Based in the privacy-friendly United States, TorGuard VPN stands out with a user base of tech-savvy individuals, including torrenting enthusiasts and remote workers. But is it all smooth sailing, or does the hype fall short?

I’m not one to take marketing claims at face value, so I tested TorGuard VPN myself. In this review, I’ve explored every feature in detail and included plenty of screenshots so you can see exactly what this VPN has to offer.

In this TorGuard VPN review, you will learn:

  • How well TorGuard VPN performs in terms of speed and security
  • If it can effectively bypass geo-restrictions and censorship
  • How easy it is to install and use
  • Whether it's going to slow down your internet connection
  • If TorGuard VPN is really as trustworthy as everyone says

Let's see what TorGuard VPN provides!

In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary

TorGuard VPN is a solid VPN service that offers a range of features for both beginners and advanced users. After spending two weeks testing TorGuard VPN and comparing it with other top VPN providers, I've come to some interesting conclusions.

What You'll Like:

  • Well-organized user interface with modern and classic themes
  • Strong security features including stealth VPN options
  • Excellent for torrenting with P2P support on all servers
  • Broad device compatibility and 12 simultaneous connections 
  • Accepts cryptocurrency payments for enhanced privacy

What You May Not Like:

  • Slightly complex buying process with many add-ons and bundles
  • Limited streaming performance with only some Netflix catalogs unblocked
  • Speeds are good but not as impressive as claimed
  • Only 7-day money-back guarantee compared to industry standard 30 days
  • Minimal customization options in the app interface

What Makes This TorGuard VPN Review Different?

Many Torguard VPN reviews you'll find online, even those ranking high on Google, aren't always genuine. They often just copy information directly from the VPN provider's website. Can these reviews really be trusted if they don't reflect actual user experience?

I'm committed to providing the most objective VPN reviews possible. To achieve this, I personally purchase, install, test, and thoroughly analyze the VPN software featured in my reviews, using my own hardware.

For this TorGuard VPN review, my primary device was a Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU @ 1.30GHz and 16 GB of RAM running on Windows 11. My network configuration is Wi-Fi 5 protocol with a theoretical speed of 866 MBps. I also tested the VPN on a MacBook Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE to ensure a comprehensive review.

The entire review process took about two weeks, during which I captured numerous screenshots to include in this detailed review. I've tested everything from installation to advanced features, so you can get a real sense of what it's like to use TorGuard VPN.

Keep reading to discover the ins and outs of TorGuard VPN and find out if it's the right choice for you.

Buying TorGuard VPN

When it comes to purchasing TorGuard VPN, you'll find that there are quite a few options available. The base product is called Anonymous VPN, but you can also opt for Anonymous VPN Pro or Anonymous VPN Premium. They also offer bundles where you can get a VPN product plus add-ons like dedicated IPs, private email, anonymous proxies, and even business-oriented VPN solutions.

One thing I appreciate is that TorGuard offers a 7-day free trial for each product. This gives you a chance to test out the service before committing to a subscription. However, it's worth noting that their money-back guarantee is only 7 days, which is quite short compared to the 30-day industry standard.

When it comes to pricing, TorGuard offers discounts based on the subscription period. While the monthly plan doesn't come with any discount, you'll find bigger savings the longer you commit. They have quarterly, 6-month, 12-month, 24-month, and even 36-month plans available.

In my opinion, the 6-month to 1-year plan is generally a good choice for most users. It provides a balance between commitment and savings.

The buying process, however, can be a bit intricate. There are many options, add-ons, and bundles to compare, which might be overwhelming for VPN newcomers. Here's how I went about it:

  1. I carefully chose the plan that best suited my needs and selected the billing cycle.
  2. Next, I entered my email address and password to create an account that I'd need to log into the VPN app later.
  3. Finally, I chose my preferred payment method and proceeded to checkout.

One thing that stands out about TorGuard is their support for anonymous payment options. They accept various cryptocurrencies, which is great for users who prioritize privacy in their transactions.

I decided to purchase the streaming IP add-on, which provides 2 dedicated IPs for streaming. This was just one of the many add-ons available - in fact, TorGuard offers the highest number of add-ons I've ever seen in a VPN product.

After purchasing, I received several emails, mostly related to dedicated IP activation. While the prompt communication was appreciated, it did add to the initial confusion around installing TorGuard.

Overall, while the purchasing process offers a lot of flexibility, it could be simplified to make it more user-friendly, especially for those new to VPNs.

Installation

Getting TorGuard VPN up and running was a relatively simple process. I downloaded the installer from the download page accessed via the VPN service activation email I received after purchase.

The installation itself was quick, taking only about 1 minute. There weren't many choices to make during the installation process - I only had to select the installation folder.

However, things got a bit more complicated with the streaming package I purchased, which includes 2 dedicated IP addresses for streaming. These weren't automatically activated. Instead, I had to request them via email. The support team responded quickly, asking me where I wanted the servers to be located. They then provided me with 2 IP addresses along with instructions on how to activate and use them.

While the support was prompt and helpful, I found this process a bit complex. Other providers typically activate dedicated IPs automatically without requiring email communication. The team also warned me not to use torrents with the dedicated IPs to avoid getting banned.

Despite these extra steps, I managed to configure the dedicated IPs fairly easily. However, this process could certainly be streamlined to improve user experience, especially for those less familiar with VPN technicalities.

Interface

Upon launching TorGuard VPN, you're greeted with a clean and functional interface. The main window is well-organized and provides easy access to key features.

TorGuard VPN InterfaceTorGuard's VPN main interface is dominated by a large connection button in the center.

The interface is divided into several sections:

  • On the top area, there's a menu bar for accessing the connection details.
  • The center of the window features a large connect/disconnect button.
  • At the bottom, you'll find the connection status and selected server.

One thing I particularly appreciate about TorGuard's interface is the ability to customize its appearance. In the Settings > General section, you can choose between two themes: modern and classic. This allows you to tailor the look of the app to your personal preference.

VPN Appearance SettingsThe appearance settings lets you configure the theme and more.

However, it's worth noting that the UI is only available in English, which might be a drawback for non-English speakers. Additionally, while the UI is adjustable, the range of resizing is limited.

Overall, I found the TorGuard VPN interface to be user-friendly and intuitive. The large connect button and clear indicators make it easy for anyone to use, regardless of their technical expertise. While it may not offer extensive customization options, it provides a clean and functional experience that should satisfy most users.

VPN Servers

TorGuard VPN boasts an impressive network of over 3000 servers spread across more than 50 countries. This extensive server network is one of TorGuard's strongest assets, providing users with plenty of options for finding a reliable and fast connection.

VPN Server SelectionFrom the server selection window, you can browse countries or use your dedicated IP.

The server selection window is well-organized and easy to navigate. You can filter servers by various criteria, including:

  • Dedicated IPs
  • Stealth servers
  • Favorite servers
  • Continents

This makes it simple to find the exact type of server you need for your specific use case.

It's worth noting that some of TorGuard's server locations are virtual, meaning the IP address appears to be in one country while the server is physically located in another.

In addition to regular servers, TorGuard offers access to streaming servers, which I purchased as an add-on. These specialized servers are designed to provide better performance for streaming services, which we'll discuss more in the streaming section of this review.

One unique feature of TorGuard is the ability to configure, add, or remove dedicated IPs in the Servers settings:

This level of control over dedicated IPs is not common among VPN providers and can be particularly useful for users who need consistent IP addresses for specific purposes.

Overall, TorGuard's server network is robust and diverse, offering a good mix of options for different needs. Whether you're looking for security, speed, or the ability to access geo-restricted content, you're likely to find a suitable server in TorGuard's extensive network.

Gaming

Using a VPN for gaming can provide several benefits, including protection against DDoS attacks, access to geo-restricted games or servers, and potentially improved routing to game servers. TorGuard VPN offers features that can enhance your gaming experience.

In my TorGuard VPN review tests, I found that TorGuard VPN performed reasonably well for gaming. Playing World of Warcraft and Fortnite was smooth, and I didn't experience any significant issues. However, the ping was regularly around 40ms, which, while not bad, isn't the best I've seen from a VPN.

TorGuard's extensive server network allows you to connect to servers close to game servers, potentially reducing latency. The split tunneling feature (which we'll discuss later) can also be useful for gamers, allowing you to route only your game traffic through the VPN while other applications use your regular internet connection.

While TorGuard VPN provides a stable connection for gaming, it doesn't offer any gaming-specific features like CyberGhost or NordVPN. If you're a casual gamer looking for added security and the ability to access different game regions, TorGuard should serve you well. However, professional gamers or those extremely sensitive to latency might want to test the service thoroughly during the trial period to ensure it meets their needs.

Torrenting

TorGuard VPN is quite accommodating when it comes to torrenting. Using a VPN for P2P file sharing can provide several advantages, including anonymity, protection from your ISP's prying eyes, and the ability to bypass any torrent-related restrictions your ISP might impose.

TorGuard supports P2P traffic on all their regular servers, which is a significant plus. Many VPN providers restrict torrenting to specific servers, so having the freedom to use any server is convenient.

However, it's important to note that torrenting is not allowed on the residential and streaming dedicated IP add-ons. I received an email from TorGuard specifically warning about this:

"Kindly note that Torrenting is not allowed on the residential and Streaming dedicated IP add-ons, please use the standard or regular VPN servers while torrenting, and refrain from torrenting on your dedicated residential or streaming IP add-on. Failing to do so might leave TorGuard no other choice but to terminate the affected add-on if provider blacklist the IP due to DMCAs."

This policy makes sense, as dedicated IPs are more easily traceable back to a specific user. By restricting torrenting to their regular servers, TorGuard helps maintain the anonymity of their users engaged in P2P activities.

When using TorGuard for torrenting, make sure to enable the kill switch feature (called Network Lock in TorGuard) to prevent any accidental exposure of your real IP address if the VPN connection drops.

Overall, TorGuard provides solid support for torrenting, as long as you stick to their regular servers. The combination of P2P support on all standard servers, strong encryption, and a reliable kill switch makes TorGuard a good choice for those who frequently engage in P2P file sharing.

Streaming

Streaming is an area where TorGuard VPN aims to stand out with its dedicated streaming IP add-on. I purchased this package, which offers 2 dedicated IPs specifically optimized for streaming services.

The idea behind dedicated streaming IPs is compelling. As TorGuard explains:

"If catching up on the latest TV shows is a must for you, then a dedicated IP VPN tailored for streaming is the perfect match. Streaming-focused dedicated IPs have become increasingly popular among our users, a trend we see continuing as the demand for and availability of online content escalates."

These dedicated IPs are uniquely assigned and not shared, which in theory should provide better compatibility with major streaming services. They're designed to grant access to geo-restricted content from various regions, simply by selecting a streaming IP located in your desired area.

In practice, however, my experience with TorGuard's streaming capabilities was mixed. Here's how it performed with various Netflix catalogs:

  • Netflix US: The dedicated streaming IP worked, successfully unblocking the US Netflix catalog.
  • Netflix UK: Worked without issues.
  • Netflix Germany: Unfortunately, I couldn't access the German catalog.
  • Netflix France: Access was blocked.
  • Netflix Spain: Also unsuccessful in unblocking this catalog.

While the success with US and UK Netflix is positive, the inability to access other regional catalogs was disappointing, especially considering these IPs are specifically marketed for streaming.

It's worth noting that your experience may vary depending on your location and the specific IPs you're assigned. The effectiveness of these dedicated streaming IPs can be somewhat hit-or-miss.

To use the dedicated streaming IPs, you need to configure them in the Servers settings of the TorGuard app. The process is straightforward once you've received your IPs from customer support.

IP ConfigurationThe servers tab lets you configure the dedicated IP.

Overall, while TorGuard's streaming-focused dedicated IPs are an interesting feature, their performance in my TorGuard VPN review tests was inconsistent. They work well for some popular streaming services but fall short for others. If streaming is your primary concern, you might want to test these IPs thoroughly during the trial period to ensure they meet your needs.

VPN Speed and Performance

For my speed tests for TorGuard VPN review, I used a Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU @ 1.30GHz and 16 GB of RAM running on Windows 11. My network configuration is Wi-Fi 5 protocol with a theoretical speed of 866 MBps.

My general observations on speed and performance across different servers and during different times of day is that TorGuard VPN is stable and pretty consistent regarding speed.

To test the speed of the VPN servers, I used Ookla's Speedtest. Here are the results:

  • No VPN (Romania): 431 Mbps download, 341 Mbps upload, and 15 ms latency
  • New York: 25 Mbps download, 30 Mbps upload, and 116 ms latency (first dedicated IP for streaming)
  • Dallas: 314 Mbps download, 290 Mbps upload, and 122 ms latency
  • Denver: 344 Mbps download, 311 Mbps upload, and 89 ms latency
  • Germany: 355 Mbps download, 211 Mbps upload, and 44 ms latency
  • France: 378 Mbps download, 333 Mbps upload, and 53 ms latency
  • Spain: 256 Mbps download, 312 Mbps upload, and 65 ms latency
  • Italy: 321 Mbps download, 331 Mbps upload, and 45 ms latency
  • UK: 388 Mbps download, 344 Mbps upload, and 36 ms latency
  • Brazil: 36 Mbps download, 35 Mbps upload, and 111 ms latency
  • India: 3 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload, and 255 ms latency

Overall, TorGuard VPN's performance is decent, with most servers maintaining good speeds. European servers performed particularly well, with speeds often above 300 Mbps. However, some long-distance connections, like those to Brazil and India, showed significant speed drops.

The dedicated streaming IP in New York showed surprisingly low speeds, which could impact streaming quality for some users. It's worth noting that VPN speeds can vary based on many factors, including your location, internet service provider, and current network conditions.

While TorGuard VPN's speeds are generally good, they're not as impressive as some competitors I've tested. If you're looking for the absolute fastest VPN speeds, you might want to consider other options. However, for most everyday uses like browsing, streaming, and downloading, TorGuard VPN should provide sufficient speed and stability.

VPN Privacy Features

This part of the review homes in on privacy. We’ll look into TorGuard VPN’s encryption standards, ensure its protocols are truly secure, and see if its no-logs policy stands up to scrutiny. 

VPN Protocols and Encryption

TorGuard VPN offers a variety of VPN protocols to balance security and speed. The service supports three main protocols: OpenVPN, OpenConnect, and WireGuard.

VPN Protocol SettingsIn the VPN settings, you can configure the OpenVPN and WireGuard settings.
  1. OpenVPN: This is a widely used and highly secure protocol. With TorGuard, you can choose between UDP and TCP connections. They also offer a unique "Stealth VPN" option for OpenVPN, which helps disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. This can be particularly useful in countries where VPN use is restricted.
  2. OpenConnect: This protocol utilizes TLS and DTLS to encrypt and authenticate VPN traffic. TorGuard claims it's one of the fastest and most secure protocols available.
  3. WireGuard: This is a newer protocol known for its speed and efficiency. TorGuard offers WireGuard connections on all servers and dedicated IPs, with built-in app support for various platforms.

You can easily switch between these protocols in the Settings > VPN section of the app. TorGuard also allows you to change protocol settings directly from the main window using a drop-down menu where you can adjust tunnel type, protocol, port/auth, and cipher.

VPN Protocol SelectionProtocol selection in TorGuard VPN main window

In terms of encryption, TorGuard uses AES-256 encryption with SHA-512, which is considered highly secure. This level of encryption ensures that your data remains protected from intrusive eyes. I also recommend installing antivirus software like Norton or McAfee for extra protection against web threats.

What sets TorGuard apart in this area is its OpenConnect protocol and the Stealth VPN feature. These provide excellent anonymity on the web and better geo-unblocking capabilities, which could be particularly useful in countries with strict internet censorship.

No-Logs Policy and Transparency

TorGuard VPN promises a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don't record what you do online or keep any data about your connections. However, it's important to note that TorGuard is based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. This could potentially be a concern for users who prioritize privacy above all else.

Unfortunately, there are no known third-party audits of TorGuard's no-logs policy. While the company states they don't keep logs, without an independent audit, users have to take this claim on faith. This lack of verified transparency is a drawback compared to some competitors who have undergone third-party audits.

Kill Switch

TorGuard VPN offers a robust kill switch feature, which they call "Network Lock". This feature is crucial for maintaining privacy, as it blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.

TorGuard provides both a system-level and an application-level kill switch, which is more comprehensive than many other VPN services.

VPN Kill Switch SettingsIn the Utilities tab, you can change the App Kill and Scripts features.

The system-level kill switch can be found in Settings > Network > Kill Switch. When enabled, it shuts down the entire internet connection on your device if the VPN connection drops.

The application-level kill switch, located in Settings > Utilities, allows you to add specific apps that should be closed when the VPN disconnects. I found this feature particularly useful, as it opens a list of programs, making it easy to choose which apps to include.

An additional nice touch is the ability to execute scripts before or after connection, or after disconnection. This adds an extra layer of customization for more advanced users.

In my tests for this TorGuard VPN review, the kill switch worked as expected, reliably terminating internet access or specified applications when the VPN connection was interrupted.

DNS and IP Leak Protection

To ensure your online activities remain private, TorGuard VPN includes built-in DNS and IP leak protection.

TorGuard VPN DNS and IP Leak Protection SettingsDNS and IP leak protection settings in TorGuard VPN

These settings can be found in the Settings > Network section of the app. The IP leak protection ensures that your real IP address isn't exposed, while the DNS leak protection prevents your DNS requests from being sent to your ISP's servers.

To verify the effectiveness of these protections, I conducted several tests:

For IP leak tests, I used:

  • ipleak.net
  • perfect-privacy.com

For DNS leak tests, I used:

  • dnsleaktest.com

I'm happy to report that TorGuard passed all these tests successfully. This means that when connected to TorGuard VPN, your real IP address and DNS requests should remain hidden, providing a good level of privacy.

Wi-Fi Protection

While TorGuard doesn't have a specific feature called "Wi-Fi Protection", all of its security and privacy features contribute to making your connection more secure when using public Wi-Fi networks.

The combination of strong encryption, leak protection, and the kill switch feature ensures that your data remains protected even on unsecured public networks. This is particularly important when using potentially dangerous public Wi-Fi hotspots in places like cafes, airports, or hotels.

Device Compatibility

TorGuard VPN offers broad device compatibility, supporting a wide range of platforms and allowing for unlimited installations. The supported devices include:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • iOS
  • Android

This covers most major operating systems, ensuring that you can protect your devices regardless of what platform you're using.

One of the standout features of TorGuard is the number of simultaneous connections it allows. The standard plan supports up to 8 simultaneous connections, while the premium plan increases this to 12. This is quite generous compared to many other VPN providers and should be sufficient for most users to protect all their devices.

Browser Extensions

For those who prefer a lighter VPN solution or need to protect only their browser traffic, TorGuard offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

VPN Browser ExtensionThe browser extension menu provides a connection button and drop-down menus to choose the country and port.

These extensions provide a quick and easy way to connect to the VPN directly from your browser. The connection process is very fast, allowing you to quickly change your IP address without affecting your entire system.

The browser extensions offer a simplified set of options compared to the full VPN client. You can choose the country server and port, and enable features like ad blocking and HTML5 geolocation spoofing from the settings.

However, it's worth noting that in my TorGuard VPN review tests, the ad blocking feature wasn't consistently effective. It blocked ads on some sites but not on others. If ad blocking is a priority for you, you might want to consider using a dedicated ad blocking extension alongside TorGuard.

Despite this minor issue, the browser extensions are a handy feature, especially for users who primarily need VPN protection for their web browsing activities.

Conclusion and Recommendations

After thoroughly testing TorGuard VPN for this review, I've come to a mixed conclusion. While it offers some strong features, there are also areas where it could improve.

Strengths:

  • Extensive server network with over 3000 servers in 50+ countries
  • Strong security features including a reliable kill switch and effective leak protection
  • Good support for torrenting with P2P allowed on all regular servers
  • Stealth VPN feature helps keep your VPN use undetected
  • Broad device compatibility with generous simultaneous connection allowance

Areas for Improvement:

  • The product packages and add-ons can be confusing, especially for VPN newcomers
  • Streaming performance was inconsistent, with only 2 out of 5 tested Netflix catalogs unblocked
  • Speeds were decent but not as impressive as some competitors
  • The 7-day money-back guarantee is quite short compared to the industry standard
  • No third-party audits of their no-logs policy

When using TorGuard VPN, I recommend:

  1. Take advantage of the Stealth VPN feature if you're in a country with VPN restrictions.
  2. Use the application-level kill switch to ensure specific apps always use the VPN.
  3. Stick to regular servers for torrenting, avoiding the dedicated IPs.
  4. Test the streaming IPs thoroughly during the trial period if streaming is a priority for you.

Overall, TorGuard VPN is a complex service that could be made more user-friendly. Its extensive feature set and customization options make it more suitable for advanced users who know exactly what they're looking for in a VPN.

Looking for alternatives to Torguard VPN? PIA and ExpressVPN are excellent VPN options. Also, don’t miss our best VPN guide for 2025.

FAQs

  1. Is TorGuard VPN safe to use? Yes, TorGuard VPN uses strong encryption and offers features like a kill switch and leak protection. However, their no-logs policy hasn't been independently audited.
  2. Can TorGuard VPN unblock Netflix? TorGuard offers dedicated streaming IPs, but their effectiveness varies. In my tests, they worked for US and UK Netflix but not for some other regions.
  3. Does TorGuard VPN allow torrenting? Yes, TorGuard allows P2P file sharing on all their regular servers. However, torrenting is not permitted on dedicated streaming or residential IPs.
  4. How many devices can I use with TorGuard VPN? The standard plan allows 8 simultaneous connections, while the premium plan increases this to 12. You can install TorGuard on an unlimited number of devices.
  5. Is TorGuard VPN good for gaming? TorGuard VPN provides stable connections suitable for gaming, but it doesn't offer any gaming-specific features. The average ping of 40ms is decent but not exceptional for gaming.

Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)

Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.