ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard 2024: Which VPN Races Ahead?

Are you looking for military-grade encryption offered by TorGuard or a strict no-logs policy with more features like ExpressVPN?
We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Best for Fast Streaming

4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website

VPN
ExpressVPN
SPECIAL DEAL: 2 Years + 4 Months Free
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices

Best for Lots of Device Connections

4.2
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On TorGuard's website

VPN
TorGuard
  • High server count
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Limited device support

If you’re looking for a virtual private network (VPN) that's fast and unblocks streaming services, theb ExpressVPN may be for you. On the other hand, TorGuard may be a better choice if you need a high number of devices covered.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the best option for pricing, speeds, features, and more so you can decide between ExpressVPN and TorGuard.

In this article
At a glance
Which VPN is the better value?
Which VPN is faster?
Which VPN is more secure?
Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?
FAQs
Which VPN is better?

ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard at a glance

Some of the differences between TorGuard and ExpressVPN start with what you can do. For instance, ExpressVPN allows you to stream content from geo-restricted websites even when you’re traveling. TorGuard does not allow for streaming unless you purchase the Pro or Premium plan, so if streaming is important to you, this could be a dealbreaker.

Maybe you don’t care as much about being able to stream as you do the maximum number of devices you can connect. With TorGuard, you can connect up to 30 devices, depending on the subscription you choose. That’s a far cry from ExpressVPN, which only allows a total of eight.

  • ExpressVPN: Best for streaming
  • TorGuard: Best for lots of device connections

How do ExpressVPN and TorGuard compare?

Price $4.99–$12.95/mo $2.75–$16.49/mo
Max # of connected devices 8 30
24/7 customer support
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more
# of servers Unlisted in 105 countries3,000+ servers in 50+ countries
VPN protocol Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stunnel
No-logs policy
Unblocks Netflix?
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review
Get TorGuard
Read TorGuard Review

How we test and rate VPNs

We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.

Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.

To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.

ExpressVPN pros and cons

Pros
  • Maintained fast download speeds with every server location we selected
  • No-logs policy regularly undergoes third-party audits
  • Lots of extensive features like an ad blocker, tracker blocker, password manager, and more
Cons
  • Only allows up to 8 simultaneous connections
  • More expensive than TorGuard

TorGuard pros and cons

Pros
  • Wide range of pricing plans for all budgets
  • Thousands of servers available in over 50 countries
  • Pro and Premium plans come with a dedicated IP address
Cons
  • Money-back guarantee is only seven days
  • Based in a Five Eyes alliance country

Which VPN is the better value?

TorGuard offers a wide spread of plans for a lower cost than ExpressVPN. 

Our Pick
Price range $4.99–$12.95/mo $2.75–$16.49/mo
Best value plan 12-month plan for $6.67/mo (billed annually) Anonymous VPN Pro for $5.46/mo (billed annually)
Money-back guarantee Yes — 30 days Yes — 7 days
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review
Get TorGuard
Read TorGuard Review

TorGuard offers three different pricing tiers: TorGuard Anonymous VPN, TorGuard Anonymous VPN Pro, and TorGuard Anonymous VPN Premium. The main differences between the three are the number of simultaneous connections you get plus the additional features included (like a dedicated IP or a free router). 

We think TorGuard's best value plan is the Anonymous VPN Pro plan for $5.46/mo (billed annually). This comes with 12 simultaneous connections plus a dedicated IP address.

ExpressVPN offers the same features with all its plans. The only difference is the term length you select. 

ExpressVPN's best value is $6.67/mo (billed annually) for an annual plan. However, this is typically much higher in cost than most VPNs on the market, which you can see by comparing it to TorGuard's pricing.  

As far as TorGuard’s money-back guarantee, you only qualify if you’re a first-time customer and if you’ve used the product for seven days or less. On TorGuard’s website, it clearly states that after seven days you’ll most likely be denied a refund. 

On the other hand, ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee is for 30 days, which gives you much more time to try to service.

ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard: payment options

You may have more payment options than you’d expect with these VPNs. It comes down to what you’re comfortable using and what is most convenient. Even though it’s still relatively new as a payment form, both ExpressVPN and TorGuard allow for bitcoin payments, which is great for anonymity.

Additionally, ExpressVPN allows you to use online transfers through programs like iDeal and Klarna. Similarly, TorGuard accepts various forms, like gift cards. Below are the complete lists of payment options for each VPN.

ExpressVPN payment options

  • Credit card
  • PayPal
  • BitPay
  • Paymentwall

TorGuard payment options

  • Credit card
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Gift cards
  • Paymentwall
  • Amazon Pay

Winner: TorGuard offers a wide range of plans at significantly cheaper prices than ExpressVPN, along with extensive payment methods.

Which VPN is faster?

ExpressVPN maintained decent download speeds, while TorGuard slowed our speeds significantly with almost every server.

Server location
Our Pick
US 4% faster 20% slower
CA 7% faster 51% slower
UK 10% faster 65% slower
AU 3% faster 61% slower
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review
Get TorGuard
Read TorGuard Review

We conduct testing to determine how using ExpressVPN and TorGuard would affect our internet speeds. First, we recorded our internet speed with no VPN connection. Then, we connected to servers worldwide and took new speed tests to determine how much the VPN was impacting our baseline speed. 

ExpressVPN produced impressive results. It increased our download speeds with every server we selected. Although it was only by a small amount, we liked that we could browse securely without lag. 

TorGuard produced opposite results, have reduced our speeds with every server location we tried. Every server outside of the U.S. decreased our speeds by 50% or more. Although we didn't notice much of an impact while using our device, these drops could be significant depending on your baseline speed.

Winner:Based on our tests, ExpressVPN wins for maintaining faster speeds with every server location.

Which VPN is more secure?

ExpressVPN is the more secure choice, with its privacy-friendly headquarters and audited no-logs policy. 

Feature
Our Pick
Number of servers Unlisted in 105 countries3,000+ servers in 50+ countries
No-logs policy No logs No logs
VPN headquarters British Virgin Islands United States
Encryption AES-256 AES-256 and SHA-512
VPN protocol Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, Stunnel
Kill switch
Split tunneling
DNS leak protection
Ad blocker
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review
Get TorGuard
Read TorGuard Review

ExpressVPN and TorGuard both come with a kill switch. This can stop internet traffic if you lose connectivity with the VPN. This is especially useful in instances where you’re using public Wi-Fi, like at your local coffee shop.

TorGuard open to network settings.

However, ExpressVPN comes with split tunneling but TorGuard doesn't. Split tunneling allows you to dictate which traffic goes through your VPN connection and which traffic remains unencrypted. This is helpful if you want to use regional websites, like online banking sites. 

Both VPNs have strong AES 256-bit encryption. TorGuard’s encryption also includes SHA-512, a secure algorithm that provides additional data protection by increasing the effort needed for a hacker to guess your passwords.

With the Threat Manager feature, ExpressVPN will block trackers while the VPN is connected. It prevents websites and apps on your device from communicating with third parties that could track your activity, giving you more privacy and security with your data. ExpressVPN also now includes ad blocker technology.  

Settings for ExpressVPN's Threat Manager features for blocking trackers and malicious websites.

TorGuard has an Ad Block DNS filter, which can help with filtering our ads, tracker, and malicious links.

In May 2024, ExpressVPN released the results of its third-party audit by KPMG. It regularly audits its no-logs policy so users know it can trust its service. It's also based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no obligatory data retention laws.

Although TorGuard claims to have a no-logs policy, we couldn’t find any third-party audits to support this. It's also based in the U.S., which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. That means it could share intelligence with other countries in the alliance in the interest of national security. 

Winner:The clear winner is ExpressVPN; it has an audited no-logs policy, privacy-friendly headquarters, and features like split tunneling and an ad blocker.

Which VPN has the best compatibility and customer service?

ExpressVPN provided a more intuitive experience than TorGuard along with apps for smart devices.

Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Router
Smart devices
Browser extensions Chrome, Firefox, Edge Chrome, Firefox, Edge
24/7 live chat
Customer support options Live chat, email, online guides Live chat, email, support forums, online guides
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review
Get TorGuard
Read TorGuard Review


ExpressVPN has a minimalist interface, but that makes it easy for a user of any experience level to adapt to its apps. It also offers extensive compatibility, with plenty of options for operating systems, smart devices, and browser extensions. 

The ExpressVPN interface requires you to click on the three dots next to the selected server location to open up a list of all available servers.

TorGuard can be intimidating to use if you're new to VPNs. We had to manually disconnect from a server every time we wanted to change locations. We also had trouble finding specific settings like the kill switches. 

TorGuard open to network settings.

Both ExpressVPN and TorGuard offer 24/7 live chat and email support. They both also have knowledge bases where you can search for online guides to try and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.

TorGuard also offers a support forum where you can ask other users for help. But neither service has phone support, which can be a bit of a bummer for those who like a more personal approach.

Winner: When it comes to customer support options, these VPNs are almost equal except TorGuard offers a support forum and ExpressVPN does not. Therefore, TorGuard is the winner.

FAQs


+

What is the downside to ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN has a higher starting cost than most other popular VPNs, including NordVPN and Surfshark.


+

Is TorGuard good for Netflix?

TorGuard was good for Netflix during our testing, as it unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, and U.K.


+

Will ExpressVPN work in China?

ExpressVPN will work in Hong Kong, which is part of China. We also listed it as one of our best VPNs for China.


+

Who owns TorGuard VPN?

TorGuard is owned by VPNetworks, LLC, located in Orlando, Florida.

Is ExpressVPN or TorGuard better?

When it comes to speed and streaming, ExpressVPN is hands-down better than TorGuard. It's also a secure VPN that is dedicated to protecting user data, with its privacy-friendly headquarters and strict no-logs policy. But if you need more device connections at a lower cost, then TorGuard may be the better option for you. 

4.6
VPN
ExpressVPN
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Learn More

ExpressVPN vs. TorGuard alternatives

If you aren't sold on ExpressVPN or TorGuard, then you should review the following recommendations:

Price $2.99–$17.99/mo $1.99–$17.95/mo $2.03–$6.99/mo
Max # of connected devices 10 Unlimited 7
# of servers 6,800+ servers in 111 countries 3,200+ servers in 100 countries Unlisted in 100 countries
VPN protocol NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 OpenVPN, IKEv2. WireGuard
Encryption AES-256-GCM AES-256-GCM AES-256
No-logs policy
Headquarters Panama The Netherlands Romania
Netflix access
Learn more Get NordVPN Get Surfshark Get CyberGhost

Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go
4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
VPN
ExpressVPN
SPECIAL DEAL: 2 Years + 4 Months Free
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Author Details
Patti Croft is a seasoned writer specializing in technology, with three years of experience. With a B.S. in Computer Science and a background as a technical analyst and security specialist, she covers a range of topics like data security and parental control software.