To figure out which VPN, Ivacy or Surfshark, is the better fit for your online needs, you’ll want to stack them up side-by-side on crucial aspects like security, speed, server network, and how they handle things like streaming or torrenting. Both of these services offer solid ways to protect your online activities and give you more internet freedom, but they definitely have their own strengths and weaknesses that could make one a clear winner for you.

When it comes down to it, Surfshark usually edges out Ivacy VPN in most key areas, especially if you’re looking for consistent top-tier performance, a wider array of advanced features available across all devices, and truly unlimited simultaneous connections. Ivacy, while budget-friendly and a veteran in the VPN game, has some noticeable gaps, particularly with its app features on Apple devices and less consistent speeds. So, if you’re weighing your options, Surfshark generally provides a more comprehensive and reliable experience, making it a strong contender for most users looking to boost their online security and access geo-restricted content.

Alright, let’s talk VPNs! You’re probably here because you’re trying to decide between Ivacy VPN and Surfshark, and trust me, it’s a valid question. The internet is a wild place, and having a reliable VPN is like having a digital superhero cape. But which cape fits best? We’re going to break down everything you need to know about these two popular VPN services, from how many servers they have to how well they unblock your favorite shows, so you can make an informed choice that actually works for you.

Both Ivacy and Surfshark aim to keep your online life private and secure, but they approach it from slightly different angles, and frankly, one tends to do a bit better . So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and see who comes out on top!

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Table of Contents

A Quick Overview: Who Are They?

Before we start dissecting features, let’s get a basic introduction to our contenders.

Surfshark

Surfshark burst onto the scene in 2018, and even though it’s relatively new, it quickly became a big name. It’s headquartered in the Netherlands and, interestingly, merged with Nord Security the parent company of NordVPN in 2021, though they still operate independently. Surfshark has built a reputation for offering a feature-rich service that doesn’t break the bank, especially with its long-term plans. They’re all about giving you a robust security package without making you jump through hoops.

Ivacy VPN

Ivacy VPN has been around much longer, founded way back in 2007, and they’re based in Singapore. They even claim to have pioneered split tunneling back in 2010. Now, here’s a big update: as of August 2024, Ivacy VPN merged with PureVPN and is now known as “Ivacy Powered by PureVPN.” This means existing Ivacy users were automatically migrated to PureVPN’s platform, bringing new features and benefits, but also raising some questions about the service’s future direction and consistency.

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Jurisdiction and Privacy Policy: Where Your Data Calls Home

This is a big one, folks. Where a VPN company is based can seriously impact your privacy, thanks to local data retention laws and international intelligence alliances.

Surfshark’s Stance

Surfshark operates out of the Netherlands. Why is this good? The Netherlands has strong privacy laws and isn’t part of any major intelligence-sharing alliances like the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes. This means there’s less pressure on them to log your data or hand it over to authorities.

Speaking of logging, Surfshark proudly maintains a strict no-logs policy. This isn’t just a claim. it’s been independently audited, which means external experts have checked their systems to confirm they don’t collect any identifying information about your online activities. They make it clear: no activity logs, no connection logs, just pure privacy.

Ivacy VPN’s Situation

Ivacy VPN is based in Singapore. The thing is, Singapore is considered part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. This alliance is a group of countries that share intelligence, which can be a bit of a red flag for privacy-conscious users. While Ivacy states it has a strict no-logs policy, the jurisdiction raises some concerns, and independent audits confirming their no-logs claim aren’t as prominently highlighted or as recent as Surfshark’s. In fact, some reviews have noted a lack of transparency regarding their ownership and location post-merger, which can make users feel a little uneasy. NordVPN vs. Surfshark: The Ultimate VPN Face-Off

Verdict on Privacy: Surfshark definitely has the edge here with its favorable jurisdiction and independently audited no-logs policy. It gives you that extra layer of trust and assurance that your data isn’t being peeked at.

Server Network: The More, The Merrier?

A VPN’s server network size and distribution can significantly impact your connection speed, ability to bypass geo-restrictions, and overall reliability.

Surfshark’s Network

Surfshark boasts an impressive network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. What’s really cool is that many of these locations offer city-level selection, so you can pick a server in a specific city, not just a country, for more localized access.

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A major plus for Surfshark is that all their servers are RAM-only. This means that no data can be permanently stored on them. everything gets wiped with every reboot. It’s a fantastic feature for ensuring your privacy, as there’s simply no data to seize even if a server were compromised. They also offer 10Gbps servers, which contribute to faster, more stable connections.

Ivacy VPN’s Network

Ivacy VPN advertises a larger number of servers, claiming 5,700+ servers in 100+ locations or 55-70+ countries. However, some reviewers have expressed skepticism about these numbers, suggesting there might be “double-counting” or that the actual number of unique server locations is much smaller, with apps often displaying fewer countries around 53-60. Also, it’s worth noting that Ivacy VPN doesn’t own all of its servers, nor have they implemented the RAM-only approach across their entire network. This means data could potentially be stored on some of their servers, which is a consideration for maximum privacy.

Verdict on Server Network: While Ivacy claims a higher server count, Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 100 countries offer superior quality, verifiable numbers, and the crucial privacy benefit of being 100% RAM-only. Surfshark’s network is more trustworthy and better distributed for performance.

Security Features: Keeping You Safe Online

This is where the rubber meets the road. What tools do these VPNs give you to protect your digital footprint? Surfshark VPN in China: Does It Actually Work? (2025 Guide)

Surfshark’s Security Arsenal

Surfshark packs a serious punch when it comes to security:

Encryption: They use AES-256-GCM encryption, which is basically military-grade and the gold standard in the industry.
Protocols: You get a choice of secure protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard, in particular, is known for its excellent balance of speed and security.
Kill Switch: This is a must-have. Surfshark’s Kill Switch automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed. It’s available across all their apps.
Dynamic MultiHop Double VPN: This feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of encryption and making it even harder to trace your online activity.
CleanWeb: A built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker that helps keep your browsing experience clean and secure.
Bypasser Split Tunneling: This lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN tunnel and which bypass it. What’s really impressive is that Surfshark offers split tunneling on iOS and macOS, which many other VPNs struggle with.
Rotating IP: This changes your IP address every few minutes without disconnecting from the VPN, making you even harder to track.
GPS Spoofing: Available for Android, this feature can change your device’s physical GPS location to match the VPN server you’re connected to.
Camouflage Mode Obfuscation: This makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, which is super useful in places where VPN usage might be restricted or monitored.
Perfect Forward Secrecy PFS: Your encryption keys are regularly changed, so even if one key is compromised, past and future data remains secure.

Ivacy VPN’s Security Tools

Ivacy also offers a decent set of security features:

Encryption: They use AES-256-bit encryption, which is strong and industry-standard.
Protocols: Ivacy supports OpenVPN, WireGuard though installation can be tricky, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec.
Kill Switch: This is included, but here’s the catch: it’s only available on Windows and Android apps, not on macOS or iOS. This is a significant drawback for Apple users.
Split Tunneling: Ivacy was indeed an early adopter of this feature. However, like the kill switch, it’s generally only available on Windows and Android devices.
Secure Download: This is a unique feature that scans downloaded files for malware, adding a layer of protection against infected files.
Dedicated IP: You can get a dedicated IP address for an additional monthly fee. This is useful for specific tasks like accessing restricted networks or avoiding CAPTCHAs.
Leak Protection: They offer IPv6 Leak Protection, Secure DNS, and DDoS protection to prevent your real IP from being exposed.

Verdict on Security: Surfshark clearly offers a more robust and consistently available set of security features across all platforms. The absence of a kill switch and split tunneling on Ivacy’s macOS and iOS apps is a major red flag, leaving Apple users vulnerable. Surfshark’s MultiHop, CleanWeb, and RAM-only servers also give it a significant edge.

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Speed and Performance: How Fast Can You Go?

Nobody wants a slow VPN. Speed is crucial for everything from streaming to just plain browsing.

Surfshark’s Speed

Surfshark is known for its fast and consistent speeds. Recent tests in 2025 show a marginally higher speed loss of 21%, but it’s still considered negligible and unlikely to be noticed during daily use. Other reports consistently rank it as a fast VPN, suitable for demanding tasks like streaming in HD/4K and online gaming. The implementation of WireGuard protocol and 10Gbps RAM-only servers contribute to its excellent performance.

Ivacy VPN’s Speed

Ivacy’s speed performance is often described as above average but inconsistent. While some download results are acceptable, speeds tend to degrade noticeably the further you connect from your original location. Upload speeds, in particular, can be highly unreliable. For torrenting, download speeds hover around 4.5–5 MB/s 36–40 Mbps on a 300 Mbps connection, which is decent but not top-tier. If you need consistently fast connections, especially for things like competitive gaming or large file transfers, Ivacy VPN might not always deliver.

Verdict on Speed: Surfshark maintains a lead with its generally faster, more consistent, and reliable speeds, thanks to its modern infrastructure and efficient protocols. Surfshark VPN est-il gratuit ?

Streaming and Torrenting: Unblock Content and Share Files

For many, VPNs are all about accessing geo-restricted content or securing their torrenting activities.

Surfshark’s Streaming & Torrenting Power

Surfshark is a top-tier choice for streaming. It consistently unblocks popular services like Netflix including Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Their Smart DNS feature can even help unblock content on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps.

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When it comes to torrenting, Surfshark is also excellent. It allows P2P traffic on all of its servers, meaning you can download and upload files securely without limitations. The fast speeds and robust security features make it a reliable choice for P2P activities.

Ivacy VPN’s Streaming & Torrenting Capabilities

Ivacy VPN generally unblocks Netflix US and has had some success with other libraries like the UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany. However, some users have reported inconsistent performance, with slow speeds, especially for HD streaming on distant servers like Japan or BBC iPlayer. Some reviews even mention that Netflix “doesn’t really work” on several servers, despite claims.

For torrenting, Ivacy is a solid option, supporting P2P on all its 5,700+ servers. However, as mentioned with overall speeds, download speeds can be a drawback, making it less ideal for heavy torrent users looking for the fastest possible transfers.

Verdict on Streaming & Torrenting: Surfshark offers a more reliable and consistent experience for both streaming and torrenting, with better unblocking capabilities and faster speeds.

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Simultaneous Connections: How Many Devices Can You Protect?

In a world full of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs, connecting multiple devices is a big deal.

Surfshark’s Unlimited Connections

This is one of Surfshark’s standout features: it offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This means you can protect every device in your household, and even share it with family members, without worrying about hitting a device limit. It’s incredibly valuable and a significant advantage over many competitors.

Ivacy VPN’s Device Limit

Ivacy VPN allows you to protect up to 10 devices simultaneously with one account. While 10 connections are decent, it falls short of Surfshark’s unlimited offering, especially for larger families or individuals with many gadgets.

Verdict on Simultaneous Connections: Surfshark is the clear winner here with its generous unlimited connections policy, offering unmatched value for multi-device households. Navigating Hulu with Surfshark: Your Ultimate Guide (from Reddit Insights to Troubleshooting Fixes)

Pricing and Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

Price is always a factor. Let’s see how their costs stack up.

Surfshark’s Pricing

Surfshark’s monthly plan can seem a bit pricey, around $15.45. However, their long-term plans offer fantastic value, making it one of the most affordable premium VPNs. For example, a 24-month plan might cost around $1.99 per month, often with extra months thrown in for free. Considering the features and performance, many see Surfshark as an excellent price-to-performance ratio. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Ivacy VPN’s Pricing

Ivacy VPN is generally known for its very low prices, especially on its longer subscriptions. You can find plans as low as $1.17 per month, or even a five-year plan for around $1 per month. They also have a somewhat hidden free plan, which offers access to one server Netherlands and limits traffic to 2GB per month, with ads on iOS. While the long-term pricing is incredibly attractive, the overall value needs to be weighed against its feature limitations. Ivacy also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for longer plans, but only 7 days for the monthly plan. Hulu Not Working With Surfshark? Here’s How To Get It Streaming Again!

Verdict on Pricing & Value: Ivacy VPN is definitely cheaper on the longest plans, making it appealing if budget is your absolute top priority. However, Surfshark offers significantly more features and better all-around performance for a slightly higher, but still very competitive, long-term price, providing superior value in most aspects.

Ease of Use and App Experience

A VPN should be easy to use, not a headache.

Surfshark’s User Experience

Surfshark’s apps are consistently praised for being slick, intuitive, and user-friendly across all platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Fire TV. The interface is well-laid out, making it easy to connect to servers, enable features like the Kill Switch or CleanWeb, and customize settings. They’ve even made subtle tweaks to improve the user experience, like displaying enabled settings clearly.

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Ivacy VPN’s User Experience

Ivacy’s apps are generally considered intuitive, particularly on Windows and Android. However, there’s a noticeable disparity in features across platforms. The macOS client lacks crucial features like a kill switch and split tunneling, and the iOS app also has missing functionalities. This inconsistency can be frustrating for users who switch between different devices and expect a uniform experience.

Verdict on Ease of Use: Surfshark provides a much more consistent and feature-rich user experience across all its supported platforms, making it easier to use for the average person.

Customer Support: Help When You Need It

Good support can save a lot of headaches.

Surfshark’s Support

Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support, which is a huge plus when you need immediate assistance. They also provide email support and have a comprehensive support center with guides and FAQs.

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Ivacy VPN’s Support

Ivacy also offers 24/7 live chat support, email, and a support center that includes video tutorials. While the support options are extensive, some user reviews have noted mixed experiences with the responsiveness and helpfulness of Ivacy’s live chat.

Verdict on Customer Support: Both offer 24/7 live chat, which is excellent. Surfshark generally receives more consistent positive feedback regarding the quality of its support interactions.

Which VPN is Better for Specific Use Cases?

Let’s narrow it down to common reasons people get a VPN. How to Cancel Your Surfshark VPN Subscription and Get a Refund

For Daily Browsing and General Security

Surfshark: Excellent. With strong encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch across all devices, it’s a fantastic choice for everyday online protection.
Ivacy VPN: Good, especially for Windows and Android users. Its AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy provide solid security. However, Apple users might feel less secure due to missing features.

For Streaming Geo-Restricted Content

Surfshark: Top-notch. It consistently unblocks a wide range of streaming platforms with fast, buffer-free connections.
Ivacy VPN: Decent, but inconsistent. While it can unblock some services, speeds might be an issue for HD streaming on certain servers.

For Torrenting and P2P File Sharing

Surfshark: Highly recommended. All servers support P2P, and its fast speeds and strong security make it ideal for secure file sharing.
Ivacy VPN: Solid, with P2P support on all servers. However, speeds can be a drawback, making it a less optimal choice for speed-critical torrenting.

For Travel and Bypassing Censorship

Surfshark: Excellent, thanks to features like Camouflage Mode obfuscation and NoBorders mode, which help bypass strict network restrictions and censorship.
Ivacy VPN: Not as strong. While it has obfuscated servers, it doesn’t offer the same specialized modes as Surfshark for highly restricted environments.

For Gaming

Surfshark: Very good. Its fast and stable connections, combined with a wide server network, help reduce lag and improve the online gaming experience.
Ivacy VPN: Less ideal. Inconsistent speeds and higher latency on some servers could impact competitive gaming.

The Final Takeaway

So, who wins this showdown? For most people looking for a modern, reliable, and feature-rich VPN experience that offers excellent value, Surfshark is generally the stronger choice. It stands out with:

A privacy-friendly jurisdiction in the Netherlands and an audited no-logs policy.
A high-quality server network with all RAM-only servers.
A comprehensive suite of security features, including a reliable Kill Switch and Split Tunneling across all major platforms.
Consistently fast speeds for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
Unbeatable value with unlimited simultaneous connections.

Ivacy VPN, while very affordable, especially on long-term plans, and a long-standing player, has some notable weaknesses, particularly with its inconsistent speeds, missing features on Apple apps, and its jurisdiction within the Fourteen Eyes alliance. The recent merger with PureVPN also adds a layer of uncertainty regarding its future independent identity and service quality. Surfshark’s Help Center and Customer Support: Your Go-To for Assistance

If your budget is extremely tight and you primarily use Windows or Android for basic secure browsing, Ivacy might be an option. However, if you want a VPN that truly delivers on performance, security, features, and works seamlessly across all your devices, Surfshark offers a more complete and dependable package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of VPN is Surfshark?

Surfshark is a personal VPN service designed for individual users to enhance their digital privacy and security. It operates by routing your internet traffic through its private servers, encrypting your data, and masking your real IP address. It’s also categorized as a premium VPN due to its comprehensive features, strong security, and high performance, even though its long-term pricing is budget-friendly.

Is Surfshark a reliable VPN?

Yes, Surfshark is widely considered a highly reliable VPN. It consistently delivers impressive speeds, maintains stable connections, and effectively unblocks geo-restricted content. Its audited no-logs policy, strong encryption AES-256-GCM, and modern protocols like WireGuard contribute significantly to its trustworthiness and security. Reviewers and users often praise its consistent performance across various use cases, from streaming to torrenting. Does surfshark have vpn

Is Ivacy VPN safe to use?

Ivacy VPN uses strong AES-256 encryption and states it has a no-logs policy, which are good security foundations. It also includes features like a kill switch on Windows/Android and split tunneling on Windows/Android, along with leak protection. However, concerns exist due to its base in Singapore, a Fourteen Eyes alliance country, and the absence of key features like a kill switch on its macOS and iOS apps, which can compromise security for Apple users. The lack of consistent independent audits for its no-logs policy and the recent merger with PureVPN also lead some to question its overall safety and privacy commitment compared to top-tier providers.

What are the main differences between Ivacy VPN and NordVPN?

When comparing Ivacy VPN and NordVPN often cited as a top alternative to Ivacy, NordVPN generally outperforms Ivacy in most key areas. NordVPN is known for its superior speeds, vast and secure server network with many specialized servers, a more robust and consistently available feature set across all platforms, and a stronger reputation for privacy, backed by repeated independent audits. Ivacy, while offering very affordable long-term plans and a large server count though debated, often falls short on consistent speed, cross-platform feature availability especially for Apple devices, and has a less favorable jurisdiction. Many sources suggest NordVPN as a better, more comprehensive solution.

Does Surfshark keep logs of my internet activities?

No, Surfshark explicitly states and has proven through independent audits that it does not keep any logs of your internet activities. This means they don’t collect information like your IP address, browsing history, connection timestamps, or bandwidth usage that could be linked back to you. Their commitment to a strict no-logs policy is a core aspect of their privacy assurances, further reinforced by their use of RAM-only servers which automatically wipe all data with every reboot.

Is Surfshark good for streaming Netflix?

Yes, Surfshark is excellent for streaming Netflix. It consistently unblocks various Netflix libraries, including the popular Netflix US, and provides the fast and stable connections needed for high-definition and even 4K streaming without buffering. Many reviews highlight Surfshark as one of the best VPNs for accessing geo-restricted streaming content.

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