Best VPN for Torrenting

Lee Stanton January 4, 2024

What is the best VPN for torrenting? Torrenting is a term for downloading and uploading files via the BitTorrent network. Because of the way that protocol works, torrenting is particularly well-suited for the distribution of very large files. Although controversial, torrenting is not inherently illegal because it can be used to distribute and download content that is either free or not protected by copyright.

When downloading through torrents, it’s important to exercise caution. Torrenting can be risky and, while P2P sharing of files is useful, you may be exposed to different threats. Thankfully, there are VPNs. A Virtual Private Network or VPN encrypts your internet traffic and keeps your identity safe while browsing the internet. A VPN will anonymize your torrenting traffic and prevent your ISP from throttling your connection.

It’s advisable to use a VPN when torrenting to safeguard your security and privacy. However, choosing a VPN can be a daunting task. You might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of VPNs available on the market. Furthermore, some VPNs leak the very information they say they will protect; some don’t allow torrenting, and others are so slow you will want to give up. To help you in this regard, we will list the best VPNs for torrenting.

This article will list the 5 best VPNs for torrenting. But if you’re in a hurry, here are our top choices:

Best VPNs for Torrenting

Best VPN for Torrenting: Top 5

1. ExpressVPN

Here are the reasons why ExpressVPN is the best VPN for torrenting. It has more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries, has fast connection speeds to ensure speedy downloads, with kill switches for various devices, and it’s so easy to use. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so in effect, you can try it risk-free.

Furthermore, all of its servers are P2P optimized, meaning users can get excellent download speeds wherever they are. The best VPN for torrenting should have lots of security features to keep you safe. ExpressVPN delivers on this aspect with private DNS servers, WebRTC leak protection, and Perfect Forward Secrecy.

Beyond excellent privacy, Express also provides fast connection speeds, which is essential for any torrenting VPN. And its vast server network means you’ll have a whole host of overseas connections to choose from.

ExpressVPN is equipped with a kill switch and split tunneling. Combined with a strict no-logs policy, it provides a complete torrenting VPN package. Outside of torrenting, it’s also excellent at unblocking streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Although ExpressVPN is pricier than some other VPNs, it’s worth it because it has the things you want in a torrenting VPN – fast speed, excellent security, and privacy. If you sign up for the 1-year plan, you’ll get 3 months for free.

If you ever run into issues, ExpressVPN has got you covered with its 24/7 customer support. And if you realize that you’re not satisfied with the service, you can claim a full refund by availing the 30-day money-back guarantee.

PROS

Torrenting support on every server
Lots of server locations
Fast connection speeds
Excellent security features
30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

Up to 5 simultaneous connections only

Get ExpressVPN now!

2. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a great VPN for torrenting, and even though it has a lot of features, it’s still easy to use. You’ll know right away that torrenting is a priority because the VPN will automatically set itself up to give you the best torrenting experience.

That means you don’t have to mess around with protocols or randomly test servers to find the best P2P performance. CyberGhost will do what you want it to do because it knows what you want. It even has a big button that says “Torrent Anonymously.” As you might expect, there is also a clear policy against logging, a reliable kill switch, and split tunneling.

CyberGhost’s App Protection is another welcome feature. Basically, this means that you can set up the VPN so that it connects automatically to a server of your choice when you open a certain app. When it comes to additional features, CyberGhost has NoSpy servers (faster, more private, and more secure). Smart Rules, meanwhile, will help you automate CyberGhost, which is convenient for VPN users. You can also connect up to 7 devices simultaneously and set it up on your router.

But the most impressive thing about CyberGhost is how fast it connects when you use WireGuard. When you’re downloading, there won’t be any noticeable slowdown. For these reasons, CyberGhost is a great choice if you need a VPN for torrenting.

PROS

Specialized P2P servers
Fast connection speeds
Independently audited zero-logs policy
Budget-friendly VPN
45-day money-back guarantee

CONS

Not the best VPN for Linux

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3. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has a large number of servers (30,000 servers in 91 countries), all of which enable P2P torrenting. And like any excellent torrenting VPN, there are no bandwidth restrictions at all.

PIA also provides some features not found in your typical VPN. Port forwarding guarantees your torrenting speeds remain as fast as possible by rerouting connections over NAT firewalls, although this is only advisable if you’re an experienced user because it could expose you to additional risks. Additionally, PIA offers split tunneling and a kill switch to optimize your P2P experience.

When utilizing WireGuard, PIA delivered comparatively slow connection rates of about 320Mbps. Although it’s not among the fastest VPN services, most users will find that it’s sufficient for their domestic Internet connections. The good news is that experiencing dropped connections is very unlikely.

Along with a zero-logs policy, PIA also provides live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Even if it isn’t as sleek as some others, PIA is a reliable torrenting VPN that works on many different platforms and will keep you secure.

Overall, Private Internet Access is an affordable torrenting VPN which runs on plenty of devices and provides safe torrenting. As of this writing, it only costs $2.03 per month for a 2-year plan (with 4 months free). Besides having a gigantic server network and great value, PIA allows you to connect unlimited devices simultaneously.

PROS

Torrenting is allowed on all servers
Vast server network
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Affordable VPN
30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

Not as polished as other VPNs

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4. NordVPN

This VPN service provider can deliver connection speeds that can meet the expectations of demanding torrenters. Despite not being created specifically as a VPN for torrenting, NordVPN nonetheless performs admirably. It is absolutely something to think about because of the excellent speeds, reliability, and wide variety of servers.

NordVPN is known for its rigorous security procedures. There is a lot here to keep you safe, including strong encryption, a selection of protocols, two kill switches, zero logging, and DNS leak blocking.

Although not all servers support P2P, there are hundreds in the US, UK, and many more locations across the world that do. When the VPN identifies torrenting traffic, it will connect you to the ideal P2P server in your area, making the procedure painless as well.

PROS

Fast connection speeds
No DNS leaks
Split tunneling
Process-specific kill switch
30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

Desktop app can take a while to connect

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5. Surfshark

For individuals who want to be protected yet are on a budget, Surfshark is a good all-around torrenting VPN. There’s a lot you can do to customize your P2P experience, thanks to a comprehensive set of features that includes split tunneling, protocol switching, and a kill switch.

Unlimited devices are covered with a single subscription. Surfshark has Double Hop, zero knowledge DNS servers, and a no-logs policy in addition to reasonable connection speeds.

Having said that, not all of Surfshark’s servers support P2P traffic. This VPN service is a tempting alternative if you want to save money, but it’s simply not as specialized for torrenting as those further up the list.

PROS

Unlimited connections
Wide range of security features
Budget-friendly
24/7 support
30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

Some servers slower than others

Get Surfshark now!

Best VPN for Torrenting FAQs

Why use a VPN for torrenting?

Your ISP can see exactly what you’re doing online when you use a regular, unencrypted connection. ISPs have been known to throttle frequent users who utilize torrents (regardless of what they are downloading). When you use a VPN, your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing because a VPN encrypts all of your traffic.

Any torrent activity will only be traced to an IP address related to a VPN, not your real IP address (since you will be utilizing a separate IP address when connected to a VPN). It means that no history of your personal IP will be discovered by anyone looking into it.

Is using a VPN for torrenting legal?

The act of torrenting is not unlawful; it is merely the sharing of data in little packets across several devices. Torrenting allows quick and efficient computer-to-computer transfers (known as P2P sharing).

Only when you use torrenting to share content that is owned by someone else, such as a movie owned by a media corporation that you are not paying for, does the activity turn unlawful.

What are the features of a great VPN for torrenting?

Make sure your VPN has a clear “no logs” policy in place if you want the best possible personal security and anonymity protection. This implies that the VPN won’t store any information that may be used to identify you, and it won’t have any to offer as proof in the unusual event that it is asked to do so.

Given that you’ll likely be exchanging large files when utilizing a torrenting VPN, connection speed is another factor to consider.

No leaking is also extremely crucial. Networks of monitoring nodes that can join torrent swarms and gather IP addresses are currently being run by many media companies. Therefore, you won’t need to be concerned about being included on that list if you’re using a VPN with leak protection.

Can a VPN prevent your ISP from throttling your connection?

Yes. Some ISPs closely monitor torrenting, and many may throttle your connection if they see you doing P2P sharing.

Throttling basically refers to your ISP slowing down your connection in order to either discourage specific behaviors or save bandwidth. It doesn’t just happen to folks who are torrenting; it can also happen to people who are streaming or playing online games who use a lot of bandwidth.

When you use a VPN, your ISP cannot determine that you are torrenting and decides not to throttle your connection since it cannot see what you are doing online. Therefore, if you have frequent connection drops while torrenting, a VPN could be able to get you back up to speed.

Do all VPNs allow torrenting?

Many VPN services allow torrenting. After all, P2P file sharing concealment is a common use for VPNs. Just keep in mind that the VPN you choose should, at the very least, have a kill switch, never store your IP address, and never keep traffic logs.