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
- ExpressVPN – High speeds, Network Lock, keeps no logs. Easy to use apps, TrustedServer technology
- Private Internet Access (PIA) – Expansive server network, DNS leak protection, supports P2P sharing.
- NordVPN – Our top pick for torrenting. It comes with fast-speed servers, a zero-log policy, P2P optimized servers.
- Surfshark – Low-cost VPN for torrenting, unlimited simultaneous connections, solid security, CleanWeb feature.
- CyberGhost – P2P optimized servers, great connection speeds, boasts a massive server network, no-logs policy.
- VyprVPN – P2P servers, WireGuard protocol, NAT firewall, AES 256-bit encryption, zero-logs policy
- IPVanish – Unlimited simultaneous connections, SugarSync storage, DNS leak protection, 30-day money-back guarantee
- ProtonVPN – Perfect forward secrecy, open-source apps, supports P2P sharing, DNS leak protection
- Ivacy – AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN protocol, kill switch, 30-day money-back guarantee
- PrivateVPN – P2P sharing, unlimited bandwidth, DNS leak protection, stealth mode, AES-bit encryption
Best VPNs for torrenting
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. ExpressVPN
Thanks to its underlying stealth technology, ExpressVPN lets you download torrents without fearing online tracking or speed lags.
3,000+ servers in 94 countries 
AES 256-bit encryption 
DNS/IPv6 leak protection 
P2P optimized servers 
Network Lock (kill switch) feature 
TrustedServer technology 
Split tunneling 
Allows 5 devices simultaneously 
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.