Private Internet Access vs TorGuard 2024

Agnieszka Stec

Cybersecurity Researcher

Private Internet Access (PIA) and TorGuard are popular VPNs similar in pricing, torrenting features, and reliability on restrictive networks. However, there are key differences between them — PIA is more well-rounded and intuitive, while TorGuard is primarily dedicated to advanced users.

We tested them both for speed, streaming support, privacy, security features, and more. This way, you can compare each one’s capabilities side-by-side, making it easy to choose the best option for your needs.

The winner of the comparison is PIA, with better speeds, reliable streaming support, and more feature-rich apps. Plus, it also has a longer 30-day money-back guarantee so you can thoroughly test it yourself, risk-free.

Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

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Streaming — PIA Works Reliably With More Platforms

PIA is a better choice, as all of its plans support streaming, and it works consistently with the most popular platforms. In contrast, TorGuard suggests getting a Streaming Bundle for optimal results, starting at $10 per month with the annual plan. Still, we tried testing its standard plan with popular platforms to see if any happened to work.

With PIA, you get streaming-optimized servers in many regions for optimal performance. These are frequently tested and updated to ensure they can safely access popular services from anywhere. During our tests, PIA provided reliable HD streaming without buffering on platforms like Max, Netflix, and Hulu.

PIA's streaming-optimized servers let us stream with no slowdowns

Although TorGuard’s standard plan wasn’t always reliable during our tests, it did work with a few services, including a few Netflix libraries. The Streaming Bundle provides 2 dedicated streaming IPs for the US, UK, and Japan. Its website states that the add-on is generally necessary for consistent streaming on most popular platforms.

For reliable streaming of Disney+, a streaming IP is necessary

Winner

PIA wins this category with streaming support on all its plans. Fast speeds and optimized servers ensure secure and HD access to many popular platforms from anywhere.

Server Network — PIA Has Better Coverage Worldwide

PIA has a larger server network than TorGuard, covering more regions with higher network density. This extensive infrastructure allows PIA to deliver better connectivity and lower latency.

TorGuard offers a variety of dedicated IP options for an additional cost. These include standard dedicated IPs, streaming-optimized IPs, and residential IPs. The standard dedicated IPs are available in 38 global locations. Residential IPs are limited to the US and UK, giving the appearance of a home network connection in these countries.

You can also get a dedicated IP address with PIA, but it offers fewer locations, covering select regions like the US, UK, Germany, Canada, and Japan. Unlike TorGuard, PIA doesn’t offer residential IP options or streaming-optimized IPs (but has streaming-optimized servers included in every plan).

Both VPNs include specialty servers tailored to enhance your online privacy. PIA offers RAM-only servers and Multi-Hop connections, while both providers have P2P-optimized servers and obfuscation connections.

Winner

PIA takes the lead with its larger server network and RAM-only servers. However, TorGuard is close behind, providing a variety of dedicated IP add-ons and specialty servers as well.

Speed — PIA Has Faster Speeds

To compare the speeds of the two VPNs, we conducted tests on both nearby and distant servers in the US, UK, and Japan, using the WireGuard protocol for optimal speed. Testing was performed from the UK, where the baseline speeds were 270 Mbps for downloads and 24 Mbps for uploads.

PIA consistently provided high speeds, while TorGuard lagged behind significantly. On both nearby and distant servers, TorGuard’s speeds dropped by 70% on average, leading to a noticeably slower connection. PIA’s maximum speed drop was 50% on distant servers and 20-30% on average on nearby servers.

Winner

With its faster and more stable performance, PIA emerged as the clear winner in this speed comparison.

Gaming — Both VPNs Are Good For Gaming

PIA and TorGuard provided low ping rates of under 100 ms on their nearest servers, making them well-suited for high-speed games. However, PIA’s ping remained significantly lower than TorGuard's as we connected to servers a bit further away. The only time it became too high for smooth gameplay was while connected in Hong Kong.

While playing Stumble Guys with PIA on nearby servers, we experienced smooth gameplay without any lag. TorGuard was smooth on nearby servers, but it was not so enjoyable when connected far away. So if you’re looking for a VPN that supports gaming on international servers, this is where the major difference between the two lies.

Thanks to the low ping, the characters responded to my commands with no delay

Winner - draw

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Both PIA and TorGuard performed well on nearby servers, but TorGuard showed significantly higher ping and more slowdowns while connected far away.

Torrenting — PIA Wins With Better Speeds and Privacy

PIA provides faster torrent download speeds with its P2P-friendly servers. I was able to download a 2GB copyright-free file in around a minute, while it took a little over there minutes with TorGuard.

Both PIA and TorGuard support port forwarding, which can improve torrent seeding and speed. PIA doesn’t allow port forwarding on its US servers, though it permits P2P file sharing across its server network. TorGuard, due to a legal agreement, blocks torrenting on its US servers, but you can still torrent freely on its non-US servers.

The VPNs offer essential security features to protect your online activities, though PIA goes a step further with airtight privacy protection. We’ll look into the safeguards for torrenting below.

Winner

Although both services are good for torrenting, PIA won with better speeds and a full network of servers that support torrenting.

Security — PIA Wins With More Features

Both PIA and TorGuard provide solid security features and ample customization options. However, PIA takes the lead by offering more customizable settings directly within its app, while TorGuard requires manual configuration for some advanced features.

PIA also has an edge with its use of RAM-based servers, which automatically erase all data upon reboot, ensuring no traces of your online activity remain. TorGuard has not explicitly confirmed using similar technology.

PIA’s MACE built-in feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware. While MACE isn’t the most powerful ad blocker available, it does help prevent malicious ads. Also, TorGuard has an ad-blocker, but it requires manual configuration.

After enabling the MACE ad blocker, remember to reconnect the VPN

I also appreciate that PIA’s apps are open-source, allowing anyone to inspect the code for vulnerabilities. This makes them generally more secure than TorGuard’s closed-source software.

TorGuard’s Scripts feature allows advanced users to write scripts that automate actions before and after connecting or disconnecting from the VPN. This can be beneficial for automating complex network configurations, enhancing security, or launching or closing applications when the VPN connection changes.

To turn on the firewall, IPv6 leak protection, and the kill switch, navigate to "Settings" > "Network"

Both VPNs offer obfuscation, though they handle it differently. PIA provides it through its Multi-Hop feature, while TorGuard’s obfuscation is available via its StealthVPN protocol, including OpenConnect, Stealth VPN, and AnyConnect options.

OpenConnect is the simplest way to use Stealth VPN, but you can set up Stealth VPN with double-layer encryption by following TorGuard’s guide. If the TorGuard app isn’t available on your app store or browser, you can switch to AnyConnect, a fast SSL-based VPN option.

Winner

PIA wins with RAM-only servers, a built-in ad blocker, and open-source apps. TorGuard is not far behind with its customizable features and robust obfuscation options.

Privacy — PIA’s Policy Has Been Audited

Both VPNs claim strict no-logs policies, but only PIA has undergone multiple third-party audits. It’s even held up in court cases when user data was requested, but there was nothing to show, confirming that PIA stands by its no-logs policy. TorGuard, though also claiming a no-logs policy, has not been audited in the same way.

PIA and TorGuard are both located in the US, which is a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. However, there haven’t been any controversies regarding the services' sharing of data with third parties.

Winner

PIA’s privacy has been independently audited and verified in court, which gives it an edge over TorGuard.

Works in China — Both Might Work But It’s Not Guaranteed

According to their customer support agents, both PIA and TorGuard can work in China. This is possible thanks to obfuscation and Stealth features designed to enable safe internet access under restrictive conditions.

PIA is one of the few VPNs that offers Chinese servers. These are virtual servers, so the connection speed might be slower, but it will provide a Chinese IP address. Also, the use of WireGuard and the Multi-Hop feature is recommended. TorGuard works in China with the Stealth protocol feature. For more detailed information regarding setup, I recommend reaching out to support.

Reliable VPN options for China are rare. If you’re specifically looking for a VPN with dependable access in China, consider checking our recommended list of the best VPNs for China.

Winner - draw

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Both PIA and TorGuard claim they work in China, but neither can guarantee reliable connections.

Installation & Ease of Use — PIA Has More Intuitive Apps

Both PIA and TorGuard are compatible with various platforms and offer extensive customization options, which may appeal to more tech-savvy users. PIA’s settings are more accessible within the app, while TorGuard requires additional configuration on some platforms.

Installing both VPNs was quick and easy, taking less than two minutes. However, PIA has a more user-friendly interface with fewer steps to connect or adjust settings. It also stands out by offering unlimited connections, allowing you to use it on all your devices at once.

All settings are clearly divided into categories for easy access

While offering greater customization, TorGuard's interface is a bit more challenging to navigate due to its somewhat outdated design. I also found it a bit annoying that I had to log into my account almost every time I tried to use a VPN after disconnecting it. PIA let me stay logged in much longer.

It can be difficult to find what you're looking for in TorGuard's cramped menu

Winner

Although which VPN is better for you depends on your personal preferences, PIA wins this category with a slight advantage of more user-friendly apps. It also comes with many options that are already pre-configured, and you can use it on an unlimited number of devices.

Reliability & Support — PIA Wins With the 24/7 Live Support

PIA offers 24/7 live chat, providing immediate support whenever you need it. TorGuard also has a live chat, but it isn’t available around the clock. Both VPNs offer email support, but live chat is easier and faster.

I also found PIA’s knowledge base more comprehensive, as it's divided into categories that make it easier to find what you’re looking for. TorGuard’s knowledge base feels more technical and seems better suited to advanced users. I frequently had trouble accessing the TorGuard forum, where you can ask other users questions. The site often simply wouldn’t load.

Winner

This one was easy, as PIA’s 24/7 live chat support makes it a clear winner.

Pricing

	Private Internet Access	TorGuard
Starting Price	$2.03/month	$9.99/month
Price (On Renewal)	$59.76 per year (subject to change)	$51.33 per year (subject to change)
Money-Back Guarantee (Days)	30 days	7 days
Number of Devices per License	Unlimited	12
Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices)	Manual setup or pre-installed on certain routers	Manual setup

Both services have similar pricing models, offering huge discounts on long-term plans. It’s worth noting that PIA includes streaming support at the cost of all its plans, whereas with TorGuard, you’ll need to buy an extra add-on.

PIA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, while you can try TorGuard only for 7 days before you commit. Overall, while the pricing of both VPNs is similar, PIA offers better value for money.

Winner

Both VPNs are pretty affordable on long-term plans. However, PIA wins with a longer money-back guarantee and better value for money.

Our Methodology for Testing PIA vs TorGuard

When comparing PIA and TorGuard, we began by evaluating each VPN for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. This was followed by detailed speed tests and a close look at their server network, security features, and privacy policies. Lastly, we assessed ease of use and reviewed pricing structures.

Visit our methodology page for a complete breakdown of our testing criteria. There, you’ll find an in-depth look at the approaches our global team of digital experts uses to provide up-to-date insights on security tech. Feel free to use it as a foundation for your testing.

PIA vs TorGuard — Reddit Opinions

PIA and TorGuard have their fans among Redditors, but there are also some concerns regarding both. PIA is praised for its reliability and affordable prices. However, there are some voices that lower prices reflect the poor quality of the VPN. However, Redditors also point out the improvements it has made in the last few years, and long-term users are generally happy with the service.

TorGuard, on the other hand, is praised for its torrenting capabilities, but some users criticize it for slow speeds, unstable connections, and expensive add-on features.

Both VPNs have users that vouch for them