Best VPN for Torrenting - 5 P2P-Friendly Providers [Tested 2024]

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best vpn for torrenting

The best VPN for torrenting grants privacy and anonymity, shielding from ISP monitoring and potential legal issues.

As a VPN expert, I looked into the best options that support fast torrenting and P2P. Below, I’ll outline the top VPNs that can ensure fast and secure downloads.

Disclaimer: We do not endorse illegal torrenting or copyright infringement. This article aims to inform about VPNs for torrenting, emphasizing legal and responsible use. Users must respect copyright laws and ensure legal access to content.

Best VPN for torrenting

Feature/BenefitNordVPNCyberGhostSurfsharkExpressVPNIPVanish
Server Count5,400+9,000+3,200+ 3,000+1,600+
P2P ServersYesYesP2P support, no dedicated serversP2P support, no dedicated serversP2P support, no dedicated servers
EncryptionAES-256AES-256AES-256-GCMAES-256AES-256
No-Logs PolicyYesYesYesYesYes
Kill SwitchYesYesYesYesYes
DNS Leak ProtectionYesYesYesYesYes
Average speedFast with NordLynx protocolOptimized servers for high-speedFast on Most serversSuperior speeds with Lightway protocolFast with SOCKS5 proxy, variable speeds on VPN
Simultaneous Connections67Unlimited5Unlimited
Special FeaturesNordLynx technology, double VPNUser-friendly interface, 45-day money-back guaranteeCleanWeb ad and malware blocker, Camouflage ModeTrustedServer technology, Lightway protocolSOCKS5 proxy for fast speeds without encryption

How to choose a VPN for torrenting

There are many VPNs that give you privacy, online freedom, and anonymity. But not all of these VPNs give you torrent protection and not all support P2P and BitTorrent downloads.

Among the VPNs that support P2P, you should choose providers that:

  • Offer high-speed connections
  • Use secure protocols for encrypting your traffic
  • Have many servers for torrenting spread all over the world
  • Do not keep usage logs
  • Offer an auto kill-switch
  • Allow port forwarding.

Based on these requirements, we have compiled a list of the best torrent VPNs.

The best VPN for torrenting – truly safe

NordVPN – unmatched security for torrenting

nordvpn p2p servers

With NordVPN, you’re not just getting a VPN; you’re securing a high-speed conduit for your torrenting needs.

Imagine hooking up to a dedicated P2P server that’s part of a network of over 5,400 servers globally.

NordLynx, NordVPN’s answer to WireGuard is one of the fastest protocols I ever tested. This ensures that your torrenting isn’t just secure but also incredibly swift.

I tried downloading a 10GB file to put it to the test. My base speed was 150 Mbps and with NordVPN it was 120 Mbps. The download was done in 12 minutes.

Pros:

  • Strong encryption and no-logs policy for maximum privacy
  • Dedicated P2P servers optimized for torrenting
  • Fast download speeds with NordLynx protocol
  • Automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection

Cons:

  • Monthly subscription plans are relatively expensive
  • Some servers can be crowded during peak times

NordVPN

Completely hide all your digital tracks with this trustworthy service.

CyberGhost – fast speeds on P2P dedicated servers

cyberghost torrenting vpn servers

CyberGhost shines with over 9,000 servers, including ones optimized for torrenting, ensuring you can always find a fast lane for your downloads.

Users often report download speeds of up to 80 Mbps on these specialized servers, making it a robust choice for torrenting large files quickly and securely.

Privacy? Check. With a no-logs policy and solid encryption, CyberGhost keeps your torrenting discreet. Plus, a generous 45-day money-back guarantee lets you test the waters worry-free.

Pros:

  • A user-friendly experience for effortless torrenting.
  • Torrent-specific servers for quick downloads.
  • Rock-solid privacy with a strict no-logs policy.
  • Peace of mind with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Cons:

  • Might get blocked by some streaming giants.
  • The ad blocker could miss a few.
 CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Turn your torrenting activities invisible with CyberGhost.

Surfshark – torrent on every device you own

surfshark user interface

Surfshark offers unlimited connections, so every device in your home can be used for torrenting.

Its CleanWeb feature sweeps away annoying ads and dangers lurking online, while Camouflage Mode keeps your ISP clueless about your VPN use (and torrenting).

With Surfshark, you’re not just another user. You’re in control, enjoying secure and anonymous torrenting across the board, thanks to AES-256-GCM encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

Pros:

  • Torrent on as many devices as you like, simultaneously.
  • Say goodbye to ads and malware with CleanWeb.
  • Keep your ISP in the dark with Camouflage Mode.
  • Great value on long-term plans.

Cons:

  • Speeds can be a hit or miss.
 Surfshark

Surfshark

Surfshark’s extensive server fleet and P2P support make it perfect for torrenting.

ExpressVPN – fastest VPN for torrenting

connecting expressvpn to mexican server

For those who don’t want to compromise on speed or security, ExpressVPN is your go-to. With servers in 105 countries, you’re always just a click away from a fast and secure torrenting session.

Its TrustedServer technology ensures no data lingers on servers, and the Lightway protocol means your downloads are faster than ever.

ExpressVPN stands by your privacy with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and an automatic kill switch that prevents IP leaks. It’s the full package for worry-free torrenting.

Pros:

  • Blazing-fast servers perfect for heavy downloads.
  • Next-level privacy with TrustedServer tech.
  • Lightway protocol for even faster speeds.
  • Round-the-clock support if you need it.

Cons:

  • A bit pricier, but worth the investment.
  • Limited to 5 devices at once.
 ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Enjoy speedy downloads without endangering your safety thanks to ExpressVPN.

IPVanish

ipvanish user interface

IPVanish offers you the ultimate cloak of invisibility for torrenting, with strong encryption and a staunch no-logs policy.

With over 1,600 servers, you’re all set for fast, secure connections everywhere. And the SOCKS5 proxy? It’s your secret weapon for speedy downloads when you’re okay with a little less encryption.

With IPVanish, you’re always in the driver’s seat, enjoying unhindered and private torrenting on unlimited devices.

Pros:

  • Use the SOCKS5 proxy for quick, lightly-encrypted downloads.
  • Zero logs and top-tier encryption for total privacy.
  • Never worry about device limits again.
  • Easy-to-use apps for all your torrenting needs.

Cons:

  • Lacks specialized P2P servers.
  • Speed consistency may vary.
 IPVanish

IPVanish

If you’re looking for a P2P-friendly and robust VPN, try IPVanish.

Benefits of using a VPN for torrenting

Keep identity private

When you use a torrent VPN, your IP address is masked.

You never have to worry about receiving a DMCA notice, an Abmahnung letter, etc. depending on which part of the world you are in. Legal authorities and your ISP shouldn’t know that you’re torrenting.

Stop ISP throttling

ISPs throttle network bandwidth for torrenting to discourage it and balance network load. Using a bit torrent VPN eliminates throttling since your ISP doesn’t know about your activities. This ensures that you can enjoy high-speed downloads without interruptions.

What is BitTorrent protocol?

While everyone knows that BitTorrent is a torrent client that helps you download torrent files, not many know what the BitTorrent protocol is.

Unlike traditional file-downloading methods, BitTorrent breaks files into small pieces, allowing for faster and more reliable downloads. Users connect to other nodes downloading the same file, downloading pieces from each other, and eliminating bottlenecks for swift downloads.

How to use a torrent VPN?

  1. Go to the website of a VPN provider and download the client for your OS.
  2. Subscribe to the VPN and login to the client.
  3. Connect to the VPN for torrent.
  4. Download the torrent file from your browser.
  5. Open your torrent client (BitTorrent, uTorrent, Vuze, etc.) and start the download.

Why Do You Need Port Forwarding And Kill Switch For Torrenting?

A kill switch automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops, ensuring your privacy remains intact. This feature is particularly important during torrent downloads.

It prevents your torrent activities from being exposed if the VPN connection fails.

Port forwarding is essential for bypassing firewalls that block torrent connections. It allows you to open specific ports within the network, ensuring uninterrupted torrenting and optimal VPN protection.

Setting up port forwarding in torrent clients like BitTorrent is straightforward, ensuring seamless torrenting experiences.

Things To Keep In Mind While Using A VPN Torrent

You should always take care of a few things when using a VPN for torrenting.

  • Make sure that your kill switch is always on. All VPN clients mentioned in this article provide the kill switch feature. Just turn it on from within the client, and you can download torrents without worrying about a connection drop leaving you exposed.
  • Use a secure protocol. All VPNs offer different protocols. PPTP is the fastest, but also the weakest, so you should never use it. L2TP/IPSec is the protocol that is best suited for high-speed connections and decent protection. Unless a government spying organization is on your tail, this is enough protection. But if you want the best protection, opt for OpenVPN. It is the most tested and secure VPN protocol as of now and can keep you safe from everyone. There is a speed trade-off with OpenVPN, but safety comes first.
  • Make sure you continue seeding for a while after your download finishes. Seeding is allowing other users to download the file from your system. This helps you give something back to the community. Maintaining a 1:1 download and upload ratio is a general good practice that you should adopt.

Torrenting legality varies by country, with some nations enforcing stricter regulations than others. While the BitTorrent protocol itself is legal, downloading copyrighted content without permission is not. However, sharing such content is particularly frowned upon and can lead to legal repercussions.

The BitTorrent protocol is legal, but downloading copyrighted content without permission constitutes copyright infringement.

While downloading copyrighted content for personal use may be legal in some countries, sharing it is not.

Torrenting is generally legal worldwide, leading to numerous torrent clients and websites.

Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have stringent anti-torrenting laws, making torrenting risky.

Conversely, countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands are more relaxed about torrenting, but using a torrent VPN is advisable for added safety.

Torrent Alternatives

Accessing TV shows and movies through torrent websites is common, but legal streaming alternatives exist.

VOD (Video-On-Demand) services offer a vast library of content for a subscription fee, including high-quality movies and TV shows.

Popular services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer provide diverse content, with Netflix available worldwide and BBC iPlayer limited to UK nationals (unless accessed with a VPN).

Using a VPN allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different regions, such as Netflix USA, by connecting to specific country servers.

While VOD services are tightening VPN restrictions, many VPNs can still bypass these limitations.

Alternative streaming platforms like Popcorn Time and Kodi boxes offer options for accessing content, but users should ensure they comply with copyright laws.

Conclusion

Using a VPN for torrenting is a must wherever you are these days. They help you download torrents in total anonymity.

While free VPNs and SOCKS5 proxies might help you at times, they are never a permanent solution.

Free VPNs might not charge you money, but they are unreliable, and might even share your data with third parties, making the situation worse for you. So make sure you use a reliable VPN for torrents for safe and carefree torrenting anywhere in the world.

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