark One (WireGuard) | IPVanish (WireGuard) |
|---|---|---|
| Average speed retention | 96% | 93% |
| US server | Strong, minimal drop | Good, slight drop |
| UK server | Excellent | Excellent |
| Asia-Pacific server | Consistent, manageable drop | More noticeable drop |
1. Surfshark One
Surfshark One is my #1 VPN for Black Friday 2026 and the winner of this comparison. It was the fastest VPN in my tests, and it adds a full security toolkit on top of the VPN. At $2.49/mo on the 2-year plan with 3 months free, it is the best value bundle I’ve tested.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One beat IPVanish on speed, streaming and security tools in my tests. It costs slightly more upfront, but the antivirus, breach alerts and Alternative ID make it the better value.
- Unlimited devices
- 4500+ servers in 100+ countries
- 96% speed retention
- Antivirus and Alert
- CleanWeb and NoBorders
- 96% speed retention in my tests
- Unlimited devices
- Antivirus and Alert included
- RAM-only servers
- Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
- Dynamic MultiHop and Nexus IP rotation
- Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes)
- Owned by Nord Security
- Higher renewal price
- Some tools not on every platform
The VPN runs on 4,500+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, and its no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte. I can protect every device in my house on one subscription, since there is no device limit. In daily use the apps are clean, quick to connect and easy for beginners.
What Surfshark One includes
- Antivirus: real-time malware protection for your devices
- Alert: data breach monitoring for your email and personal details
- Alternative ID: a masked identity and email for sign-ups
- Scam protection and CleanWeb: blocks ads, trackers, malicious sites and scam pages
- NoBorders: helps you connect on restrictive networks
- Dynamic MultiHop, Nexus IP rotation, Everlink and GPS override: advanced privacy and connection tools
There are trade-offs worth knowing. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes country, and it is owned by Nord Security. The renewal price is higher than the first term, and some tools are not available on every platform.
What I liked
- Fastest VPN in my tests with 96% speed retention
- Unlimited devices on one subscription
- Antivirus, Alert and Alternative ID included
- RAM-only servers and a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
- Reliably unblocked 20+ Netflix libraries, Prime Video and Hulu
- Dynamic MultiHop, Nexus IP rotation and NoBorders
What I didn’t like
- Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes)
- Owned by Nord Security
- Higher renewal price after the first term
- Some tools are not available on every platform
I cover every feature in my full Surfshark review and my Surfshark One review. If you want the latest price, check my Surfshark coupon page. You can also read my Surfshark Antivirus review to see how the bundled antivirus performed.
See how Surfshark One ranks against every VPN
I tested 10 VPNs for Black Friday 2026, and Surfshark One took the top spot for speed, value and security.
See my best VPNs →2. IPVanish
IPVanish is my #2 VPN for Black Friday 2026 and a very close runner-up here. It retained 93% of my base speed, which is excellent, and it also covers unlimited devices. At $2.19/mo for 24 months with a 3 GB eSIM data gift, IPVanish Essential is the cheaper of the two upfront.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a fast, budget-friendly VPN with unlimited devices and Threat Protection. It trails Surfshark One on speed and extras, but it costs less upfront.
- Unlimited devices
- 3650+ servers in 150+ locations
- 93% speed retention
- Threat Protection included
- 93% speed retention in my tests
- Unlimited devices
- 3650+ servers in 150+ locations
- Threat Protection on Essential
- Verified no-logs policy
- Live 24/7 chat
- US-based (Five Eyes)
- No RAM-only servers
- No MultiHop
- Less consistent streaming than Surfshark
IPVanish runs 3,650+ servers with 56,000+ IP addresses across 150+ VPN locations, so it covers more locations than Surfshark. It supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, has a verified no-logs policy, and offers live 24/7 chat. Threat Protection comes with the Essential plan and blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites.
What IPVanish includes
- Essential: the VPN, unlimited devices and Threat Protection
- Advanced: adds cloud backup and Threat Protection Pro
- Free SOCKS5 proxy: handy for torrent clients that support it
- Scramble: obfuscation on OpenVPN for restrictive networks
The biggest drawback is jurisdiction, since IPVanish is based in the US, a Five Eyes country. It also lacks RAM-only servers and MultiHop, and streaming was less consistent than Surfshark in my tests. None of that makes it a bad VPN, but it explains why it sits at #2.
What I liked
- Fast speeds with 93% retention in my tests
- Unlimited devices on one subscription
- Lower upfront price than Surfshark One
- 150+ VPN locations and 56,000+ IP addresses
- Threat Protection included on Essential
- Free SOCKS5 proxy for torrenting
What I didn’t like
- Based in the USA (Five Eyes)
- 2016 data handover under previous ownership
- No RAM-only servers or MultiHop
- Prime Video unblocking was inconsistent
- Slower than Surfshark on distant servers
For the full breakdown, read my IPVanish review. I keep the current price and any coupon codes on my IPVanish coupon page. Both pages get updated through Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Streaming: Surfshark One Is More Reliable
Both VPNs work for streaming, but reliability is where they split. Surfshark unblocked every major platform I tried, usually on the first server. Netflix US, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and over a dozen more libraries all worked without server hopping.
IPVanish handled the big US and UK platforms well, but I had to switch servers to get Hulu working. Amazon Prime Video was unreliable in my tests. In some regions, IPVanish fell back to Netflix Originals instead of the full local library.
Surfshark also includes Smart DNS, which lets you stream on devices that can’t run VPN apps, like some smart TVs and game consoles. IPVanish doesn’t offer it, so you would need to set up the VPN on your router instead. If you stream on a Fire TV Stick, see my best VPN for Firestick guide.
| Streaming service | Surfshark One | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix US | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Netflix international libraries | ✅ 20+ libraries, reliable | ⚠️ Works, may need a server switch |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Yes | ❌ Unreliable |
| Disney+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hulu | ✅ Yes, first try | ⚠️ May need a server switch |
| HBO Max | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ESPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| DAZN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Smart DNS | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Server Network: More Servers vs More Locations
Surfshark runs 4,500+ servers in 100+ countries. IPVanish has 3,650+ servers, 56,000+ IP addresses and 150+ VPN locations. Surfshark has more servers, which helps with congestion, while IPVanish gives you more places to connect from.
Surfshark pulls ahead on specialty options with Dynamic MultiHop, Nexus IP rotation and Everlink, which keeps your connection alive if a server goes down. IPVanish keeps things simpler and doesn’t offer MultiHop. If you need a very specific location, check both server lists before buying.
Security: Surfshark One Has More Tools
Both VPNs use AES-256 encryption and offer a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, split tunneling and WireGuard. In my leak tests, I found zero DNS, IPv4, IPv6 or WebRTC leaks on either one. On the fundamentals, they are neck and neck.
The difference is everything Surfshark One adds on top of the VPN. IPVanish covers the basics well, but it stops at Threat Protection. These are the tools that pushed it ahead in my security testing.
- Antivirus: real-time malware scanning, which IPVanish doesn’t include
- Alert: data breach monitoring for your email and personal details
- Alternative ID: a masked identity for online sign-ups
- RAM-only servers: every reboot wipes the server, and IPVanish doesn’t use them
- Dynamic MultiHop: routes traffic through two servers, with no IPVanish equivalent
- Nexus IP rotation: changes your IP without dropping the connection
- NoBorders and Camouflage Mode: help on restrictive networks, while IPVanish offers Scramble on OpenVPN
| Security feature | Surfshark One | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| DNS and IP leak protection | Yes | Yes |
| Antivirus | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| RAM-only servers | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| MultiHop | ✅ Dynamic MultiHop | ❌ No |
| Ad and malware blocker | Yes (CleanWeb, scam protection) | Yes (Threat Protection) |
| Obfuscation | Yes (NoBorders, Camouflage Mode) | Yes (Scramble) |
| IP rotation | ✅ Nexus IP rotation | ❌ No |
Privacy: Surfshark Has the Cleaner Record
Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes country, which isn’t ideal. However, the Netherlands has no mandatory data retention law, and Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte. Every server runs on RAM only, so there is nothing stored on disk to seize.
IPVanish is based in the US, a founding Five Eyes member and a weaker jurisdiction for a privacy tool. In 2016, under previous ownership, IPVanish handed user data to US Homeland Security despite claiming a no-logs policy. It is now owned by Ziff Davis, and its no-logs policy has since been independently verified by Leviathan Security Group.
Surfshark isn’t perfect either, since it is owned by Nord Security, the same group behind NordVPN. Still, RAM-only servers and a Deloitte audit give me more confidence. If you want the most private choice of these two, Surfshark is the one I’d pick.
Early Black Friday 2026 Pricing: IPVanish Is Cheaper, Surfshark One Is Better Value
This is the one category where IPVanish has a clear edge. IPVanish Essential costs $52.56 for 24 months, while Surfshark One costs $67.23 for 27 months. That is about $15 more for Surfshark, but you also get 3 extra months and a full security bundle.
| Deal detail | Surfshark One | IPVanish Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Discount | 88% off | 85% off |
| Monthly price | $2.49/mo (2-year plan) | $2.19/mo (24-month plan) |
| First payment | $67.23 for 27 months | $52.56 for 24 months |
| Bonus | + 3 months free | + 3 GB eSIM data gift |
| Antivirus and breach alerts | Included | Not included |
| Devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
If you only want a fast VPN for the lowest upfront cost, IPVanish Essential is the cheaper deal. If you’d otherwise pay for antivirus and breach monitoring separately, Surfshark One is the better value by a wide margin. IPVanish Advanced adds cloud backup and Threat Protection Pro if you want more from IPVanish.
Both deals are early Black Friday prices, valid as of November 1, 2026. Renewal prices are higher than the first term for both, and Surfshark’s renewal is the steeper of the two. For more budget picks, see my best cheap VPN list and my VPN deals page.
Torrenting: Both Are Good, Surfshark Gets the Edge
Both Surfshark and IPVanish allow P2P on all their servers, so there is no hunting for special torrent servers. Both have a kill switch, split tunneling and WireGuard for fast transfers. IPVanish adds a free SOCKS5 proxy, which some torrent clients can use directly.
Surfshark still gets my pick for torrenting because of its faster speeds and cleaner privacy record. Its RAM-only servers mean there is nothing stored on disk, even if a server were seized. IPVanish’s SOCKS5 proxy is a nice extra if your client supports it.
Gaming: A Draw on Nearby Servers
For competitive gaming, you want ping under 100ms. On local and regional servers, both VPNs delivered excellent ping in my tests, usually under 10ms. WireGuard is the right protocol on both.
On cross-continental servers, both went over 100ms, which is simply physics. Neither will give you lag-free gaming in Tokyo if you’re in New York. Always connect to a server close to your game server, whichever VPN you use.
Ease of Use: Both Are Beginner Friendly
I’ve used both VPNs on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, and I’d recommend either to a first-time user. Surfshark’s apps are clean and modern, with Quick Connect picking the best server for you. Its browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge are a handy bonus.
IPVanish’s apps are well organized, and I like the map view for picking a server. The mobile app is sleek, while the desktop app feels a little dated next to Surfshark. Both providers have apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV and Apple TV.
Customer Support: A Draw
Both providers offer live 24/7 chat, email support and detailed help centers. In my tests, I reached a live agent within a minute or two on both. The answers were accurate and friendly each time.
Does Either Work in China?
Surfshark has a stronger reputation in China thanks to NoBorders and Camouflage Mode, which are built to get past deep packet inspection. IPVanish doesn’t officially support use in China and has less obfuscation infrastructure. No VPN can guarantee access inside China, because the Great Firewall keeps changing.
If China is on your travel plans, Surfshark is the better bet of the two. Install and test it before you leave, since VPN websites are often blocked once you arrive. I’d also check recent user reports, because the situation changes often.
Who Should Choose Each VPN?
Choose Surfshark One if you:
- Want the fastest, most consistent speeds, especially on distant servers
- Stream on many platforms, including Prime Video and international Netflix
- Want antivirus, breach alerts and Alternative ID in one subscription
- Value RAM-only servers and a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
- Want Dynamic MultiHop, Nexus IP rotation or NoBorders
- May travel to or through China
Choose IPVanish if you:
- Want the lowest upfront price for a fast VPN
- Need more VPN locations (150+)
- Use a torrent client that supports a SOCKS5 proxy
- Mainly stream US and UK services and don’t need Prime Video
- Prefer a simple VPN without a lot of extra tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark better than IPVanish in 2026?
Yes, in my testing Surfshark One beats IPVanish on speed, streaming, security tools and privacy infrastructure. IPVanish is still a strong VPN and the cheaper of the two upfront. For most people, Surfshark One is the better all-around choice.
Is Surfshark faster than IPVanish?
Yes. Surfshark One retained 96% of my base speed, compared with 93% for IPVanish. Both are fast on nearby servers, but Surfshark held up better on distant connections.
Which is cheaper this Black Friday, Surfshark or IPVanish?
IPVanish Essential is cheaper upfront at $52.56 for 24 months, or $2.19/mo. Surfshark One costs $67.23 for 27 months, or $2.49/mo, and adds antivirus and breach alerts. These are early Black Friday prices, and Black Friday itself is November 27, 2026.
Is IPVanish safe to use despite the 2016 controversy?
The 2016 incident, when IPVanish handed user data to Homeland Security, happened under different ownership. IPVanish is now owned by Ziff Davis, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified. It is still based in the US, a Five Eyes country, so the history is worth knowing.
Can both VPNs unblock Netflix?
Yes, but Surfshark was more reliable in my tests. It unblocked 20+ regional Netflix libraries without server switching. IPVanish worked well for the US and UK libraries but needed server switches for some regional catalogs.
Which VPN is better for torrenting, Surfshark or IPVanish?
Both allow P2P on all servers and include a kill switch. IPVanish adds a free SOCKS5 proxy, which is useful for some torrent clients. Surfshark edges ahead thanks to faster speeds and RAM-only servers.
Do Surfshark and IPVanish both allow unlimited devices?
Yes, both let you connect unlimited devices on one subscription. That makes them great choices for families and people with lots of gadgets. Most rivals cap you at around 10 devices.
Is Surfshark One worth it over a basic VPN plan?
I think so, especially at $2.49/mo during the early Black Friday sale. You get antivirus, Alert breach monitoring, Alternative ID and scam protection on top of the VPN. Buying those tools separately would cost far more.
Does IPVanish work with Amazon Prime Video?
In my testing, IPVanish was inconsistent with Prime Video. It worked on some servers but not reliably across regions. Surfshark unblocked Prime Video every time I tried.
Do Surfshark and IPVanish offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on these plans. That gives you a full month to test speeds and streaming on your own devices. If it doesn’t work for you, you can ask for a refund.
My Verdict: Surfshark One Wins
After testing both VPNs side by side, Surfshark One is the better choice for most people this Black Friday. It was faster, more reliable for streaming, and it includes antivirus, breach alerts and Alternative ID. Its RAM-only servers and Deloitte-audited no-logs policy also give me more confidence in its privacy claims.
IPVanish is not a bad VPN at all, and it earned my #2 spot for Black Friday 2026. It is fast, it covers unlimited devices, and it is the cheaper deal upfront. If you just want a solid VPN for less, IPVanish Essential is a smart buy.
Both come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test either one risk free. My recommendation is Surfshark One on the 2-year plan at $2.49/mo with 3 months free. Grab it at the early Black Friday price now, or wait for November 27 and check this page again.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One pairs the fastest VPN I tested with antivirus, breach alerts and Alternative ID, and it covers unlimited devices for $2.49/mo on the 2-year plan.
- Unlimited devices
- 4500+ servers in 100+ countries
- 96% speed retention
- Antivirus and Alert
- CleanWeb and NoBorders
