Say goodbye to bandwidth throttling and hello to blazing-fast downloads, all while maintaining your anonymity. Whether you’re a seasoned torrenting pro or just getting started, our comprehensive guide will help you choose the perfect VPN to suit your needs.
Torrenting is one of the most popular methods for sharing large files online. Whether it is movies, TV shows, music, ebooks, or even software, torrenting has proven a reliable method to access all this content. However, along with all these benefits, torrenting comes with major risks and threats, such as malware invasions, ISP throttling issues, and other security risks. Amidst this, it is crucial to implement reliable, safe methods for torrenting, such as using a reliable torrenting VPN with built-in malware and an adblocker for utmost privacy and security.
A VPN ensures safe torrenting by hiding your IP address and encrypting your online activity to ensure anonymity and data privacy. Moreover, the built-in adblocker and malware blocker help evade malware invasions and adware risks. However, since VPNInsights finding the best VPN is somewhat hard amidst several VPNs now available in the market, we have tried and tested to bring you the ones most compatible with torrenting.
Top Picks
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11 best VPNs for torrenting with top features:
Since finding a suitable VPN can be a tiresome experience, we have researched for you and picked some of the best VPNs for a secure torrenting experience. These VPNs have been tried and tested for torrenting to make sure they provide the most optimal performance. Check out our list to find out which VPN to opt for downloading torrents:
- NordVPN: a secure VPN offering high-speed servers, strong encryption, and other P2P features.
- ExpressVPN: A reliable VPN offering strong security features and the fastest P2P servers.
- SurfSharkVPN: A popular VPN with high-speed servers, solid security protocols, and a kill-switch feature.
- CyberGhost VPN: It is a reliable VPN offering high-speed and P2P-friendly servers.
- PureVPN: A reliable VPN that offers robust encryption protocols and P2P-friendly servers.
- ProtonVPN: It offers fast P2P servers, strong encryption, and a strict no-logs policy.
- StrongVPN: A secure VPN with a user-friendly interface, fast speed, and a no-log policy.
- VyprVPN: A renowned VPN offering strong P2P features, robust encryption, and a kill switch.
- MullvadVPN: A private and secure VPN with strong encryption and fast speeds.
- TunnelBear VPN: A secure VPN with strong encryption and cross-platform Compatibility.
- PIA VPN: A reliable VPN with essential P2P features and SOCKS5 Proxy.
This quick list provides basic insights into these VPNs. The latter part of the article provides a detailed analysis of their privacy and security features.
Common Torrenting Risks – Do I need to use a VPN for Torrenting?
Torrenting is an efficient and reliable way of downloading large files from the internet, but it comes with several security and privacy risks.
The P2P file-sharing protocol compromises your security by revealing your IP address to all the other users in your swarm. This makes your device vulnerable to malware, adware, and potential cybercriminals who could be creeping among your peers. Also, if you inadvertently download copyright content, you could be prosecuted for copyright infringement and face DMCA fines.
There’s a constant risk of downloading bad torrent files that could be the source of obscure malware or other potential threats. Moreover, your ISP could throttle your connection for carrying out P2P activity. It significantly decreases your internet speed and bandwidth, slowing your torrenting process.
Fortunately, a high-quality and reliable VPN can avoid all these risks and enhance your torrenting experience. A good VPN will provide you with the following:
- A VPN disguises your IP address by encrypting your data. It makes it impossible for other users and potential online hackers in the swarm to track your online activity or access your data.
- The best VPN will offer several P2P specialized servers specifically optimized for torrenting. They will provide full speed while torrenting, preventing your ISP from throttling your connection.
- VPNs built explicitly for torrenting purposes will offer split-tunneling, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and a SOCKS5 proxy. Such features ensure your online privacy.
- A quality VPN will offer IP and DNS leak protection to ensure your privacy remains unbreachable.
Therefore, using a quality VPN for torrenting is advisable for maximum security and privacy.
Which features to look for in the Best VPN for Torrenting?
Torrenting is a convenient method for file-sharing, but it compromises your security and privacy. Therefore, using a VPN becomes mandatory. When selecting a VPN for torrenting, several crucial attributes should be on your radar. Although there’s no shortage of VPN options online, not all are torrent-friendly. An ideal VPN for torrenting should provide you with guaranteed anonymity, robust security, and privacy features while also maintaining full speed. However, looking into all these features can get overwhelming, especially if you’re a new user.
Fortunately, we have condensed all the essential features you need to consider while selecting a VPN for torrenting down below:
- Encryption: The VPN should use a robust encryption protocol such as OpenVPN and IKEv2. It will make sure no one can access your IP address.
- Jurisdiction: A VPN’s intensity of Jurisdiction varies upon the location it’s legally based on. Select a VPN outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes alliances for ensured privacy.
- P2P features: The VPN should offer several P2P features, like a built-in kill-switch feature, split tunneling, and DNS-leak protection.
- Log Policy: The VPN should employ a strict no-logs policy. This will ensure that your provider does not store any online activity logs.
- Privacy: Try choosing a VPN with built-in malware and an ad blocker for maximum privacy.
- Number of servers: It should offer several servers highly optimized for P2P file-sharing.
- Protocols: The VPN should have robust protocols like OpenVPN and Wireguard.
- Compatibility: Opt for a VPN that works on all platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, and iPhone. This will avoid the hassle of downloading a separate VPN for each device.
- Fast Speeds: Choosing a VPN that provides fast speeds is crucial to ensure a smooth P2P experience.
- Split Tunneling: This feature only routes P2P traffic through a VPN, ensuring fast downloading.
- Kill Switch: Having a kill switch while torrenting is essential as it helps ensure security even when the VPN connection drops.
In addition to these features, several other things to look out for are anonymous payment methods and a guaranteed refund policy. By selecting a VPN with all these features, you can have a hassle-free torrenting experience without worrying about your security and privacy.
11 best VPNs for safe and anonymous Torrenting:
With the heaps of VPNs available online, it can get confusing which one to choose for torrenting, especially when they all claim to be the best one. A good VPN should be able to provide you with maximum security features and guaranteed anonymity while also not disturbing your torrenting experience by slowing the internet speed down.
NordVPN:
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs out there for torrenting. It provides all the best possible features required for torrenting such as up to 4000 P2P optimized servers. The VPN is based in Panama, a safe and torrent-friendly jurisdiction, so your data can not be monitored or recorded. For guaranteed security and privacy, it uses military-grade AES-256-bit encryption and secure protocols such as OpenVPN and NordLynx. NordVPN also has other features like Cybersec, which ensures your security and privacy by providing ad-blocking, malware, and phishing protection.
Some dedicated P2P features NordVPN offers are the following:
- Dedicated IP address
- Kill-switch
- No-log policy
- DNS leak protection
- SOCKS5 proxy
- Split tunneling
Along with all these features, NordVPN provides guaranteed fast speed for a swift and seamless torrenting experience.
ExpressVPN:
ExpressVPN is known for its guaranteed speed and unmatchable bandwidth. Located in the British Virgin Islands, the VPN provides safe Jurisdiction and is packed with multiple layers of security. It uses AES-256 solid encryption and secure protocols like Lightway and OpenVPN. ExpressVPN offers more than 150 P2P-optimized servers specifically made for torrenting purposes. Moreover, it is compatible with various devices, including Windows, Android, macOS, and iPhone. When it comes to reliability, ExpressVPN is a safe bet.
Some P2P features ExpressVPN provides are
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- Torrent IP leak protection
- Network lock (kill-switch)
- Split tunneling
- DNS leak protection
- No-log policy
ExpressVPN also offers other features like a speed test, which allows you to conduct a speed test before selecting a P2P server. This will enable you to choose the fastest server for torrenting.
SurfShark VPN:
SurfShark VPN is one the best options for people with low budgets. While being extremely affordable, SurfShark VPN provides all the essential features you need for torrenting. Based in the British Virgin Islands, SurfShark VPN provides safe-jurisdiction. It uses strong AES-256 encryption and OpenVPN protocol for a secure and private torrenting experience. While SurfShark may not offer a similar speed to other top VPNs, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, it remains consistent. With 18 dedicated P2P servers to choose from, SurfShark VPN allows you to download torrents hassle-free.
SurfShark VPN provides the following P2P features:
- IP leak protection
- Kill switch
- Split-tunneling
- Private DNS servers
- Camouflage mode
- CleanWeb
SurfShark VPN also has a solid no-log policy, so you don’t have to worry about your provider retaining any online activity logs.
CyberGhost VPN:
CyberGhost VPN is also a great option and one of the best VPNs for torrenting. It is headquartered in Romania, which is considered a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. The VPN uses AES-256-bit encryption and secure protocols like Wireguard and OpenVPN, which gives you optimal security and privacy while torrenting. CyberGhost also provides dedicated P2P servers for a prompt torrenting experience. When tested, It showed a fast and consistent speed, which ensures the most seamless torrenting experience.
CyberGhost VPN provides the following P2P features:
- Dedicated IP address
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
- No-logs policy
- No spy servers
- Ad and malware blocker
Not only does CyberGhost provide the best privacy and security features for torrenting, but it is also super affordable..
PureVPN:
PureVPN is another affordable option for reliable protection and privacy while torrenting. Based in the British Virgin Islands, the VPN offers safe Jurisdiction, so you don’t have to worry about your online activity getting monitored. PureVPN has strong AEs-256 encryption with protocols like OpenVPN and Wireguard to ensure a safe and secure torrenting experience. It offers dedicated P2P servers with consistent speed so you can download torrents hassle-free.
Some major P2P features that PureVPN provides are:
- Dedicated IP address
- Split tunneling
- Kill switch
- Ad blocker
- DNS leak protection
- Port forwarding
The VPN also maintains a strict no-log policy, which means they do not keep records of your online activity. This enhances your anonymity while downloading torrents.
ProtonVPN:
ProtonVPN is also a great VPN for secure and private torrenting. It provides reliable security and a robust no-logs policy for torrenting. It is based in Switzerland, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction due to its strong data protection and privacy laws. It uses AES-256-bit encryption to secure user’s data. Additionally, ProtonVPN employs a combination of OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec protocols to enhance the security and privacy of user connections. It offers P2P-optimized servers for downloading torrents seamlessly.
Here are some P2P features that ProtonVPN offers:
- DNS leak protection
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
- No P2P restrictions
- Torrent IP leak protection
ProtonVPN also has a strong no-logs policy. So you don’t have to worry about your online activity getting monitored.
StrongVPN:
StrongVPN is a versatile choice for torrenting. With an easy-to-use friendly interface, it is a fast and secure VPN. While headquartered in the United States, its commitment to user privacy and data protection remains robust. StrongVPN uses AES-256-bit encryption and employs secure protocols like OpenVPN and Wireguard for the best possible security and privacy. It provides dedicated P2P servers for an uninterrupted and seamless torrenting experience.
StrongVPN provides the following P2P features:
- DNS leak protection
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
- Port forwarding
- Fast speed
If you’re looking for a VPN for efficient, secure, and anonymous torrenting, StrongVPN is a reliable option. The VPN has some impressive features which all live up to the expectations.
VyprVPN:
VyprVPN is also a great option for a safe and secure torrenting experience. Headquartered in Switzerland, it has a privacy-friendly jurisdiction for downloading your torrenting securely and privately. It uses AES-256-bit encryption and secure protocols like Wireguard and Chameleon to provide optimal security while torrenting. It provides unlimited bandwidth and allows P2P file-sharing on all the servers. It is essential to know that the download speeds are pretty average, considering the minimal network it provides.
Here are some P2P features that VyprVPN offers:
- IP and DNS leak protection
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
- Connection per app
- Site blocker
Besides that, VyprVPN provides a strong no-logs policy, proven by their audit reports. This ensures that you can have a private torrenting experience.
MullVad VPN:
This VPN is famous for the uncompromised privacy that it lives by. Based in Sweden, it offers safe Jurisdiction. It uses AES-256-bit encryption and Wireguard protocols for secure and private torrenting. Moreover, MullVad VPN also allows P2P file-sharing on all its servers so that you can download your torrents hassle-free.
Here are some P2P features MullVad VPN offers:
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
- Port forwarding
- Bridge mode
- Multi-hop connection
MullVad VPN also has a strong no-logs policy, so you don’t have to worry about your activity getting monitored while torrenting.
TunnelBear VPN:
TunnelBear is another of the best VPNs for torrenting. It has a colorful, easy-to-use interface which makes it ideal for new users. The VPN offers strong AES-256-bit encryption and robust VPN protocols like Wireguard for maximum security and privacy. TunnelBear VPN allows P2P file sharing on all the servers, so you can have a seamless torrenting experience. When tested for speed, TunnelBear VPN performed well. That means you can download torrents promptly without any interruption.
It has crucial P2P features like:
- Vigilant bear (Kill switch)
- Split tunneling
- Blocker features
- GhostBear
- No-logs policy
TunnelBear VPN also has cross-platform Compatibility, which means you can connect it with different devices like Windows. Android, iOS, and iPhone.
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN:
Private Internet access VPN is known for its unique interface. The VPN provides high security with solid AES 256 Bit encryption and secure protocols like OpenVPN and Wireguard. It allows you to do P2P file-sharing on any server, so you can easily download your torrent files without worrying about your security and privacy.
The VPN provides the following P2P features:
- DNS leak protection
- Kill Switch
- Port forwarding
- SOCKS5 proxy
- Cross-platform Compatibility
Private Internet Access VPN also has a solid no-logs policy. So, you don’t have to worry about your online activity being monitored while torrenting.
How do you setup a VPN for torrenting:
Now that you know how a VPN makes your torrenting experience secure and private, here are all the crucial steps for setting up your VPN for torrenting:
- After downloading and installing the VPN client, log in to your VPN and proceed to the server list.
- If your VPN has dedicated P2P servers, choosing the closest and fastest server is best.
- Go to settings and ensure the kill switch is “enabled”; otherwise, enable it yourself.
- While in the VPN settings, select the appropriate protocol for torrenting, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec.
By following these steps, you can set up a VPN for torrenting and enjoy the benefits of enhanced privacy and security while engaging in P2P file sharing. Remember that using a VPN responsibly means adhering to legal and ethical guidelines for torrenting in your region. Once you’re connected to a virtual network, you can forget about your online activity getting tracked by anyone. Now, you can download your torrents without any fear.
Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?
Free VPNs, as enticing as they may sound, pose significant risks when it comes to torrenting. A free VPN can not provide the same level of protection and privacy that a premium VPN offers. By downloading torrents using a free VPN, you could be potentially compromising your security and privacy. A free VPN typically provides a limited number of servers to choose from, which often lack support for P2P file-sharing. Moreover, a free VPN is also likely to slow down your internet connection, which can interrupt your torrenting experience.
Even more concerning, a free VPN often lacks basic security features such as data encryption. This can expose your IP address to anyone and make you vulnerable.
Free VPNs are also known for keeping user log information and potentially selling the data to third parties for marketing purposes.
Investing in a premium VPN to get optimal security and privacy while torrenting is strongly recommended. If the prices are your concern, some affordable options are available with robust security features. Besides providing you with maximum safety and privacy, a premium VPN can enhance your torrenting experience.
Is it legal to use a VPN for torrenting?
Using a VPN for torrenting itself is generally legal, as VPNs are legitimate tools for enhancing your online security and privacy. However, if you’re torrenting copyrighted content with a VPN, it will merely add a layer of anonymity to it. Although the VPN might decrease the likelihood of getting caught, the act in itself will remain illegal. The intensity of copyright laws varies depending on the location. You could be subject to DMCA fines or, in more severe cases, potential legal action that could lead to jail time. Therefore, it is recommended not to torrent copyrighted content even with a VPN. There are tons of non-copyrighted and freeware content available online to torrent.
Why is it important to consider a safe location for torrenting?
The geographical location of your computer plays a crucial role in your torrenting experience. It determines your torrent download speeds. If you live in a country with strict internet regulations or if your internet service provider (ISP) has a reputation for throttling your connection, you might encounter slow download speeds.
Therefore, by selecting the server of a country with permissive torrent laws, you don’t have to face this problem while torrenting.
Which countries are safe for torrenting?
When it comes to torrenting, the safety and legality of your activity are influenced by the country you’re located in. Each country has its own laws for online file sharing, copyright enforcement, and internet usage.
Here are some countries which are considered completely safe for torrenting:
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Canada
- Mexico
- Spain
- Russia
These are some of the best countries for torrenting with lenient internet laws. To ensure that you don’t encounter any problems while torrenting, consider selecting a VPN server located in one of these countries.
Final Word:
Torrenting, while being an efficient way to download large files online, has its risks. Using a high-quality VPN ensures one’s security and anonymity while torrenting. A VPN can help you avoid a handful of concerns, such as malware, hackers, ISP throttling, and Copyright trolls when downloading torrents. However, with the plethora of VPNs available online, it can get confusing to decide which one is the best. We have mentioned above some of the best VPNs for torrenting that have been thoroughly tested and proven to provide reliable performance.
FAQs: That You Might Have About Torrent VPN
Make sure you’re choosing a VPN that allows torrenting. NordVPN is the most popular VPN for torrenting purposes, with unmatchable security, fast speed, and affordable price. ExpressVPN also offers top-notch protection and privacy features ideal for torrenting.
Not all VPNs allow torrenting. As long as you’re investing in a VPN that allows P2P file-sharing, consistent high-speed assurance, and strong encryption for security, you’re good to go.
Switzerland is known to be the safest country for torrenting purposes. Besides that, other countries’ servers that are safe for torrenting include the Netherlands, Spain, and France. NordVPN and SurfSharkVPN both offer servers in Switzerland, making them both ideal VPNs for torrenting.
While it may not be illegal to torrent in Australia, it is mandatory to use a VPN while torrenting. Without using a VPN, you are allowing your ISP to monitor you’re online activity and could share it with third-party advertisers.
No, not all VPNs are suitable for torrenting. You have to select a VPN that supports P2P activities, offers strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and doesn’t restrict or throttle P2P traffic.
Using a free VPN while torrenting will make you susceptible to getting your online activity monitored by compromising your security and privacy. Instead, It is recommended to opt for an affordable premium VPN that offers robust security protocols and high-speed servers.
When it comes to speed, there are certain features you need to look out for. Opt for a VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth, secure protocols like OpenVPN or IPSec, and servers in torrent-friendly countries.
While a VPN ensures your privacy when torrenting, it is possible to experience slow speed due to the data encryption process. But if you’re investing in a top-tier VPN, you don’t have to worry about this.
Yes, a VPN can allow you to access blocked torrent sites. It masks your IP address and reroutes your traffic to a server of a different location where the site is not blocked.