ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard Comparison Review

ExpressVPN
4.5
TorGuard
4

In this ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard comparison review, we have sampled the two VPN providers, assessing all the essential factors to determine which is the best VPN in 2022. So if you are not sure which one should be on top of your wish list, you are at the right place.

ExpressVPN and TorGuard are two household names in the VPN industry. The two brands share quite a lot in common. They offer state-of-the-art online security and privacy, are reliable, and offer excellent value for money. But then, from an in-depth perspective, there are some differences between the two. So, what makes ExpressVPN different from TorGuard?

IMPORTANT INFO

ExpressVPN supports a maximum of 5 simultaneous connections, while TorGuard supports 9 or 12, depending on the plan. Another crucial difference is that ExpressVPN is based in a country that is not part of any surveillance alliance, while TorGuard is based in a country that is part of the 5-Eyes alliance. In terms of performance, ExpressVPN offers fast speeds and is the best VPN for China. On the other hand, TorGuard is the best VPN for torrenting and P2P sharing.

Comparison table

Platforms
# Devices
Encryption
Protocols
Jurisdiction
Logging Policy
Server Network
Leak Tests
Streaming
Torrenting
Gaming
Support
Free Version
Free Trial
Guarantee
PCs, Mobile, Routers, TV Sticks, Gaming Consoles
5
256-bit AES encryption
PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec, and Lightway
British Virgin Islands
No Logging
3,000 servers in over 94 countries
Negative
24/7 live chat, email, FAQ
30-day money-back guarantee
PCs, Mobile, Routers, TV Sticks, Gaming Consoles
9/12
256-bit AES encryption
PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec
United States
No Logging
3,000 servers in over 50 countries
Negative
24/7 live chat, email, FAQ, community
7-day money-back guarantee

Pros and Cons

Pros
Offers all-round protection on PCs and mobile as well as routers, consoles, smart TVs, TV sticks, etc
Deploys AES 256-bit encryption that offers airtight security
Unblocks all the major Netflix libraries plus a host of other streaming sites
Supports 8 VPN protocols, including Lightway, a fast tunneling method, making its applications wider
It offers fast speeds and is among the VPNs that work in China reliably .
Cons
While it's expensive, ExpressVPN can support a maximum of 5 simultaneous connections, which is very limiting
Pros
The VPN offers all-round protection regardless of the device type, be it PCs, mobile, routers, TVs, consoles, you name it.
Deploys the latest military-grade encryption, AES 256-bit, to guarantee security.
The service offers 3 products, Standard for average users, Pro for expert-level users, and Business for enterprises.
The standard package supports 9 simultaneous connections, while the Pro version supports up to 12.
It is reliable when it comes to torrenting and peer-to-peer sharing.
Cons
It is not reliable in unblocking streaming sites unless you spend more on a dedicated IP address
The VPN is in a jurisdiction that is part of the 5-Eyes surveillance alliance
Slower speeds compared to ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard Comparison Review

In this main segment of this ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard comparison review, we have compared the two VPN brands based on the critical factors that buyers should consider when selecting the best VPN. So, without mincing any more words, let's get into it.

1. Brand Trust

A brand's credibility should be the first thing to assess when choosing a VPN. Considering there are hundreds of VPNs, some genuine while unscrupulous dealers operate others, you need to know who owns the VPN you want to purchase, the company's experience in the industry, what the experts say about the VPN, and importantly, how it's rated on consumer review websites. So, how does ExpressVPN compare to TorGuard?

ExpressVPN is among the most trusted VPN brands. It is a favorite to over 3 million users from over 180 countries.

ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a renowned VPN company that owns Zenmate, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access (PIA), not the CIA, as some rumors suggest. Established in 2009, the company has become one of the biggest VPN brands. ExpressVPN has partnered with some of the top tech companies, including HP, Acer, and Philips.

We scoured the internet to find out what users are saying, and we are glad to report that it has some good reviews, despite a few complaints from some users. On Trustpilot, ExpressVPN has a trust score of 4.7/5 after over 13,059 reviews at the time of writing.

TorGuard is also a renowned VPN brand established in 2012. TorGuard is owned by VPNetworks LLC, a company that has been at the forefront in enabling internet users to take charge of their online security and privacy.

TorGuard has been praised by security experts and has been featured in top publications, including Wired, Forbes, The Guardian, and Lifehacker. The company has four main products: TorGuard Anonymous, Torguard Anonymous Pro, Torguard Business, and TorGuard Email.

We also checked on cybersecurity platforms and forums to find out what consumers think of this VPN, and we are happy to report that it has positive reviews, though there are a few complaints here and there. At the time of writing, TorGuard has a trust score of 4.4/5 after over 2,000 reviews.

2. Supported Devices

The second important aspect to consider when buying a VPN is the compatible devices and the number of simultaneous connections supported. The best VPN should offer all-round protection across different devices, from your PC at the office and mobile device to routers. You will also need to use a VPN on entertainment devices, including smart TVs, TV sticks, consoles, etc. Besides, assess the number of devices you can connect at a go. The more devices, the better, especially if you want to protect your whole family. So, which of the two brands excels here?

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice if you want all-round protection. It is compatible with all Windows, macOS, and Linux PCs and has browser extensions for Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. It’s also a good mobile VPN as it works with Android and iOS mobile devices.

Other devices that this VPN works with include routers, Android TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks, PlayStation, xBox, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Kodi, etc.

The only shortcoming is that ExpressVPN can support a maximum of 5 devices at a go. That limits you if you have many devices.

TorGuard is also a great deal when it comes to the types of devices it works with. You can use it to protect Windows, macOS, and Linux PCs. It also has browser extensions for Google’s Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. TorGuard is also compatible with mobile devices (iOS and Android).

In addition to PCs and mobile devices, TorGuard also works with routers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, TV sticks, etc. While it equals ExpressVPN in terms of supported devices, TorGuard has the upper hand when it comes to the number of simultaneous connections.

TorGuard Standard allows users to connect up to 9 devices, while TorGuard Pro supports up to 12 simultaneous connections.

3. Usability

In the past, VPNs and other online security tools were for the geeks, but in this age, every online user should consider using a VPN. That said, it's essential to consider the usability of a VPN before purchasing it. For the record, some VPNs are easy to use, while others can be an uphill battle to operate. In this round, we compared the two VPNs to find out which one is easy to use.

ExpressVPN is reasonably easy to use. It boasts an intuitive dashboard with pretty clear instructions on getting started. If you have decided to go with ExpressVPN, the first step is to click the ‘Get Started’ button on your browser.

You will then be redirected to the order section where you need to select a plan, your preferred payment method, and then checkout. The next step is to download ExpressVPN software, depending on your device.

You will then be required to sign in using your email or use the verification to log in, and that’s it. You are ready to select a server and enjoy online protection and privacy. On our usability scale, ExpressVPN scores 4.5/5.

Getting started with TorGuard is also pretty easy. But unlike with ExpressVPN, the first step is to download TorGuard software, depending on the device.

After downloading the software, click the ‘Sign Up’ option, and the system will redirect you to the order page where you will choose a plan, the billing cycle, payment options, and then checkout. Now, you are good to go.

The last step will be logging in, and selecting a server, and you are protected. In our usability scale, TorGuard scores 4.3/5.

4. Security (Encryption)

Encryption technologies have come a long way. The industry standard is Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), 256-bit, military-grade encryption that offers state-of-the-art security. AES 256 bit encryption is secure that it would take millions of years to successfully perform brute force attacks, even with the world's best supercomputers. So, what encryption technologies do ExpressVPN and TorGuard deploy?

ExpressVPN, as a modern VPN, uses AES-256 bit encryption to secure your online activity. You can also opt for the AES-128 bit if you want speed over security.

AES 256-bit uses cipher-block chaining and RSA-4096 as the cloaking technology and handshake options, respectively.

TorGuard is also an adopter of the industry’s encryption standard, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit.

It also allows users to switch to AES-128 bit, which is less secure but faster. The only shortcoming is that it uses RSA-2048 as the cloaking technology.

5. Security (Protocols)

Another crucial factor is the VPN protocols, otherwise known as tunneling methods. VPN protocols refer to the rules and instructions which determine how traffic is routed from a device to the VPN's servers. One thing about VPN protocols is that they are highly specialized to suit different needs. That said, the more the VPN protocols, the more the VPN's applications. So, how does ExpressVPN compare to TorGuard?

ExpressVPN is the best choice here as it supports 8 protocols. These are PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPSec, SSTP, and Lightway.

All the other seven protocols are industry standards, but Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary tunneling method based on WireGuard. It offers faster speeds and lowers power consumption.

TorGuard is also a great deal when it comes to the supported protocols. It has been engineered to support seven protocols; OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IPsec, SSTP, Wireguard, and IKEv2.

For the record, Android supports OpenVPN and WireGuard only, unlike iOS, which also supports IPSec and IKEv2.

6. Security Extras

A VPN's security doesn't end with encryption technology and tunneling methods; several other security extras are considered. In this segment, we have compared all the other security features that these VPNs offer.

One of the best security extras that ExpressVPN tags along with is the network lock switch that prevents your traffic from leaking if the connection drops. This VPN also features WebRTC and DNS leak protection, so you can be sure that you are always secure.

Split tunneling, a critical feature that enables users to channel specific traffic only through the VPN, is also available.

With ExpressVPN, DNS requests are not susceptible to leakages as the VPN has encrypted private DNS on every server. Unfortunately, there is no dedicated IP, but all the same, it rotates IPs, thus enhancing anonymity.

TorGuard also has a number of security extras. First is the kill switch that works the same way as ExpressVPN’s network lock switch, so you are not exposed when the VPN connection drops.

The VPN also supports split tunneling, but this feature is not available on Android. Like most VPNs, TorGuard has WebRTC and DNS leak protection, so your protection is always guaranteed.

Other features worth mentioning include Static DNS, dedicated IP addresses, and proxy connections.

7. Privacy & Confidentiality (Jurisdiction )

The best VPN is one that is located in a jurisdiction that is not part of any of the surveillance alliances such as 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes, and 14-Eyes. Countries that are part of these alliances agree that they can share data with other members where necessary. If you are using a VPN in a jurisdiction that is part of these alliances, your privacy and confidentiality are not guaranteed. So, where is ExpressVPN and TorGuard based?

ExpressVPN is the best choice if you want to safeguard your online privacy and confidentiality. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), which is not part of any surveillance alliances.

On the other hand, TorGuard is a US VPN based in Florida. That means it is under the federal laws of the United States, which is a member of the 5-Eyes. This means that TorGuard can be forced to share your information when the authorities come knocking.

8. Privacy & Confidentiality (Logging Policy)

When looking for a VPN that guarantees online privacy and confidentiality, make sure it's a VPN with a no-logging policy. A VPN that keeps logs can set you up. So, do ExpressVPN and TorGuard keep logs?

ExpressVPN is a VPN with a strict no-logging policy. According to the company, the VPN doesn’t store logs of your activity, connection, IP address, browsing history, or any other data that can identify or be used to profile you.

To prove this, when the servers of ExpressVPN were raided following an assassination case of the Turkish ambassadors, no information was found proving that, indeed, it keeps zero logs.

TorGuard also markets itself as a VPN that keeps no logs at all. It doesn’t collect any information except the information required when you buy its products.

While this is such a great thing, the fact that it is in a 5-Eyes country and collects your information when you buy its products should make you wary of your privacy and confidentiality.

9. Server Network and Distribution

At the core of a VPN is servers. They play a fundamental part in the overall performance of VPNs, be it security, speeds or reliability. When choosing a VPN, the rule of the thumb is to go for a provider with a vast network of specialized servers. So, how does ExpressVPN's server network compare to TorGuard's?

ExpressVPN boasts over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. The servers are at 160 locations in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania.

One of the standout features of ExpressVPN’s servers is TrustedServer, a feature that deploys RAM-only servers. For starters, RAM-only servers guarantee reliability and are the only surety that no logs are collected.

TorGuard also has over 3000 servers in 50 countries. The servers are at over 68 VPN locations in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and Asia.

While the distribution may not match ExpressVPN, we are glad that these are specialized Gigabit and 10 Gigabit servers.

10. Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming

VPNs are not just about online security and privacy; they also come in handy for entertainment purposes. They can help movie enthusiasts to bypass streaming sites' geo-restrictions and access geo-blocked content. Those who download huge files can also torrent and share files without worrying about bandwidth throttling. Lastly, gamers can shield themselves from DDOS attacks and even access geo-locked content. So, which of the two VPNs is the best for streaming, torrenting, and gaming?

ExpressVPN is the best option for those who are into streaming. We tested the VPN on different servers. It managed to unblock a handful of Netflix libraries and other streaming sites such as Amazon Prime US, Hulu, CBS, ITV, and BBC iPlayer without a problem.

In the next stage, we tested whether it could support torrenting and P2P file sharing, and we are glad it performed quite well. We shared several huge files, the speeds were good, and the bandwidths remained the same. Last, ExpressVPN is a good VPN for gaming as it is secure enough to shield gamers from DDoS attacks.

Besides, gamers can access content that is not yet available in their region or enjoy discounts that are restricted to specific countries.

Unfortunately for TorGuard, with the normal plan, unblocking Netflix is an exercise in futility. It couldn’t unblock several Netflix libraries, but the results were different when we added dedicated IP servers, of course, at a fee. TorGuard could now unblock Netflix and several other streaming sites with geo-blocked content.

Regardless, TorGuard is a good VPN for torrenting and P2P sharing and even has a free “Check My Torrent IP” tool. Its security allows users to torrent and share huge files while remaining undetected.

Some of the apps it’s compatible with include uTorrent, Vuze, and qBittorrent. Lastly, you can rely on TorGuard to prevent DDoS attacks in gaming. It also allows gamers to access geo-restricted content and enjoy discounts specific to specific regions.

11. Customer Support

Customer support is an important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN, even for the techies. The non-technical users might need assistance in getting started, while the technical users might have some billing issues. So, how does the customer support of these two VPN providers compare?

ExpressVPN, as discussed earlier, has excellent usability. Besides, it boasts a robust customer support infrastructure. The best is the 24/7 live chat support that offers users immediate feedback.

The company has also provided an email address, alongside a detailed knowledgebase with many of the questions asked by users answered.

TorGuard has reliable customer support though its usability is complex because of the cluttered interface. Support is available via 24/7 live chat and also offers immediate feedback.

Besides, there is an email address, an FAQ section, and a knowledgebase. Interestingly, users can also get help from the TorGuard community.

12. Plans, Pricing, Free Trials, and Payment Options

This last round of this ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard comparison review analyzes the available plans, pricing, trials, and payment gateways. Obviously, you want a VPN with flexible and affordable plans. You also want a guarantee that it's the best VPN and use your preferred payment method.

ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive VPNs around, and worse enough, there is no free version or free trial. Fortunately, there is a 30-day moneyback guarantee.

ExpressVPN has three plans: 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. The 1-month plan starts at $8.32. Payment methods include credit cards, eWallets, and even bitcoin.

TorGuard is also an expensive VPN and lacks a free version or free trial. But you can take advantage of the 7-day moneyback guarantee. For the Anonymous VPN Service, there are two plans.

The Standard Plan starts at $9.99 monthly, while the Pro plan starts at $12.99 monthly. The available payment methods include credit cards, eWallets, and bitcoin.

Speed and Performance

EXPRESSVPN
Test 1: Downloading a 1GB File
Fastest Servers - 88.338.5 Seconds
Slowest Servers - 106.127.9 Seconds
Test 2: Canada Servers
Fastest Servers - 90Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 83Mbps/100Mbps
Test 3: United States Servers
Fastest Servers - 90Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 84Mbps/100Mbps
Test 4: United Kingdom Servers
Fastest Servers - 86Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 79Mbps/100Mbps
Test 5: Australia Servers
Fastest Servers - 84Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 79Mbps/100Mbps
Test 6: Ukraine Servers
Fastest Servers - 83Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 78Mbps/100Mbps
Test 7: South Africa Servers
Fastest Servers - 90Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 80Mbps/100Mbps
TORGUARD
Test 1: Downloading a 1GB File
Fastest Servers - 82.533.5 Seconds
Slowest Servers - 102.823.4 Seconds
Test 2: Canada Servers
Fastest Servers - 79Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 71Mbps/100Mbps
Test 3: United States Servers
Fastest Servers - 81Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 74Mbps/100Mbps
Test 4: United Kingdom Servers
Fastest Servers - 70Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 55Mbps/100Mbps
Test 5: Australia Servers
Fastest Servers - 69Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 54Mbps/100Mbps
Test 6: Ukraine Servers
Fastest Servers - 67Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 51Mbps/100Mbps
Test 7: South Africa Servers
Fastest Servers - 76Mbps/100Mbps
Slowest Servers - 61Mbps/100Mbps

Pricing comparison

Minimum tariff
Maximum tariff
1 Month - $12.95/mo
12 Months - $8.32/mo
1 Month - $9.99/mo
Triennially $139.99USD

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a better VPN than ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is among the best VPNs on the market; there’s no doubt. But it isn’t the best there is. So far, NordVPN is the best VPN, but then, the likes of ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark are giving the folks at NordVPN a run for their money.

2. Is ExpressVPN better than TorGuard?

Yes. Overall, ExpressVPN is a better VPN than TorGuard. It offers state-of-the-art security and privacy and is based in a jurisdiction that respects privacy laws. What’s more, it’s a VPN for China and can reliably unblock streaming sites with geo-blocked content.

3. Why is TorGuard the best VPN?

TorGuard may be trailing in this ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard comparison review, but it’s still worth the money. TorGuard is best when it comes to torrenting and P2P sharing. It also offers better value for money as its standard plan allows for up to 9 simultaneous connections while ExpressVPN allows just 5.

4. Is TorGuard good for gaming?

Yes. TorGuard is a good VPN for gaming. With the TorGuard Anonymous Pro plan, gamers can take their gaming experience to the next level. The VPN allows gamers to access geo-blocked content and offers without raising eyebrows. What’s more, it shields gamers from DDoS attacks.

5. How can I get ExpressVPN for free?

Unfortunately, there is no free version of ExpressVPN or a free trial. Instead, users can take advantage of the generous 30-day moneyback guarantee.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks, an ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard comparison review. So, which one is best for you? Well, it all boils down to your needs. ExpressVPN is the best choice if you are looking for fast speeds and a VPN that can reliably unblock Netflix and other streaming sites. It’s also the best VPN for China.

On the other hand, if you are looking for the best VPN for torrenting, TorGuard is a great choice. All said and done, ExpressVPN is the best choice overall now that it offers all the core features of TorGuard and has extras.

Comparison with other products