Shellfire

TorGuard and Private Internet Access (PIA) both cater to users who value low cost and customizable options. TorGuard positions itself as a toolkit for power users, offering custom scripts, port forwarding, and multiple protocol options. PIA, on the other hand, is known for its enormous server network and strong privacy credentials. But how do they actually perform when put to real-world use?

If you’re planning to torrent, stream, work remotely, or just want peace of mind while browsing, knowing how each provider handles different scenarios will help you make a smarter decision. We’ll dig into speed tests, server distribution, privacy policies, and more to give you the full picture.

Key Points

• TorGuard runs servers in 82 locations across 49 countries, allows up to 12 simultaneous connections, and appeals to advanced users with configurable scripts and port forwarding. That said, its speed performance is inconsistent, and its privacy policy has not been independently audited.
• Private Internet Access (PIA) features a huge network with around 18,651 servers in 153 locations across 91 countries, supports unlimited devices, has an audited no-logs policy, and offers consistent performance with RAM-only servers. It’s a great fit for privacy-focused users and multi-device households.
• If you’d rather skip the hassle of configuring apps or selecting servers manually, hardware-based VPN solutions like the Shellfire Box secure your entire home network with a single device.

Quick Comparison: TorGuard vs PIA

Feature	TorGuard	Private Internet Access (PIA)
Servers & locations	3,000+ servers in 82 locations (49 countries)	~18,651 servers in 153 locations (91 countries)
Average speed drop	54% average; up to 90% on some servers	Download speeds drop only ~4.8% on average; upload speeds slower
Simultaneous connections	12 devices	Unlimited
Price	Low monthly cost; complex plan tiers and 7-day money-back guarantee	Starts at around USD 2/month (long term); 30-day money-back guarantee
Best suited for	Tech-savvy users focused on P2P and advanced configurations	Privacy-minded users needing reliable speeds across many devices

PIA’s numbers jump out: a far bigger network, less impact on speed, and support for unlimited devices. TorGuard makes up ground with a lower entry price and more advanced options, but the real differences emerge in areas like privacy protection and day-to-day performance.

If you’re looking for a smoother, no-fuss experience, hardware VPNs like Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box can protect every device in your home without ever launching an app.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Metric	TorGuard	PIA
Server count	3,000+ (exact numbers not disclosed)	18,651 (largest network among major VPNs)
Countries covered	49	91 (including all 50 U.S. states)
Average servers per country	Varies; some countries have only one server	~205 servers per country on average
Virtual servers	Many virtual locations; not always clearly labelled	41% of locations are virtual; clearly labelled; can be disabled
Specialty servers	None; relies on scripts and port forwarding	Optional dedicated IPs ($5/month); RAM-only servers; port forwarding; malware blocker (MACE)

PIA’s vast infrastructure means you’re far less likely to encounter congestion, and there’s usually a server nearby wherever you go. Its clear labeling of virtual locations, and the option to disable them in-app, show a welcome level of transparency. TorGuard covers fewer regions and sometimes leans heavily on virtual servers, which may cause mismatches between your chosen and actual location.

Want to see how PIA stacks up against another privacy-first VPN? Check out our Mullvad vs PIA comparison for a deeper dive.

Speed & Performance Test

Test Metric	TorGuard	PIA
Baseline speed (example)	40 Mbps (Kenya test)	100 Mbps (test)
Fastest server download	26.6 Mbps (33% drop)	94–95 Mbps in New York/Frankfurt (5–6% drop)
Slowest server download	4.2 Mbps (90% drop in Brazil)	Speeds rarely dip below 70 Mbps
Upload performance	Highly variable; some servers around 18–20 Mbps, others slower	Upload speeds slowed by up to 85%; still usable for everyday tasks
Latency	Average 266 ms; spikes on distant servers	Low latency and jitter; suitable for gaming and video calls

TorGuard’s speed performance is hit-or-miss. In our tests, average download speeds dropped by more than 50%, and while a few servers held up well, others were nearly unusable. PIA, in contrast, maintained close to full speeds, around 95 Mbps on a 100 Mbps line. The upload rates aren’t industry-leading, but they’re good enough for most users’ needs.

If you’re curious how PIA compares with a mainstream player, take a look at our ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access review.

Security & Privacy

Feature	TorGuard	PIA
Encryption	AES‑256 by default; AES‑128 optional for speed	AES‑128 or AES‑256; user configurable
Protocols	OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), WireGuard, OpenConnect, Stealth	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec (iOS)
Kill switch	Yes	Yes, with advanced mode to block all non‑VPN traffic
No‑logs policy	Claimed, but unaudited; vague privacy wording around legal data sharing	Audited by Deloitte (2024); no user data handed over in court cases
Security extras	Stealth protocol; scriptable clients	MACE ad/malware blocker, antivirus add‑on, RAM‑only servers, optional dedicated IP
Past controversies	No independent audits; unclear stance on data logging	Owned by Kape Technologies (formerly Crossrider); privacy focus post-rebrand

PIA clearly leads on transparency and security. Its audited no-logs policy, RAM-only server setup, and additional malware protection give it the edge for anyone concerned about digital privacy. While TorGuard offers decent encryption and some stealth options, its vague privacy stance and lack of third-party audits raise questions.

Streaming Performance

Platform	TorGuard	PIA
Netflix	Unblocks some regions; struggles with US/UK	Works well with Netflix; Disney+ can be inconsistent
Hulu	Unreliable; requires multiple attempts	Yes
Amazon Prime Video	Yes, but may buffer	Yes
Disney+	No	Mixed; sometimes works
BBC iPlayer	No	Yes
Streaming quality	HD possible on best servers; frequent buffering elsewhere	Up to 4K on nearby servers; 436 Mbps peak download speeds reported

TorGuard struggles with streaming. While it manages to access Netflix Japan and Amazon Prime Video, services like BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and HBO Max remain out of reach. Even when it works, speeds often fall short for smooth HD viewing. PIA is much better: Netflix, Hulu and Prime Video work reliably, and although Disney+ may need a server switch now and then, streaming quality is generally excellent.

Platform Compatibility

Device/OS	TorGuard	PIA
Windows & macOS	Functional but dated apps	Modern apps with customizable interface
Linux	CLI client only; no GUI	Graphical interface available
Android & iOS	Feature-rich; encryption settings tweakable	Intuitive apps; split tunneling support varies by OS
Smart TVs & streaming devices	No native apps; requires manual configuration	Native apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV
Browser extensions	Chrome and Firefox	Chrome, Firefox, Opera
Router support	Manual setup only; scripting support available	Manual setup with detailed tutorials

Both VPNs work across a wide range of platforms, but PIA’s apps are easier to navigate. TorGuard’s interfaces are clearly aimed at technical users and feel clunky if you’re not into tweaking settings. PIA is more welcoming, especially for beginners, and offers full support for smart TVs and unlimited devices, a real bonus for families or shared spaces.

Performance in Censorship‑Heavy Countries

Country	TorGuard	PIA
China	Stealth protocol may work; not reliable	Better with obfuscation settings; still inconsistent
Russia	Mixed results	Moderate success
UAE/Saudi Arabia	Limited success; speeds often too slow	Works using obfuscation; performance may vary
Iran/Turkey	Uncertain; limited reports	Can work, but speed drops expected

Neither provider is a silver bullet in high-censorship environments. TorGuard’s Stealth protocol can sometimes punch through firewalls, but its overall speed makes daily use tough. PIA fares slightly better, thanks to built-in obfuscation tools and split tunneling, but users under heavy restrictions may still run into issues. For simplicity and stealth, hardware VPNs like our Shellfire Box can be a safer choice in these regions.

User Experience & Apps

Aspect	TorGuard	PIA
Interface	Busy and technical; learning curve required	Clean; modular dashboard with quick access
Ease of use	Not beginner-friendly	Simple for new users, with helpful tooltips
Stability	Some bugs and connection drops	Stable across all platforms
Customization	Very high – scripting, port options, encryption tweaks	High – automation rules, split tunneling, interface modules

TorGuard is designed for people who enjoy fine-tuning their tech. It gives you deep control over everything from encryption to how and when servers connect. But that complexity comes with a cost, its interface can feel overwhelming, and stability is hit-or-miss. PIA finds a sweet spot: it offers powerful features but keeps things friendly, with a modular layout and quick settings menu.

For those who’d prefer not to bother with software at all, Shellfire Box offers a completely hands-off experience by covering your entire network automatically.

Customer Support

Support Channel	TorGuard	PIA
Live chat	Available but not 24/7; often shows “away”	24/7; responsive and helpful
Email	Can take up to 48 hours	Ticket-based; replies within a few hours
Knowledge base	Basic FAQ, community forum, blog	Extensive guides, automation tips, video tutorials
Money-back guarantee	7 days	30 days

PIA clearly wins here. You get instant access to live chat support, detailed setup guides, and a generous 30-day refund policy. TorGuard, on the other hand, feels sluggish in comparison, live chat isn’t always online, and email responses may take a while. Plus, with just a week to get your money back, there’s less room for trial and error.

Additional Features

Extra Tool	TorGuard	PIA
Port forwarding	Yes; customizable via scripts	Yes; easily enabled in the app
Dedicated IP option	Yes (multiple regions)	Yes (US, UK, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Sweden)
Malware/Ad blocker	No	MACE blocks ads and trackers
Antivirus add-on	No	Optional for an extra fee
Transparency reports	No	Publishes quarterly; audited by Deloitte

PIA adds more value straight out of the box. Its built-in ad blocker (MACE), optional antivirus, and regular transparency reports show a strong commitment to user safety and trust. TorGuard is more barebones but gives you greater scripting freedom and regional variety with dedicated IPs. If you prefer convenience and transparency over micromanagement, PIA is the better pick.

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

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

Best VPN for Streaming

PIA is the clear winner here. It unlocks Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video reliably, and although Disney+ may be hit or miss, switching servers usually does the trick. Speeds are good enough for streaming 4K across multiple devices. For those who’d rather skip the app hassle entirely, a Shellfire Box can protect streaming devices automatically with no software setup.

TorGuard misses the mark for streamers. It occasionally works with Netflix Japan or Prime Video, but most major services, including Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max, are out of reach. Buffering is common, even when a connection is established.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

TorGuard shines with its customizable port forwarding and script-friendly interface, making it ideal for serious torrent users. If you enjoy adjusting technical settings and want high upload efficiency, this is your tool.

PIA is no slouch either. All servers support P2P, speeds stay consistent, and its court-tested no-logs policy provides peace of mind. For casual and even frequent downloaders, PIA is the simpler and more reliable choice.

Best VPN for Gaming

PIA provides solid gaming performance with low latency and minimal packet loss. Its unlimited device limit also means everyone in your home can play online safely without juggling accounts. Alternatively, our Shellfire Box is a great set-it-and-forget-it solution for gamers.

TorGuard struggles here. High latency and unstable speeds make it a risky choice for competitive gaming. Casual players might manage, but serious gamers should look elsewhere.

Best VPN for Remote Work

PIA excels for remote workers. Its stable speeds, automation features, and clean UI allow for uninterrupted video calls, fast uploads, and secure collaboration across time zones.

TorGuard is less consistent. Video calls dropped or lagged during tests, and server speed was too unpredictable for reliable work performance, unless you absolutely need its scripting power, it’s not ideal for business use.

Best VPN for Budget‑Conscious Users

TorGuard advertises low rates, but its pricing model is confusing. Important features, like streaming support or dedicated IPs, come with extra charges, and the refund window is tight.

PIA keeps things simple: one plan includes all features, with long-term subscriptions bringing the price way down. For budget users who don’t want to sacrifice speed or privacy, PIA delivers better overall value.

Best VPN for Censorship‑Heavy Countries

While neither is perfect, PIA edges out TorGuard. It includes obfuscation settings and split tunneling that may help bypass blocks. Some users in the UAE and Russia report success, though not without speed penalties.

TorGuard includes a Stealth protocol, but it often fails in the most restrictive environments. Its inconsistent speeds and unclear logging practices don’t inspire confidence. Travelers or residents in these regions may want to consider more specialized tools, or use a stealth-capable hardware solution like the Shellfire Box, which disguises VPN usage by default.

Conclusion

TorGuard and Private Internet Access cater to different types of users. TorGuard is a playground for technical users, it’s powerful if you know how to use it, but clunky and unpredictable for the average person. Its inconsistent speeds, weak streaming performance, and unverified privacy policy make it tough to recommend for most users.

PIA, on the other hand, offers a balance of scale, privacy, and usability. With a vast server network, strong encryption, independent audits, and intuitive apps, it’s a reliable all-rounder. Upload speeds could be better, but for streaming, gaming, and general daily use, it’s a strong performer.

If you’re looking for something that just works, with no technical setup required, Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box provide user-friendly alternatives. These hardware-based solutions offer reliable, household-wide protection and are especially useful anywhere where plug-and-play security is a must.

Ultimately, the best VPN is the one that meets your needs, whether that’s speed, privacy, simplicity, or flexibility.