Is it necessary to use a VPN for port forwarding?

There is no need for a VPN when using port forwarding, but it will come in handy. For instance, a VPN for port forwarding will enable you to connect to your home network and bypass geo-restrictions remotely.

Can I use port forwarding without a router?

Yes, you can use the Linux system to do port forwarding with iptables instead of a router. First, however, you have to learn how to route traffic through ports using iptables.

What IP do I need for port forwarding?

It would be best to have a static IP for port forwarding to work efficiently. The problem with a dynamic IP address is that it keeps changing constantly. This makes it difficult for port forwarding to pin your device on your network.

Why do some VPNs don't support port forwarding?

We contacted the customer support of some VPNs to know why they don't support port forwarding. Apparently, they don't have a port forwarding feature because it is not secure. Essentially, they claimed that opening a random port will make your network vulnerable to all sorts of cyber-attacks.

Does torrent download speed improve with port forwarding?

There is no way to answer this question with certainty. Port forwarding tends to improve download and upload speeds because you can open new ports to connect to more peers. However, the speed may not increase if there aren't enough seeders on the torrent.

Is there a free port-forwarding VPN?

We did not find a free VPN that offers port forwarding when researching and testing for this article. However, it would be best if you avoided free VPNs as they have inadequate security, few servers, and don't support torrenting.

5 best VPNs with port forwarding for 2023 (a treat for torrents and gaming)

Sneak peek at VPNs with port forwarding

VPNs and routers employ NAT firewall as a security feature to block unwanted connection attempts. Unfortunately, this limits peer-to-peer connections while torrenting. Thankfully, the leading VPNs support “Port forwarding” or “Port Mapping,” allowing unsolicited connections to pass through the NAT firewall on particular ports. That way, you can connect with the other computers or devices on the internet otherwise blocked by firewalls. The best VPNs with port forwarding enhance the users’ online gaming and torrenting experience without compromising their privacy and security.

A VPN is a great security tool that will protect your connections to the internet. It will introduce an encryption protocol to secure your data and conceal your IP address to maintain anonymity. For instance, you can be in the UK, but the VPN can make you look like you are browsing from Australia.

However, VPNs’ encryption and firewalls that keep you safe can sometimes work against you, too, like blocking connections. Luckily, port forwarding is a great technique to get around these issues. Unfortunately, only a handful of VPNs support port forwarding, although it is an excellent way to customize your network and improve speeds. Read on to know the best port forwarding VPNs.

Short overview of the top VPNs that support port forwarding

ExpressVPN – Our top recommendation VPN with port forwarding. It does not support port forwarding but lets you configure it on your router. Also, it offers robust security and privacy features to safeguard your internet connections and maintain your privacy.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – The most extensive VPN server network in the industry. It supports port forwarding, and all the servers have P2P with SOCKS5 proxy, making it great for torrenting.
PrivateVPN – Best secure VPN with port forwarding. It has dedicated port-forwarding and P2P servers. While the server network is small, the VPN can unblock some streaming services.
PureVPN – Reliable budget-friendly VPN with port forwarding. You will get value for your money as the provider operates an extensive server network.
IVPN – A less popular VPN but offers a port forwarding feature. Also, it is open-source software and is compatible with all major devices.

Using a VPN that boasts the port forwarding feature

It is straightforward to use a VPN with port forwarding. Just follow the easy-to-follow steps below:

Get a VPN with port forwarding and subscribe.
Download the appropriate app for your device and install it.
Find the provider’s guide on enabling port forwarding on your device.
Now you can use port forwarding to play online games, download torrents, or access virtual machines and devices remotely.

Best VPN providers with port forwarding

Most VPNs don’t boast port forwarding support. So, it is a daunting task to find a reliable service. Luckily, we have made it easier for you and compiled the top 5 VPNs offering port forwarding today.

1. ExpressVPN

The best VPN with port forwarding. It has strong privacy and security features, hence becoming perfect for torrenting and other intensive activities.

Visit ExpressVPN

3,000+ servers across 94 countries

AES 256-bit encryption

Strict no-logs policy

Kill switch feature

DNS leak protection

Supports P2P

5 simultaneous devices

30-day money back guarantee

Pros

Unblocks virtually all the streaming sites
Robust security and privacy
Easy to install and use

Cons

The packages are a bit expensive

Essentially, ExpressVPN does not support forwarding on its apps. Fortunately, the VPN allows you to activate port forwarding on the router as long as you have an ExpressVPN router v2 or v1. Therefore, you have to install the ExpressVPN v2 or v1 firmware or purchase an ExpressVPN-compatible router.

On a positive note, using ExpressVPN (or any other VPN) on a router will enable port forwarding on unlimited devices. ExpressVPN supports five simultaneous connections by default, but installing it on a router means you can use as many devices as you want.

The VPN comes with multiple advanced features to keep you safe and anonymous online. For example, the AES 256-bit encryption will block third parties from intercepting your traffic or stealing your data. Also, it has an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection to prevent your private data from leaving the encrypted channel. Moreover, it observes a strict no-logs policy that reputable firms like PwC and Cure53 have independently audited the claims.

ExpressVPN runs more than 3,000 servers in over 94 countries. This will enable you to bypass geographic restrictions and access blocked websites and apps. For instance, Peacock TV is only available in the US, but the VPN will enable you to access it from anywhere. Thankfully, ExpressVPN also works well with other popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, etc. In addition, the servers offer high-speed servers, so you will be able to stream content in high-definition.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

The service allows port forwarding with many other incredible features, an extensive server network, and fast-speed connections.

Visit PIA

29,000+ servers in 84 countries

AES-256/128-bit encryption

Supports P2P

10 simultaneous devices

Automatic kill switch

No-logs policy

DNS leak protection

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

Pros

Extensive server network
Solid privacy and security
24/7 live chat support

Cons

Some of the servers are unreliable

Private Internet Access (PIA) is the best VPN with port forwarding capability. It offers this feature on Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux. Fortunately, activating port forwarding is straightforward through the app’s settings. In addition, the VPN will show you the servers that support port forwarding after enabling it.

Speaking of servers, PIA is one of the most extensive networks in the industry, with more than 29,650 servers in over 80 countries. According to the company, all non-US servers support port forwarding.