ExpressVPN Vs TorGuard VPN Comparison 2020
ExpressVPN and TorGuard are both famous VPN services that delve into creating new technologies and advanced features for maximizing online privacy/security.
Are you trying to determine the better choice among the two? If so, then check out this in-depth ExpressVPN vs TorGuard comparison to learn about the winner!

Highlights
ExpressVPN | TorGuard |
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Pricing and Discounts
Upon comparing VPNs (TorGuard and ExpressVPN), it becomes clear that the latter is the more expensive option. It offers subscription plans of three varied durations.
Special offer | 35% Off on a 1-Year Plan | 58% Off on a 2-Year Plan |
Highest price per month | $12.95 | $9.99 |
Lowest price per month | $6.67 | $4.16 |
One-Year Price | $99.5 | $59.99 |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-Days | 7-Days |
As far as money-back guarantees are concerned, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day refund, whereas TorGuard only offers a trial for 7-Days.
Features
ExpressVPN | TorGuard | |
Simultaneous Connections | 3 | 8 |
Operating System Apps | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV/Firestick, some routers | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
Manual Install Devices | Some Routers, Set-Top Boxes | Some Routers |
Split Tunneling | Yes (Desktop Apps Only) | No |
Free Extras | Media Streamer Smart DNS, browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari | TorGuard Stealth Proxy |
Both ExpressVPN and TorGuard offer native apps for all popular platforms. These include Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome and Firefox.
Additionally, you can also use their apps on multiple devices like Apple TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, which is quite helpful, to say the least.
However, ExpressVPN gains an edge over TorGuard by offering a native app for routers that you can set up on DD-WRT and Tomato ethernet switches too.
If you face trouble in manually setting up the router app, the provider even caters to the rookie audience by making available preconfigured routers at reasonable prices.
For simultaneous connections, TorGuard gains an edge through by supporting 8 multiple devices, whereas ExpressVPN only allows 3 multi-logins on a single subscription.
Unblocking Capabilities
ExpressVPN | TorGuard | |
Netflix | Yes | No |
Hulu | Yes | Yes |
Sky Go | Yes | No |
Amazon Prime | Yes | No |
BBC iPlayer | Yes | No |
ABS | Yes | No |
CBS | Yes | Yes |
NBC | Yes | Yes |
ITV | Yes | Yes |
Channel 4 | Yes | Yes |
Just like all other providers in the marketplace, TorGuard delivers “inconsistent” performance for unblocking streaming services around the world.
Sometimes their servers did work for bypassing geo-restrictions, sometimes they did not. As such, TorGuard cannot be considered a reliable option for streaming. Whereas, ExpressVPN works great to stream content on BBC iPlayer.
Of course, ExpressVPN experiences no such issues. Most of their servers worked for bypassing VPN bans on different streaming services, thanks to their strong security.
I was able to stream in 4k quality on multiple VoDs including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Voot, Hotstar, and even Disney Plus!
China
Chinese residents and expats are in constant search for a VPN that successfully bypasses IP blocking, DNS poisoning, DNS hijacking, and Blackholed VPN servers.
“The Great Firewall” in China adopts these various technologies and algorithms for banning VPNs and stopping people from accessing content outside or locally.
Lucky for you, both ExpressVPN and TorGuard offer good incentives to Chinese users. You can use either provider for bypassing geo-restrictions, as they utilize “obfuscation” technology.
Albeit, TorGuard users may encounter issues in downloading their apps, since there is a Chinese mirror website. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, does offer one!
Setup and Interface
ExpressVPN | TorGuard | |
Automatic Setup Wizard | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
Main Location Selection | List-based | List-based |
Extra Settings Pages | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Friendly | Yes | Yes |
Similar to other providers, you have automatic setup wizards for installing ExpressVPN on your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
For other platforms, you do have manual setup guides available. As far as the interface is concerned, ExpressVPN’s desktop apps tend to be quite impressive.
They boast a new and more compact design. Since the main menu has a location bar and connects button, leveraging instant connectivity is incredibly easy.
Of course, those who want to configure the app can do so by clicking on the “hamburger” menu, on the top right corner of the VPN client.
TorGuard also offers automatic setup wizards for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. As far as their interface is concerned, I honestly find it quite difficult to use.
For instance, the desktop apps tend to be quite complicated, due to the many configuration settings that greet you after launching their VPN client.
This makes it tough for “layman users” to understand how to create a strong connection, who are not familiar with VPN protocols and encryption.
It would be better if TorGuard imposes a set of default settings for security and then give the convenience to users to alter it whenever needed.
Servers and Performance
ExpressVPN | TorGuard | |
Server Countries | 94 | 55 |
Total Number of Servers | 3,000 | 3,000 |
In terms of server count, both ExpressVPN and TorGuard boast a large network infrastructure. As such, you do not have to worry about limited servers.
With ExpressVPN you have access to 3,000+ servers in 94 countries and 160+ locations around the world, which is quite impressive.
Meanwhile, TorGuard offers users 3,000+ servers in 55 countries. As such, ExpressVPN does gain an edge here for supporting more countries.
Speed
ExpressVPN | TorGuard | |
Speed Loss | 9% | 19% |
For complete performance analysis, I conducted a speed test on both providers. The process involved testing 5 different servers from ExpressVPN and TorGuard.
These servers were based in the USA, UK, France, Australia, and Canada. And, the tests were done on a 100 Mbps connection to get the best results.
In bare speed tests, ExpressVPN managed to deliver an average of 91 Mbps in uploads and downloads, indicating a speed loss of 9%.
TorGuard, on the other hand, had a higher loss touching the 19% mark in speed reduction, recording an average speed of 81 Mbps.
Security
ExpressVPN | TorGuard | |
VPN Protocols | PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN | OpenVPN/WG/SSTP/IPSec |
OpenVPN Data Encryption | AES-256-CBC | AES-256 |
OpenVPN Control Channel Encryption | RSA-4096 | RSA-2048 |
Cloaking Technology | Cipher Block Chaining | OpenConnect SSL Based |
App Security | Kill Switch | StealthVPN |
DNS Status | Private DNS | Private DNS |
ExpressVPN supports three popular protocols: PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN (TCP and UDP). As a default, ExpressVPN implements the OpenVPN protocol on all devices.
Of course, iOS devices use the IKEv2 protocol for faster speeds and security. For encryption, it uses AES-256-CBC ciphers with HMAC SHA-256 data authentication on the data channel.
Meanwhile, it deploys the AES-256-GCM ciphers with RSA-4096 handshake and HMAC SHA-256 data authentication for the control channel.
On the other hand, TorGuard offers support on OpenVPN/WireGuard/L2TP/IPSec/SSTP. For the data channel, it uses AES-256-GCM ciphers with SHA256 for data authentication and RSA-4096 for a handshake.
For the control channel, TorGuard uses the same ciphers and hash authentication, with the inclusion of SHA384 for authentication. iOS apps use either IKEv2 or IPSec protocols.
Leak Tests
To ensure you receive strong security from both providers, I conducted a leak test. This process involved using 6 varied tools for WebRTC/DNS/IP address detection:
WebRTC and HTTP Request Leaks:
DNS Leaks:
IPv4/IPv6 and Torrent IP Leaks:
Unsurprisingly, both TorGuard and ExpressVPN aced the tests and did not reveal any crucial personally identifiable information, keeping you protected 24/7!
Privacy
ExpressVPN | TorGuard | |
Headquarters | British Virgin Islands | United States |
Connection Logs | None | None |
Activity Logs | None | None |
Sign Up Information | Email Address | Email Address |
Anonymous Payment Methods | Bitcoin and Mint | Bitcoin and Litecoin |
Although TorGuard is the preferred choice for security/privacy to many users, it might freak a few out to know that their headquarters is in the United States.
As you probably know, the U.S. is a founding member of the Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes Alliances. Therefore, the VPN cannot be trusted easily.
The U.S. Government imposes mandatory data retention and mass surveillance laws, which also make it necessary for telecom, internet, and VPN providers to store user info.
Even if TorGuard claims to boast a “no logging” policy, government agencies can always pressure them by sending a subpoena accompanied by a gag order request.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is based in the highly-secure and the autonomous British Virgin Islands. As such, you can feel assured to be completely anonymous.
BVI may be a part of the British Monarch, but it follows its own laws that usually go in favor of user privacy. Something the U.S. is not famous for these days.
To ease the mind of its users further, ExpressVPN has even taken part in a security audit; one that was conducted by the infamous PWC.
Configuration
ExpressVPN | TorGuard | |
Address Allocation | Shared | Shared/Static |
Static IPs | None | 45+ Locations |
DDoS Protection | No | No |
NAT Firewall | Yes | Yes |
Where ExpressVPN supports a shared network infrastructure, TorGuard utilizes a stronger shared/static combination to meet the varied demands of users.
The U.S. based provider offers static IPs in 45+ locations around the world, which is quite helpful for those accessing sensitive banking info or want access to their home network.
Customer Service
ExpressVPN | TorGuard | |
Video Guides | Yes | Yes |
Searchable Knowledge Base | Yes | Yes |
Phone Support | No | No |
Email Support | Yes | Yes |
Average Email Response Time | 33 Minutes | 45 Minutes |
Ticket Support | Yes | Yes |
Live Chat Support | Yes | Yes |
As far as support is concerned, you have live chat, email support, and a ticketing system with TorGuard and ExpressVPN, which is quite helpful.
Email/ticket support did take some time with TorGuard (averaging at 45 minutes per reply), whereas ExpressVPN cut it shorter (averaging at 33 minutes).
ExpressVPN
Question | Initial Response Time | Number of Emails | Question Answered |
Can ExpressVPN be traced? | 15 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
Does ExpressVPN store Logs? | 18 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
How to Watch Netflix with ExpressVPN? | 55 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
What features does ExpressVPN offer for torrenting? | 47 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
TorGuard
Question | Initial Response Time | Number of Emails | Question Answered |
How do I cancel my TorGuard subscription? | 1 Hour | 1 | Yes |
Does TorGuard have a kill switch? | 48 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
Does TorGuard VPN include proxy? | 52 Minutes | 2 | Yes |
Does TorGuard log your personal information? | 48 Minutes | 1 | Yes |
The Winner: ExpressVPN
Undoubtedly, ExpressVPN wins this comparison, as it is based in a safe location, unblocks all popular streaming platforms, works in China, and has zero leak issues.
TorGuard, on the other hand, has its headquarters in the U.S., has trouble bypassing geo-restrictions, offers no mirror Chinese website, and has a confusing pricing structure.