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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.

BTGuard VPN Review 2024: Keep in Mind Before Buying

Our Score: 5.5/10
Ranked 104th out of 198 VPNs
Anneke van Aswegen Updated on 18th August 2024 Content Manager

BitTorrentGuard — aka BTGuard — is a VPN and BitTorrent proxy provider. It is specifically designed for P2P fans at a time when most tiptoe around the subject of torrenting. You can use it on as many computers as you like without worrying about bandwidth, which is great for file sharing. Another significant aspect of the VPN is that its speeds are consistent. However, it does have some drawbacks.

First, how safe can it be for torrenting or any other activity with no kill switch?

Second, because of the low number of servers, its streaming capabilities are minimal and unable to compete with others in the market.

Instead, I recommend you try one of these secure, good-value VPNs.

Try BTGuard VPN Now!

Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

BTGuard VPN Features — 2024 Update

8.5
💸 Price 7.5 USD/month
📝 Does VPN keep logs? No
🖥 Number of servers 1000+
💻 Number of devices per license 1
🛡 Kill switch No
🗺 Based in country Canada
🛠 Support Knowledgebase
📥 Supports torrenting Yes

Streaming — Unblocks Very Few Platforms

BTGuard VPN can't access most popular streaming platforms. It only has servers in Canada, the Netherlands, and Singapore, so you can only watch content available in these countries.

Unblocked: Netflix Canada and Netflix Netherlands

I successfully accessed and streamed shows on Netflix Canada and Netflix Netherlands, as the VPN effectively bypassed Netflix's strict geoblocking technology for these regions.

I enjoyed watching Workin’ Moms on Netflix Canada without performance issues.

Screenshot of show Workin' Moms on Neftlix CanadaWatching Workin’ Moms on BTGuard VPN’s Canada server

Similarly, on the Netherlands server, I watched the Dutch comedy Toon.

Screenshot of Dutch comedy show Toon on Netflix NetherlandsI enjoyed an episode of Toon on Netflix Netherlands while using BTGuard VPN

Blocked By: Netflix Singapore, Netflix US, Netflix UK, Hulu, Kodi, HBOMax, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer

Without US and UK servers, you can’t stream content on Netflix US/UK, Hulu, HBOMax, or BBC iPlayer.

Kodi, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ also failed to work despite having libraries in the VPN’s server countries.

Screenshot of black empty error page when logging in to Disney+Trying to login to Disney+ on the VPN’s Canada server led me to a black empty page

Even though BTGuard VPN offers servers in Singapore, I could not unblock Netflix Singapore. When I tried to determine why, I found that my IP address was located in the Netherlands instead of Singapore. This raised doubts about the trustworthiness of the VPN’s claims regarding its server locations since it looked like it was defaulting to a Netherland’s server regardless of the server I chose. You can read more about that here.

Speeds — Consistent Speeds Worldwide

The VPN’s speeds are reasonably fast and consistent on all its servers. The provider prides itself on unlimited bandwidth. With unlimited bandwidth, you should be able to surf, download, and live stream at the same time without any slowdown because there’s no limit to your data usage.

I first ran a speed test without the VPN and then compared the results to different servers with the VPN on:

Compilation of screenshots showing speed test results across different serversI did not experience any significant speed loss while using BTGuard VPN

Because the data is traveling a long way, you can expect some speed loss when using a VPN due to geographical distance to the servers.

However, I experienced very little speed loss compared to my normal connection.

My download speed results on the VPN’s long-distance servers ranged from 10.09 on the Netherlands server to 11.91 Mbps on the Singapore server, my normal speed being 11.85 Mbps.

The percentage loss ranged from 2.5% to 15%, which is in the normal range. The average download speed across servers was 11.18 Mbps and the average upload speed 0.7 Mbps.

Are BTGuard VPN’s Speeds Fast Enough for Gaming? No

My speeds were not fast enough for gaming. The average ping from my tests was 159. Ideally, gamers typically need pings in the 50–100 ms range.

Ping is the number of milliseconds it takes data to reach the server from you and back. The higher the ping, the more likely it is that you will experience lag which will affect your game.

I was playing The Sims 3, and each time my ping was too high, which makes for a bad gaming experience.

Screenshot of Sims 3 online gameI experienced delays while playing The Sims 3 online on the VPN

Server Network — Robust but Tiny Server Network

BTGuard has a small but fast network.

It has 10 Gbit servers which translate to great upload and download speeds. However, it has only 1,000 in 3 locations which means your traffic may be slower if you can’t find a server near you. Not only that, but the servers can also get overcrowded, which affects speed.

The servers are in Singapore, Canada, and the Netherlands. That number is very disappointing, considering competing providers offer hundreds of locations for a lot less.

Another disadvantage is that you can't easily access streaming content from other countries, as discussed in the Streaming section.

A worrying fact about the VPN’s server network was that connecting to the Singapore server kept giving me a returned IP address from the Netherlands.

Security — Average Features and Failed Leak Tests

BTGuard’s security is average. It lacks some basic features, and it failed my leak tests.

Still, the VPN offers the industry’s standard symmetric encryption — 256-bit AES. Symmetric encryption uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. Interestingly, BTGuard combines this with asymmetric RSA-1028 encryption, which uses one key to encipher and the other to decipher information. This is called hybrid cryptography, whose advantage is to give you better speeds and higher security.

BTGuard VPN offers 2 protocols: OpenVPN and PPTP.

PPTP provides weaker protection because its cipher is outdated by today’s standards. So, it’s not the best choice for if you want high security.

On the other hand, OpenVPN is renowned for military-grade security and is constantly improving, which means it will help you stay safe.

I was disappointed that there’s no kill switch. If your VPN temporarily disconnects, without a kill switch, your data will be out in the open and you won’t even know.

Before installation, I scanned the OpenVPN file on VirusTotal, and it was not flagged as having malicious software.

Screenshot of malware test resultsI did not find malware when scanning the OpenVPN file

I wasn’t as fortunate when testing for IP and DNS leaks. If your DNS is leaking, this is a serious privacy problem. It means your ISP can see your online activities, even though you’re using a VPN. An IP leak is when your real IP address is showing despite using a service to hide it.

My results showed that my VPN was leaking since my DNS and IP pointed to my country instead of the VPN server location. I had the same results when testing this on a different browser, as your browser often causes many leaks.

Screenshot of IP and DNS leak test resultsMy IP and DNS leak tests on BTGuard’s Netherlands server failed

Privacy — Not Privacy-Centered

BTGuard has a short privacy policy, and it is based in a country that collects and shares data. That does not give me confidence that it will protect my privacy.

Netcrawled LLC set up BTGuard VPN in 2008. It is based in Canada, which is worrying for 2 reasons. Firstly, Canada is part of the 5 Eyes Alliance which collects and shares private data. Secondly, Canada has passed many privacy-invading laws to share collected information about you with the government.

But BTGuard says it doesn’t store, trade, or rent data, including logs or IP addresses. In case it does, it will “identify the purposes for which the information is being collected.”

Screenshot of BTGuard VPN's privacy policy pageThe VPN’s website features a page dedicated to its privacy policy

It also says it will share your personal information with third parties with your permission. This makes you wonder: but what data exactly would it share? The vague policy on the VPN’s website sheds no light on this.

Torrenting — Unlimited Torrenting

BTGuard VPN allows unlimited torrenting. I was satisfied with the speeds as I downloaded a movie in the public domain using uTorrent.

Screenshot of uTorrent download using BTGuard VPNI had no speed issues using BTGuard VPN to download files on uTorrent

However, I recommend not using it, based on IP and DNS leak tests. The actual location of P2P users within your group would be exposed, putting the security of torrenting activities at risk.

The VPN became popular after an endorsement from TorrentFreak and is refreshingly open about the fact that it allows torrenting.

I don’t condone illegal torrenting and you should always check your country’s regulations to ensure you’re not acting against the law.

Users who can legally download torrents in their countries will enjoy the featured preconfigured version of uTorrent. That means you don’t have to deal with complicated configurations yourself, saving you time and effort.

Other VPN providers offer P2P-friendly servers for better prices. For VPNs that work well with torrents, check out these suggestions.

Does BTGuard VPN Work in China? No

BTGuard VPN doesn't work in China. China blocks OpenVPN and the VPN’s website makes no mention of the country. I contacted customer service to ask about it, but did not receive a reply.

Screenshot of ticket sent to BTGuard VPN's customer support asking if the VPN worked ChinaBTGuard VPN’s customer support never responded to my question

If you are using a VPN in China to get past its Great Firewall, you need a VPN with stronger security features to bypass strict censorship measures. However, I recommend researching the country’s laws beforehand, as they are always changing.

Simultaneous Device Connections — Unlimited From 1 Location At a Time

You can connect as many devices as you want, but sharing among friends and family is not allowed. So, if BTGuard detects multiple locations simultaneously, it may shut your account down.

Screenshot of a page from BTGuard's Knowledge Base regarding the number of simultaneous device connections it allowsMake sure you use BTGuard from one location at a time

Connecting both my Windows 10 and Mac laptops simultaneously posed no problems whatsoever. This is particularly great news for torrenting enthusiasts since the majority of VPNs typically permit up to 5 simultaneous connections.

Installation & Apps

8.6

Device Compatibility — Support via OpenVPN

The VPN does not have its native app, but you can use it on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You just have to manually download the OpenVPN app for the device you are using.

Therefore, any compatibility features one would mention are, essentially, OpenVPN’s.

My research suggests that OpenVPN can be tricky to use if you’re a beginner.

Set-Up & Installation — Problematic Installation

The set-up was far from straightforward. I failed to install OpenVPN and had difficulties connecting via PPTP on my Windows 10 computer.

The provider recommends trying both PPTP and OpenVPN to see which one works better for you.

Installing OpenVPN 2.4.1 on Windows 10 didn’t work for me, as the configuration files wouldn't open after download. The older version of OpenVPN also failed to launch on Windows 10 and Mac. That could be a system issue rather than an issue with the software, but I haven’t received a response from OpenVPN’s support, so I continued to try PPTP.

BTGuard’s instructions for connecting via PPTP were simple enough, but after installation, I kept getting an error message that “A connection to remote computer could not be established”. I looked through the VPN’s support guides but did not find a solution, so I messaged customer support to no avail. In the end, I managed to find an answer on another page online.

Pro tip: To solve this issue, go to Device Manager and, under Network Adapters, uninstall all adapters starting with WAN Miniport. Once you've uninstalled all of them, select "Scan for Hardware Changes," and those adapters will reinstall automatically without restarting. That will get your VPN to work.

Here is how to install the VPN step-by-step on Windows and Android:

For Android:

Set-up Instructions Method 1

  1. Download and install OpenVPN for Android by Arne Schwabe.
  2. Open a browser on your Android device and Download the Configuration Files and unzip the files.
  3. Open OpenVPN for Android and tap on the bottom right icon to import.
  4. Browse to the folder where the configuration files are located. Tap on the server you wish to connect to and hit Select.
  5. Tap on the Save icon in the bottom right corner.
  6. Tap on the Settings icon.
  7. Hit Basic
  8. Fill in your Username and Password.
  9. Tap on Select... next to CA certificate, then browse to the folder where the configuration files are located. Tap on btguard.ca.crt and hit Select.
  10. Hit the back button until you're back at the main page.

Setup Instructions Method 2

  1. Download and install OpenVPN Connect.
  2. Open a browser on your Android device and Download the Configuration Files (They are different than in Method 1) and unzip the files.
  3. Open OpenVPN Connect and tap on the top right icon to import.
  4. Tap on Import Profile from SD card.
  5. Browse to the folder where the configuration files are located. Tap on the server you wish to connect to and hit Select.
  6. Fill in your Username and Password.

For Windows:

  1. Download the OpenVPN Installation Program.
  2. Double-click openvpn-install-2.4.0-I602.exe. Hit Next, Continue, and confirm.
  3. Download the OpenVPN BTGuard configuration executable file.
  4. Open openvpn_auto_config.exe.
  5. Click on Ok.
  6. Go to C:Program FilesOpenVPNConfig.

Pricing

6.0
12 Months
$ 7.5 / month per month
6 Months
$ 8.33 / month per month
1 Month
$ 9.95 / month per month

BTGuard VPN is expensive compared to premium VPNs that offer more features. Even if you just go with the Bittorrent Proxy, you'll be $6.95/month out of pocket.

The absence of a money-back guarantee, refund, or free trial presents a challenge, as it requires committing to an expensive plan without the opportunity to assess its value beforehand.

You can pay by PayPal, credit card, or Bitcoin. Cryptocurrency is excellent if you are concerned with privacy.

Reliability & Support

8.5

BTGuard’s customer support is sub-par. Typically, expensive VPNs offer 24/7 support, but BTGuard doesn’t provide a live chat feature.

To get help with problems, you need to submit a ticket. The ticketing page is easy to use. Users can contact either sales, VPN support, or billing when submitting a ticket, and the process is simple. The problem is that you do not get a reply, which is unacceptable.

However, the ‘Knowledgebase’ section on the VPN’s support page is decent. It contains questions about subscriptions, technical issues, and recently updated articles.

Compare BTGuard VPN With The Top Alternative VPNs
Our Score: 9.9
Our Score: 9.7
Our Score: 9.6
Our Score: 9.5
Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

The Bottom Line

Final Verdict

BTGuard VPN is not worth it. Its price is outrageous, given it does not meet the requirements for a decent VPN.

The VPN’s speeds are ok, but this is not enough. Its security is less-than-basic, its privacy questionable, and its set-up problematic. BTGuard targets torrent fans but lacks features that allow safe downloading.

There are plenty of other VPN providers who provide better service for less.

  • P2P-friendly servers
  • Features pre-configured version of uTorrent
  • Decent speeds
  • Unlimited connections

FAQs on BTGuard VPN

Is BTGuard VPN safe?

BTGuard is relatively safe but offers no special security features. It failed DNS leak tests.

Can BTGuard VPN unblock Netflix?

The VPN cannot unblock Netflix as it doesn’t have servers in the US.

Will BTGuard VPN slow my speeds down?

BTGuard VPN won't slow your speeds down. Its speeds are consistent on all its servers.

Money Back Guarantee (Days): 0
Mobile app:
Number of devices per license: 1
VPN Plans: btguard.com
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.
BTGuard VPN User Reviews (User reviews are not verified)
4.5
Based on 8 reviews in 2 languages

Write a Review on BTGuard VPN

Please rate VPN.

All Speed Streaming Security Сustomer service
Raymond Stevens
Raymond Stevens
2/10
Terrible customer service

I used them for several years without too many problems beyond when I actually had a question I needed to be answered by this outfit they never bothered to respond to my emails. One day, while connected to BTGuard, my IP was leaked to my ISP and I received a notice from Cox that I was in violation of their user agreement. I questioned BTGuard about this and I was immediately suspended and my account was closed. What the hell kind of treatment is this? And of course, they didn't bother to respond to my question as to why on earth I was suspended. At this point, I moved to TorGuard and never looked back. I've used TorGuard for 7 years. They offer a reasonable price and excellent service and outstanding customer support. I see BTGuard is still in business despite their lousy customer service and their limited functionality as discussed by the author of this article and there don't care attitude about their customers. Makes me wonder how they have any.

Anonymous
Anonymous
10/10
Works for me for years

Not sure why seen so much bad feedback here. Using BTGuard for more than 8 years. I ran into problems about 3 times. Figured out it was a software upgrade. Following their setup instructions for PCs/Linux phones works.

E.P.
E.P.
10/10
Great Service and Value VPN.

I used BTGuard for about 4 years with no issues and very professional service! You need to understand that BTGuard will NOT support unethical action, and nowhere in the service contract for the BTGuard service plan(s) does it state they will . So if you have technical issues while trying to accomplish an unethical act, they will not even respond or get involved in your unethical actions willingly, for the simple reason is that they do NOT desire to be an accessory to your unethical action(s). So don't expect Sales or Tech. Support for that. Yes they advertise that you can achieve anonymous torrenting, However, that does not imply unethical torrenting. The only issue I have with VPN service providers is that there is no real definitive way to know if they are actually allowing access to your VPN communications to a third party. The bottom line is, if you are involved in unethical activities, do not expect support from honest company's.

    About the Author

    As a Content Manager at vpnMentor, Anneke van Aswegen helps readers master VPNs quickly. With her team of writers and editors, she aims to solve problems, whether securely accessing streaming platforms or protecting data from online threats.

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