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 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering 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 the independent, 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.
Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering 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 the independent, 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 Buffered VPN vs Ironsocket VPN 2024

Table of Contents

    Which VPN is better?

    Author Image Kristina Perunicic
    Kristina Perunicic

    Managing Editor

    Although relatively expensive, TorGuard is crammed with formidable features. With servers in more than 50 countries, this VPN offers many choices for unblocking websites such as Netflix and bypassing firewalls, including those in China. Users can connect up to five devices simultaneously and still enjoy impressive connectivity speeds, even on the strongest encryption. Buffered has a lot going for it too, with servers in over 40 countries and counting. Encryption is just about decent, but this is easily made up for by the fabulous speeds. Buffered’s best proposition is the fact that the software can be downloaded on an unlimited number of devices. Buffered lacks a kill switch, but connects to a strong protocol and robust encryption. While IronSocket offers fast connection speeds and excellent encryption standards, it lacks the bells and whistles offered by other VPNs, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection. However, IronSocket impresses with its expansive and growing server network, provision for P2P downloading and a top-notch privacy policy.

    Our Score

    Features 6.6/10
    Pricing 5.0/10
    Ease of Use 5.5/10
    Reliability & Support 6.8/10
    Features 8.1/10
    Pricing 6.3/10
    Ease of Use 8.8/10
    Reliability & Support 8.6/10
    Features 7.7/10
    Pricing 8.2/10
    Ease of Use 7.4/10
    Reliability & Support 8.0/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Doris Muthuri
    Doris Muthuri

    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

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Doris Muthuri
    Doris Muthuri

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 8.1/10

    Update: Buffered VPN merged with Encrypt.me. We have thoroughly tested Encrypt.me, and you can find everything you need to know in our review. Buffered VPN has a lot to offer due to its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and reliable security. One thing it can't do is unblock Netflix, you'll need a premium vendor like ExpressVPN for that. In addition to dedicated apps available for ...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    D
    Don Bartlem
    10.0/10
    I considered a number of VPN's before going with Buffered which I find excellent.

    No issues in any aspect, On the rare occasions that I required assistance (in the initial set up stage... ), the Help Desk was outstanding. Would highly recommend Buffered to anyone considering using a VPNMore

    Latest negative user review
    T
    Trev
    2.0/10
    They are no more

    After being a customer for more than 2 years and paying a premium price for a good service. THEY DON'T...  EXIST ANYMORE.. No warning, just logged in one day and my app doesn't work and they have changed their website name. STAY AWAY, sounds dodgy.More

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Guy Fawkes
    Guy Fawkes

    Anonymous Cybersecurity Experts

    Our Score: 7.7/10

    IronSocket has 68 servers located in 36 countries around the world and, while it is not the largest VPN provider around, it still takes your privacy seriously. It claims to be able to unblock several streaming sites too but I was disappointed to see that Netflix is not one of them. IronSocket is a VPN provider whose headquarters are located in Hong Kong, and they market their service to those wh...

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    Latest positive user review
    F
    Frank Pavich
    10.0/10
    The best VPN

    How great is this company's customer service? After recently renewing for another year of service, I e... mailed them because I made an error in creating a new account. This was their reply: "It looks like you missed that we're offering a 50% discount on annual subscriptions. We've taken the time from your new subscription and added it to your current monthly subscription and we've also added an additional year FOC. Your new Next Due Date is now 24 December 2020." Seriously, they gave me an entire additional year of service for free. Try to beat that. On top of their excellent pricing, their service and tech support is top notch with quick responses and excellent assistance. I cannot recommend them highly enough.More

    Latest negative user review
    A
    Alex
    2.0/10
    Constant VPN/SOCKS5 drops, no reply from Customer Service on IP Leaks, no info on protecting yourself with torrents

    If you're torrenting there's settings in your torrent software you need to change, you need to force i... t to use the VPN. They don't provide this info and thus my IP was leaking. I logged a ticket on Nov 15th as urgent and as of Jan 19th there is no response. I have cancelled my service.More

    Pricing

    Starting price $9.99/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 7 Days
    Number of devices per license 12 devices
    Starting price $8.33/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 30 Days
    Number of devices per license 5 devices
    Starting price $4.16/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 7 Days
    Number of devices per license 3 devices

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall
    Best VPN for Torrents
    Best VPN for Windows
    Best VPN for Android
    Best VPN for Mac
    Best VPN for iOS
    Best VPN for USA

    The Bottom Line

    Compared to the other, equally impressive VPN services, TorGuard takes the crown for its powerful encryption and wide server network, which makes it a reliable VPN client for bypassing even the most robust firewalls. TorGuard also supports P2P downloading, a major proposition for users keen on torrenting. While it is expensive, you do get what you pay for, including cross-platform compatibility, a kill switch and a strict zero-logging policy, all of which are backed by reliable customer support handled via a 24/7 live chat service.

    Time to decide which one is best for you

    FAQ

    Is TorGuard better than Buffered VPN and Ironsocket VPN?

    Yes, TorGuard is better overall than Buffered VPN and Ironsocket VPN. 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, Buffered VPN and Ironsocket VPN?

    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 Buffered VPN and Ironsocket VPN?

    Yes, TorGuard is faster than Buffered VPN and Ironsocket VPN. 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, Buffered VPN or Ironsocket VPN offer any deals?

    TorGuard, Buffered VPN, and Ironsocket VPN 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 49% 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 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering 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 the independent, 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.