How to Download with uTorrent Anonymously and Safely in 2024

With about 150 million users worldwide, uTorrent is the go-to choice for many internet users looking for a convenient torrenting platform. However, unsafe torrenting can result in data breaches and legal battles. As concerns about online privacy and security keep growing, users must recognize uTorrent’s security flaws and explore methods to download anonymously and safely.

This article discusses the security risks associated with uTorrent and how to maintain privacy and safety while using it.

uTorrent explained

It is a software program for downloading torrents. The torrent client relies on the BitTorrent protocol to enhance a hassle-free P2P file-sharing experience. Rainberry Inc., formerly BitTorrent Inc., owns and manages uTorrent, although Ludvig Strigeus, a Swedish programmer, created it in 2005. Ludvig Strigues is a renowned programmer who is acclaimed for developing Spotify.

Reports from TorrentFreak revealed that uTorrent dominated the torrent market in March 2020, with about 68.6%. BitTorrent ranked second with 6.6%.

Advantages of using uTorrent

• Simple user interface: It is user-friendly, so first-timers can navigate the web pages easily.
• Remote control: The software allows users to control their downloads on the go. You can track, initiate, or stop your downloads from your web browser.
• Small size: The app is lightweight and doesn’t affect your CPU or memory. However, the free version contains unnecessary ads and other background runnings.
• Scheduled downloads: You can set when to start and stop your downloads automatically, and uTorrent will execute it automatically.
• Speed limits: It allows users to set upload and download speeds to free up bandwidth.

Disadvantages of using uTorrent

Although uTorrent offers several benefits, especially for accessing blocked content, it also has drawbacks. Here are some of the disadvantages of using uTorrent:

• Seeding is important. It is compulsory for users to download files to seed before they can install, access, or use them. Seeding is usually a prolonged process, especially when downloading multiple files simultaneously.
• Requires a VPN for enhanced privacy. You need a reliable VPN to attain optimum protection from internet service providers and other third parties. However, this additional layer of protection comes at a cost.
• It can cause lags. Like any other BitTorrent client, it can slow down your device. This often occurs when your device consumes huge bandwidth, so opening different tabs and performing other activities online becomes time-consuming.
• It doesn’t allow users to view content before it’s fully downloaded. You must complete downloads to view any content. That means you can only confirm the content and quality of torrent files once they’re downloaded. So, if you open a movie expecting to play half of it because the remaining part of the torrent has been downloaded, that’s not the case. The movie won’t play.

How does uTorrent work?

You must understand that torrenting is different from regular downloading. With regular downloads, the download server creates a copy of the file and sends it directly to your device. That’s what happens when you download from mobile stores and general content download websites.

In contrast, torrenting operates on a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) platform. So, instead of downloading files from a single server, you get them from other users. You can access the P2P network via torrent clients or downloaders like uTorrent.

Now, how does torrenting work? When you create a torrent, you become the first uploader or seeder. The file becomes available for other users on the P2P network to download. Then, the torrent client begins seeding files immediately after users download them, so their devices become the servers for the files. Each user can now share with a group of other users. When a group of computers share and download the same torrent file, it’s called “the swarm.”

How secure is uTorrent?

You must keep in mind that uTorrent does not guarantee optimum security. Potential threats come in diverse forms and from different sources on the platform. Following are some of the sources that can jeopardize your security:

• Torrent files you download
• Torrent clients
• uTorrent’s parent company (i.e., Rainberry Inc.) 

Continue reading to discover the measures uTorrent has put in place to offer users a decent level of safety and explore the extra technologies you need for maximum protection.

Does Rainberry Inc. collect your private data?

Although uTorrent is a safe torrent platform, it doesn’t have advanced safety measures in place. Hence, the fact that it might be safer than other platforms doesn’t mean it has a standard privacy policy. Here’s a list of the data that Rainberry Inc., uTorrent’s parent company, logs:

• Location: Your exact physical location
• Account details: Your name, password, email address, mobile number, and display name
• Cookies and web beacons: Data on how you interact with the service.
• Automatic data: Mobile carrier, IP address, device information, port number, cookie identifiers, mobile advertising, user settings, browser information, internet service provider (ISP) details, software information, and other unique identifiers.

While this is a whole lot of data that the company collects from users, we’re more concerned with this section of their privacy policy, which states that:

“We may also automatically collect information regarding your use of our Services, such as pages that you visit before, during, and after using our Services, information about the links you click, the types of content you interact with, the frequency and duration of your activities, and other information about how you use our Services.”

We advise internet users to pay close attention to the software services they interact with, especially because of the prevalence of crimes and criminal activities in the cyber environment. We recommend that readers avoid using software with activity logs.

Rainberry Inc., having access to comprehensive data on users, has to deliver these details to the NSA, 5 Eyes Alliance, and other authorities upon request.

Can uTorrent protect you from bad torrents?

In the world of P2P file sharing, torrents are the most dangerous. Torrenting opens up your device to the thousands of malicious files on the internet, especially if you’re unsuspecting. And uTorrent offers no form of protection against these files!

We’ve divided the consequences of bad torrents into four categories. They include:

• Malware attacks: Bad torrent files can contain spyware, viruses, ransomware, and other malicious content. Once they infiltrate your device, hackers can access your private information to take over your device, steal from you, or blackmail you.
• Copyright infringements: Some malicious uploaders often upload copyrighted content on the torrent client without labeling it as such. Hence, you can download copyrighted content without knowing it, resulting in fines or severe legal penalties.
• IP theft: Thousands of internet users on your network can see your actual IP address. Hackers can use this to steal identity, attack devices, spy on you, and locate you.
• ISP throttling: Internet service providers can also monitor your activities while torrenting to regulate internet usage. This access helps them restrict your connection speed when you exceed the bandwidth usage, bandwidth throttling.

How can you stay safe on uTorrent?

Yes, uTorrent can pose harm to your device and data. However, there are ways to bypass the dangers of the torrent platform. All you need to do for a hassle-free torrenting experience is to follow safety precautions.

Here’s how to ensure a safe and anonymous download on uTorrent:

1. Use a good virtual private network (VPN)

A VPN is essential for anonymity and privacy while using the internet. It encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and reroutes it so third parties cannot trace your activities to your location. Hence, Rainberry Inc. cannot trace the data it has logged to you or your device. A VPN ensures internet freedom, especially if your country has banned torrenting. It helps bypass geographical restrictions and prevents all IP-related attacks and ISP throttling.

Here are the best VPNs to use for torrenting on uTorrent. Our recommendations are reliable and safe for downloading on uTorrent.

Here’s a detailed list of the top VPN services overall for a safe and anonymous torrent on uTorrent:

1. NordVPN

Among the most secure and safest VPN services, providing maximum security and anonymity while torrenting on unreliable platforms.

Visit NordVPN

Over 5,500 secure VPN servers scattered in over 60 countries

Reliable Threat protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker)

Industry standard, most secure encryption available: AES-256

A user-friendly kill switch feature

A split tunneling feature with high functionality

Offers multi-hop VPN for double encryption

Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality

Ensures that no logging is done

Users can connect up to six devices simultaneously with each account

A 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked

Pros

• Reliable and stable connectivity
• Provides NordLynx protocol for swift and seamless downloading
• Responsive customer support

Cons

• The OpenVPN configuration isn’t easy to navigate

With a brilliant network of over 5,500 servers across over 60 countries, NordVPN ranks number one on our list of the top VPN services. With the advanced IP detection technology it utilizes, VPN has the NordLynx protocol that enhances ultra-fast connection for subscribers.

It offers all you need for online freedom. You can access and download torrent files safely and bypass geo-restrictions without any hassle. It also offers a “Double VPN” for advanced security and protection at no extra cost. Finally, a VPN has a kill switch that shuts down internet activity when the VPN connection stops, so hackers and other third parties cannot access your traffic.

2. ExpressVPN

A multi-functional VPN network that prioritizes users’ privacy and ensures their safety while torrenting online.

Visit ExpressVPN

A server network of over 3,000 nodes present in 90+ different countries

TrustedServer technology (for better security)

Protects connection with unbreakable AES-256 data encryption

Does not keep log of user traffic usage

A split tunneling feature that works as claimed

Has Network Lock (kill switch) feature

Supports Tor over VPN

Peer to peer connection allowed on most servers

Allows up to five device connections at once

30-day tested pay-back policy

Pros

• Advanced security features
• A responsive customer support available 24/7
• Unblocks any blocked content or website on the internet

Cons

• Expensive subscription fee

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 active servers across 94 countries. The way the servers are spread across the globe makes it easy for users to access geo-blocked content from anywhere. It also has a friendly user interface, so first-time users can navigate and connect to the best server within a couple of seconds. The shortcuts on the app make connections super-swift!

The VPN prioritizes user security and privacy and doesn’t keep records of users’ data traffic and details, so tracking a user’s activity is impossible. It offers military-grade encryption and robust security protocols. An example is the threat manager feature that spots and blocks suspicious trackers or connections.

Our tests revealed that ExpressVPN provides access to blocked or hidden content online with reliable and consistent speeds.

3. ExtremeVPN

Enjoy unlimited and secure torrenting and P2P sharing with this effective VPN network. It encrypts users’ data by providing a secure tunnel.

Visit ExtremeVPN

Owns a network of over 6,500 servers present across 78 countries worldwide

Utilizes up-to-date security protocols, including AES-256 encryption

Supports distributed file sharing through P2P connections

Doesn’t collect users’ data

Includes a unique kill switch feature to block data leakage

Offers flexible data routing through split tunneling feature

Boasts Tor over VPN servers for stealth protection

Offers 10 simultaneous devices to be connected at once

Provides protection against IP/DNS leaks

Has a refund policy of 30 days

Pros

• Allows access to geo-restricted content with the stealth browsing feature
• Supports torrenting
• A wide network global servers

Cons

• There is no dedicated IP address or double VPN

ExtremeVPN is another top VPN that allows subscribers to customize the service. You can select one from the several protocols on the Preferences page. Some include SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. It also has a global network of active servers.

Like other top VPN service providers, it prioritizes users’ privacy and anonymity. It adopts a no-log policy, so you don’t have to worry about your data or online traffic leaking. According to reports from independent authors, it is transparent in its dealings with users’ data. Even Apple has rightfully given this VPN the “Data not collected” tag.

How to choose the best VPN for safe torrenting

As highlighted earlier, a reliable VPN is your best bet to ward off P2P-related threats and attacks. However, you may find it difficult to pick a top VPN, as several VPN service providers are online. Don’t fret; we’ve highlighted a few factors you must confirm before selecting a VPN. If the VPN ticks all the boxes, you’re equipped for a safe and hitch-free torrenting.

Follow the P.L.U.G.I.N.S. method below to select the best VPN for uTorrent:

• P2P compatibility: Ensure that the VPN supports P2P file-sharing. It must also offer servers that are optimized for torrenting.
• Leak protection: A top VPN must offer air-tight protection from DNS and IP leaks. The primary essence of using a VPN is to conceal your IP address so that third parties cannot view the sites you access.
• Unlimited bandwidth: Torrenting consumes a large amount of data. Hence, you need a VPN that doesn’t limit data usage. Avoid free VPNs because they often place limits on bandwidth usage.
• Great speed: Encryption can reduce your connection speed, which means extra processing layers. However, you’ll not feel the impact of this on your connection speed when you use a fast and reliable VPN.
• IP sharing: It’s advisable to select a VPN service with safely shared IP addresses for torrents. While getting a dedicated IP address may seem more advanced, it’s more likely to identify you as a sole user rather than fish you out of the hundreds of users on the shared IP.
• No-logging policy: Avoid VPN services that record or monitor users’ data. VPNs that log user’s data don’t always offer complete anonymity and privacy.
• Strong security protocols: Confirm that the VPN has advanced security protocols like OpenVPN, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch. These features guarantee military-grade security, ultra-fast connection speed, and airtight protection against data leaks.

2. Install an antivirus

An antivirus offers real-time protection to prevent malicious files from infiltrating your device. A strong antivirus will flag a potentially harmful torrent file and deal with the threats if you decide to proceed with the download. You can couple your VPN with a strong antivirus program for enhanced security.

Check reviews online and recommendations from reliable sources for top antivirus programs you can try with uTorrent. Some are free, while others require users to pay a subscription fee for premium protection services.

3. Pick torrents carefully

Typically, torrent sites indicate verified and trusted uploaders so you can distinguish them from others. For example, The Pirate Bay distinguishes reliable uploaders with a green skull. You can also check users’ comments and reviews and the number of seeders before downloading from an uploader. Avoid torrents with low seeders, as they are more likely to contain viruses. Also, you should avoid torrents of unreleased TV shows, games, and movies, as they’re suspicious and likely contain malicious files. We have provided a list of top torrent sites here in this article.

4. Avoid piracy

While internet piracy is a wide concept, we advise sticking to files in the public domain. No matter how enticing it might be to download torrent files of copyrighted content, it’s better to stick with open-source software and independent entertainment content. This way, you can avoid legal problems relating to privacy. Rather than engaging in illegal torrents, you can try legal platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video or free services like Peacock and BBC iPlayer.

uTorrent subscriptions and in-app ads

It introduces in-app ads to generate revenue on the free version. However, users can turn off the feature for a hitch-free torrenting experience. The ads can also negatively impact your CPU and memory.

You can access its premium version by paying a subscription fee of $5.99 yearly. The premium version has advanced features such as malware protection and prioritized support. It also blocks every form of ads automatically.

You can also get uTorrent Pro when you subscribe to NordVPN. It costs $71.88 yearly. However, we advise that you pay for them separately. Instead of paying $59.88, you’ll pay $13.99 for NordVPN monthly and $71.88 for uTorrent Pro yearly. That sums up to $59.88 yearly.

Is the uTorrent app safe to use? (Full tests and results)

Although uTorrent from the official website is generally safe, you can always reduce or avoid the potential safety risks associated with the torrent platform by exercising caution while using it. Torrenting is a highly risky process, so sticking to file-sharing platforms with advanced security and protection features is essential.

Currently, the two uTorrent versions are:

• Utorrent Web: This version allows you to download torrent files and stream them while the download process is still ongoing. The web version also has a safe torrent scanner that helps identify safe torrents while surfing the web. Our tests revealed that it’s compatible with macOS (Catalina 10.5).
• uTorrent Classic: This is the official desktop uTorrent client compatible with Mac, Linux, and Windows. It supports simultaneous downloads and offers advanced features like a scheduler and automatic shutdown.

After a couple of extensive tests on these uTorrent versions, we can assure you they are safe for torrenting. However, uTorrent has a higher risk of security and privacy breaches than qBittorrent. uTorrent also is not an open-source client.

Advantages of torrenting

Here are some of the pros of torrenting:

• Cost-effectiveness: Peer-to-peer file sharing or torrenting offers the same service large-scale file distribution offers at no cost. Blizzard Entertainment relies on this cost-effective alternative to release game updates. 
• Speed: Torrenting breaks down large files into small bits. This process makes downloads faster; you can download any part from any user on the file-sharing network.
• Availability: Unlike large-scale file-sharing networks, P2P runs 24/7, so you can always find and download your desired file. You don’t have to worry about server downtime.
• Reliability: Torrenting makes downloads much less stressful. If you encounter a failed data packet, you can simply download a data chunk from another peer instead of starting the download process again.

FAQs