Best Cheap VPN for Torrenting [10 Fast and Secure Options]
Don’t break the bank to get a fast, secure, and reliable torrenting VPN
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Need a cheap VPN for torrenting? I’ve got you covered.
I know it’s challenging to find a reliable vendor. But luckily, I’m here to spare you all that hassle.
Access content across the globe at the highest speed rate.
70% of our readers choose Private Internet Access
70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
Browse the web from multiple devices with industry-standard security protocols.
Faster dedicated servers for specific actions (currently at summer discounts)
So, I thoroughly tested and ranked the best 10 services based on:
- Network infrastructure
- Features and performance
- Ease of use
- Pricing
- Customer support
Sounds good? Let me show you what I found. But first:
Why do you need a VPN for torrenting?
Using a VPN for torrenting is essential for several reasons, mainly security, privacy, and speed. Let’s examine these and others up close:
- Security: VPNs encrypt internet traffic, which protects your data from the bad guys. This is especially important when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
- Anonymity: A VPN masks your actual IP address, making it difficult for anyone to trace your activities. This is crucial for torrenting, where privacy concerns are big.
- Improved downloads/uploads: Sometimes, using a VPN can improve your download and upload speeds. That’s because it helps avoid network sluggishness by connecting you through more efficient routes.
- Avoid ISP throttling: ISPs often throttle bandwidth when they detect torrenting-related usage patterns. This can slow down your internet speeds significantly. But VPNs hide your activities, so your ISP can’t determine if you’re torrenting.
- Bypass geo-restrictions: Some torrents may be inaccessible in certain countries due to geo-restrictions. However, a VPN provides connections to servers located in different countries. Doing so makes access to region-blocked content effortless.
- Avoid legal and regulatory consequences: Unauthorized peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing of copyrighted material is illegal in many jurisdictions. A VPN helps obscure your activities, reducing the risk of legal repercussions. However, it’s vital to use VPNs responsibly by adhering to copyright laws in your country.
- Access to restricted networks: Some networks, particularly in workplaces and schools, block access to torrent platforms. Accordingly, VPNs can circumvent such restrictions, allowing you to access P2P sites hassle-free.
Now, let’s find you a pocket-friendly VPN for torrenting.
Best cheap VPN for torrenting
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick roundup of the cheapest torrenting VPNs:
- Surfshark – Best overall
- Private Internet Access (PIA) – Best for wide network connectivity
- IPVanish – Best for enhanced user privacy
- CyberGhost – Best client app
- FastVPN – Best one-month plan
- NordVPN – Best for security
- ExpressVPN – Best for novice users
- VyprVPN – Best for evading bandwidth ISP throttling
- Proton VPN – Best for casual users
- VeePN – Best for account sharing
Now, let me show you what I like about each of them:
1. Surfshark
Surfshark is a top-class and affordable VPN service designed for torrent junkies. It boasts 3,200+ servers in over 65 countries for fast and stable peer-to-peer connections.
The service offers solid security features, including bank-grade AES 256-bit encryption. There’s also a kill switch onboard to prevent accidental data leaks.
Privacy is equally top-notch, thanks to connection protocols like Wireguard, OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec. Moreover, the vendor upholds a strict no-logs policy for a worry-free torrenting experience.
Another add-on is MultiHop technology, which routes connections via two VPN servers. This encrypts your traffic twice, preventing possible detection of P2P activity.
Surfshark additionally provides superior defense against malware common in torrent platforms. Without forgetting, the service can block phishing attempts, online ads, trackers, etc.
Pricing is pretty decent, starting at $10.99/month. But this drops to $2.39/month when you opt for long-term plans.
Pros
- Easy-to-use app
- No bandwidth restrictions
- Supports unlimited devices
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Costly month-to-month plans
- Occasional average P2P speeds
- Blocks user accounts without notice
- Dodgy refund policy
Surfshark
Enjoy ultra-fast P2P file sharing with this cheap, reliable, and secure VPN.2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers over 35,000 servers spread across 90+ countries.
The service runs on a 10+ Gbps network backbone, ensuring super-fast P2P speeds. Furthermore, the vendor provides unlimited bandwidth for seamless file sharing.
PIA prioritizes your security through flexible encryption configurations. It allows switching between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption, depending on your needs.
The service has select proxy servers enabled with SOCKS5 and shadowsocks protocols. They double your encryption for superior traffic obfuscation and privacy.
PIA’s beginner-friendly interface makes it suitable for both novice and expert users. Best of all, the vendor allows unlimited device connections.
Pricing starts at $11.95 for the monthly subscriptions. This drops to about $1.98/month on the 3-year plans.
Support is available any time of the day and night. The agents are fast, responsive, and helpful.
Pros
- Wide network coverage
- Live chat support
- Fast torrent speeds
- Wireguard and OpenVPN support
Cons
- Slow technical support
- Dodgy refund policy
- Auto-renews without notice
- Online CAPTCHAs when browsing
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Experience fast torrent downloads and uploads on the largest VPN network on the market.3. IPVanish
If you need a VPN with multi-device support, get IPVanish. It’s compatible with computers, smartphones, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, etc.
Under the hood, you get 2,200+ servers distributed in over 75 countries. These come with unmetered traffic, including unlimited device connections.
The company was recently verified for adhering to a strict no-logs policy. This ensures enhanced anonymity against ISP tracking and eavesdropping.
IPVanish obfuscates traffic using 256-bit encryption by default. Besides that, it provides connection protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec.
A kill switch stops data leaks when the VPN or your internet fails. Likewise, there’s DNS leak protection to further harden user privacy and security.
The app is super simple and intuitive to use. Sadly, customer support agents are only available during business hours.
Pricing starts from $12.99/month. However, the rates drop to $3.25 with long-term subscription plans.
Pros
- Fast torrent speeds
- Unlimited device connections
- Minimalistic app
- Multi-platform support
Cons
- Buggy user app
- Poor customer support
- Can’t unblock some streaming services
- Blocked in China
IPVanish
Safeguard your security and privacy when engaging in P2P file sharing with IPVanish.4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is another vendor with vast network coverage. It comprises about 12,000 VPN servers in over 100 countries.
The company employs a RAM-based architecture to ensure a strict zero-logging experience. Aside from improved privacy, you’ll enjoy lightning-fast torrenting due to the network’s 10 Gbps speeds.
CyberGhost comes with smart rules to secure your device and data. It can launch incognito web browsing, auto-run the VPN when hooked to WiFi, auto-protect select apps, etc.
Servers are speed-optimized to deliver fast downloads and uploads. Moreover, the client app shows server distances so you can choose wisely.
All users share a vast pool of IP addresses. But you can purchase a dedicated IP on the side to help boost trust online.
Similar to competitors, 256-bit encryption is the default option for safeguarding traffic. Others include DNS and IP leak protection to harden privacy.
It’s also among the cheapest VPNs on the market, with prices of $2.03/mo for a longer commitment.
Pros
- Free trial
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Automatic kill switch
- Live chat support
Cons
- Seven device connections
- Connectivity issues on Mac
- Complex Linux app
- Poor privacy reputation
CyberGhost
Ace your way through torrents using a VPN that’s fast, stable, and user-friendly.5. FastVPN
FastVPN is an affordable service for lightweight web browsing and streaming. But its fast download speeds position it as a great tool for torrenting.
The service offers some of the cheapest prices, starting from $1.57/month. It also includes an unbeatable introductory $0.99 one-month plan.
Away from pricing, FastVPN controls around 1,000 servers across 50+ countries. Like the competition, it provides unlimited bandwidth for seamless P2P file sharing.
The vendor’s client app is novice-friendly and straightforward. It displays server load and average response time to help you decide better.
You can set FastVPN to autorun when you power your device. Furthermore, it supports auto-connect and a network kill switch to safeguard traffic.
There’s a split tunnel to allow certain apps to bypass the VPN connection. This is vital for accessing local services while torrenting files.
On the downside, it only supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. Still, it’s an excellent option for users who need a dirt cheap and reliable service.
Pros
- Cheap plans
- Simple user interface
- Incredible download speeds
- Supports unlimited devices
Cons
- Fewer server regions
- Questionable privacy
- Doesn’t unblock some streaming services
- Buggy windows app
6. NordVPN
NordVPN is an award-winning service that offers a comprehensive suite of security and privacy features. It runs a vast network of 5,600+ servers in about 60 countries.
The vendor offers easy-to-use apps available for various devices and platforms.
You get dedicated P2P servers for a seamless file-sharing experience. Others include double VPN and obfuscated servers for superior security and privacy.
NordVPN has it all when it comes to security. It can shield your device against malware, harmful files, and suspicious apps.
The service also blocks ads and trackers for noise-free web browsing. Even better, it effectively protects you against malicious sites and phishing links.
NordVPN provides round-the-clock technical support for all issues. There’s also an extensive knowledge base with lots of useful articles.
Pros
- 256-bit traffic encryption
- Server network visualizer
- Fast P2P speeds
- Multiple payment methods
Cons
- Six device connections
- Fewer torrent servers
- Slow server connections
- Occasionally disables internet access
NordVPN
Secure your torrent downloads with NordVPN’s ironclad privacy features and lightning-fast speeds.7. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a top-tier service that allows torrenting across all its servers – over 3,000 across 90 countries.
The service provides unmetered bandwidth with fast speeds for P2P file sharing. Moreover, it supports eight simultaneous connections for uploads/downloads on multiple devices.
Security is superb, featuring trusted technologies like 256-bit traffic encryption. There’s also DNS and IP leak protection to keep your data private.
ExpressVPN operates under a strict no-logs policy. As you know, it means the vendor doesn’t store any logs of user activities.
Supported connection protocols include Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. They feature top-of-the-line algorithms to safeguard you while torrenting.
The VPN is user-friendly, with native apps for all major platforms. Furthermore, there’s 24/7 customer support via live chat and email.
Prices start from $6.67/month for the 12-month plan. It also includes three free months as a show of confidence.
Pros
- Easy-to-use app
- Fast torrent speeds
- Split tunneling
- Live chat support
Cons
- Lacks 2+ year plans
- Fewer simultaneous connections
- Slightly affordable
- Auto-renews without permission
ExpressVPN
Go past geo-restrictions and access torrents from any platform with the help of ExpressVPN.8. VyprVPN
VyprVPN doesn’t offer long-term plans that extend beyond a year. But its starting price of $5/month is among the cheapest.
It allows P2P traffic on all of its 700+ servers available in about 70 countries. This lets you connect to nearby VPN locations for faster file sharing.
Supported protocols include the usual WireGuard, OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec. Likewise, VyprVPN offers its in-house Chameleon protocol for evading deep packet inspection (DPI) and ISP throttling.
A reliable kill switch is there to prevent the accidental exposure of your data. Besides that, a NAT firewall is active by default to block unwanted traffic.
VyprVPN is also among the few providers that offer an alternative DNS protocol. It helps bypass online censorship alongside preventing man-in-the-middle attacks.
The service has a robust but novice-friendly client app for major platforms. Customer support is also available 24/7 to fix any problems.
Pros
- Simple client app
- Affordable pricing
- Solid and stable connection
- Robust IP/DNS leak protection
Cons
- Limited network coverage
- Lacks 2+ year plans
- Average torrent speeds
- Slow server connection time
VyprVPN
Break free from ISP bandwidth throttling and download torrents without restrictions with VyprVPN.9. Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a Swiss-based service known for robust security and privacy. It employs a proprietary network architecture for routing requests through several servers to harden user traffic.
Expect fast P2P file sharing due to networkwide 10+ Gbps speeds. You’ll also find a VPN Accelerator feature to boost connectivity by up to 400%.
There’s port forwarding to bypass your router’s firewall and enhance performance. As such, you’ll be able to experience smoother torrenting and online gaming sessions.
Proton VPN gives you industry-leading protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Additionally, it encrypts your traffic with 256-bit encryption to help bypass detection.
Pricing starts from $4.99/month with the 2-year plan. It comes with unlimited traffic and protection for about ten devices. What’s more, there’s a free version that lets you access servers in countries like the US, the Netherlands, and Japan.
Pros
- Easy-to-use app
- Fast network speeds
- Highly anonymous service
- Trustworthy no-logs policy
Cons
- Limited P2P servers
- Buggy Windows app
- Slightly affordable
- Email support only
Proton VPN
Enjoy rock-solid privacy with this Swiss-based freemium VPN.10. VeePN
VeePN also joins the list of ultra-cheap torrenting VPNs with plans starting from $1.67/month. It offers access to 2,500+ servers in 85+ locations, including unlimited traffic.
The vendor employs a RAM-based architecture to prevent any data storage. Still, it enforces a strict no-logs policy to bolster user privacy.
You also have the option to use a double VPN, which encrypts your traffic twice. This not only hardens security but also shields you against possible eavesdropping.
VeePN supports ten device connections across various platforms. There’s enough room to add up to 100 more for $0.8/device.
Multiple VPN protocols are on offer, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and shadowsocks. Moreover, you get DNS leak protection to shield your activities against exposure.
What I like about VeePN is the automatic server switching. It hops VPN locations on your behalf for the best experience.
Pros
- Novice-friendly client app
- Top-grade traffic encryption
- Unlimited P2P traffic
- Kill switch support
Cons
- Average speeds
- Slow customer support
- Doesn’t unblock some streaming services
- Difficult to cancel subscriptions
Still spoilt for choice? I can help.
How to pick the best cheap VPN for torrenting – Buyer’s guide
I understand that settling for a P2P VPN service can be challenging. So, I’ve prepared the guide below to help you narrow your choices.
Server network
A vast server network is crucial, especially if you’re into torrenting. The larger it is, the better the quality and speed of your connection.
Another thing you should look at is geographical availability. Go with a VPN with wider geographical coverage for seamless access to torrent sites.
Private Internet Access (PIA) stands out here with over 35,000+ servers. Such a huge network helps to minimize latency and maximize file-sharing speeds.
Speed
Speed is paramount when torrenting. Faster connections can lead to quicker file sharing and save you time.
Also, you’ll get the best experience when using VPNs with dedicated P2P servers. These are speed-optimized and designed to deliver quick uploads/downloads.
Quite a number of VPN vendors shine here starting. Notable mentions include Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.
Security
High-level bulletproof security is non-negotiable for safe torrenting. A robust service should offer AES-256 encryption alongside protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
Their availability is vital for keeping your online activities shielded from prying eyes. Extras like a kill switch and IP/DNS leak prevention can also prevent accidental data leaks.
But that’s not all:
Some vendors go out of their way to develop in-house solutions. Examples include NordVPN’s NordLynx, ExpressVPN Lightway, and VyprVPN’s Chalemeon.Â
These protocols are independently vetted and verified to deliver reliable protection.
No-logs policies
A strict no-logs policy ensures that your VPN provider doesn’t store records of your online activities. This makes it impossible for anyone to trace your torrenting back to you.
Without it, intruders will have a field day snooping on your activities. Moreover, you risk facing sanctions for unknowingly sharing copyrighted content.
Accordingly, ensure a vendor has an independently audited no-logs policy in place. You can also search the web for any alarming incidents associated with a provider.
The good thing is I already did the heavy lifting for you. You won’t gamble your privacy with NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.
Ease of use
A VPN shouldn’t be clunky and complicated to configure and use. Accordingly, a user-friendly interface should make finding optimal servers easy and optimize the settings as needed.
Not to forget, get a service with wide multi-platform support. This will make switching devices straightforward.
Almost all of the featured VPNs offer outstanding client apps. While CyberGhost stood out for me, individual preferences might vary.Â
Price
At the end of the day, it’s your pocket that will be a huge determinant. However, it’s important not to compromise on features when looking for a VPN.
Compare the monthly prices and long-term plans, which often offer significant discounts. A good service should balance affordability with performance and provide essential torrenting tools.
Some, like CyberGhost, offer free trials to try the service without worries. Or else scrutinize a vendor’s money-back guarantee before committing.
Customer support
Efficient customer support is key, especially if you encounter issues. You don’t want your torrents to get stuck without any help in sight.
Therefore, look for a VPN that offers 24/7 technical support. This can be via live chat, email, phone, etc.
Access to extensive online resources, like guides and FAQs, can also be helpful. NordVPN is ahead here, but Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and PIA aren’t far behind.
Summary
I hope this list helps you find a cheap VPN for torrenting. As you’ve seen, there’s no service without flaws.
So, ensure you double-check the upsides and downsides before choosing. Besides that, take advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees to test the services.
Overall, go through the buyer’s guide once more before deciding. It will help in identifying a service that suits your torrenting needs.
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