“TorGuard is the cheapest VPN I’ve reviewed with surprising speed in some locations, but the poor support is a problem.”
Pros
- Very low prices
- Impressive speed from some servers
- Easy to set up and use
- Base plan includes pinned IPs
Cons
- Speed varies greatly
- Claims 24/7 support, but I had no luck
- Located in a Five Eyes alliance country
TorGuard, a popular VPN service known for its affordability and fast streaming, caught my attention. I decided to review its service to see if it deserves a spot on our list of the best VPNs.
I extensively tested TorGuard’s speed, reliability across various servers globally, customer service quality, and the privacy features and value provided by the TorGuard subscription.
Tiers and Pricing
While TorGuard does not offer a free version, it does provide a seven-day trial for users to test the service and explore the app. TorGuard offers three consumer subscription tiers. For those seeking a free VPN, Proton is a solid choice.
The standard VPN plan starts at $10 per month or $30 annually, supporting up to eight devices simultaneously. The $13 per month plan ($60 annually) includes a dedicated IP address and supports 12 devices.
Opting for the $15 monthly subscription ($65 annually) allows connection for up to 30 devices and includes a free router for premium customers with an annual subscription, essentially making the first year free.
I tested TorGuard’s standard plan, which works seamlessly across various devices including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Design
My TorGuard experience began with installing the Windows app, offering a plethora of options. I also added the TorGuard browser extension to enable VPN use specifically for the browser. While TorGuard lacks a split-tunnel feature, the extension serves as a good workaround for browser-specific VPN needs.
TorGuard’s user interface is straightforward at first glance, with a depth of advanced settings available for fine-tuning connections. Users can navigate the app with minimal VPN knowledge or delve deeper for personalized configurations.
A central button in the TorGuard app facilitates easy VPN connection, activating within seconds with the button turning green to indicate activity. Users can select protocols and pin IP addresses post-connection via the top-left menu button.
For most users, the WireGuard protocol is recommended for its speed and security benefits, while compatibility with OpenVPN and OpenConnect is also provided.
Choosing server locations is simplified by clicking the default server at the bottom, with access to over 3,000 servers in 50 countries. Although lacking a search option, users can filter and sort server lists for streamlined selection. Favoriting specific servers for quick access is also supported.
Additional features include stealth servers and the option to purchase access to dedicated IP servers for consistent connectivity.
Features
When it comes to VPN selection, speed and reliability play crucial roles. TorGuard impressed me with its rapid uploads and downloads when connected to Canadian and U.S. servers. Despite my ISP offering gigabit fiber with 900Mbps downloads and uploads over Ethernet without VPN, TorGuard managed to achieve quick 785Mbps downloads and 74Mbps uploads on the nearest WireGuard server in Canada.
Testing on nearby U.S. servers yielded 540Mbps downloads and 49Mbps uploads, surpassing competition like Hotspot Shield. However, performance varied significantly when testing servers in other continents, with lower speeds observed in Europe and substantial download speed in Australia.
Support services are essential for VPN users, and TorGuard’s touted 24/7 support left much to be desired. Despite claims of live support, the absence of prompt responses via chat or email during various times indicated a lack of efficient customer service.
Privacy and Security
TorGuard ensures data encryption using industry-standard AES-256 and ChaCha encryption, safeguarding user data from unauthorized access, including TorGuard employees.
The privacy policy assures users of no third-party advertisements and pledges not to disclose user information to external parties unless legally mandated. While TorGuard operates in a Five Eyes intelligence alliance country, it maintains a no-log policy, though independent verification of this claim is lacking.
TorGuard also maintains server security with a minor incident reported in 2017 involving a breach of a single server, which did not result in customer data leakage.
Is TorGuard Right for You?
Despite its association with privacy-focused torrenting, TorGuard distinguishes itself as a budget-friendly VPN service. While restrictions on torrenting within the U.S., inconsistent connection speeds, and subpar support may deter some users, TorGuard excels in fast streaming, location masking, and traffic obfuscation. It remains one of the most cost-effective VPN solutions available.
In conclusion, while I recommend opting for a well-rounded VPN with balanced performance, features, service, and pricing, TorGuard is a viable choice for users on a tight budget. Keep an eye out for special offers when considering VPN subscriptions to ensure optimal value without compromising quality.
