VPN Comparison: TorGuard vs NordVPN

Navigating the world of VPNs can be quite challenging.

At first glance, numerous VPN services may seem quite similar, especially since they all tout high speeds and a myriad of additional features.

Testing every VPN on your own is impractical and often expensive, making it essential to have a reliable comparison.

In this analysis, we will delve into a detailed examination of two well-known VPN providers: TorGuard and NordVPN.

Our review involves a thorough evaluation of the applications offered by both VPNs.

We will investigate their unique features, highlighting the distinctions and similarities between them.

To provide a comprehensive comparison of TorGuard and NordVPN, we conduct tests on their server performance and assess how quickly they respond to customer inquiries.

All findings will be summarized in user-friendly comparison tables, which will assist you in selecting the VPN that aligns best with your requirements.

When comparing TorGuard and NordVPN, both provide a range of subscription options tailored to various needs.

NordVPN offers different plans, including monthly, yearly, and two-year subscriptions, while TorGuard presents even more choices with three-month, six-month, and three-year plans. The longer your commitment, the better the savings you can achieve with either service.

For those preferring short-term commitments, a monthly subscription allows flexibility, even though it comes at a higher price. NordVPN's monthly standard plan is priced at $12.99, while TorGuard offers a slightly lower rate at $9.99. However, both providers feature premium plans that cost more.

NordVPN shines with its two-year plan, which provides substantial savings of 64%, bringing the monthly cost down to just $6.99 (totaling $167.76). This plan also includes a suite of features such as malware protection, ad and tracker blocking, a password manager, a data breach scanner, and encrypted cloud storage.

On the other hand, TorGuard's standout offer is its three-year anonymous VPN plan, priced at an incredibly low $3.88 per month, which amounts to $139.99 overall—one of the best monthly rates available. In comparison, NordVPN's standard two-year plan is priced at $3.99 a month, totaling $95.76.

A significant distinction between the two services is their refund policies. NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is a common feature among many VPNs today. In contrast, TorGuard only offers a seven-day refund period, which may still suffice for users to evaluate their service effectively. Both VPNs allow users to try their services risk-free with full refunds if expectations are not met.

In summary, for TorGuard, the best deal is the three-year subscription at $3.88 per month, amounting to $139.99, while for NordVPN, the two-year ultimate plan at $6.99 per month, totaling $167.76, offers the greatest savings.

Both TorGuard and NordVPN provide applications for various platforms, including desktop systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile devices such as Android and iOS.

They also support browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, but it’s important to note that these extensions only encrypt web traffic, leaving other applications unprotected. Additionally, NordVPN has developed an app specifically for Amazon Fire TV and offers an extension for the Edge browser.

When it comes to simultaneous connections, NordVPN allows users to connect up to six devices with one account, while TorGuard permits up to eight connections, or even twelve if you opt for their anonymous VPN Pro plan. For those looking to connect multiple devices beyond these limits, both services support manual configuration with a VPN-compatible router.

If you want the flexibility to select which applications bypass the VPN—such as streaming services for improved speed without as much security—consider the split tunneling feature. This feature, also known as selective routing, is available on TorGuard's Android app, while NordVPN offers it on Windows, Android, and Android TV, along with URL-based split tunneling through its browser extensions.

Both VPNs come equipped with ad and malware blocking capabilities, but NordVPN also includes tracking protection among its extensive feature set. Furthermore, NordVPN has several specialty servers tailored for specific needs, including those designed for P2P file sharing and advanced encryption options like double VPN and onion over VPN.

Notably, only TorGuard provides port forwarding, a functionality that can be particularly advantageous for regular torrent users.

Accessing online content can be a challenge due to regional restrictions.

When traveling abroad, you may encounter messages indicating that the content is not available in your current location, or you might be redirected to a localized version of the website.

This is particularly noticeable on streaming platforms, which often enforce geo-blocking due to licensing and copyright agreements.

NordVPN stands out as a top-tier solution for bypassing these geographical barriers.

Throughout our testing, it successfully unblocked every streaming service we tried, including various Netflix regions (like the US and UK), Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.

While some DAZN versions may present challenges, NordVPN remains the best choice for accessing numerous international libraries.

On the flip side, TorGuard doesn't perform as reliably in this area, possibly indicating that streaming isn't its primary focus.

To enhance your experience with TorGuard, you might consider their dedicated streaming IP addresses, though they come with an additional cost of $7.99 per month, which can be steep compared to NordVPN’s standard subscription.

In regions with stringent internet censorship, such as China, VPN access can be severely restricted.

China is notorious for its Great Firewall, which employs various techniques like IP blocking and DNS tampering to prevent the use of non-government-approved VPNs.

As a result, many VPNs struggle to function in such environments.

However, both TorGuard and NordVPN have proven effective in China.

TorGuard offers a filtering option for its stealth servers, while NordVPN features obfuscated servers that require you to select the OpenVPN TCP protocol in the settings to access them.

These specialized servers help mask VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, allowing users to navigate around China’s robust censorship measures.To access a VPN while in China, it's crucial to download and install the VPN on your device prior to your arrival.

Both TorGuard and NordVPN have their websites restricted within the country, making pre-installation essential.

Signing up for either TorGuard or NordVPN is a quick and straightforward process, typically requiring just a few minutes. Both services ask for an email address during registration. For those seeking anonymity, using a temporary or burner email is recommended. Installation is simplified by the presence of an automatic setup wizard for both desktop and mobile applications.

When it comes to their desktop applications, both TorGuard and NordVPN have room for improvement. TorGuard’s desktop interface is user-friendly in appearance and resembles its mobile counterpart, making navigation relatively easy. However, the app lacks responsiveness and can feel cumbersome. Users must scroll through the list of server locations, select one, and then press the connect button, which would be more efficient if selecting a location connected automatically.

In TorGuard’s desktop app, users can sort servers based on proximity and usage, as well as filter them by type, including stealth and dedicated IP options. Unfortunately, the settings page is not very intuitive for beginners, with a disorganized layout and a lack of clear explanations, making it challenging to navigate. Additionally, the settings menu disappears when connected to a server, which can be frustrating.

On the other hand, NordVPN’s desktop application presents a wealth of information right away, which can make the interface feel somewhat cluttered, especially with the inclusion of a server map. There are numerous features available in the sidebar, but the app remains responsive and has a more visually appealing settings page compared to TorGuard’s.

The mobile applications for both providers are significantly improved over their desktop versions. They offer better responsiveness and easier navigation. However, NordVPN’s app still struggles with displaying too many elements simultaneously, particularly through its server map. In contrast, TorGuard’s mobile app is less complex due to having fewer configuration options, although it also offers limited server filtering compared to the desktop version.

When comparing NordVPN and TorGuard, one notable distinction is server count. NordVPN boasts around double the number of servers as TorGuard, with totals of approximately 5,500 and 3,000 servers, respectively. Both services span a similar range of countries, with NordVPN covering 60 countries and TorGuard slightly more at around 50. This higher server count for NordVPN is attributed to its larger market presence and wider user base.

Both VPNs include servers in key regions such as the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. However, for those seeking locations like Colombia, Croatia, Malaysia, or New Zealand, NordVPN is the preferable option. On the other hand, TorGuard uniquely offers servers in India and Russia. Overall, both VPNs have a robust selection of servers that usually ensures users can find a nearby option for reliable connectivity.

In terms of speed, NordVPN has established itself as a top performer, achieving an impressive average speed of 300 Mbps in recent evaluations. In contrast, TorGuard averages around 110 Mbps, which is still adequate for activities like streaming and torrenting. However, TorGuard's performance was significantly impacted by low speeds in specific regions, such as Tokyo, where speeds dropped to a mere 4-8 Mbps.

Below is a summary of the countries where both TorGuard and NordVPN provide server access:

When comparing TorGuard and NordVPN, both providers offer a variety of VPN protocols to choose from.

TorGuard primarily uses WireGuard as its default protocol. This choice is beneficial due to WireGuard's lightweight code, making it exceptionally fast and efficient. Such performance is particularly advantageous for high-bandwidth activities like streaming and torrenting.

On the other hand, NordVPN features a unique protocol named NordLynx. Built on the foundations of WireGuard, NordLynx delivers similar speed metrics, as confirmed by extensive tests. While both protocols have undergone independent audits, it’s worth noting that only WireGuard is open-source.

When you establish a connection with either TorGuard or NordVPN, your data is safeguarded through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel, providing robust protection against potential hackers and snoopers. This encryption method is regarded as nearly unbreakable. TorGuard employs standard 2048-bit keys, while NordVPN opts for more secure 4096-bit keys. However, this increased security comes with a slight decrease in processing speed.

Both services offer robust leak protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. They also include a kill switch feature in their apps for Windows, Mac, and iOS. While the kill switch isn’t directly available on Android devices, users can implement similar protections through the device's security settings. This feature is crucial as it halts internet traffic if the VPN connection is interrupted, whether due to a Wi-Fi switch or power outage.

VPN Comparison: TorGuard vs NordVPN

When considering a VPN, the location of its headquarters plays a crucial role due to varying privacy laws and data retention regulations.

NordVPN is based in Panama, a country that does not impose data retention laws and is outside the reach of the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance. In contrast, TorGuard is located in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance, raising potential privacy concerns.

The more significant aspect of VPNs is their logging policies. A strict no-logs policy guarantees that there is minimal information to hand over to authorities upon request. TorGuard excels in this area as it adheres to a comprehensive no-logs policy.

NordVPN, while having a no-logs policy, does retain some information such as device identifiers, session timestamps, and details about the operating system and model of your device. Nonetheless, NordVPN has undergone regular independent audits to verify its logging claims, setting it apart in terms of transparency.

Both VPN services require minimal personal information to create an account, typically just an email address. This requirement facilitates account recovery processes, like password resets. However, some VPNs offer alternative sign-up methods that do not necessitate an email, using token systems instead for enhanced privacy.

On the payment front, both TorGuard and NordVPN support anonymous payment options. They accept cryptocurrency, which is a popular choice for privacy-conscious users. Additionally, TorGuard allows for payments via gift cards from select retailers in the US. NordVPN goes a step further by providing a subscription box available in stores in the US, Canada, and Europe. This box contains an activation card for subscription payments, and if purchased with cash, it offers a viable option for maintaining anonymity during sign-up.

When comparing TorGuard and NordVPN, both services utilize shared IP addresses for their users.

Upon connecting to a server, each user receives an IP address that is used collectively with other individuals on that server.

This blending of user activity under a single IP enhances privacy, as it becomes challenging to associate the IP address with any one user.

Both TorGuard and NordVPN additionally provide the option for dedicated IP addresses.

TorGuard charges an additional fee of $7.99 per month for this service, while NordVPN offers it at a lower price of $4.19 monthly.

Having a dedicated IP can be beneficial for avoiding blacklisting and pesky captchas, and it ensures that your IP remains constant.

Most VPNs do not specifically offer DDoS protection.

However, when you connect through a VPN, you are assigned a new IP address.

If that address comes under attack, the VPN server will bear the brunt, allowing you to simply switch to another server to continue using the service without disruption.

Thus, VPNs provide an added layer of security in such scenarios.

When it comes to customer support for TorGuard and NordVPN, both services offer round-the-clock assistance via live chat and email. However, it's worth noting that TorGuard's live chat is not available 24/7. Neither service offers phone support, which is somewhat typical in the VPN industry. For those who prefer to solve issues independently, each provider has a comprehensive knowledge base filled with setup instructions, FAQs, and more.

Both TorGuard and NordVPN maintain YouTube channels, but their activity levels differ significantly. TorGuard's channel has been inactive for over five years, while NordVPN has been actively posting content recently. Additionally, TorGuard offers a support forum on its website, providing another avenue for users to find assistance.

To assess the responsiveness and quality of customer support, I sent three emails to each provider at various times during the day—morning, afternoon, and evening.

TorGuard impressed with its quick email responses, averaging six minutes for two replies and a slightly longer nine-hour wait for one email, resulting in an overall average response time of just over three hours. The replies were clear and effectively addressed my inquiries.

In contrast, NordVPN's response time was noticeably slower, averaging just over ten hours. However, their replies were thorough and often included additional links for further exploration, demonstrating a commitment to providing detailed support.

When evaluating VPN services, TorGuard stands out with various beneficial features such as an ad blocker, port forwarding, and stealth connections, which are particularly useful for users facing internet censorship. Additionally, it offers strong security measures and responsive customer support, ensuring timely assistance for users.

However, in a direct comparison, NordVPN clearly surpasses TorGuard in several key areas. With a broader network of servers—twice as many and covering ten additional countries—NordVPN also boasts significantly higher server speeds and superior capabilities for bypassing geo-restrictions on content. Furthermore, NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee offers a more extensive risk-free trial period compared to TorGuard’s 7-day option.

To assess VPN providers effectively, we apply a specific set of criteria, allowing us to evaluate their performance against each other comprehensively. Here’s a closer look at our evaluation approach:

• Network of Servers: The sheer number of servers available is not the sole indicator of a VPN's quality. A critical factor is the ratio of servers to users, as a lower user load per server ensures better performance. Additionally, the geographical distribution of servers is vital, as it influences content accessibility.

  
  

• Speed Performance: We conduct speed tests to establish average download speeds for each VPN, providing insight into their performance capabilities. This is crucial for users who intend to use the VPN for activities such as streaming or torrenting. All recommended VPNs guarantee unlimited bandwidth and utilize fast protocols.

  
  

• Unblocking Capability: VPNs often show significant differences in their ability to bypass restrictions imposed by streaming services. We analyzed both TorGuard and NordVPN against various popular platforms to assess their effectiveness, ensuring users are well-informed about what to expect.When considering a VPN, there are several critical factors to assess:

  
  

Security is paramount. A VPN that fails to encrypt your data adequately could expose you to potential leaks, which is why it's essential to choose one that adheres to industry-standard encryption protocols. We thoroughly evaluate VPNs to ensure they maintain robust security measures and do not compromise user data.

Privacy is another crucial aspect. Some VPN services maintain logs of user activity and may sell this data to third parties or hand it over to authorities when requested. It's vital to select a VPN that has a strict no-logs policy to protect your identity. Our analysis includes a review of over 140 VPN logging policies, including those of TorGuard and Mullvad, to identify trustworthy options.

User experience is also important. We personally test the applications of each VPN to gauge their usability. For first-time users, a complex interface can be off-putting, so we prioritize VPNs with intuitive navigation and responsive customer support, ideally available 24/7.

Value for money is an essential consideration too. We analyze the pricing structures of various VPNs, looking at subscription lengths and available promotions. Additionally, utilizing discount coupons can lead to even better deals. Most VPNs also provide a money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction.

In our side-by-side comparison of TorGuard and NordVPN, both services share certain similarities, particularly in security features and pricing strategies. However, they also exhibit significant differences. For instance, TorGuard offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, whereas NordVPN provides a more generous 30-day guarantee.

NordVPN boasts a larger server network, with twice the number of servers compared to TorGuard. Speed tests reveal that NordVPN achieves an impressive average of 300 Mbps, placing it among the fastest VPNs available. In contrast, TorGuard averages around 110 Mbps—a respectable figure, yet notably lower. Despite the speed disparity, both VPNs effectively support streaming, torrenting, gaming, and video calls, featuring unlimited bandwidth and numerous low-load servers across various countries for optimal connection speeds. TorGuard has the ability to overcome geographical boundaries, but it often falls short with streaming platforms like Netflix. In contrast, NordVPN excels in this area, making it the better choice for accessing such services.

To effectively navigate restrictions, users must connect to a VPN server, which allows for an IP address change and location masking. Additionally, it’s wise to clear your browser’s cache and cookies; this helps ensure that the site or service does not retain any information about your previous IP address and location.

For further comparisons, consider:

• TorGuard versus ExpressVPN

  
  

• NordVPN compared to Surfshark

  
  

• NordVPN and IPVanish

  
  

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN is a virtual private network that enables users to bypass geographical restrictions and access region-specific content on Netflix by connecting to servers in different countries. By choosing a reliable VPN provider, users can download and install the VPN application, connect to a server in the desired region, and enjoy a wider range of shows and movies on Netflix that might not be available in their home country.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If you want to access region-restricted content using a Netflix VPN, you may want to consider the SafeShell VPN . One of the main issues with a netflix vpn not working is outdated software, which might not circumvent Netflix's detection measures. SafeShell VPN, however, offers high-speed servers specifically optimized for Netflix, ensuring a seamless streaming experience with buffer-free, high-definition playback. Its cutting-edge technology provides lightning-fast connections, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows without interruptions.

SafeShell VPN also allows you to connect multiple devices at once, supporting up to five devices simultaneously across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Apple TV. This versatility means you can watch your favorite content on any device you prefer. Moreover, the exclusive App Mode feature lets you unlock and watch content from multiple regions simultaneously, broadening your entertainment options. With lightning-fast speeds and top-level security powered by the proprietary "ShellGuard" VPN protocol, SafeShell VPN ensures your online privacy is safeguarded while delivering an exceptional streaming experience.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

To enjoy Netflix content from different regions using SafeShell Netflix VPN , follow these steps for a seamless experience.

• Visit the SafeShell VPN website to subscribe by selecting a plan that suits your needs and clicking "Subscribe Now".

  
  

• Download and install the SafeShell VPN app by choosing the appropriate version for your device, be it Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android.

  
  

• Launch the app and log in to your account, then select the APP mode for an optimal Netflix streaming experience.

  
  

• Browse the list of VPN servers and select one located in the region whose Netflix content you wish to access, such as the US, UK, or Canada, and click "Connect".

  
  

• Open the Netflix app or website, log in with your account, and enjoy streaming the content available in the selected region.