Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Based on our ratings and a comparison of the specifications, TorGuard appears to be the better VPN option from a user’s perspective. TorGuard offers more affordable pricing options, with a monthly price of $9.99 and a cheaper long-term subscription at $5.00 per month. In contrast, Windscribe charges $12.00 per month for monthly subscribers and $5.75 per month for a 12-month subscription. While both VPNs are based in 14-Eye Alliance countries, which may raise concerns about data privacy, TorGuard stands out with its extensive server network of over 5,000 servers in 50 countries. Windscribe, on the other hand, has a smaller server presence with only 120 servers across 69 countries. Additionally, Windscribe excels in unblocking streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, while TorGuard struggles in this regard. However, Windscribe offers the advantage of a double VPN feature, providing an extra layer of security and anonymity. Ultimately, the choice between the two VPNs depends on individual needs and priorities.
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: Windscribe vs TorGuard
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | TorGuard |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $5.00/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $9.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 7 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128, and AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, PPTP, and SSTP |
| Servers | 120 | 3,000 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 50 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 8 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | – |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: TorGuard Better
TorGuard positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $9.99/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $5.00/mo for those who are willing to subscribe in long term.
In comparison, Windscribe sets its price higher at $12/mo for monthly subscribers and $5.00/mo for those who are willing to commit to a 12-month contract.
Based on our market research, the average cost of VPN is $3.56/mo with a commitment period of 21 months. You should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Windscribe justify the higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
TorGuard Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie (Equally Bad)
Both Windscribe and TorGuard are based in 14-Eye Alliance countries – which means the company may be obligated to retent your data and share them with gorvenment bodies. If you are handling sensitive information or require maximum data privacy – you should avoid both companies and look for VPNs in countries with a lower risk of government-led surveillance and data sharing
Understanding 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, particularly with the push for encryption backdoors.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: TorGuard Better
The size of a VPN’s server fleet plays a crucial role in determining user experience. A larger fleet generally provides faster speeds, greater reliability, wider geographical coverage, lower latency, and potentially enhanced privacy. On the other hand, a smaller server fleet might lead to slower speeds, higher latency, limited content access, and potential privacy concerns.
In term of server counts, TorGuard stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 5,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In comparison, Windscribe maintains a more modest server presence, with only 120 servers across 69 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Windscribe, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of TorGuard not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Sadly, both TorGuard and Windscribe offer a very short trial period. While this shorter timeframe does offer a window for service evaluation, it might be a point to consider for users who are looking for a longer duration to thoroughly test the VPN’s fit with their needs. In comparison, based on our market study, VPN companies usually offer 25 – 30 days in their money-back guarantee period.
Simultaneous Connections: Windscribe Better
TorGuard permits users to connect up to 8 devices at the same time – which is a relative small number compare to market average. In contrast, Windscribe offers 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 Zoog over TorGuard.
Unblock Streaming Platforms: Windscribe Better
A significant point of divergence between Windscribe and TorGuard is their ability to unblock popular streaming platforms. Windscribe excels in this area, consistently unblocking a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Conversely, based on our research, TorGuard struggles in this regard. Despite its 3,000 servers in 50 countries, the VPN provider does not reliably unblock major streaming platforms.
This limitation is a crucial consideration for users who prioritize entertainment and seek a VPN service that can bypass geo-restrictions on streaming content.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingTorGuard lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then Windscribe is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we studied, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Bottomline
To sum up, if you’re looking for an affordable option with a wide server network, TorGuard is the way to go. But if you want unlimited simultaneous connections, the ability to unblock streaming platforms, and the double VPN feature, Windscribe is the recommended choice. It’s crucial to consider your own needs and choose a VPN that meets your specific requirements in order to maximize the benefits of your VPN service.
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 ourWindscribe and TorGuard 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 Windscribe & TorGuard
TorGuard
TotalAV is a well-established VPN company founded in 2016 by a group of cybersecurity experts. The company is headquartered in the UK, but provides VPN services to customers across the globe. TotalAV’s top priority is to offer a reliable, fast, and secure VPN solution to protect users’ online privacy and security.
To learn more, read our TorGuard review.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a cross-platform, commercial VPN provider based in Canada. The company was founded by Yegor Sak and Alex Paguis in 2016. It offers unlimited, simultaneous connections, and its privacy policy promotes the service as a no-log VPN. Windscribe is known for its exceptional commitment to social responsibility, particularly around issues of censorship in authoritarian regimes. For example, it provided expanded bandwidth free accounts to everyone affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Windscribe has also offered free and unlimited service to all journalists in the region, and subsequently combatting Russian blocks that aimed to render these efforts fruitless.
To learn more, read our Windscribe review.