Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to VPN services, TorGuard and NordVPN are two popular choices. In this VPN comparison, we will take a closer look at the features, performance, and user experience of both these providers.
TorGuard
TorGuard offers VPN applications for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Unlike many other VPN services, TorGuard provides a native Linux client with a graphical user interface, making it convenient for Linux users. Additionally, TorGuard allows you to set up the VPN on your home router or purchase a pre-configured router from their website, enabling all devices in your home to use the VPN connection.
Windows App
The Windows app offered by TorGuard may not be the best on the market. Some users have reported lagging issues immediately after installation. However, the app does offer a variety of protocols to choose from, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and OpenConnect. There are also numerous port options available.
Advanced settings in the Windows app are conveniently organized into tabs, allowing you to customize various aspects of the VPN connection. These settings include automatic connections, app kill options, custom scripts, IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, ad blocker DNS, protocol settings, custom proxy servers, dedicated or residential IP address configuration, and debugging options.
macOS Client
The macOS client of TorGuard performs better than its Windows counterpart, with no reported lagging issues and fast connection times. However, it lacks a search bar, making it difficult to find specific servers. Despite this, you can filter servers alphabetically and by specialized type or region.
Compared to the Windows client, the macOS client is missing a few options such as TUN/TAP adapter installation, outside DNS blocking, and certain design features. However, these omissions are unlikely to be missed by most users unless they have advanced requirements.
The setup process for TorGuard on macOS is more complicated than other VPNs, requiring users to grant an uncomfortable number of permissions. While this may raise concerns, it is worth noting that VPNs require certain permissions to function properly and detect bugs or software failures.
Android App
The Android app of TorGuard offers a choice between OpenVPN (UDP and TCP) and WireGuard (UDP) protocols. Additional settings allow you to configure automatic reconnection, IPv6 leak protection, dedicated IP address, static DNS, and proxy. However, it lacks a kill switch feature.
One notable feature of the Android app is the split tunnel option called Restricted Apps. This allows users to include or exclude specific apps from the VPN connection, enabling the use of the original IP address when needed. The app also provides sorting and filtering options for servers, allowing users to find the most suitable options based on their preferences.
iOS App
The iOS app of TorGuard has fewer customizable settings compared to other clients. However, it offers more protocol options, including IPSec, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard. Unfortunately, the app lacks a functioning kill switch, as it fails to stop the network connection when disconnected.
Server listing in the iOS app is limited to alphabetical order, proximity, or favorites, without the ability to filter by region or specialized server types like stealth or dedicated IP. Despite these limitations, the app still provides a reliable and secure VPN experience for iOS users.
Amazon Fire TV App
TorGuard offers a user-friendly Fire TV app with a choice of trusted protocols, WireGuard and OpenVPN. However, the standard subscription of TorGuard does not unblock international Netflix libraries, limiting access to only Netflix’s own content library. Additionally, the Fire TV app lacks a kill switch feature.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another popular VPN service known for its robust features and user-friendly applications. Let’s take a closer look at its offerings.
Windows App
NordVPN’s Windows app is well-designed and easy to use. It provides a wide range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard). The app also offers various features such as a kill switch, CyberSec (ad and malware blocker), and Double VPN (multi-hop routing for enhanced privacy).
In terms of server selection, NordVPN allows users to choose servers based on specific criteria, such as country, specialty servers (optimized for streaming, P2P, or dedicated IP), and server load. The app also includes a map view for visualizing server locations.
macOS Client
NordVPN’s macOS client offers a similar user experience to its Windows counterpart. It provides a wide range of protocols, a kill switch, CyberSec, and Double VPN features. The server selection process is also similar, allowing users to filter servers based on country, specialty, and load.
Android App
The Android app of NordVPN is highly rated, offering a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features. Users can choose between OpenVPN (UDP and TCP) and NordLynx protocols. The app includes a kill switch, CyberSec, and the ability to enable or disable obfuscated servers for bypassing VPN blocks.
NordVPN’s Android app also provides server recommendations based on your location, as well as the option to manually select servers from various countries. Additionally, the app offers split tunneling, allowing users to include or exclude specific apps from the VPN connection.
iOS App
NordVPN’s iOS app is well-designed and offers a range of protocols, including IKEv2/IPSec and NordLynx. The app provides a kill switch and CyberSec feature for enhanced security. Server selection is similar to other platforms, allowing users to choose servers based on country, specialty, and load.
Amazon Fire TV App
NordVPN’s Fire TV app is user-friendly and offers a choice between OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols. It includes a kill switch and CyberSec feature. Additionally, the app allows users to search for servers by country and specialty, making it easy to find the most suitable options.
Conclusion
Both TorGuard and NordVPN offer a range of features and applications for different platforms. TorGuard’s strengths lie in its support for Linux and router setups, as well as its split tunneling feature on Android. However, it lacks certain advanced options and may have performance issues on Windows.
On the other hand, NordVPN provides a solid user experience across all platforms, with a wide range of protocols, advanced features like Double VPN, and an intuitive interface. NordVPN also offers better server selection options and unblocks international Netflix libraries with its standard subscription.
In the end, the choice between TorGuard and NordVPN depends on your specific requirements and priorities. Both providers offer reliable and secure VPN services, but NordVPN may be the better choice for most users due to its overall performance and feature set.
VPN comparison TorGuard vs NordVPN