Shellfire

TorGuard began life as a VPN built for torrent enthusiasts and it still presents itself as a power user’s tool today. It offers a big server fleet, lots of knobs to turn for security and networking, and enough customization to satisfy people who enjoy tweaking settings. For casual users, though, that same level of control can feel a bit much.

NordVPN takes a more mainstream route. It aims to be the “safe default” in many VPN Vergleich articles, combining strong privacy features with very simple apps and a huge global network. In this comparison of VPN Anbieter, we look at how both services stack up in terms of infrastructure, performance, privacy, streaming and everyday use, so you can decide which one is the bestes VPN for your own habits.

We will walk through the strengths and weaknesses of each provider and also highlight situations where a completely different class of VPN, such as a simple hardware-based VPN router, might suit you better. By the end, you should have a clear sense of which VPN fits your streaming, torrenting, gaming or travel needs, whether you are after a günstiges VPN or a full-featured premium option.

Key Points

• TorGuard operates more than 3,000 servers in over 50 countries and allows up to 30 simultaneous connections on some plans.
• NordVPN runs a significantly larger network with over 8,000 servers in more than 125 countries and includes advanced features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN and Meshnet.
• Users who prefer a plug-and-play experience instead of complex configuration may be happier with simpler VPN apps or hardware VPN routers that focus on easy streaming and day-to-day privacy rather than deep tweaking.

Quick Comparison: TorGuard vs NordVPN

Feature	TorGuard	NordVPN
Headquarters	United States	Panama
Server count & locations	3,000+ servers in 50+ countries	8,000+ servers in 125+ countries
Encryption & protocols	AES-256 encryption with support for OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 and Stunnel	AES-256 or ChaCha20; protocols include OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard) and IKEv2
Simultaneous connections	8–30 devices depending on plan	10 devices
Average speed impact	Download speeds often drop by around 40 % on average, depending on distance and protocol	Typically low impact; with NordLynx, many users see roughly 10–15 % speed loss
Streaming	Can unblock Netflix and some other platforms, but stream quality may be reduced and access is not always consistent	Reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu and more at high quality
Torrenting	Permitted on all servers; some plans include dedicated IPs and port forwarding	Permitted with dedicated P2P servers and a strict no-logs policy

TorGuard appeals to privacy-conscious users and heavy torrenters with its sizeable network, very configurable security settings and optional dedicated IP addresses. However, its headquarters in the U.S. and the absence of recent independent security audits can be a concern for people who want maximum transparency about data handling and legal jurisdiction.

NordVPN offers a broader network and more user-friendly apps, while still packing in advanced tools for power users. If you value simplicity over granular control, services like Shellfire VPN or the Shellfire Box can offer secure connections and content unblocking with far less configuration, which is particularly attractive if you just want things to work without babysitting your VPN.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Metric	TorGuard	NordVPN
Server count	3,000+ servers	8,000+ servers
Countries served	50+ countries	125+ countries
Dedicated IP	Available for an extra fee	Available (residential and dynamic options)

TorGuard’s network spans more than 50 countries, which is enough geographic diversity for most users who want to bypass regional restrictions or find a nearby server. It also offers optional dedicated IP addresses, handy if you need to access IP-restricted services for work, keep logins stable for banking, or simply avoid constant CAPTCHAs.

The main trade-off is jurisdiction. Because TorGuard is headquartered in the U.S., a core member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, some privacy-focused users may be uncomfortable relying on internal policies alone. NordVPN runs an even larger network and is based in Panama, where legal requirements around data retention are more privacy-friendly, which is one reason it frequently tops “bestes VPN” and “VPN Anbieter Vergleich” lists.

Speed & Performance

Test	TorGuard	NordVPN
Average download impact	Roughly −24 % to −50 % depending on the server; typical average drop around 40 %	Often under 10–15 % loss when using NordLynx
Latency change	Latency can increase sharply on distant servers, with large jumps on routes like North America to Australia	Low latency thanks to optimized routing and NordLynx
Upload impact	Upload speeds frequently drop 30–60 % on remote servers	Usually only a modest reduction in upload speeds

In practice, TorGuard delivers decent speeds on nearby servers, but performance becomes inconsistent across long distances. For everyday browsing and light streaming you may barely notice, yet high-bandwidth tasks like 4K streaming or cloud backups can slow down more than you might expect, especially if you are connecting halfway across the world.

NordVPN, by contrast, tends to preserve more of your base speed on both local and international connections, especially when you use its NordLynx protocol. Independent tests usually place it close to the top of the charts for sustained throughput and ping times. If you want a VPN that you can leave on all the time without worrying about speed, NordVPN or a lightweight option such as Shellfire VPN will typically feel smoother than TorGuard.

Security & Privacy

Feature	TorGuard	NordVPN
Encryption	AES-256 with optional OpenVPN AES-256-SHA256 configuration	AES-256 or ChaCha20
Protocols	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, Stunnel (for obfuscation)	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard-based), IKEv2
Kill switch	Network- and app-level kill switches	System-wide and app-level kill switches
No-logs policy	States a strict no-logs policy, but has not undergone recent independent audits	Independently audited no-logs policy, verified multiple times
Additional protections	DDoS protection, dedicated IP options, and advanced protocol tuning	Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Threat Protection, Meshnet, and post-quantum encryption on selected platforms

TorGuard uses strong AES-256 encryption and supports several modern protocols, including WireGuard for speed and Stunnel for traffic obfuscation. You can fine-tune ciphers and ports, which is attractive if you enjoy customizing your setup. It also offers both network-level and application-level kill switches to prevent IP leaks if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.

The main caveats are, again, jurisdiction and transparency. TorGuard claims not to log user activity, but it has not backed this up with the same level of independent auditing that big players have invested in. NordVPN combines strong encryption with repeated third-party audits and a privacy-friendly legal base in Panama, which gives many users more confidence that the no-logs claims will hold up in real life.

Streaming Performance

Platform	TorGuard	NordVPN
Netflix	Can unblock regional libraries, but video quality may be lower than your baseline and access is not guaranteed on every server	Unblocks Netflix in many regions with stable access and high resolutions
Other streaming services	May unblock some platforms; results and quality vary by server and region	Specialized servers and optimized routes for platforms like Disney+, Hulu and BBC iPlayer
Quality & stability	Little lag once connected, but diminished video quality or sudden blocks can occur	High-quality streams with minimal buffering in most scenarios

Streaming is one of the clearest points of difference between these two VPN Anbieter. TorGuard is capable of unblocking Netflix and other services, especially if you experiment with different servers or use a dedicated IP. However, many users report mixed results over time, including lower video quality and occasional “proxy” errors, which is not ideal if you just want to sit down and watch without troubleshooting.

NordVPN has built its reputation partly on streaming. It offers dedicated and well-maintained servers for major platforms, so you are more likely to get full-HD or 4K streams without constant trial and error. If you are mainly looking for a Streaming VPN that “just works” in the evening, NordVPN or a plug-and-play solution such as Shellfire VPN or the Shellfire Box will usually be a better fit than TorGuard.

Platform Compatibility

Platform	TorGuard	NordVPN
Desktop OS	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Mobile OS	Android, iOS	Android, iOS
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Other devices	Supports routers and offers detailed configuration guides for advanced users	Supports routers, smart TVs, game consoles and many streaming boxes

Both VPNs cover the major platforms well, and both provide browser extensions for quick on/off control in Chrome, Firefox and Edge. The difference is how approachable the apps feel. TorGuard exposes a lot of settings up front and even simple tasks like changing servers require a full disconnect and reconnect, which quickly becomes annoying if you like to hop between locations.

NordVPN focuses on convenience. Its apps offer quick-connect buttons, recommended servers for specific tasks (like P2P or streaming) and clean maps and lists. If you want to protect every device in your home with minimal effort, Shellfire Box is another interesting route: it works as a small VPN router, so once it is set up, all your devices share the same encrypted tunnel without installing individual apps.

Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries

Country	TorGuard	NordVPN
China	Stunnel protocol offers some obfuscation but may require manual tweaking; success can vary day by day	Obfuscated servers tailored to bypass the Great Firewall with less manual tuning
Russia	Lots of nearby servers, but reliability depends heavily on local network filtering	Specialty servers and Double VPN routes help maintain access even under stricter controls
Iran	Users may need a dedicated IP or obfuscated setup; results are inconsistent	Obfuscated servers and flexible protocol options offer better odds of staying connected

In regions with strong internet censorship, no VPN can guarantee 24/7 access, but some tools are better equipped than others. TorGuard includes Stunnel and OpenVPN configurations that can disguise VPN traffic, yet real-world feedback suggests that results are hit-and-miss and often require manual tuning that less technical users will find frustrating.

NordVPN provides dedicated obfuscated servers and Double VPN options designed specifically for these environments, along with regular infrastructure updates. For people who prefer an even simpler approach, hardware-based solutions like the Shellfire Box can provide obfuscation and tunneling at the router level, which is easier to manage for families or small offices that are not particularly tech-savvy.

User Experience & Apps

Criteria	TorGuard	NordVPN
User interface	Technical interface with many exposed settings; switching servers requires manual reconnection	Modern, intuitive UI with quick-connect, search and clear server categories
Ease of use	Geared toward experienced users; new users face a noticeable learning curve	Beginner-friendly while still offering advanced options in secondary menus
Stability	Occasional delays and failed attempts when connecting to distant servers	Generally stable connections; automatic reconnection reduces the risk of leaks

TorGuard feels like it was designed first for network engineers and power users. That is not a bad thing if you want to control every detail, but it can be intimidating when you just need a fast, safe tunnel for a hotel Wi-Fi. Simple actions, such as testing servers for a Streaming VPN, often require extra clicks and manual disconnects.

NordVPN strikes a more balanced approach. The main screen is clean, with one-click connection and a clear list or map of countries. More advanced options are tucked away in settings, where you can still choose protocols, enable Threat Protection or configure split tunneling. If you really hate managing VPN software at all, Shellfire Box essentially moves the complexity into a small device that lives next to your router and runs quietly in the background.

Customer Support

Support channel	TorGuard	NordVPN
Live chat	Advertised live chat, but it can be hard to find or not available at all times	24/7 live chat with human agents
Email support	Ticket-based email support; response times are not clearly communicated	Responsive email support with clearer expectations
Knowledge base	Video tutorials and community forums, plus basic setup guides	Comprehensive self-help library with detailed guides and troubleshooting steps

Support matters most on the day something breaks, usually five minutes before an important call. TorGuard does provide documentation and a live chat widget, but users sometimes report that chat is offline or difficult to access, and ticket responses do not always specify when you can expect a reply.

NordVPN has invested heavily in support and documentation. Its 24/7 live chat is straightforward to reach and agents are used to handling questions from beginners and advanced users. Shellfire also offers fast support via live chat and email, particularly focused on helping people get their Shellfire Box or apps running on home networks without hassle.

Additional Features

Feature	TorGuard	NordVPN
Dedicated IP	Available for an extra cost; useful for streaming, business access and avoiding CAPTCHAs	Available with several locations, including residential-style options
Port forwarding	Available; improves torrenting performance and remote access scenarios	Traditional port forwarding is not offered; Meshnet focuses on secure device-to-device links instead
Ad blocker	No built-in ad blocker	Threat Protection blocks many ads, trackers and malicious downloads

TorGuard clearly targets advanced users with its feature set. Dedicated IPs, DDoS protection and port forwarding are all helpful for people running seedboxes, game servers or self-hosted services. The downside is that these options add to the learning curve, and some come with additional monthly costs.

NordVPN bundles many premium extras directly into its core plans, such as Threat Protection for ad and malware blocking, Double VPN and Onion over VPN for extra privacy layers and Meshnet for secure connections between devices. After some earlier uncertainty, Meshnet is continuing as a fully supported feature, which is good news if you like the idea of building your own private, encrypted network. If you prefer a simpler, essentials-only VPN, Shellfire VPN or the Shellfire Box keep things focused on solid encryption and easy device coverage rather than a huge list of toggles.

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

Use case	TorGuard	NordVPN	Other VPNs
Streaming	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (can unblock Netflix and other services, but quality is not always consistent)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (e.g., ExpressVPN)
Torrenting / P2P	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (P2P allowed everywhere and port forwarding available)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (e.g., Private Internet Access)
Gaming	⭐⭐⭐ (increased latency, especially on distant servers)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐ (e.g., CyberGhost)
Remote work	⭐⭐⭐ (powerful but manual server switching can slow you down)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (e.g., Surfshark)
Budget-conscious users	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (flexible, customizable plans and add-ons)	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (e.g., Surfshark)
Censorship-heavy countries	⭐⭐⭐ (Stunnel and obfuscation options help, but results vary)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐ (e.g., ProtonVPN)

Best VPN for Streaming

TorGuard can unblock Netflix and various other streaming platforms, particularly if you use a dedicated IP or test several servers. The catch is that you may face lower video quality, occasional buffering or sudden blocks, which breaks the “sit down, press play” experience most people want.

NordVPN delivers a consistently stronger streaming experience. With high-quality playback, optimized servers and reliable access to major platforms, it is one of the top options if you watch a lot of international content. If you are a casual streamer who mainly wants an easy setup on a TV or streaming box, Shellfire VPN or the Shellfire Box provide plug-and-play streaming at a competitive price.

That said, if you value maximum control over your streaming environment, TorGuard’s dedicated IP option might appeal to you. It can reduce CAPTCHAs, make your IP look more like a “normal” home address and sometimes maintain more consistent access to stubborn streaming platforms.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

TorGuard really shines when it comes to P2P traffic. Torrenting is allowed on all servers, port forwarding is available to improve seeding and download speeds, and dedicated IP options give you extra flexibility for private trackers or self-hosted services. For a heavy BitTorrent user, this is exactly the kind of control you might be looking for.

NordVPN also performs very well in this category, thanks to dedicated P2P servers, its strict no-logs policy and solid speeds with NordLynx. It is often the more comfortable choice for people who want fast torrenting but prefer simple apps.

For users who want an even simpler torrenting experience without advanced tuning, Shellfire VPN or Shellfire Box support P2P on selected servers. They may not offer as many knobs to tweak as TorGuard, but they provide reliable, encrypted connections that you can set up once and forget.

Best VPN for Gaming

Online gaming lives and dies by latency. TorGuard’s performance drops on distant servers, combined with the extra overhead of encryption, can lead to noticeable lag and jitter in fast-paced games. If you stick to nearby servers, it can work, but it is not the most forgiving choice for competitive play.

NordVPN takes the lead here. With NordLynx and a well-optimized network, it usually delivers lower ping and more stable connections, making it a better option if you regularly play on international servers or want to run a VPN on your console through a router.

Gamers who prefer an easy, always-on approach may benefit from Shellfire’s hardware-based solution, where the Shellfire Box creates secure tunnels for your consoles and PCs without installing anything on each device. It is a very “set it and forget it” way to combine privacy with play.

Best VPN for Remote Work

TorGuard’s configurable settings can be useful for remote workers who need dedicated IP addresses, specific ports open or less common protocols to reach corporate systems. However, the interface can feel complex and the manual server switching slows things down if you frequently jump between locations or clients.

NordVPN offers a smoother experience for most remote workers. Its apps are easy to deploy on multiple devices, security features like kill switch and Threat Protection are simple to enable and its stable speeds are ideal for video calls and large file transfers.

Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box also fit remote work scenarios, especially for freelancers or small offices that want to secure several devices or an entire home office network without complex configuration. One Box can protect laptops, phones and VoIP devices at the same time, which is often all a small team really needs.

Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users

TorGuard offers many different plan structures and add-ons, which can be attractive if you only need specific features and want to keep base costs low. The flip side is that extras like dedicated IPs and DDoS protection quickly increase the final price, so you need to read the checkout page carefully.

NordVPN tends to be more expensive than some günstiges VPN competitors, especially after the first term, but includes a lot of premium features in its core plans, which can still be good value if you actually use them. Long multi-year deals are usually where you will find the best pricing.

If raw price is your top priority, services like Surfshark or Shellfire often come up in VPN Vergleich guides as budget-friendly alternatives. Shellfire’s hardware solution can also be cost-effective if you want to protect many devices with one subscription instead of paying for several separate accounts.

Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries

TorGuard’s Stunnel and advanced OpenVPN configurations provide some obfuscation, but success against deep packet inspection is not guaranteed. In environments with aggressive VPN blocking, you may find yourself constantly adjusting settings or cycling through servers to stay online.

NordVPN has an advantage in this area thanks to its obfuscated servers, Double VPN routes and ongoing work on bypassing new blocks. It is not magic, but it generally offers better odds and less manual tweaking than TorGuard for users in places with strict internet controls.

For those who want a simpler solution, Shellfire’s obfuscation features and the router-level tunneling provided by the Shellfire Box can hide VPN usage reasonably well without demanding technical knowledge. As always in these regions, it is wise to test several options and keep a backup connection in mind.

Conclusion

TorGuard remains a favorite among torrenters and power users thanks to its sizeable network, flexible security settings and features such as dedicated IPs, port forwarding and DDoS protection. The trade-offs are clear: its performance is less predictable on distant servers, the user interface expects patience and technical comfort and its U.S. jurisdiction, combined with the lack of recent independent audits, may worry strict privacy advocates.

NordVPN stands out as the more balanced choice for most people. It combines consistent speeds, a very large global server network, strong and regularly audited privacy guarantees and polished, user-friendly apps. NordVPN’s extra features, including Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Threat Protection and Meshnet, add real-world value rather than just marketing bullet points. If you are looking for a powerful yet approachable VPN, and you have been comparing VPN Anbieter in search of a single “bestes VPN” for daily use, NordVPN is the clear winner in this head-to-head.

That does not mean it is the only sensible choice. For users who prefer a straightforward alternative with minimal setup, Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box are solid options. They do not try to match every advanced feature of NordVPN or TorGuard, but instead focus on easy-to-use security and reliable streaming. The Shellfire VPN app works across mobile and desktop devices, while the Shellfire Box protects your whole network with one device. Taken together, they are practical, realistic alternatives worth considering alongside the bigger names when you compare VPNs for everyday life.