Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on TorGuard
TorGuard earns a decent 42.8 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make TorGuard a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
About 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.
TorGuard offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $5.00/mo and require a 12-month commitment.
Visit TorGuard Online: https://torguard.net/
TorGuard Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United States |
| Servers | 3,000 |
| Countries with Servers | 50 |
| Works In China | Likely |
| Encryptions | AES-128, and AES-256 |
| Cheapest Price | $5.00/mo, 12-month Subscription |
| Protocols | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, PPTP, and SSTP |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | – |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Both Android and Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | Yes |
| Support |
Market Benchmarks
Are TorGuard’s any good in comparison?
The average score across our evaluated VPN services is 51.9%.
TorGuard’s score, in comparison, is 42.8%.
Our VPN ratings are based on our research of 96 VPN companies. Our scoring system is crafted to encompass a wide array of perspectives and addresses the needs of different users. Notably, only 10 out of the 96 VPNs we’ve reviewed scored above 75% and 26 VPNs scored below 40%.
TorGuard Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about TorGuard. As you explore the list, it’s crucial to weigh what sets this VPN apart from competitors against the aspects you might not favor.
The strengths of TorGuard highlight its unique advantages in the VPN market – offering features and services that may align perfectly with your specific needs. On the flip side, the cons, while not deal-breakers, are areas that may not meet everyone’s preferences or requirements.
It’s important for you to carefully consider these factors in relation to your individual needs and priorities in choosing a VPN service.
❌ Pricing Above Market Average
TorGuard positions itself in the higher-end segment of the VPN market. Based on our study of 96 VPN companies, the average lowest VPN plan is priced at $3.99 per month with an average commitment period of 19 months, and an average monthly cost of $9.39 without commitment.
In contrast, TorGuard’s cheapest plan starts at $5.00/mo. Potential customers should consider whether the additional features and services offered by TorGuard justify this higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
❌ Base in One of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
TorGuard operates from United States – a country within the 14-Eye surveillance alliance. Users should be aware of potential data sharing agreements in this jurisdiction. Privacy-focused customers might view this as a concern. It’s important to consider how this may affect data privacy and security.
What is the 14-Eyes Alliance?
The 14-Eyes Alliance, also referred to as SIGINT Seniors Europe (SSEUR), is an extended intelligence collaboration originally rooted in the Five- and Nine-Eyes alliance. Countries included in the 14-Eyes Alliances are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
The primary goal of this coalition is the exchange of signals intelligence (SIGINT), encompassing electronic communications and data.
How does the 14-Eyes Alliance affect your privacy and security?
The impact of this alliance on everyday life privacy is profound. Member nations, as disclosed in revelations like those by Edward Snowden (watch video), often engage in extensive surveillance of both their citizens and global communications. This means that data collected by one member could be shared with others in the alliance.
Additionally, online services based in a 14-Eyes country may be legally obligated to provide user data to their respective governments, which can then be disseminated among member states. This surveillance culture erodes personal privacy and can pose threats to digital security as there are pushes for encryption “backdoors” that could inadvertently weaken cyber defenses.
Users often consider the jurisdiction of the VPN provider as a key factor in their decision-making process. Those who are particularly concerned about privacy might opt for VPN providers based outside of the 14-Eyes countries to reduce the risk of surveillance and data sharing among these nations.
✅ Offer a Kill Switch Feature
TorGuard enhances its VPN services with a robust kill switch feature. This security measure ensures that if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the user’s device will automatically disconnect from the internet, thus preventing any accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address and online activities.
A kill switch feature is particularly valuable for users who handle sensitive information or looking an added layer of privacy protection.
✅ Strict No-Logging Policy
Our market study finds that TorGuard adheres to a strict no-logging policy. The company does not track or store logs of users’ internet activities, including browsing and download history, traffic data, or IP addresses.
A VPN’s no-logging policy is a significant factor for users who prioritize privacy, as it ensures that their online activities are not monitored or recorded. In an era where digital privacy is increasingly valued, TorGuard’s commitment to not keeping logs enhances its appeal to privacy-conscious individuals seeking a trustworthy VPN service.
❌ No Double VPN
TorGuard’s suite of features does not include a double VPN option. Without the double VPN, or ‘multi-hop’, your internet traffic cannot be rerouted through two separate VPN servers for additional encryption and security layers. While this may not significantly impact those with basic security needs, it could be a drawback for users seeking advanced privacy measures. Users requiring higher security levels, such as journalists or activists, might need to look for other providers that offer this enhanced privacy feature.
✅ Support Split Tunneling
TorGuard also stands out with its split tunneling feature. This functionality allows you to choose which apps or websites are routed through the VPN and which access the internet directly. The split tunneling feature is a plus for those wanting the best of both worlds: speedy local access without VPN interference and protected browsing for select tasks. Compared to VPNs that do not come with such a feature, TorGuard could save you countless hours of frustration.
✅ Likely to Work in China
According to our research, TorGuard has demonstrated effectiveness in bypassing China’s stringent internet restrictions. The ability to work in China means TorGuard can navigate through the Great Firewall, providing access to blocked content and ensuring communication freedom. This can be a notable advantage – especially you are living in or traveling often to the region.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that this capability may not be consistent in the future. The ever-evolving firewall policies and political factors in China could impact TorGuard’s effectiveness. Users should stay informed about these changes to manage their expectations and plan accordingly.
✅ Above Average Server Fleet Size
vpnCompany# operates on more than 3,000 servers in 50 countries. A larger server count typically offers more options for users in terms of server locations, reduces server load, and can provide better speeds and reliability.
❌ Struggle to Unblock Major Streaming Platforms
Unfortunately based on our research, TorGuard struggles to bypass the geo-blocks imposed by major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime TV, HBO Go, Hulu, and Disney+. You might not access content beyond your current region’s library with this VPN.
Based on our research, out of 96 VPN companies, only 10 were unable to bypass geo-blocks on stream platforms. For dedicated streamers hoping to delve into international content, this limitation is a significant drawback.
What is Geo-blocking?
Geo-blocking is a practice adopted by streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. Streaming availability is restricted based on your geographical location due to licensing agreements and regional content rights. The capability of a VPN to unblock geo-restrictions on streaming platforms can be a pivotal factor – especially if you want uninterrupted access to your favorite shows and movies when traveling abroad.
Bottom Line: Is TorGuard Right for You?
Verdict Recap
TorGuard earns a decent 42.8 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make TorGuard a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
When considering our VPN ratings, remember they are for reference only and may not reflect every individual’s unique needs. It’s essential for you to understand your specific requirements and choose a VPN service accordingly.
If your priority is extreme security, features like a double VPN and a jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes should be your focus, rather than factors like pricing, streaming platforms unblocking, or server count. Conversely, if you’re seeking extra privacy for casual internet browsing, advanced security features might be less critical, allowing you to opt for a more basic, cost-effective VPN solution.
We encourage you to actively try and test various VPNs yourself to find the one that best fits your unique requirements.
Alternatives to TorGuard
There are many TorGuard alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.