TorGuard is a popular VPN service known for its incredibly affordable prices, fast streaming capabilities, and a wide range of fine-tuning options. This intriguing combination makes it tempting, so I decided to conduct a comprehensive review to determine if it deserves a spot on our list of top VPNs. I thoroughly tested TorGuard’s speed and reliability across multiple servers worldwide, evaluated customer service, and examined the level of privacy and value offered by a TorGuard subscription.
Pricing and Plans
While there’s no free version, TorGuard provides a seven-day trial for users to explore its features and test the service. TorGuard offers three consumer subscription tiers:
*
Standard VPN Plan:
Starting at $10 per month or $30 annually, this plan supports up to eight devices simultaneously.*
Pro Plan:
Priced at $13 per month ($60 annually), this plan includes a dedicated IP address and supports 12 devices.*
Premium Subscription:
The most expensive option at $15 monthly ($65 annually), this plan allows for 30 devices to be connected. Premium subscribers with an annual commitment also receive a free router, effectively making the first year free.For this review, I tested TorGuard’s standard plan, which operates flawlessly on all my devices and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Design and Interface
I commenced by installing TorGuard’s Windows app, which boasts the most comprehensive options. I also added the TorGuard browser extension for convenient VPN activation solely for the browser. Although TorGuard lacks a split-tunnel feature, the extension serves as an excellent workaround if you only need VPN protection while browsing.
TorGuard’s user interface presents a simple front-end, with complexity tucked away within the settings. This allows for intuitive usage with minimal VPN knowledge while providing advanced options for those seeking fine-tuned connections. A prominent button in the center of the TorGuard app connects the VPN, which takes only a few seconds, turning green when activated. The top-left menu button enables protocol selection and IP pinning after connection. For most users, the WireGuard protocol is recommended due to its speed and robust security. TorGuard also supports OpenVPN and OpenConnect for those who prefer alternative protocols. Server locations can be chosen by clicking the default server at the bottom. TorGuard grants access to over 3,000 servers across 50 countries. While a search option is absent, users can sort and filter the server list to narrow down their choices. I marked several servers as favorites for easier access in the future. Stealth servers are available, and users can opt for an additional fee to access a server with a dedicated IP address if consistent IP is a necessity.
Features: Speed and Reliability
Speed and reliability are paramount when choosing a VPN, and I was pleasantly surprised by TorGuard’s impressive fast upload and download speeds when connected to Canadian and U.S. servers. My ISP offers gigabit fiber, and I normally enjoy 900Mbps downloads and uploads over Ethernet without a VPN. This speed is often reduced by 50% or more when rerouting traffic through a VPN. However, TorGuard delivered swift 785Mbps downloads and 74Mbps uploads when I selected the nearest WireGuard server in Canada. Ping was also excellent at 48ms up and 41ms down. Another SpeedTest.net run on a nearby U.S. server recorded 540Mbps downloads and 49Mbps uploads with 30ms ping in both directions. These nearby speeds even outperformed Hotspot Shield, a highly-regarded, but more expensive, VPN service.
My initial enthusiasm waned when I began testing servers on other continents. In Europe, the best performance I achieved was from a server in France, delivering slow but usable 7Mbps uploads and 5Mbps downloads with a 106ms ping. Connections to servers in the U.K. and Germany resulted in 5Mbps uploads and 4Mbps downloads with pings exceeding 100ms. WireGuard consistently emerged as the fastest protocol across all my tests.
Following these less-than-ideal results, I was taken aback by the impressive 452Mbps download speed achieved from a TorGuard server in Australia. Uploads, however, dropped to 2Mbps. Pings were above 230ms in both directions. I opened a private tab and performed a Google search to confirm my connection to a server in Sydney.
Customer Support
TorGuard advertises 24/7 support but does not offer live chat or phone calls. Despite multiple attempts, I was unable to reach a support representative through the chat option during various hours, including nighttime and morning. Instead, I was repeatedly met with a message directing me to wait for chat, open a ticket, or send an email. I reached out via email but did not give up on chat. I revisited the chat option at 10 a.m. PT, and the chat window shifted from an away message to a notification stating that replies would take a few minutes. I kept the chat window open for an hour but received no response. While NordVPN provides prompt and friendly live chat around the clock, TorGuard, despite its low price, has delivered the worst customer support I have encountered during my software review experiences.
Privacy and Security
TorGuard employs industry-standard AES-256 and ChaCha encryption to ensure your data remains unreadable to anyone, including TorGuard employees. The service does not display third-party ads, and its privacy policy states that it will not share your information with any third parties unless legally obligated. Despite being based in the U.S., part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, TorGuard claims to adhere to a strict no-log policy. However, it’s important to note that the company has not undergone an independent audit for policy verification.
TorGuard’s server security appears robust. There was a minor incident involving a single server breach in 2017, but no customer data was compromised.
Is TorGuard Right for You?
Despite the similar name, TorGuard is not affiliated with the anonymous Tor network. The TorGuard brand initially focused on protecting user privacy while torrenting. However, following a lawsuit, TorGuard no longer permits torrenting within the U.S.
Despite the torrenting restriction, vastly varying connection speeds, and subpar customer support, TorGuard can still provide fast streaming, conceal your location, and disguise traffic with stealth servers. It also stands out as one of the most affordable VPN services available.
In conclusion, I recommend prioritizing top-rated VPNs that strike a good balance between performance, features, service quality, and pricing. However, TorGuard is worth considering if your budget is extremely tight. VPNs often offer special promotions, so be sure to explore the latest and best VPN deals to potentially find a bargain that doesn’t compromise quality.
