NordVPN vs. TorGuard 2024: Is It Too Close to Call?
NordVPN and TorGuard are two solid VPN options that can keep your data encrypted, but which one wins out in this tight race?
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Last updated Jul 23, 2024
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Best pricing
/images/2022/05/26/logo-nordvpn.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
NordVPN
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
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Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
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3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Best for short-term use
/images/2023/02/22/torguard.png)
Editorial Rating
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On TorGuard's website
TorGuard
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High server count
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Strict no-logs policy
- Limited device support
When comparing NordVPN vs. TorGuard, our research found that NordVPN came out on top in almost every category we threw at them. We reviewed both options to find the best virtual private network (VPN) that has a more user-friendly virtual private network (VPN), has a more robust server network, offers faster connections, and supports unblocking streaming services.
While NordVPN offers more VPN servers, TorGuard can connect more devices simultaneously. They both encrypt your IP address so you can browse the web safely or stream geo-restricted content. Each VPN provider has its merits, but there are a few notable differences, so you’ll have to decide which one works better for you.
In this article
At a glancePrices
Speeds
Features
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Which is better?
NordVPN vs. TorGuard at a glance
We found NordVPN and TorGuard VPN to be excellent VPN services with a few differences. However, the security features, speeds, functionality, and online privacy offered by these providers are so similar that we had a hard time deciding which we liked better.
NordVPN definitely has more pricing plans, while TorGuard offers an easy way to get a temporary VPN. It’ll be up to you to decide which is best for you.
How do NordVPN and TorGuard compare?
 NordVPN |
 TorGuard |
|
| Price | $3.39–$15.99/mo | $2.49–$14.99/mo |
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | 30 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 3,000+ servers in 50+ countries |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2/IPsec | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix?* | ||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get TorGuard |
* During our testing, NordVPN and TorGuard had some luck unblocking Netflix but it’s not guaranteed by either service.
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.
NordVPN pros and cons
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs around, providing just about everything you want. You'll get a ton of reliable servers to choose from, a full suite of security features, and fast speeds to keep the impact on your daily life minimal.
That said, it is also an option that's on the more expensive side. In this case, you pay for what you get.
Pros
- Loads of servers and server countries for more connection options
- Cheaper than ExpressVPN, another super secure VPN
- Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
- Headquartered in Panama for true no-logs policy
Cons
- CyberGhost and Surfshark are cheaper
- Too many confusing plans
TorGuard pros and cons
TorGuard is a good choice if you're looking to connect a lot of devices, since it offers 30 devices with its premium plan. You'll also get some features that other VPNs don't include, like a dedicated IP, and have a wide variety of ways to pay (including anonymous options).
Unfortunately, TorGuard didn't impress us when it came to speed, and being headquartered in the United States means its part of the Five Eyes Alliance, which is a risk to your information.
Pros
- High server count
- Strict no-logs policy
- Dedicated IPs
Cons
- Limited device support
- Headquartered in the U.S.
Which VPN is the better value?
Overall, NordVPN is the better value, especially when comparing the cheapest plans available.
| Our Pick
|
|
|
| Price range | $3.39–$15.99/mo | $2.49–$14.99/mo |
| Best value plan | NordVPN Plus 2-year plan for $4.39/mo (billed every two years) | TorGuard Anonymous VPN Pro plan for $12.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 7 days |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get TorGuard |
TorGuard offers more devices per subscription, between eight and 30, but only offers a seven-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee but can only cover 10 devices simultaneously.
With NordVPN, you can purchase multi-year plans upfront, saving you money in the long run. TorGuard offers more flexibility, giving you the option of monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually, biennially, and even triennially.
If you know you’re going to want to use a VPN long-term, NordVPN’s prices are better. If you’re looking for a short-term VPN for something like football season, TorGuard is a good choice.
It’s important to compare features vs. pricing for VPNs. With NordVPN, you may get fewer simultaneous connections, but it comes with the ability to bundle Nord’s password manager and cloud storage in one convenient location. TorGuard might not have those features, but it allows people who need more simultaneous access to connect with up to 30 connections on the Anonymous Premium plan. You can also buy additional dedicated IPs as well as router add-ons.
Payment options
For anyone looking for true anonymity, the ability to pay with cryptocurrency is essential. For anyone else who just wants multiple options, having access to services like PayPal and Apple Pay can mean extra protection online for your debit or credit card. Either way, we love the payment options offered by NordVPN and TorGuard.
NordVPN payment options
- Credit or debit card
- Cryptocurrencies
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- AmazonPay
- Google Pay
- ACH transfer via Plaid
TorGuard payment options
- Credit cards
- Cryptocurrency (via CoinPayments)
- BTC and LTC through BTCPay Node
- PayPal through Paddle and gift cards
- Other payment options via PaymentWall and PayGarden
Winner: NordVPN. It offers more features on its cheaper plans and a better money-back guarantee. You'll need to choose more expensive TorGuard plans to beat out NordVPN's features.
Which VPN is faster?
NordVPN was significantly faster than TorGuard, no matter which country the server was in.
| Server location | Our Pick
|
|
| US | +45% faster | -20% slower |
| UK | +31% faster | -65% slower |
| AU | +12% faster | -61% slower |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get TorGuard |
TorGuard speeds were significantly less than NordVPN and created a noticeable slowdown. When your VPN slows down your internet speed that much, it can render it unusable. Some slowdown is expected because you’ve put another process in place to get your data from point A to point B. Unfortunately, in TorGuard’s case, it creates too much interference.
That’s not to say NordVPN is going to slow you down. In fact, NordVPN is almost completely unnoticeable when activated, so you don’t need to worry about having any issues when using it. In our last test, we actually got faster speeds when connected to Nord, which could mean our ISP was throttling our connection or NordVPN was able to make our connection more efficient.
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No matter if you want to torrent, stream, or share peer-to-peer files, NordVPN will keep your traffic encrypted and moving quickly.
Winner: NordVPN wins this one hands-down. It’s faster.
Which VPN is more secure?
While both VPNs are dedicated to providing you with a secure connection, NordVPN comes out on top here thanks to its additional server count and headquarters in Panama.
| Feature | Our Pick
|
|
| Number of servers | 6,400 in 111 countries | 3,000+ servers in 50+ countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | Panama | United States |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2/IPsec | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get TorGuard |
As far as the difference between NordVPN and TorGuard with servers, anything over 2,000 servers is amazing, but you could get away with even less as long as they’re quality. The country count may be a deal breaker if you’re trying to access geo-restricted content in a country that NordVPN offers and TorGuard doesn’t. Otherwise, these two are neck and neck.
The only real difference between these is each VPN’s home base. NordVPN is based out of Panama, which is a privacy-friendly country. TorGuard is located in the U.S., part of the Five Eyes alliance. The 5, 9, and 14 Eyes countries are notorious for surveilling each others’ citizens and then sharing the information.
The U.S., in particular, conducts an aggressive amount of mass surveillance on its citizens. While TorGuard operates with a no-logs policy, privacy aficionados still dislike anything U.S.-based regarding encryption software.
Winner: NordVPN. Streaming support is included on all plans, not just the most expensive, and its headquarters are in privacy-friendly Canada.
Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?
NordVPN is the easier-to-use option out of the two, which may be part of why it's also way more popular than TorGuard.
| Our Pick
|
|
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Routers | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, forums, online guides |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get TorGuard |
Both of these VPNs are easy to use and offer equally great compatibility and useful customer support options. As far as the browser extensions are concerned, if you’re an iOS or macOS user and you’re wondering why Safari isn’t listed, it’s not that big a deal, considering there are apps available for each operating system. For anyone else, you can install the browser extension directly into your browser for the option to control your VPN from there.\
When it comes to ease of use, NordVPN definitely comes out on top in this matchup. As one of the most popular VPNs, it has being user-friendly down to a tee. TorGuard, on the other hand, seems more marketed towards tech-savvy people who are focused on the extra privacy aspect of VPNs. This made it a worse experience overall during our testing.
They each have a ton of support online in the form of guides. TorGuard does have a user forum you can tap into, but it’s so vast it may be difficult to get an actual answer. When we tried to access the forums, we got lost in an endless loop of loading, so we aren’t sure that’s a viable option. Next, we tried checking out the chatbox options on both sites. You’ll need to be logged into your accounts to access live chat. Each service offers the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of the dashboard. If you don’t yet have an account, you won’t be able to access live chat for general questions.
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Winner: NordVPN wins this round thanks to its better user interface and experience, though both VPNs are relatively equal in terms of compatibility and customer service.
FAQs
+
Is there a VPN better than NordVPN?
There may be a better VPN than NordVPN if you want specific features. We also find Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access to be excellent VPN options, as well as TorGuard. If you’re looking for streaming support, all of the options we listed can help you stream content.
+
Can TorGuard be trusted?
Even though TorGuard is a U.S.-based VPN, its no-logs policy helps us feel better about trusting it. Depending on your view of the 5 Eyes countries and National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance, you may want to avoid TorGuard because it’s based in the U.S. If that’s not something you’re worried about, you should be able to trust TorGuard.
+
Does Nord have a trial?
NordVPN doesn’t have a trial per se but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for 30 days and request a full refund if you aren’t happy.
+
What are the benefits of using TorGuard?
TorGuard offers a lot of compatibility and allows you to connect up to 12 devices simultaneously. It’s a great VPN option, especially if you’re not sure you want to use a VPN long-term. Either way, you should have a great experience with TorGuard.
Is NordVPN or TorGuard better?
NordVPN comes in ahead of TorGuard in every category we tested. We think the extensive pricing options, consistently fast speeds, and better user interface for NordVPN give it the edge.
That's not to say TorGuard is a bad choice though, but it certainly doesn't hold a candle to NordVPN.
Top alternatives
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs available, but there are a variety of other top-tier VPNs available as well. If you’re looking for a VPN that also offers an antivirus bundle, Surfshark has you covered. For a VPN-enabled router that you don’t have to configure, check out ExpressVPN. And if you want support for any streaming platform you can imagine, CyberGhost has your back.
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|
|
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| Price | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$12.99/mo | $6.67–$12.95/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 7 | 8 |
| # of servers | 3,200 in 100 countries | Servers in 100 countries | Servers in 105 countries |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | The Netherlands | Romania | British Virgin Islands |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN |
/images/2022/05/26/logo-nordvpn.png){kind=logo}
NordVPN
-
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
-
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
-
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Author Details
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)
Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.
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