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ExpressVPN has long been the gold standard for VPN services, frequently topping charts for speed and reliability. TorGuard, meanwhile, appeals to power users with its deep configuration options and low prices, especially for torrenting. This comparison looks at what each service offers in real‑world usage rather than just on paper.

You’ll find that ExpressVPN’s polished apps and robust unblocking capabilities make it a favourite for streaming and security. TorGuard can be tempting for tech‑savvy users thanks to its scripts and granular controls, yet it struggles in some areas that matter to everyday users. Let’s dive into the details so you can decide which one (if either) aligns with your needs.

Key Points

• ExpressVPN boasts over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, lightning‑fast speeds via its Lightway protocol and consistently unblocks top streaming platforms; it suits users who demand a hassle‑free experience across many devices.
• TorGuard offers more than 3,000 servers in around 49 countries, allows up to 12 simultaneous connections and provides advanced configuration options, appealing to torrenting enthusiasts and tech‑savvy users willing to tinker.
• For those who don’t want to deal with software setups, plug‑and‑play VPN routers or compact VPN boxes can protect your entire network with minimal effort, offering an alternative to both services.

Quick Comparison: ExpressVPN vs TorGuard

Feature	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Servers & Countries	3,000+ servers in 105 countries	3,000+ servers in 48–49 countries
Average download speed	~106 Mbps (PixelPrivacy) / up to 1,617 Mbps with Lightway Turbo	~54.7 Mbps (average); speed drops up to 90 % on some servers
Simultaneous connections	5–8 devices (plans vary)	12 devices
Price	From around USD 8/month (multi‑year discounts)	Lower monthly fees; complex plan tiers
Best suited for	Streaming, privacy and general everyday use	P2P, scripting and users who value customization over ease

ExpressVPN is engineered for mainstream users who want high performance without fiddling with settings. TorGuard caters to niche needs, heavy torrenting, custom scripts and advanced protocol tweaking. However, the difference in user experience and reliability becomes clearer as you inspect each category. Those seeking to secure their household without touching software at all might favour hardware‑based alternatives like Shellfire’s VPN and Shellfire Box, which offer plug‑and‑play protection.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Metric	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Server count	3,000+	3,000+ (exact number not published)
Countries covered	105 (widely spread across all continents)	49 (focus on North America and Europe)
Virtual servers	About 40 % of locations are virtual (transparent labeling)	Significant number of virtual servers; some locations are rented
Specialty servers	MediaStreamer DNS for devices without VPN apps	Scripts and configurable protocols; no dedicated streaming servers

ExpressVPN’s network spans more countries than almost any competitor, making it easier to find a nearby server wherever you travel. About 40 percent of its locations are virtual, but these are clearly labeled. TorGuard’s reach is respectable, but many servers are virtual, and some countries have only a single server, which can lead to congestion. If broad geographic coverage matters to you, ExpressVPN has the edge.

Speed & Performance

Test	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Average download speed (baseline ≈ 200 Mbps)	106.8 Mbps (PixelPrivacy tests); up to 1,617 Mbps with Lightway Turbo on Windows	54.7 Mbps average; speeds vary widely by location
Speed drop on distant servers	Minimal; still suitable for HD/4K streaming	Major; some locations drop speeds by 54–90 %
Latency/ping	Low latency on nearby servers (good for gaming)	Higher latency; inconsistent performance
Upload speeds	Similar to download speeds; strong enough for video calls	Variable; often slower than download

ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol delivers impressive speeds that rival your bare connection, and even its standard Lightway mode keeps downloads around 359 Mbps on high‑speed connections. TorGuard’s performance is inconsistent: some servers deliver decent speeds, but others grind to single‑digit megabits and produce massive latency spikes. Gamers and streamers will feel those differences immediately.

If you want to see how ExpressVPN’s speeds compare to another leading service, our ExpressVPN vs NordVPN article provides further benchmarks.

Security & Privacy

Feature	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Encryption	AES‑256 with Perfect Forward Secrecy	AES‑256 or AES‑128 (user selectable)
Protocols	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, SSTP	OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), WireGuard, OpenConnect, Stealth
Kill switch	Yes (called “Network Lock”)	Yes
No‑logs policy	Audited; based in British Virgin Islands (outside 14 Eyes)	No logs claimed but no independent audit; U.S. jurisdiction
Privacy extras	Threat Manager ad/malware blocker, password manager, data breach alerts	WireGuard and Stealth protocol options; no extra privacy tools

Both providers use strong encryption, but ExpressVPN’s audited no‑logs policy and British Virgin Islands headquarters offer more confidence. TorGuard’s privacy policy claims no logging yet lacks third‑party verification and includes language suggesting data may be handed over if required by law. On the security front, TorGuard does provide a Stealth protocol to bypass VPN blocks, but ExpressVPN’s threat‑blocking and additional security tools make it more holistic.

To see how ExpressVPN’s privacy measures stack up against another competitor, take a look at our ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN comparison.

Streaming Performance

Platform	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Netflix	Unblocks U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan and more	Fails to unblock most libraries; works only on a few regions
Hulu	Yes	Sometimes; may require multiple attempts
Amazon Prime Video	Yes (reliable)	Yes but prone to buffering
Disney+	Yes	No
BBC iPlayer / ITVX	Yes	No
Streaming quality	4K HDR without interruptions	HD with occasional drops; frequent buffering on slow servers

ExpressVPN is widely regarded as one of the best streaming VPNs. It reliably unblocks major services and maintains high bitrates, even on faraway servers. TorGuard’s streaming success is hit‑or‑miss: it may access Netflix Japan or Prime Video with persistence, but services like Disney+ and BBC iPlayer are effectively off limits. If you value consistent streaming, ExpressVPN is a clear winner.

Platform Compatibility

Device/OS	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Windows & macOS	Full‑featured apps with simple design	Yes, but interface can be cluttered
Linux	GUI and CLI clients	CLI client; no official GUI
Android & iOS	Polished apps with split tunneling and kill switch	Yes; supports advanced protocol selection
Smart TVs & streaming devices	Apps for Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV; MediaStreamer DNS for consoles	Manual configuration required; no dedicated apps
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Yes (Chrome and Firefox)
Router support	Pre‑configured routers available; manual setup possible	Manual setup only

ExpressVPN’s cross‑platform support is excellent, featuring consistent interfaces across devices and extras like split tunneling and MediaStreamer DNS. TorGuard supports a wide range of operating systems too, but its apps can feel dated and the router setup is entirely manual. Power users might appreciate TorGuard’s scriptable clients, while beginners will find ExpressVPN’s polished apps easier.

Performance in Censorship‑Heavy Countries

Country	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
China	Works reliably via Stealth servers (Lightway)	Stealth mode available; success varies
Russia	Good; obfuscation helps bypass blocks	Moderate; can work with Stealth protocol
UAE/Saudi Arabia	ExpressVPN servers bypass most blocks	Mixed results
Iran/Turkey	Works, although speeds may drop	Limited success

ExpressVPN’s Stealth servers and Lightway protocol perform well in countries where VPNs are heavily restricted. TorGuard offers a Stealth protocol too, but the inconsistent speeds and lack of third‑party audits make it less dependable when privacy stakes are high.

User Experience & Apps

Aspect	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Interface	Clean, one‑click design; uniform across platforms	Busy; requires more clicks and knowledge
Ease of use	Extremely user‑friendly for beginners	Better for advanced users comfortable editing scripts
Stability	Very stable apps with minimal crashes	Occasional bugs and connection issues
Customization	Limited (by design) to keep experience simple	Extensive options: configurable scripts, custom ports

ExpressVPN aims for simplicity. Everything from installation to daily use feels smooth and unified across devices. In contrast, TorGuard provides a lot of control but at the cost of usability. Its apps look dated and sometimes require manual script edits to achieve desired behaviour. Casual users may find that intimidating, whereas power users might appreciate the granularity. If you want to avoid software altogether, Shellfire’s VPN service and Shellfire Box offer a plug‑and‑play experience that secures every device on your network.

Customer Support

Support Channel	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Live chat	24/7; responsive with human agents and AI triage	Live chat available but not always staffed; response can take 29 minutes or more
Email	Ticket system; responses within hours	Email support; responses up to 48 hours
Knowledge base	Extensive setup guides and troubleshooting	FAQ and community forum; less organised
Money‑back guarantee	30 days	7 days

ExpressVPN’s support has evolved to include AI chat triage plus human agents, which may occasionally increase wait times but generally ensures help is available around the clock. TorGuard’s support is less reliable: live chat is not 24/7 and sometimes unresponsive, while email replies can take days. The shorter refund window also gives you less time to test the service.

Additional Features

Extra Tool	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Threat or malware blocking	Yes (Threat Manager)	No
Password manager	Yes (optional add‑on)	No
Identity theft insurance	Included in some plans	No
Scriptable clients	No	Yes; users can create VPN scripts
Dedicated IP option	Available; extra cost	Yes; multiple tiers

ExpressVPN’s extra features enhance security and convenience, including a password manager, identity theft insurance (on selected plans) and a Threat Manager to block malicious domains. TorGuard focuses on advanced configuration: scriptable clients, port forwarding and a variety of IP options. These tools are powerful in the right hands but may overwhelm average users. As a simpler option, hardware solutions like our Shellfire Box deliver basic protection without the complexity.

VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More

Use Case	ExpressVPN	TorGuard
Streaming	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Torrenting/P2P	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gaming	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐
Remote work	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Budget use	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Censorship-heavy regions	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐

Best VPN for Streaming

ExpressVPN excels at streaming. It consistently unlocks Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more, and its Lightway protocol keeps speeds high enough for 4K HDR content. Even when connecting to faraway servers, buffering was rare during our testing. If you binge‑watch series from multiple regions, ExpressVPN will feel seamless.

TorGuard’s streaming abilities are patchy. You might be able to watch Netflix Japan or some regional services after experimenting with different servers, but there’s no guarantee, and you can forget about Disney+ or BBC iPlayer. For occasional streaming or region‑specific content that TorGuard does support, it’s fine, but serious streamers will find it frustrating. For a hands‑off solution, hardware options like the Shellfire Box secure your streaming devices without the need to manage apps or servers.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

Torrenting is where TorGuard shows its strengths. The service allows torrent traffic on all servers, supports port forwarding and offers scriptable clients so you can automate seeding or leeching. For dedicated P2P users who value customisation, TorGuard can be a powerful tool.

ExpressVPN is P2P‑friendly too, but it doesn’t offer as much configuration. It still delivers decent speeds for downloading, and its audited no‑logs policy should reassure privacy‑conscious file sharers. If you’re a casual torrenter who prioritises ease of use, ExpressVPN suffices; heavy seeders might prefer TorGuard’s flexibility.

Best VPN for Gaming

ExpressVPN’s low latency and robust global network make it suitable for gamers who want to access international servers or protect themselves from DDoS attacks. Its stability ensures your match won’t suddenly lag out mid‑game, and the company’s privacy stance adds peace of mind.

TorGuard’s inconsistent speeds and higher latency detract from gaming performance. While its advanced settings might let you eke out a bit more speed, the average player will experience more lag than with other providers. Therefore, gamers are better off sticking with ExpressVPN or looking to alternatives like NordVPN or Shellfire VPN.

Best VPN for Remote Work

For remote workers, ExpressVPN’s fast and stable connections mean video meetings, file transfers and remote desktop sessions proceed smoothly. The service’s password manager and threat blocker add extra layers of security when you’re connecting from coffee shops or co‑working spaces.

TorGuard can secure your connection, but the fluctuating speeds may result in choppy calls or slow uploads. Its Stealth protocol might be useful if you’re connecting from a restrictive corporate network, but there are better options for most telecommuters.

Best VPN for Budget‑Conscious Users

TorGuard’s basic subscription costs less than ExpressVPN’s, and you get up to 12 connections. However, the pricing structure is confusing, with separate tiers for streaming bundles, dedicated IPs and so on. If you’re willing to decipher the plan matrix, you can save money.

ExpressVPN’s pricing is higher, but you get a polished product with extras like Threat Manager and an integrated password manager. Long‑term plans and occasional sales narrow the price gap somewhat. For many users the time saved not fiddling with settings makes the premium worthwhile.

Best VPN for Censorship‑Heavy Countries

Both VPNs offer stealth protocols to circumvent blocks, but ExpressVPN’s implementation proved more reliable in our tests. We used it to access blocked sites in China and the UAE without detection. Its no‑logs policy also provides confidence that your activity isn’t being tracked.

TorGuard’s Stealth protocol sometimes works in restrictive regions, but its inconsistent speeds and unproven logging policy undermine confidence. If you frequently travel through countries with tight controls, a provider with a stronger track record , such as ExpressVPN or Shellfire’s hardware solution , is advisable.

Conclusion

ExpressVPN remains a benchmark for VPN performance: fast, secure and hassle‑free across virtually every platform. Its ability to unblock content and maintain high speeds makes it ideal for travellers, streamers and anyone who wants strong privacy without complexity. TorGuard, meanwhile, appeals to a narrower audience , those who love to tweak settings, use scripts or require lots of simultaneous connections at a low price.

Your choice will hinge on what matters most. If you just want a VPN that works out of the box and don’t mind paying a bit more, ExpressVPN is the obvious pick. If you’re technically inclined and plan to use the VPN mainly for torrenting or advanced networking tasks, TorGuard could be worth exploring despite its quirks.

Remember there’s a third way: Shellfire VPN service and compact Shellfire Box offer a simplified, hardware‑based approach. They require minimal configuration and protect every device on your home network, combining convenience with security, an attractive option for households and small offices.