We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

TorGuard vs Hotspot Shield vs StrongVPN 2024

Table of Contents
    Our Score: 6.6/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info
    Our Score: 9.1/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info
    Our Score: 8.2/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info

    Which VPN is better?

    Author Image Kristina Perunicic
    Kristina Perunicic

    Former Managing Editor

    StrongVPN is not only expensive, but also offers weak PPTP protocol. Although it works well in China and connectivity speeds are impressive, StrongVPN collects detailed personal information, even when paying using Bitcoin. Browser tracking also puts to question this client’s commitment to online privacy. Hotspot Shield’s free version offers the bare minimum, but its Elite version unlocks a trove of features, including ability to access Netflix, five simultaneous connections and impressive speeds. Although Hotspot Shield uses strong OpenVPN protocol across most platforms except for Linux, it falls short with its evasive data logging practices and cumbersome customer support. While iOS and Android require a third-party OpenVPN app to connect to TorGuard, this client makes up for this shortcoming with its expensive server network, above-average connectivity speeds and P2P downloading, all backed by competitive prices. TorGuard supports five devices and its zero-logs policy attests to its commitment to online privacy.

    Our Score

    Features 6.6/10
    Pricing 5.0/10
    Ease of Use 5.5/10
    Reliability & Support 6.8/10
    Features 9.1/10
    Pricing 8.8/10
    Ease of Use 9.2/10
    Reliability & Support 9.4/10
    Features 8.2/10
    Pricing 8.0/10
    Ease of Use 9.6/10
    Reliability & Support 8.5/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Doris Muthuri
    Doris Muthuri

    Former Senior Writer

    Our Score: 6.6/10

    TorGuard is an expensive service that focuses on keeping you safe while torrenting. However, it makes you jump through a lot of hoops to access its free trial, and the same is true for its refund policy. This really made me wonder whether this high-cost VPN is worth it. Overall, TorGuard is an okay VPN, but better alternatives are available. It offers excellent speeds and robust security featu...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    C
    Cathy
    10.0/10
    Love Torguard

    I have used several VPNs over the years and got blocked by Netflix or Amazon, etc. I went with Torgua... rd and I did have to get a personal IP address at an additional cost. But anytime there is any issue, they are right there and helping. They may have to change your IP address, but they do what they promise. I switched to their annual plan and I don’t see anyone with a much better price than what I am paying. I also have a free email address that I don’t use much, but a few people have it, so I keep it and use it. I consider trying someone else once in a while but am afraid if I do that, if I’m not happy and come back to them, the price will be higher. I honestly, don’t see why they aren’t more highly recommended. Also, I find them very patient, as I am not so young and not always great with current technology. They have been great with me.More

    Latest negative user review
    S
    Solomon
    2.0/10
    Does not work with firestick

    Their VPN does not work with 1st gen firesticks. They did not post this on their site. I paid $60 for ... a 1-year membership. After 7 days got a notice from Spectrum 18 complaints "Notice of Copyright Infringement" emails from the spectrum. Contact billing for refund, they gave me the runaround and kept asking the same questions over and over again. Then told me a refund is not available after 7 days. However, it takes spectrum over 7 days to send a complaint and they never said it didn't work with 1st gen firestick. Also, the app connected to vpn through the firestick and never said it had an issue. So this company is scamming, do not use it if you want to get a "Notice of Copyright Infringement" letter from Spectrum and no refund.More

    Read the full review
    Review by our expert
    Author Image Lawrence Wachira
    Lawrence Wachira

    Editor

    Our Score: 9.1/10

    Hotspot Shield is a VPN that’s undergone many changes recently. After dealing with several controversies, it overhauled its logging policy and is under new management. So, has it gotten better? My global team and I tested everything it offers to see if Hotspot Shield (HSS) is safe. We fully explored its logging policy and found out if its security features can prevent data leaks. We also tes...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    H
    Howard Rosenbrook
    10.0/10
    Had for 3 years no problem

    Kept cable providers off my ass just dont like that you cant pay a week or so early and dont like the ... auto renewal i should beable to pay my bill on my own when i want as long as im not late it shouldnt be a problem with your companyMore

    Latest negative user review
    A
    Alt
    2.0/10
    Blocked by Real-Debrid on just about every us city and nearly all countries

    Easy to connect speed pretty good multiple platforms not great from streaming.. which is where you nee... d the speed. Nord vpn and Express are both cooperative providers with real-debrid meaning no connection problems. Even if you do find a server that connects frequently this is blocked during streaming.More

    Read the full review
    Review by our expert
    Author Image Matthew Amos
    Matthew Amos

    Senior Editor

    Our Score: 8.2/10

    StrongVPN is one of the oldest VPNs, and many people praise it. However, its monthly plans don't offer a money-back guarantee, and you may find it too expensive if you only need a VPN for a short time. To determine whether it's worth the yearly commitment, my team and I tested every aspect of StrongVPN, including speed, security features, and a thorough investigation of its privacy policy. Ov...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    M
    Marko
    10.0/10
    Great Service

    Greetings, I have no complaints about Strong VPN no problem with payment of Canadian credit cards r... eliable service trustworthy security when connected. I don't know why there is so much negative feedback I'm just very lucky and no I'm not a lucky Irish man. Great price I pay $4.99 monthly support is great speeds are great and their encryption is very secure, I always check if my DNS if are leaked, and they always pass and check my speeds which are good. I know when connected with Strong VPN I can trust that I'm safe and secure with them.More

    Latest negative user review
    F
    Farid
    2.0/10
    Access cut off

    I have a Lifetime subscription of StrongVPN and since two days ago, I cannot connect to any of their s... ervers. I contacted support staff regarding the issue and as soon as I told my country they told me they no longer offer service in my region! I have an active subscription that I've paid for it and expect to get full support and service for it! It's very unprofessional and unacceptable to do this to user which have active subscription already!More

    Read the full review

    Pricing

    Starting price $9.99/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 7 Days
    Number of devices per license 12 devices
    Starting price $3.33/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 45 Days
    Number of devices per license 10 devices
    Starting price $3.97/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 30 Days
    Number of devices per license 12 devices

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    TorGuard is a VPN that won its reputation for having a massive server network and great add-on features. The only disadvantage for some lays in the costs, which are higher than other VPN providers. Hotspot Shield has proven to be one of the most effectual providers at hiding data, drastically reducing the risk of interception. It also has a lot of servers across the world, and is ideal for streaming thanks to its speed and unlimited bandwidth. They also offer some some great coupons which make their deals even better. StrongVPN offers high speeds, many servers and great customer service. However, it allows only up to 2 simultaneous connections.

    Best VPN for Torrents
    Read the full review
    Best VPN for Windows
    Read the full review
    Best VPN for Android
    Read the full review
    Best VPN for Mac
    Read the full review
    Best VPN for iOS
    Read the full review
    Best VPN for USA
    Read the full review

    The Bottom Line

    See Plans & Pricing

    TorGuard is one of the most respected VPN providers. This client has built a great reputation by taking online security and privacy seriously, through features such as a kill switch for Windows and OSX, stealth connections for subverting firewall and DNS protection. Even at high encryption levels of 256-bit AES, the speeds are pretty impressive. All platforms can connect to this client using OpenVPN, while support for Bitcoin payments adds yet another layer of the privacy and anonymity offered by TorGuard.

    Time to decide which one is best for you

    Go with TorGuard
    Go with Hotspot Shield
    Go with StrongVPN
    Or click here to check best VPNs, rated by {{review_count}} users

    FAQ

    Is TorGuard better than Hotspot Shield and StrongVPN?

    Yes, TorGuard is better overall than Hotspot Shield and StrongVPN. It has 3000 servers in 50 countries, fast speeds, and impressive security features.

    Best of all, you can take advantage of its latest discount and get it for only $9.99 a month.

    What should I keep in mind when choosing between TorGuard, Hotspot Shield and StrongVPN?

    When choosing a VPN, you want to pay close attention to its number of servers, overall speed score, pricing, and the number of simultaneous device connections it offers. While some VPNs provide a flawless online experience, others will really slow you down.

    If you’re ready to commit, then TorGuard may be perfect for you due to its performance during the tests.

    Is TorGuard faster than Hotspot Shield and StrongVPN?

    Yes, TorGuard is faster than Hotspot Shield and StrongVPN. Since your VPN is your computer’s main connection to the internet, you need to use a service that won’t slow you down by more than 20%.

    If speeds are important to you, then I recommend you take a look at ExpressVPN. It’s the fastest service out there, provides unlimited bandwidth, and you won’t experience any slowdowns even when you connect to the other side of the planet. You can try it out risk-free.. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you don’t like it.

    Do TorGuard, Hotspot Shield or StrongVPN offer any deals?

    TorGuard, Hotspot Shield, and StrongVPN offer deals on occasion. You can check out the current coupons and discounts here. However, ExpressVPN has the best deals. Right now, you can get a 82% discount and up to 3 months for free with a new subscription.

    We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
    Learn more
    vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

    About the Author

    Kristina Perunicic is a former editor for vpnMentor. She’s a cybersecurity expert with an interest in VPNs and their importance in the digital privacy landscape.