10 Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2024 – Stay Anonymous and Safe

Ruheni Mathenge  - Streaming Expert
Last updated: January 8, 2024
Read time: 28 minutes
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Not every service works as it promises, which makes finding the best VPN for torrenting tough. We tested dozens. Here are the best ones.

THE TAKEAWAYS

Torrenting has garnered a grey reputation for allowing easy access to copyrighted materials. But torrenting also has its pros, especially when it serves people with the desired content at no cost. Nonetheless, the governments and ISPs often do not appreciate torrenting, thus banning it. That’s where VPNs come into play, ensuring that your torrenting activities stay under the radar. Also, using VPNs while torrenting saves you from bandwidth throttling and lets you secure your overall internet connectivity.

Torrenting has amassed a lot of popularity in the recent past. It is a peer-to-peer (P2P) network where users connect and share files instead of relying on a centralized server. Each device on the network acts as a mini-server, which helps to reduce the network load considerably.

While torrenting allows you to download and share files at incredible speeds, it also presents certain risks. The only way to download torrents safely is to use a VPN.

However, finding the best VPN for torrenting is a bit tricky as many services are not up to the task. Some don’t support torrenting, while others don’t put up necessary measures to prevent data leakage. That is why we researched and tested thoroughly to compile a list of the ten best VPNs for torrenting for you.

A quick summary of the best torrenting VPNs

  1. NordVPN – Our top pick for torrenting. It comes with fast-speed servers, a zero-log policy, P2P optimized servers.
  2. ExpressVPN – High speeds, Network Lock, keeps no logs. Easy to use apps, TrustedServer technology
  3. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Expansive server network, DNS leak protection, supports P2P sharing.
  4. Surfshark – Low-cost VPN for torrenting, unlimited simultaneous connections, solid security, CleanWeb feature.
  5. CyberGhost – P2P optimized servers, great connection speeds, boasts a massive server network, no-logs policy.
  6. VyprVPN – P2P servers, WireGuard protocol, NAT firewall, AES 256-bit encryption, zero-logs policy
  7. IPVanish – Unlimited simultaneous connections, SugarSync storage, DNS leak protection, 30-day money-back guarantee
  8. Proton VPN – Perfect forward secrecy, open-source apps, supports P2P sharing, DNS leak protection
  9. Ivacy – AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN protocol, kill switch, 30-day money-back guarantee
  10. PrivateVPN – P2P sharing, unlimited bandwidth, DNS leak protection, stealth mode, AES-bit encryption

Best VPNs for torrenting – Detailed list

It is difficult to get a reliable, fast, and safe VPN for torrenting, especially if it is the first time. After researching and testing over 150 VPNs, we found out that many can risk your privacy and affect speeds. However, these ten best VPNs for torrenting have passed our test, and you can use them for your P2P activities without worries.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN for Streaming

This service provider addresses your torrenting needs by offering dedicated P2P-optimized servers. Just connect to one of them and enjoy speedy and anonymous torrenting.

servers 5,000+ servers in 60 countries
P2P optimized servers P2P optimized servers
encryption AES 256-bit encryption
Kill switch Automatic kill switch
protection DNS/IPv6 leak protection
simultaneous connections Allows up to 6 simultaneous devices
money-back guarantee 30-days money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Advanced security and privacy features
  • Speedy servers
  • Allows P2P activity
Cons
  • Too many options may confuse new users

NordVPN provides the best mixture of quality and cost and is our top pick for a torrent VPN. It offers fast speeds and solid-rock security and is incredibly easy to use. The whole installation process will only take you less than 5 minutes to complete

Fortunately, most NordVPN servers are P2P optimized. The best part is that you can easily access the servers from the app sidebar. This will save you from going to the website to look for a server that allows P2P activity.

You can use the P2P server selection tool to connect to the fastest server based on your location automatically. We tested the feature and got superfast speeds of up to 63.87 Mbps. The drop in our base speed was only 3%. These servers are specially designed to provide better speeds while maintaining your privacy and security.

With more than 5,000 servers spread across 60 countries, you will be able to access blocked torrent websites. It has a SmartPlay feature that will help you to bypass all geo-blocks. The VPN also has servers in extremely restricted regions such as the UAE and Turkey. Unfortunately, it still uses hard drive storage on the servers instead of RAM.

NordVPN’s security is second to none. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to hide your torrenting activities. The encryption is so secure that no one can see what you are doing. It is strengthened with SHA2-384 authentication and a 2048-bit DH key for maximum protection.

The perfect forward secrecy (PFS) will assign you an encryption key every time you start a session. It makes you look like a new user each time you log on to NordVPN. This means that your activity and data from previous sessions will be unrelated to the current one. So, there would be no data to expose you if your torrenting connection is compromised.

The kill switch is a crucial feature when torrenting. It will automatically cut your traffic flow if the VPN connection drops to prevent revealing your activities and data. NordVPN also offers DNS/IPv6 leak protection to stop any accidental exposure of your IP address and DNS requests. It is safe to say that the provider shields your anonymity and ensures you are safe when torrenting.

NordVPN takes your security a step further with the double encryption feature. It routes your traffic through two servers instead of one for maximum protection.

There will be no single line to track your traffic since it bounces between servers in different locations. However, it might slightly slow your speeds. NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee tells a lot about the provider’s performance. That also means you can test it yourself risk-free.


2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN new features block logo 120 by 120 now

Thanks to its underlying stealth technology, ExpressVPN lets you download torrents without fearing online tracking or speed lags.

servers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
encryption AES 256-bit encryption
protection DNS/IPv6 leak protection
P2P optimized servers P2P optimized servers
Kill switch Network Lock (kill switch) feature
Trusted servers nord TrustedServer technology
Split tunneling feature Split tunneling
simultaneous connections Allows 5 devices simultaneously
money-back guarantee 30-day money back guarantee
Pros
  • Work wells with torrent sites
  • Reasonably fast
  • Total privacy
Cons
  • Slightly expensive

ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN for torrenting. It has a reputation for reliable speeds, and our extensive research shows that it delivers in other areas.

The VPN allows P2P activities on its entire server network. This means you can torrent on any of the servers. With the unlimited data and bandwidth, you can download and share even large torrent files quickly and efficiently.

ExpressVPN operates over 3000 servers distributed in more than 94 locations. Connecting to a server near your location can offer better speeds than a remote server. Alternatively, you can use the Smart Location feature to find the most optimal server.

Secure and anonymous torrenting is ExpressVPN’s forte. It uses AES 256-bit encryption alongside a 4096-bit RSA key, AES 256-bit cipher, and SHA-512 HMAC authentication. This is the highest security standard that is near-impossible to break. There is also perfect forward secrecy that changes your encryption key after every session.

ExpressVPN calls its kill switch feature the Network Lock. It is designed to halt your traffic if the VPN connection is compromised temporarily. This will help to keep your IP address and traffic secure. Unfortunately, the feature is not available for iOS devices.

The split tunneling feature will allow you to choose the traffic to encrypt. You can easily add or remove apps on the encrypted tunnel by clicking the plus symbol. This will enable you to surf locally and through the VPN simultaneously. For example, you can encrypt your torrenting traffic and leave your banking app on the normal connection.

ExpressVPN is compatible with the Tor network for additional privacy when torrenting. In fact, it supports the Tor over VPN setup instead of the reverse.

According to ExpressVPN’s privacy policy, it does not gather or store any logs of your activity or connection logs. The only data the provider keeps is the information you make available when signing up. It is also headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which sits outside the 5/9/14 Eye alliance.

The TrustedServer technology is designed to make the servers operate only on RAM. This ensures that all data is wiped out with every new session. Since RAM is incapable of storing anything, your data from previous sessions is completely deleted.

One and only disadvantage that this provider has is its expensiveness. ExpressVPN is slightly pricier than its competitors. However, you should take advantage of the latest deal on the annual subscription that offers a 49% discount plus three months free. Also, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try the services risk-free. 


3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private internet access pros cons block logo

While it’s a US-based VPN, PIA respects users’ privacy and internet freedom. Thus, it also supports secure torrenting with speedy and safe servers.

servers Numerous servers in 84 countries
encryption AES 128-bit/256-bit encryption
P2P optimized servers Supports P2P sharing
protection DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Kill switch Kill switch
Ad Blocker feature MACE ad blocker
simultaneous connections Up to 10 simultaneous connections
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Allows P2P sharing
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Offers Ad malware, and tracker blocker
Cons
  • It does not work in China

Private Internet Access (PIA) has recently expanded its server network to become the industry’s biggest. The provider is well known for its commitment to privacy and security. We tested it and were amazed by its performance.

It claims to offer full P2P support on its entire server network. The servers are easy and quick to connect, so you’ll start to torrent without delays.

While it may not be the fastest in the market, it is reliable and fast enough for torrenting. More servers translate to improved speeds since there is less congestion. With unlimited bandwidth and data, you can torrent as much as you want without any restrictions.

Our connections remained steady during our test. However, we noticed a slight drop in the download speeds when we connected to international servers. This is normal, but you can connect to servers close to your location for improved speeds.

The VPN also uses port forwarding for improved speeds and efficient torrenting. It may not be easier to set up if you are a beginner since you will have to configure it manually. However, you can get in touch with the customer agent through the 24/7 live chat to help you through the process.

PIA will protect your torrenting activities with 128-bit encryption. Although the algorithm is a bit lower than AES 256-bit encryption, it is still extremely secure. OpenVPN is the default protocol on all its apps, but there is an option to choose between TCP and UDP. On the other hand, iOS devices use the IPsec protocol. The VPN recently introduced the WireGuard protocol, which has attracted attention due to its improved speeds and better encryption.

The provider is based in the US, which may raise concerns because it is a 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance member. However, PIA clearly states that it observes a strict zero-logs policy and does not collect or log any traffic.

Private Internet Access offers an effective ad blocker dubbed “MACE”. Besides blocking ads, it also prevents trackers and malware. Unfortunately, the feature is not available on iOS devices.


4. Surfshark

SurfsharkVPN

Surfshark is an affordable premium VPN for users wanting a cheap yet safe option to download torrents. The added CleanWeb feature is a plus to ensure safe torrenting.

servers 3,200 servers in 65 countries
encryption AES-256-bit encryption
P2P optimized servers P2P servers
MultiHop mode MultiHop mode
protection DNS leak protection
Kill switch Automatic kill switch
Camouflage mode Camouflage Mode
simultaneous connections Allows unlimited devices simultaneously
money-back guarantee 30-days money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Supports P2P activities
  • No connection limit
  • Practically fast
Cons
  • Slow connections on some servers

Surfshark is an affordable and secure VPN for torrenting. It offers a fast and reliable server network that is ever-expanding. Its apps are filled with all the features you may need in a torrenting VPN.

All its 3,200 servers support P2P sharing, while some are even optimized for fast torrenting. This means you will be able to bypass restrictions and access geo-blocked torrent sites. We tested some of the servers and experienced only a 2% drop in our base speed.

The VPN will protect your torrenting activities with AES 256-bit encryption. This is formidable protection, and third parties, including your ISP, cannot see your torrenting activities. The automatic kill switch will kick in to temporarily block your traffic if the VPN connection fails.

Surfshark’s version of Double VPN is the MultiHop mode. It passes your traffic through two servers instead of one for additional protection. Although this is a great feature for torrenting, it may slightly slow your connection.  

Its privacy policy clearly states that it does not keep any logs. Even if you accidentally download copyrighted material, there will be no data to hold you accountable. It is also registered in the British Virgin Islands, a country with friendly privacy laws.

It has a camouflage mode that will help you to avoid censorship or bypass VPN usage restrictions. The feature will mask your VPN activities and make it look like a regular connection. This means nobody will see that you are using a VPN.

The CleanWeb feature will block the annoying ads on your torrent index. It will also notify you when you are about to visit a doubtful site. Sadly, it does not prevent malicious torrent files. However, you can check out our guide to the best antivirus for additional protection.

Another great perk of choosing Surfshark is the unlimited simultaneous connections. This is a great feature if you want to torrent on multiple devices. Luckily, it is compatible with all the popular operating systems such as Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux.

Surfshark offers three pricing plans. The 24-months plan is the best value for money as it comes with an 81% discount. All the plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can test the services risk-free.


5. CyberGhost

cyberghost small

With numerous servers, CyberGhost never fails to offer speedy servers to afford torrenting on any device. Test the service risk-free using its 24-hour free trial first.

servers 8,000+ servers in 91 countries
encryption AES-256-bit encryption
protection DNS leak protection
P2P optimized servers P2P optimized servers
Zero-logs policy Zero-logs policy
Kill switch Kill switch
simultaneous connections Allows up to 7 simultaneous connections
money-back guarantee 45-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • P2P optimized servers
  • Does not keep logs
  • Consistent speeds
Cons
  • Ineffective ad blocker

CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN for torrenting, making it a great choice for beginners. It comes with high-end features, some which are rare to find in the industry.

The VPN has specialized torrenting servers designed to offer improved speeds than normal servers. You can easily access these servers on the ‘For Torrenting’ button in the app. Overall, the VPN has over 8,000 servers to enable you to access blocked torrent sites. The distance and load information will help you identify congested servers and which is closest for better performance.

CyberGhost offers consistent speeds on most of the servers. Although it is not as fast as its competitors like NordVPN, it is still reliable for torrenting. You can use the quick connect feature to let the app automatically select the most optimal server for your connection.

It will protect your torrenting activities with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Moreover, the provider supports multiple security protocols such as IKEv2, OpenVPN TCP/UDP, and WireGuard. You can choose whichever protocol you want or allow the app to select the best based on your connection automatically.

The kill switch feature is enabled on all its apps. This is a very crucial feature when torrenting, even though you might never need to use it. The feature will cut your traffic when the VPN connection goes down. If it is not there, you risk exposing your torrenting activities to everyone on the P2P network. There is also DNS/IPv6 leak protection on both the apps and browser extensions.

CyberGhost is compatible with all major platforms, including Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and Linux. You can also install it on your router to connect other devices such as Smart TVs, PS4 consoles, and Roku. Fortunately, it allows you to connect up to 7 simultaneous devices.

One area in that CyberGhost outdoes its competitors is the generous 45-days money-back guarantee. However, it is only available for plans longer than six months. You can ask for a refund through the 24/7 live chat or the ticketing system.


6. VyprVPN

Vyprvpn

Don’t be deceived by its small network. VyprVPN is a major player in the VPN industry that facilitates torrenting with privacy.

servers 700+ servers in 70+ locations
P2P optimized servers Supports P2P sharing
encryption AES 256-bit encryption
Kill switch Automatic kill switch
Zero-logs policy Zero-logs policy
simultaneous connections Allows up to 30 simultaneous connections
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Easy to use apps
  • Operates its own servers
  • Does not keep logs
Cons
  • Smaller server network

VyprVPN is a Switzerland-based VPN provider that is well known for its advocacy of internet privacy. The provider has also taken steps to improve its security, reliability, and quality of service.

While it has a smaller server network than its competitors, it is a dependable option to torrent. The VPN has a proprietary security protocol that is designed to knock down even the hardest geo-blocks. This is perfect if torrent sites are blocked in your region.

We put it to test to see whether the servers support P2P sharing. You will be impressed to know that it delivers exceptional performance even when you connect to international servers.

VyprVPN runs its own server network. This helps to reduce the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks when torrenting. VPNs with third-party servers might not have the same level of security, which might expose your activities.

The Chameleon Protocol allows you to torrent in restricted locations like China. It works as the obfuscation feature to mask your connections so no one can see you are using a VPN.  The protocol also delivers fast speeds. This means you will be able to download torrent files without any buffering or lags.

VyprVPN operates from Switzerland, but its parent company is headquartered in the US. Fortunately, it has a valid zero-logs policy and will not retain any of your personal data or torrenting activities.


7. IPVanish

IPVanish

Its support for unlimited device connections lets you download your favorite torrents on any device you own at any time.

servers 2,000 servers in 75 locations
P2P optimized servers P2P servers
encryption AES 256-bit encryption
Kill switch Auutomatic kill switch
protection WiFi protection
simultaneous connections Allows unlimited connections simultaneously
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Optimized server for torrenting
  • Advanced security features
  • Anonymous signup and payment
Cons
  • It does not have a live chat feature

IPVanish is one of the best VPNs for torrenting. It offers high speeds, top-notch security, and impressive unblocking capabilities.

Recently, the provider allowed unlimited simultaneous connections on all the plans. This is an excellent feature if you want to seed files with your family and friends.

It is the right choice for private and safe torrenting. Our tests showed that it offers consistent speeds on its 1,600 servers. Most of the servers support P2P sharing, so you will not be restricted to using specific servers.

Although IPVanish is based in the US, it does not keep logs. In theory, copyright trolls can easily reach you if you accidentally download copyrighted material. However, since the provider observes a strict zero-logs policy, you are guaranteed to get high-privacy standards.

IPVanish provides 256-bit encryption to keep you safe from other third parties. There is also DNS leakage protection to prevent your DNS request from routing through your ISP’s servers. This can easily reveal your IP address and even allow your ISP to track your torrenting activities.

The Wi-Fi protection will keep you safe when torrenting on a public hotspot. It means you can use BitTorrent in your local library or coffee shop.


8. Proton VPN

ProtonVPN

This Swiss-based stealthy VPN offers a fast-speed, reliable, and resilient server network offering multiple locations – just everything you need for safe torrenting.

servers 1600+ servers in 63 countries
encryption AES 256-bit encryption
P2P optimized servers Supports P2P sharing
Zero-logs policy Zero-logs policy
simultaneous connections Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
money-back guarantee 30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
  • State-of-the-art security features
  • Privacy-focused
  • Sleek and attractive interface
Cons
  • Unreliable customer support

Proton VPN has a decent-sized server network but plays in the big leagues. Besides the paid subscription, the provider also offers a free version. Although the free version has limited features, it is a better option than choosing VPNs that claim to provide completely free services.

This is an excellent choice for torrenting. The provider supports P2P file sharing and all its servers. It aims to keep your torrenting activities private with the zero-logs policy.

The VPN is packed with advanced security features to keep you safe when torrenting. Your traffic and data are protected with the AES 256-bit encryption combined with a 4096-bit RSA key exchange. You might not know what it means, but be assured that it is a safe and sound algorithm.

Furthermore, the perfect forward secrecy (PFS) helps to maintain your anonymity. It generates a new encryption key each time you start a new session with the server. This means your current data and activities will not be related to your previous session for anonymity. 


9. Ivacy

Perfect Privacy small logo

It takes pride in supporting P2P activities by offering port forwarding, strict no-logging policies, thorough IP masking, zero bandwidth throttling, and much more exciting features.

servers 5,700+ servers in 66 countries
encryption AES 256-bit Encryption
P2P optimized servers P2P sharing
Kill switch Kill switch
Zero-logs policy Zero-logs policy
protection DNS leak protection
simultaneous connections Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
money-back guarantee 30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Allows torrenting activities
  • Extremely affordable
  • Does not keep your personal data
Cons
  • No-kill switch on macOS

Ivacy is an exceptional and high-quality VPN at an affordable price. It is based in Singapore, which is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eye countries.

While it is not as superfast as other VPNs on this list, the speeds can handle torrenting activities. During our tests, we saw speeds of up to 70Mbps when we connected to a closer server. This is just a 4% drop in our average speed.

Ivacy’s privacy policy is transparent and imparts confidence that your torrenting activities will remain secure and private. Alongside a strict zero-logs policy, the provider also provides a kill switch, DDoS protection, and IPv6 leak protection. Moreover, it supports multiple security protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2, and IPSec.


10. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN small

As the name implies, PrivateVPN keeps your torrenting sessions “private” via its secure and stealth network.

servers 200+ server locations in 63 countries
encryption AES 256-bit encryption
P2P optimized servers Unlimited P2P file sharing
Zero-logs policy No-logs policy
protection DNS/IPv6 leak protection
simultaneous connections Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
money-back guarantee 30-days money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Advanced features for torrenting
  • Budget-friendly
  • Protect your data and traffic
Cons
  • Unreliable speed performance

PrivateVPN is a simple but reliable VPN for torrenting. It offers a secure service with feature-filled apps that can handle up to six simultaneous connections.

The VPN is torrent-friendly as it supports unlimited P2P file sharing. Some of the servers have port forwarding, which helps to improve efficiency and speeds.

It may not have a big server network, but it still offers reliable speeds to torrent smoothly without interruptions. The provider does not restrict bandwidth and data, so you can share and download even large torrent files.

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which may be a major concern since it is a 14-Eyes Alliance member. However, the VPN upholds a strict no-logs policy, so you don’t have to worry about your torrenting activities getting exposed. 


How to start torrenting with a VPN

It is effortless to get going with a VPN for torrenting. Just follow the following steps to start using a VPN for anonymous and safer torrenting:

  1. Choose a reputable VPN. We recommend NordVPN as it works well with all torrenting clients and uses high-level encryption
  2. Download and install the VPN software
  3. Open the VPN app and ensure the kill switch is enabled
  4. Select any server and connect
  5. Start downloading and sharing torrent files

Why do you need a VPN to torrent?

VPN

A VPN is an essential tool if you are a frequent torrent user. It allows you to connect to remote servers to protect your connection. This will mask your real IP address and location from other BitTorrent peers.

The idea is to make you anonymous when torrenting.

For instance, you can easily get into trouble for accidentally downloading copyrighted material. A VPN will hide your torrenting traffic to help you avoid copyright lawsuits.

Risks of torrenting without a VPN 

Torrenting without a VPN exposes you to a lot of risks. Here are the most common.


Speed throttling

Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer a particular bandwidth to all users. Torrenting is a data-intensive activity and can eat more bandwidth than what is allowed. If your ISP notices that you are using more data, it will intentionally slow down your speed. This is what is known as throttling.

The primary concern is that your ISP is monitoring your activities. Using a VPN is the simplest way to hide your traffic and activities from your ISP.

Torrent poisoning

This is a practice of deliberately sharing data with misleading file names or corrupt data. Anti-infringement organizations sometimes carry it out to collect IP addresses of downloaders and prevent P2P sharing of copyrighted material.

Some of the common methods of attack include index poisoning, decoy insertion, interdiction, and spoofing. These actions can put you at risk, and the best way to stay safe is to use a VPN.

Downloading copyrighted material can easily land you into trouble. The copyright holder authorizes a copyright troll to take legal action against anyone downloading the content illegally. When using a torrenting client like BitTorrent, your IP address is the first thing that will be exposed.

The IP address can be traced back to the internet service provider. Copyright trolls will send the list of IP addresses caught with copyright infringement alongside the settlement letters to the ISP. The ISP will, in turn, distribute the settlements to its users.

Remember that copyright trolls are very active, and more than 3,300 lawsuits were issued to BitTorrent users in 2018. Using a VPN will hide your torrenting activities and make you anonymous even if you accidentally download copyrighted material.

Note:
Be careful and take the necessary precautions to stay safe when torrenting. Otherwise, you can get into legal troubles, get infected with malware or virus, and face ISP penalties. There are vulnerabilities associated with torrenting since it is a peer-to-peer network that depends on file-sharing amongst users.

What makes a VPN good for torrenting

vpn

Security and privacy should be at the top of your list when choosing a VPN for Torrenting. On the other hand, you should also pay attention to the speed to avoid annoying long download times.

We have outlined some of the critical factors you should keep in mind when selecting torrenting VPNs. We used these criteria to pick the above VPNs over the rest available in the market.

Support P2P sharing

Perhaps this is the first thing you should consider, as many VPNs don’t support P2P sharing. It can be disastrous to assume that a VPN supports P2P only to find out it doesn’t after subscribing. 

The main reason why some VPNs don’t support P2P sharing is that it brings an extra strain to the network. In addition, some providers want to avoid the increased legal requirements. So, you must search and be sure that you are committing to the best VPN for torrents.

In fact, some VPNs like CyberGhost offer P2P-optimized servers. This will allow you to access your torrenting client effortlessly and for better performance.


Speed and network quality

Using any VPN will slow down your internet speed because it has to pass your traffic through a remote server. Since torrenting is an intensive activity, you would want a VPN service that offers sufficient speeds. The drop in your speed should be barely noticeable.

You should also consider a VPN that offers multiple servers in a location instead of one server. This way, you can easily switch servers in case of unexpected disconnection.


No data limitation

Internet usage mainly relies on the transmission of data packets. Most internet service providers offer unlimited data plans, but this is not the case with VPN service providers. Many VPNs like Windscribe and TunnelBear provide both free and paid versions.

In most cases, the free option comes with some restrictions like capped data. This means you cannot exceed the set limit, which can be frustrating when torrenting.

It is a common strategy used to compel you to upgrade to the paid versions. Some providers like Windscribe offer generous 10GB free monthly data. However, this can only be enough for a few torrent files. So, be on the lookout for the data and bandwidth limitations.


Security and privacy features

A reliable VPN should offer the necessary security and privacy feature to keep you completely secure and protected when torrenting.

For instance, it should have at least AES 128-bit encryption and above. Besides, pay attention to the kill switch feature. It will prevent your data from being exposed if the VPN connection is compromised. Other crucial features to look out for include DNS/IPv6 leak protection, double VPN, obfuscated servers, tor compatibility, etc.


Zero-logs policy and Jurisdiction

This is a very crucial factor to consider when choosing a VPN for torrenting. There are thousands of torrent links, and sometimes, you can accidentally download copyrighted material. So, look for a VPN provider that does not collect or store any identifiable information.

Besides, it should follow a strict no-logs policy. This will ensure complete anonymity as there will be no data to trace back to you. Moreover, it should be based in a country with privacy-friendly laws and not part of the 5/9/24 Eye alliance.


Server network

The best VPN for torrenting should have a reliable network with servers spread worldwide. Remember that a VPN works by creating an encrypted tunnel to pass your traffic. Any VPN requires multiple servers to handle torrenting traffic. Few servers result in congestion, which can cause slow speeds. Therefore, always choose a provider that has a bigger server network, like NordVPN.

Furthermore, you should also consider the server location. Connecting to a server closer to your location can offer faster speeds than a server located far away. In addition, you can get a responsive connection, which can come in handy when torrenting.

On the other, VPNs in other countries can be useful to bypass geo-restrictions and avoid censorship. When you connect to a server in any country, you will be assigned a new IP address of that country. This will help you to access any blocked content. 


What are the legal issues associated with Torrenting

In most cases, torrenting is associated with copyright abuse and privacy. However, the underlying technology is perfectly legal to use.

If you use popular P2P sites such as ThePirateBay or RARBG, chances are you can accidentally download copyrighted material.

Authorities can prosecute you for committing an offense. On the other hand, copyright holders and ISPs can threaten or even sue you. Although it is unlikely to be taken to court, you can be asked to pay for damages.

Free VPNs for Torrenting

The popularity of VPNs is steadily growing, and many free VPNs claim to offer high-quality services. Using free VPNs for torrents may seem like a favorable option since you don’t have to pay anything. Some VPN providers offer both free and paid services.

What is the catch with free VPNs for torrenting? 


Security

The main reason for using a VPN is to keep you safe from malicious actors when torrenting. We found out that many free VPNs lack the necessary security measures to protect your torrenting activities during our testing. In fact, most of them do not have dependable encryption or even kill switches to safeguard your IP address.

A recent study found that free VPNs inject malware into their software. This can cause a potential security breach on your device and leave it exposed to everyone. While a glitch does not seem like much, it is not something you would want to happen when torrenting.

Data and bandwidth limitation

Because torrenting requires a lot of bandwidth and data, you would want a VPN with no limitations. However, many free VPNs cap the amount of data you can use either daily or monthly.

VPN providers use that strategy to force free users to subscribe to the paid versions. A good example is Windscribe, which offers 10GB of free monthly data. That is only enough for a few torrent files. Others, like TunnelBear, offer a measly 500MB, which cannot sustain even a single download.

Slow speeds

As mentioned before, you will likely experience slow speeds with any VPN. The situation may be a bit worse with free VPNs. Running and maintaining a VPN network is costly, and many free VPNs do not have the resources. In most cases, they have few congested servers, which causes slow speeds.

Some providers may intentionally slow your speed. Proton VPN is a good example of this strategy. While the VPN offers dependable security features, it prioritizes its paid subscribers more than free users. In most cases, the free users will experience a snail’s pace. This is to encourage them to upgrade to paid versions.

Tracking your activities

Another major reason for using a VPN is to protect your privacy when torrenting. Therefore, it is shockingly ironic that the majority of free VPNs embed trackers in their apps. These trackers are used to collect data on your online activity to send you targeted ads. Some of the well-known free providers that contain trackers include Hotspot Shield, Opera VPN, and Betternet.

Free VPNs will do the opposite, rather than giving you privacy while torrenting. They gather your information and sell it to the highest bidder. Some free VPNs hide the fact that they collect and sell your data, while others confess in their privacy policy. For instance, Psiphon VPN openly states that it gives advertisers access to your data.

Does a VPN improve my download speeds?

No, although this is a common delusion about VPNs. In most cases, you will likely experience a slight loss of speed as it encrypts your traffic. However, the speed discrepancy should be minimal if you use a reliable VPN like NordVPN.

The only context which a VPN might improve your overall speed is when your internet service provider throttles your speed. A VPN will be the solution if you know that your ISP is deliberately slowing your download speeds. A good VPN will encrypt your torrenting traffic and completely hide your IP address from your ISP. Since it won’t see what you are doing, it won’t throttle your speeds.

Luckily, most of the VPNs we have compiled above offer generous money-back guarantees. This allows you to put the service to the test risk-free before committing to a paid plan. If the VPN does not meet your needs, you can easily get back your money.

How do I access blocked torrent sites?

blocked torrent sites

Besides safeguarding your torrenting activities and maintaining your privacy, a VPN will also enable you to bypass geo-restrictions. This is invaluable if you want to access blocked torrenting sites.

Many internet service providers around the world block popular torrenting sites. This prevents you from accessing these sites to share or download torrent files. However, your ISP will not see what you are doing with a VPN.

Moreover, accessing blocked torrent sites with a VPN is child’s play. All you have to do is connect to a server in a country where the torrent site is not blocked. This will enable you to download and share any torrent file without restrictions.

VPNs, you should avoid torrenting

Although none of the VPNs we have listed above permit illegal torrenting, some providers completely block P2P activities. Here are some of the VPNs that are not reliable enough for torrenting.

Hola VPN

Hola is one of the VPN services that prohibit torrenting activities on its servers. In fact, its website explicitly states that it blocks BitTorrent traffic. Furthermore, it does not offer any encryption, so your torrenting activities will be visible. Also, the provider will use your device as the VPN exit node.


BroVPN

While BroVPN supports P2P sharing, we recommend you avoid it. Its website states that it monitors your activities and will report criminal offenses to authorities. Therefore, you can easily get in trouble even if you mistakenly download copyrighted material.


OperaVPN

Even though it has a VPN in its name, this is just a proxy for the Opera browser. This means it can’t protect your torrenting activities. There are some OperaVPN alternatives that work better if you’d want to explore them.


Turbo VPN

This is a mobile-only VPN service with strong encryption to hide your traffic and IP address. However, its website states that it does not support P2P sharing, and your connection will be blocked if you try.

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and there are many free VPNs that can compromise your security and privacy when torrenting. So, please be careful when dealing with free VPNs.


Which is the fastest VPN for torrenting?

We run different speeds to ascertain which is the fastest torrenting VPN. The table below displays up-to-date results using reputable testing applications.

ProviderAverage speedMaximum speed
NordVPN81.35 Mbit/s490.25
ExpressVPN79.56 Mbit/s467.73
Sursfshark75.92 Mbit/s424.57
IPVanish66.71 Mbit/s322.65
CyberGhost54.83 Mbit/s294.84
Private Internet Access52.46 Mbit/s257.39
PrivateVPN39.81 Mbit/s168.24
VybrVPN35.53 Mbit/s149.74
IvacyVPN32.19 Mbit/s128.65
Proton VPN30.33 Mbit/s90.81

Conclusion

Many people are turning to VPNs when torrenting due to increased cases of copyright infringement penalties. In addition, ISPs in numerous countries are permitted to collect user activities and hand over the information to authorities. Moreover, there have been governments and ISPs blocking torrenting sites such as Pirate Bay and 1337x.

A VPN is the best way to avoid these issues and torrent unrestricted. It will mask your IP address and encrypt your traffic to keep it away from prying eyes, including your ISP. Our top pick is NordVPN because of its fast speeds and support for a wide range of torrent sites.

FAQs

It will mainly depend on where you are. Every country has its take on VPNs, and not all permit them. Currently, some governments either regulate or ban VPN usage. They include China, Russia, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Oman, and the UAE. The fines imposed for using unapproved VPN may vary with countries, and in the US, they can vary from state to state. In some countries, companies and banks are authorized to use VPNs. Usually, governments take these actions to prevent criminal activity or terrorism.

No, torrenting without a VPN is not safe, even if you are careful. You can easily land into trouble with government authorities and your ISP if you are caught accidentally torrenting copyrighted material. So, it is crucial to use a VPN when torrenting.

You can use any internet-enabled device that is compatible with P2P clients and VPN apps. Fortunately, premium VPNs work well with all operating systems. This means that you can torrent on macOS, Windows, Linux, and Chromebook. You can torrent through your mobile devices too. Apple bans BitTorrent apps, so it will be difficult to torrent through your iOS devices. However, you can try other torrenting clients such as Vuze, Deluge, Transmission, and FrostWire.

Generally, any VPN will slow your speed as it has to route your traffic through remote servers. A reliable VPN should not affect your speed if you have a stable baseline internet speed. Premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN provide fast servers such that you will not notice any drop in speed.

Almost all P2P clients work the same. However, it is the list of features offered that differentiates the clients. We recommend you select open-source clients because they do not inject annoying ads.

A VPN maintains your privacy when torrenting in two main ways. First, it prevents your internet service provider from seeing that you are torrenting. Because the files you download or share through BitTorrent are encrypted, their content cannot be exposed. Secondly, a VPN will prevent other peers from seeing your real IP address. Since BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer protocol, anyone using the same torrent file is connected to a swarm. Every connected device can see the IP addresses of other devices. Some P2P clients even allow users to check the list of devices seeding the same torrent file. If you are using a VPN, your approximate location and ISP can be traced using your IP address. In fact, that is how copyright trolls find torrenters and send them settlement letters. A VPN will hide your real IP address, and other peers will see the server’s IP address.

Yes. You can get caught if you are torrenting copyrighted material, even when using a VPN. However, it isn’t very likely if you are using a reputable VPN like NordVPN. You can get caught if your VPN does not have a kill switch. It is an essential feature that will keep your torrenting activities anonymous if the VPN stops working.

You’ll want to ensure that you choose the best service to ensure complete anonymity and personal security. For instance, the VPN should have a strict zero-logs policy and does not keep personal information. This way, there will be no data to surrender if it is compelled to give evidence. Another crucial consideration is speed. A good VPN for torrent downloads should offer sufficient speeds to download and share files seamlessly.

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About the Author

Ruheni Mathenge

Ruheni Mathenge

Streaming Expert
201 Posts

Tech researcher and writer with a passion for cybersecurity. Ruheni Mathenge specializes in writing long-form content dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate and understand the constantly evolving online security and web freedom worlds. He specializes in VPNs, online anonymity, and encryption. His articles have appeared in many respected technology publications. Ruheni explains complicated technical concepts clearly and simply. He advocates digital freedom and online privacy at every level.

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