As our lives become increasingly interconnected through the internet, the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has risen to the forefront as a critical tool in safeguarding our online activities. Among the plethora of options available in the VPN marketplace, two names often stand out for their reputation and range of features: PIA (Private Internet Access) and TorGuard.
Both VPNs are giants in the industry, offering a suite of services designed to protect your online identity, secure your data, and enable unrestricted access to the internet. But how do they stack up when compared side-by-side? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each, and most importantly, which VPN service is the most appropriate for your specific needs?
PIA VPN vs TORGUARD VPN
 PIA VPN
With a massive server network, robust security features, competitive pricing, and satisfactory speed, PIA VPN caters well to most users’ needs.
$2.69 |
 TorGuard VPN
TorGuard stands out as a comprehensive, secure, and high-speed VPN solution, especially for users engaged in P2P sharing and those desiring a higher degree of configuration.
$4.16 |
To answer these questions, we’ve prepared a detailed comparison focusing on key criteria such as server count and coverage, company location, security features, pricing, speed, and customer support. Given the breadth of features and options that both VPNs offer, declaring a clear winner is a complex task. Therefore, this guide aims to provide you with a balanced view, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your individual needs. So, let’s dive into the specifics to see how PIA and TorGuard measure up against each other.
Servers
PIA:
- Over 35,000 servers
- Coverage in 77 countries
- Extensive reach in North America, Europe, Asia, and some parts of Africa and South America
TorGuard:
- Around 3,000 servers
- Coverage in 50 countries
- Primarily focused on North America, Europe, and Asia
Commentary: PIA has a significantly higher server count and a broader geographic distribution. This provides users with more options for geo-spoofing and potentially better speeds. However, TorGuard still offers a reasonable number of servers, and a higher server count doesn’t automatically mean better service.
Company Location
PIA:
- Based in the United States
- Part of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance
TorGuard:
- Also based in the United States
- Same “Five Eyes” concerns
Commentary: Both VPNs are based in the U.S., making them subject to the same jurisdictional risks related to data privacy and intelligence sharing. No clear advantage for either service in this aspect.
Security
PIA:
- Supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec protocols
- AES-256 encryption
- Kill switch and leak protection features
TorGuard:
- Supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and several other protocols
- AES-256 encryption
- Stealth VPN feature to bypass VPN blocks
Commentary: Both VPNs offer strong encryption and multiple protocol options, making them quite secure. TorGuard has a slight edge with its Stealth VPN feature, which helps users bypass VPN blocking measures.
Price
PIA:
- Ranges from $2.69 to $9.95 per month depending on the plan
- 30-day money-back guarantee
TorGuard:
- Ranges from $5.95 to $9.99 per month depending on the plan
- 7-day refund policy
Commentary: PIA tends to be more affordable with longer-term plans, and it offers a longer money-back guarantee. TorGuard’s pricing is comparable but slightly higher for similar features.
Speed
PIA:
- Generally good speeds, but can vary depending on the server
- The large server count could provide more options for fast connections
TorGuard:
- Known for stable, high-speed connections, particularly optimized for torrenting
Commentary: Speed can vary greatly depending on a range of factors, including location, time of day, and server load. However, both VPNs are known for providing good speeds, with TorGuard often highlighted for its optimized torrenting speeds.
Support
PIA:
- 24/7 live chat support
- Extensive knowledge base
TorGuard:
- 24/7 live chat support
- Comprehensive FAQs and tutorials
Commentary: Both VPNs offer strong customer support with 24/7 live chat and extensive online resources. Customer experience will largely depend on individual interactions but, generally speaking, both are quite reliable in this department.
Verdict: No Clear Winner
Both PIA and TorGuard have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. While PIA offers more servers and slightly lower pricing, TorGuard has specialized features like Stealth VPN and is optimized for torrenting. Security features and support are comparable in both. Given these points, there’s no clear winner; the best choice would depend on your specific needs and what aspects are more crucial for you.
