When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Getting the best VPN for torrenting is essential for ensuring your privacy and security when exchanging files online. Your IP is exposed to every user in the P2P network when you’re torrenting, so it’s good to take precautions.
A secure and reliable VPN service with strong security, fast download speeds, and P2P-friendly policies can help you remain safe online. By masking your IP address and encrypting your web traffic, a virtual private network provider ensures an anonymous torrenting experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the top torrenting VPN providers and their features, helping you find the best fit for secure torrenting.
- Show Full Guide
Best Torrenting VPN at a Glance
- Surfshark – Best VPN for fast torrenting
- PureVPN – Best VPN for torrenting with port forwarding
- ExpressVPN – Best torrenting VPN with numerous P2P server locations
- NordVPN – Top security-focused torrenting VPN
- CyberGhost – Easy-to-use torrenting VPN for beginners
- PrivadoVPN – Best zero-logs VPN for torrenting with a SOCKS5 proxy
- Proton VPN – Top P2P-optimized servers and privacy combination with a free option
- VyprVPN – Privacy-focused torrenting VPN with Swiss jurisdiction
Best VPN for Torrenting Reviewed
We thoroughly tested a wide range of VPN providers to find the best torrenting VPNs on the market today. We analyzed key features like security, privacy practices, including no-logs policies, support for P2P connections, server speeds for fast downloads, and prices to identify the best VPN for torrenting for various use cases.
1. Surfshark – Best VPN for Blazing-Fast Torrenting
| P2P servers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
| Starting Price | $1.99/month |
Why We Picked It
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for torrenting, as all of its servers support P2P activities across 100 countries. It offers market-leading security, privacy features, and unlimited simultaneous connections for a very affordable price.
Features
Surfshark VPN works well with torrent clients such as uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, Deluge, and Transmission. The CleanWeb feature further boosts security by blocking ads, trackers, and malware while browsing ad-infested torrent sites.
Furthermore, the VPN provider uses top-class security – AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers, RAM-only servers, the NoBorders feature (automatically routes traffic through special servers to avoid censorship), and DNS leak prevention. In terms of privacy, an independently audited zero-logs policy ensures none of your data can be accessed or compromised.
Surfshark’s connection speeds are also one of the fastest VPNs, thanks to an extensive server fleet and the WireGuard protocol, which will avoid sluggish downloads when torrenting.
Pricing
Surfshark VPN is a cheap VPN, with prices starting at $1.99/month for unlimited simultaneous connections. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial, so you can test the VPN software for free.
Who It’s Best For
Overall, Surfshark is a great torrenting VPN and works on a wide range of devices, with unlimited connections on offer. It goes beyond the basic functionalities and ensures your torrenting is as secure and fast as possible.
For more information, read our Surfshark review.
Pros
- All servers support P2P traffic
- Prevents DNS leaks
- Blazing-fast speeds
- AES-256 encryption and kill switch features
- Camouflage Mod
Cons
- Based in a 14-Eyes alliance country
- No free plan
2. PureVPN – Top Torrenting VPN With Port Forwarding Functionality
| P2P servers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Server Network | 6,000+ servers in 65 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Starting Price | $1.69/month |
Why We Picked It
PureVPN carves out a unique space in the torrenting virtual private network landscape. While offering powerful security features, it stands out for its focus on user control and customization, making it ideal for experienced torrenters seeking maximum efficiency.
Features
PureVPN allows P2P traffic on designated servers, ensuring a smooth torrenting experience. While some servers prioritize regular browsing, others are specifically optimized for P2P activity. PureVPN also has an in-app port forwarding feature, allowing other users to connect directly to your torrent client.
Moreover, PureVPN provides a virtual IP for P2P traffic that keeps your identity confidential, even from your internet service provider (ISP), since the files shared with you go through your VPN-provided IP addresses instead of the ISP-provided address. Speaking of privacy and security, PureVPN has an independently audited no-logs policy, verified by KMPG, industry-standard encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, and a kill switch.
Pricing
PureVPN provides multiple subscription plans starting at $1.69/month (port forwarding costs extra). There’s a seven-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test the service.
Who It’s Best For
Tech-savvy users who value customization and control over their torrenting will appreciate PureVPN. The optional port forwarding functionality allows faster downloads and is focused on users who are comfortable with technical configurations.
For more information, read our PureVPN review.
Pros
- Numerous P2P servers
- User-focused apps
- Always-on audit
- Affordable and flexible plans
Cons
- Port forwarding costs extra
- Mobile apps lack some features
3. ExpressVPN – Best Torrenting VPN Service With a Reliable P2P Server Network
| P2P servers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Server Network | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 |
| Starting Price | $4.99/month |
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN is yet another reliable torrenting VPN. While not explicitly advertised as such, their robust infrastructure and commitment to user privacy make them a well-regarded option for P2P torrent downloads.
Features
ExpressVPN offers over 3,000+ servers, with a significant portion strategically configured for efficient P2P traffic flow. This translates to fast download speeds and minimal buffering for a seamless torrenting experience.
Moreover, ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy by offering an iron-clad no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption, which scrambles your data, rendering it indecipherable to any third parties. A built-in kill switch acts as a failsafe and automatically blocks your internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental IP leaks.
ExpressVPN implements its proprietary Lightway VPN protocol, built from scratch for security and speed; it is arguably the best VPN protocol for torrenting.
Pricing
ExpressVPN isn’t the most affordable VPN, starting at $4.99/month, but it offers great value for money. Plus, you can test this VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee or a free trial for mobile devices.
Who It’s Best For
ExpressVPN is best suited for security-conscious users who prioritize reliable VPN services and P2P network security. While not the cheapest, its commitment to user privacy and best-in-class server network make it a favorite among discerning torrents.
For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- AES-256 encryption and IP address protection
- P2P servers available
- Proprietary Lightway protocol
- Top-class security measures
Cons
- Premium VPN prices
- Limited free trials
4. NordVPN – Best Torrenting VPN With Top-Class Security Features
| P2P servers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Server Network | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Starting Price | $2.99/month |
Why We Picked It
NordVPN is a heavyweight contender in the P2P VPN pool. It goes beyond simply allowing P2P traffic, actively optimizing its secure and efficient file-sharing service.
Features
NordVPN boasts over 6,800 servers, with 5,000+ specifically configured for P2P activities. These servers are strategically located to ensure fast download speeds and minimal congestion. Additionally, NordVPN’s online torrenting section is transparent, removing any ambiguity for users.
Based in Panama, one of the torrenting-friendly privacy-focused countries, NordVPN takes user privacy seriously. Its independently audited no-logs policy and top-tier encryption protocols guarantee your torrenting activities remain private. Advanced features like double VPN and obfuscated servers offer an extra layer of protection for users in privacy-restrictive environments.
NordVPN’s security features extend beyond torrenting. Threat Protection actively blocks malware and malicious websites, while Onion over VPN allows you to access the dark web anonymously. Additionally, NordVPN proved to be one of the fastest VPNs, thanks to its NordLynx protocol.
Pricing
NordVPN’s prices start at $2.99/month. Also, a generous 7-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee allow you to test the service risk-free.
Who It’s Best For
NordVPN is best for security-conscious users who want a powerful combination of robust P2P functionality and top-of-the-line security features.
For more information, read our NordVPN review.
Pros
- Specialized P2P servers
- Independently audited no-logs policy and kill switch
- Stops DNS and WebRTC leaks
- Fast speeds with NordLynx
Cons
- Slower speeds with farther servers
- Entry plan is fairly limited
5. CyberGhost – Best Beginner-Friendly Torrenting VPN With a Great Server Network
| P2P servers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Server Network | 11,700+ servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 7 |
| Starting Price | $2.19/month |
Why We Picked It
CyberGhost is another strong and user-friendly torrenting VPN with a massive server fleet (11,700+ servers in 100 countries) and an intuitive design ideal for beginners and experienced users.
Features
CyberGhost has thousands of servers (a large portion of them are virtual), but only ten are P2P-optimized. However, CyberGhost VPN blocks all incoming traffic by default, so nobody can access your computer. If other peers in a P2P network also use access restrictions, your downloads are limited to those who don’t.
CyberGhost is reliable, privacy-wise. It is based in Romania, a P2P-friendly country outside of the 14-Eyes alliance. It offers a zero-logs policy, guaranteeing that your torrenting activities (IP addresses and DNS queries) remain private.
Regarding additional features, split tunneling allows you to choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which uses your regular connection. CyberGhost also offers some customization options for advanced users for VPN protocols and connection settings but is user-friendly, especially on mobile devices.
Pricing
CyberGhost is one of our list’s most affordable torrenting VPNs – costing just $2.19/month. A free trial and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee allow you to test the service risk-free.
Who It’s Best For
CyberGhost is an excellent choice for users who prioritize ease of use and robust security for torrenting over speed.
For more information, read our CyberGhost review.
Pros
- 10 P2P-optimized servers
- Functional kill switch
- Based in torrenting-friendly country
- Money return and free trial available
Cons
- Slower speeds than some competitors
- Lots of servers are virtual
6. PrivadoVPN – Best No-Logs VPN for Torrenting With SOCKS5 Proxy
| P2P servers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Server Network | 300+ servers in 49 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Starting Price | $1.11/month |
Why We Picked It
PrivadoVPN is a competitive torrenting VPN that combines great connection speeds and affordability. While not as widely recognized as some competitors, PrivadoVPN stands out for its commitment to no-logs policies and unique features.
Features
PrivadoVPN allows P2P traffic on all of its servers. If you want an extra layer of anonymity, PrivadoVPN offers a built-in SOCKS5 proxy. This can be particularly useful for bypassing ISP throttling that could target P2P connections. However, it’s important to note that a SOCKS5 proxy doesn’t encrypt your data like a VPN, so use it strategically.
PrivadoVPN doesn’t offer as many features as Surfshark or ExpressVPN. Still, it has all the security and privacy must-haves and even extra features, like SmartRoute (split tunneling) and Control Tower (ad blocker).
Pricing
While PrivadoVPN has a free-forever plan, it’s fairly limited, only allowing you to connect to servers in 12 countries and use 10GB of data per month. We recommend opting for a premium version for $1.11/month, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, too.
Who It’s Best For
PrivadoVPN is a decent torrenting option for users who don’t need a large server fleet. While less known in the market, its security features are on par with some of the biggest names in the industry.
For more information, read our PrivadoVPN review.
Pros
- All servers are P2P-friendly
- High-speed downloads
- SmartRoute split tunneling service
- Free version available
Cons
- Relatively small server network
- No third-party audit
7. Proton VPN – Top P2P-Optimized Servers and Privacy Combination With a Free Option
| P2P servers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Server Network | 6,400+ servers in 112 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Starting Price | $2.99/month |
Why We Picked It
Proton VPN stands out for its unique blend of security features, P2P optimization, and a free tier. This versatile option is suitable for both budget-conscious users and privacy-focused torrenters.
Features
Proton VPN has 140+ specialty and P2P-optimized servers. While not as many as other top competitors, it’s quite a wide fleet for torrenting. This will help prevent your ISP from throttling or blocking your BitTorrent downloads and hide your IP address from those you share files with.
Based in privacy-centric Switzerland, ProtonVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy. Next-gen encryption keeps your data secure, and a built-in kill switch safeguards against accidental IP leaks. The speeds are above average, too (thanks to WireGuard and the VPN Accelerator), so you shouldn’t experience significant lags.
Pricing
Proton VPN premium subscriptions start at $2.99/month, and all plans come with a 30-day money-back policy. If you don’t want to commit, the free plan could be sufficient, but it’s limited regarding torrenting.
Who It’s Best For
ProtonVPN caters to a broad spectrum of users. The free tier is sufficient for budget-focused users or those new to VPNs. Paid plans offer top-notch security and P2P optimization, making them perfect for privacy-focused torrenters.
For more information, read our Proton VPN review.
Pros
- 140+ P2P-optimized servers
- Kill switch included
- VPN Accelerator
Cons
- Free tier doesn’t have torrenting capabilities
- Pricier than other top VPNs
8. VyprVPN – Best Privacy-Focused Torrent VPN Based in Switzerland
| P2P servers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Server Network | 700+ servers in 40 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Starting Price | $3.00/month |
Why We Picked It
Another Swiss-based VPN for downloading torrents is VyprVPN, an established service in the wide VPN market. It landed on our best torrenting VPN list with top-notch privacy and support for P2P torrent traffic on all its servers.
Features
VyprVPN states that its service treats all VPN traffic equally, so P2P and BitTorrent traffic is permitted. While not the biggest server fleet overall, VyprVPN supports torrenting on all its 700+ servers across 40 countries.
This VPN company also has cutting-edge encryption, DNS leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch – a feature necessary for keeping your data safe.
Pricing
VyprVPN offers great value for money, with long-term plans starting at $3.00/month. In addition, currently, there’s a 3-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allow you to test the service risk-free.
Who It’s Best For
With strong security, VyprVPN is a good VPN for privacy-minded torrenters. However, it might not be the most budget-friendly option, and its server network is smaller than that of some competitors. So, if price is a major concern or you need a wider server selection, you might want to consider other VPNs.
For more information, read our Vypr review.
Pros
- 700+ servers for reliable torrenting
- DNS leak protection
- 3-day free trial
Cons
- Small server fleet and server congestion reported by users
- Based in a 14-Eyes country
Best Torrent VPN Compared
We’ve compiled the stats on each one of our picks for the best torrenting VPN providers in a quick reference table:
| Surfshark | PureVPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | CyberGhost | PrivadoVPN | ProtonVPN | VyprVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P2P servers | Yes, all | Yes, 1,000+ | Yes, all | Yes, 5,183 | Yes, 10 | Yes, all | Yes, 140+ | Yes, all |
| Server Fleet | 3,200 servers in 100+ countries | 6,000+ servers in 65 countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries | 11,700+ servers in 100 countries | 300+ servers in 49 countries | 6,400+ servers in 91 countries | 700+ servers in 40 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Split tunneling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free trial | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days for mobile devices | 7 days | 1 day on desktop, 3 days on Android, 7 days on iOS | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 days for mobile devices |
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | $1.69/month | $4.99/month | $2.99/month | $2.19/month | $1.11/month | $2.99/month | $3.00/month |
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Torrenting?
Torrenting is a technology for sharing files over the internet with users who are simultaneously uploading and downloading files. While it offers a convenient way to access various files, including movies, music, and software, it exposes your online activity in several ways. When you engage in torrenting, your IP address is visible to other users in the torrent community.
With your IP exposed, you could be targeted by bad actors or copyright trolls. Hackers might exploit vulnerabilities; copyright holders could even take legal action if you download copyrighted material. Secondly, internet service providers can throttle internet speeds if heavy bandwidth usage is suspected (like frequent torrenting).
Because of this, the use of a VPN is recommended when engaging in torrenting. It can:
- Conceal your IP address and encrypt your internet connection,
- VPN encrypts your online activities, making your torrenting traffic effectively anonymous,
- Bypass ISP throttling and ensure you get the most out of your internet connection.
This prevents anyone from tracing torrents back to your actual location or identity. VPNs can also bypass ISP throttling, giving you optimal torrent download speeds. This combination of anonymity and enhanced performance makes VPNs indispensable to anyone involved in P2P file sharing.
Is Torrenting Legal?
Yes, torrenting is legal when used to download or share files. However, downloading copyrighted material is not legal. The legality of torrenting hinges on the content you download, not the technology itself.
Torrenting is a file-sharing method that allows users to download pieces of a file from multiple computers simultaneously. Trouble arises when you download copyrighted content, such as movies, music, or software, without permission from the copyright holder. Distributing copyrighted material through torrents is also illegal.
Copyright laws differ around the world. In the US, UK, Australia, and most of Europe, downloading copyrighted content through torrents is illegal, and you may face fines, and torrent sites may be shut down. However, some countries, like Poland, Switzerland, and Spain, have more relaxed copyright laws, allowing people to download copyrighted material for personal use.
It’s worth remembering, as well, that you should be wary of malware infections when using services like BitTorrent.
Best VPN Server Locations for Torrenting
One of the many great things about a VPN is that you can virtually connect to almost any country around the globe. Choosing an optimal VPN location for torrenting sites involves balancing privacy, speed, and legal considerations. Here are a few of the best torrenting locations:
Switzerland – Known for its strong privacy laws and neutrality on copyright enforcement, Switzerland offers a secure haven for torrenting. Switzerland is not a member of the 14-Eyes alliance, so your data cannot be collected and shared internationally.
The Netherlands – This Dutch haven has a well-established P2P culture and a legal framework that doesn’t criminalize downloading copyrighted material for personal use. Plus, the Netherlands has excellent internet infrastructure, ensuring fast download speeds.
Romania – This Eastern European nation offers robust privacy protections and a relaxed stance on piracy and copyright enforcement. Additionally, Romania has a well-developed internet infrastructure, making it a good choice for speedy downloads.
Canada – Similar to the Netherlands, Canada doesn’t criminalize downloading copyrighted content for personal use (always double-check local laws). Canadian servers also typically offer good speeds and reliable connections.
Panama – This country also has excellent data protection laws. Users are required to agree to the collection of their data before accessing a page. You have the right to refuse to provide your data; all information must be stored securely.
How to Choose the Best VPN for P2P Torrenting
Choosing the best VPN for torrenting might be quite a task, as not all VPNs have the features required for torrenting. The main thing that a VPN has to have is peer-to-peer file sharing.
Here are some of the key factors to consider when choosing a torrent VPN, whether you’re looking at services from Private Internet Access VPN or Avast Secureline VPN:
P2P file sharing – The VPN must explicitly allow P2P file sharing. Not all VPNs do, so check their terms of service.
Top-class security – Prioritize strong encryption (AES-256 is ideal) to scramble your data and protect it from snooping.
Privacy features – Select a VPN with an (independently) verified no-logs policy. This assures that they do not monitor or store your torrenting activities.
Leak protection – A kill switch is essential. If the VPN connection drops, it automatically cuts off your internet traffic, preventing accidental data leaks.
Speedy downloads – Torrenting requires a large amount of bandwidth. Choose a VPN with a vast network of well-maintained servers to minimize sluggish downloads.
Unlimited bandwidth – Data limits can cause a torrent to stop downloading in the middle. Choose a VPN with unlimited bandwidth to ensure uninterrupted downloading.
Value for money – Check your budget and explore different plans and features. Choose a VPN that fits your budget and offers the best protection for the buck.
How to Torrent with a VPN
Surfshark keeps your identity under wraps by hiding your IP address, making it a secure choice when using popular torrenting software. Therefore, we’re going to guide you through how to torrent securely using this VPN:
Subscribe to Surfshark and Download the Software
Go to Surfshark’s site, sign up for a subscription, and navigate to the Download section. Choose the app installer for your operating system. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Launch Surfshark and Connect to a Server
Open the Surfshark app and log in using your credentials. The app interface will display a list of VPN servers. You can find a P2P-optimized server by looking for P2P in Surfshark’s server locations menu.
Enable Essential Features
Navigate to Surfshark’s settings and ensure the Kill Switch feature is enabled. This will guarantee your internet connection is automatically cut if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental leaks of your IP address.
Start Your Torrent Client
Open your preferred torrent client software, such as QBittorrent, BitTorrent, Transmission, Vuze, or uTorrent.
Find and Download Torrents
Use a reputable torrent search engine to find the files you want to download. Remember, always download legal content or content you have permission to access, and keep the VPN active at all times.
Is a Free VPN Good for Torrenting?
While free VPNs might seem like a good idea for torrenting, they come with hidden costs that could outweigh any initial savings. Here’s why you should think twice before using a free VPN:
- Data caps and slow speeds – Many free VPNs have data caps, leaving you stranded mid-download. Plus, crowded servers can lead to sluggish download speeds, making your torrenting extra slow.
- Security issues – Some free VPNs use weak encryption or even log your activity, potentially exposing you to bad actors.
- Malware risk – Free VPNs can be a great risk for malware. They can plant ads in your browser or even install malicious software on your device.
- Limited server options – Free VPNs typically offer just a few servers, so finding a good connection with decent speeds is difficult.
- Limited support – When you encounter issues with a free VPN, customer support might be limited to none.
However, a few free VPNs might allow torrenting, but they likely come with the abovementioned limitations. For safe and secure torrenting, try the free options of Surfshak, ExpressVPN, or other premium services.
Conclusion – What is the Best Torrenting VPN?
Torrenting without a VPN is risky, as it introduces a wide range of threats – from malware infections to data theft and legal dangers.
To help you mitigate these risks, I looked for a VPN that offers industry-leading security, a proven no-logs claim, and solid speeds for smooth P2P file-sharing. With these factors in mind, I rate Surfshark as the best VPN for torrenting.
It offers military-grade encryption and an independently verified no-logs policy to keep your activity and identity hidden. On top of that, you get advanced security features, like obfuscation and MultiHop connections. In addition, its status as one of the fastest VPNs on the market makes it a great all-arounder for torrenting.
