Best VPN for Torrenting (2023) | Download Torrents Safely

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In this post, you will find the Best VPN for torrenting. After extensive testing and evaluation, I have compiled the list of a total of 5 top VPN that works flawlessly with torrents / P2P. 

Whether you want to bypass the torrenting restrictions in certain regions or simply want to keep your torrenting activities anonymous, using a VPN during your P2P activities is highly recommended.

There are literally hundreds of VPN services in the market these days. A whole lot of them claim to be best for torrenting. However, there is only a handful of VPNs that are torrent-friendly.

Most VPNs are too slow for torrenting. You need speed for fast downloads. Many of them had some serious security issues. You want to keep your torrenting sessions private and secure. Several VPNs did not go well with the torrent clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent.

We tested just about every VPN there is before compiling this list of best torrenting VPNs. The VPNs on our list are the leaders in the industry. Speed, security, privacy, you get the complete package.

Though, the one VPN that clearly stands out even on this list is ExpressVPN. It is undoubtedly faster than other VPNs and provides wide torrenting coverage across all its servers. It is also one of the safest VPNs you will find. Here’s a quick look at ExpressVPN features:

What is Torrenting?

In simple words, torrenting is the file exchange over the internet between the people. Therefore, it is also commonly called Peer to Peer (P2P) exchange.

When you download a file – say a movie – using the P2P network, you aren’t downloading it from any dedicated server. You are downloading the file saved on the computers of people like you and me who are connected to the P2P network.

While torrenting, the entire file is not downloaded from a single location. In fact, you download separate chunks of the same file from different users.

The users from whom you can download the files (or rather the users who are uploading the file) are called ‘Seeders’. The users who are downloading the file are called ‘leechers’.

Depending upon the number of Seeders, you could be downloading separate segments of the same file from hundreds of peers. The higher the number of Seeders, the faster will be the download.

To download or upload the file (or in other words to connect to the P2P network) you need a torrent client. BitTorrent and uTorrent are the two most popular torrenting clients.

Even though you can choose only to download files and never be a Seeder, the concept of ‘paying it forward’ is prevalent among the torrenters.

Why do you need a Torrent VPN?

A VPN is highly recommended for torrenting. Here are some reasons why:

• To keep your torrenting sessions safe: Torrenting is usually frowned at, no matter which country you live in. You don’t want your ISP or Government keeping a track of your torrenting activities. With a VPN, you can keep your torrent sessions safe and private.
• Prevent ISP throttling: Your ISP is likely to slow down your internet connection if it detects high torrenting activities. If you are using a VPN, your torrent activities will go undetected.
• All-round protection: A VPN will not only provide protection cover for the torrent client, but it will also protect your IP footprints when you visit torrenting websites.

With a VPN you get complete torrenting protection. During the torrent activities, your IP address is exposed and visible to anyone who could be looking. Take a look at the image below:

However, when you are connected to a VPN, you are using a shared IP address. This IP address is being used by hundreds of other torrenters like you. This means it is impossible for anyone to track the torrent activities back to you.

How did we choose the best torrenting VPN?

As I said before, we have carefully tested and evaluated dozens of VPNs before finalizing this list of 5 best VPNs for torrenting.

Here are some of the parameters important for torrenting that we considered.

Speed

When you are streaming, any connection that offers more than 10 Mbps speed is usually good enough. However, torrenting is a completely different case. The higher the speed the better. Therefore, while testing the VPNs for torrenting, we had to keep in mind the ‘speed drop’ factor.

Every VPN experiences speed drop as it has to reroute your internet traffic through secure servers. However, the VPN that retains the original speed the most and experiences the least drop is the one for torrenting.

ExpressVPN is the fastest among all. Though, the other VPNs on this list also fared well.

Security & Privacy

Speed is important. However, the very reason you want a torrenting VPN in the first place is that you are looking for a safe and secure torrenting experience. You do not want your footprints on the web while you engage in P2P exchanges.

All the VPNs on this list offer the highest level of security through impenetrable encryption protocols. In addition, you also get added security features like Kill-Switch that blocks your internet connection if the VPN connection drops suddenly.

Also, all the VPNs on this list maintain a strict zero-log policy. This ensures your privacy is maintained throughout your torrenting sessions.

Compatibility with Torrent Clients

It is important for the VPN client to run error-free alongside the torrenting client. I was surprised to see some VPNs acting erratically and even crashing the torrent clients.

The VPNs on our list of best VPNs for torrenting are all compatible with the popular torrent clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent. They run almost without any glitches through the entire period of torrenting.

Prevent ISP Throttling

ISPs have a way to detect your streaming and torrenting activities. After you have used up a certain amount of data, many ISPs slow down your internet during torrenting.

Speed is of the utmost importance for P2P activities. The VPNs on our list make sure that all the detectable torrenting signatures are masked and there is no ISP throttling.

Torrent-friendly Servers

Torrent-optimized servers are one of the biggest criteria while choosing the best VPN for torrenting. There are only a very few VPNs that support torrenting across their entire line-up of servers (ExpressVPN is one such example). Most VPNs have dedicated servers for torrenting.

It was easy to find the torrent-friendly servers with the VPNs on our list. A couple of them even have a special category to choose P2P servers.

Most VPNs that we left out from this list do not offer desirable server performance while torrenting.

Best VPN for Torrenting

Here is our list of Best torrenting VPN in 2023. I am putting ExpressVPN at the top of the list for obvious reasons – it has more servers offering high-speed torrenting than other VPNs. However, I have reviewed other VPNs as well that I found performed well. Here is the list of Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2023:

1. ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN with tons of torrent-friendly servers. Provides secure and private P2P connections.
2. IPVanish: Decently fast VPN for torrenting. Several torrent-optimized servers. Top-grade security.
3. CyberGhost VPN: Dedicated servers for P2P connections. Secure and reliable.
4. NordVPN: A torrent-friendly VPN with many torrent-optimized servers. Dual-layered security for extra protection.
5. Surfshark VPN: A range of dedicated, torrent-optimized servers for high-speed downloads and uploads. Airtight security.

Now I will cover important features of all 5 VPNs. I am sure it will help you find your perfect VPN that fits your requirements as well as budget.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best torrenting VPN and also the best overall VPN. It helps you unblock torrent, download at high speeds, and keeps your torrent traffic secure.

Torrenting Speed

Torrenting requires a high-speed internet connection and that’s one of the reasons why ExpressVPN is the best VPN for torrenting. Widely regarded as the fastest VPN in the world, ExpressVPN offers consistent speeds across most of its servers.

Every VPN loses speed as it has to reroute your internet traffic through secure channels. However, where most VPNs lost more than 50% of the original ISP speed, many ExpressVPN servers retained over 90%. No other VPN comes even close to ExpressVPN on the speed front. It is the fastest VPN for torrenting.

ExpressVPN also makes sure your torrent exchanges are not limited by a bandwidth cap. You can download or upload any amount of data as long as the broadband plan from your ISP allows.

P2P Server coverage

Unlike many other VPNs we tested, ExpressVPN provides extensive torrenting/P2P coverage across all its servers worldwide. ExpressVPN currently has more than 3000 servers in more than 160 locations. With ExpressVPN, you can torrent securely even in the countries where torrenting is banned.

Security, Privacy, & Jurisdiction

Thankfully, high speeds DO NOT come at the cost of security. ExpressVPN uses the industry standards in encryption technology providing airtight security and cover to your torrenting activities. It also has a kill-switch that instantly blocks your internet connection if the connection to the VPN server drops or while you switch VPN servers.

OpenVPN protocol, server authentication, HMAC authentication, control-channel encryption, data-channel encryption, and perfect forward secrecy are some of the added technologies that reinforce the security of your torrenting connections.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. It is outside the jurisdiction of all the major surveillance organizations. It also has a strict no-log policy. In simple words, ExpressVPN offers complete privacy.

Additional Features

ExpressVPN also comes with Split Tunnelling. This feature allows you to choose which apps you want to connect to the VPN and which ones use the normal ISP connection. This means you can secure your torrenting activities by connecting only the torrent client, such as BitTorrent/uTorrent, to the VPN while you continue to browse the web, play online games, etc. without a VPN.

While ExpressVPN is the best VPN for torrents, you can do more with it. You can unblock geo-restricted content, secure Kodi streaming, secure your FireStick and other devices.

Software Support

Each ExpressVPN account lets you connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. It has compatible apps for Android mobiles & tablets, iPhone and other iOS devices, TV devices such as FireStick and Android TV Boxes, Windows, Linux, & Mac computers, browser extensions, routers and more.

Customer Support

ExpressVPN has a highly-responsive chat-support system. If you need help, they are available 24/7 to answer your questions. You can also get in touch with ExpressVPN via email. The customer service representatives are knowledgeable and customer-friendly.

Deals and buying options

You can get 3-months free and save a whopping 49% on ExpressVPN’s annual plan. ExpressVPN also offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like the service (which I see no reason why), you can always ask for a full refund within 30 days.

You can pay by your Credit/Debit card, PayPal, and even Bitcoin.

Visit ExpressVPN.com

2. IPVanish

IPVanish is another solid VPN for torrenting. Though not as fast as ExpressVPN, IPVanish delivers satisfactory speeds across a lot of its servers.

Torrenting Speed

Several of our tests revealed that IPVanish could retain 75-80% of the original ISP speed. If you have a decent connection from your ISP, you will have a smooth torrenting experience.

P2P Server Coverage

There are more than 1300 servers in over 75 locations across the globe. Almost all the IPVanish servers are P2P friendly. And, there is no limit to how much data you have uploaded or downloaded. IPVanish will not put a bandwidth limit.

Security, Privacy, & Jurisdiction

IPVanish also follows the industry standards in providing the top-grade security to your connection while you torrent. The military-grade 256-bit AES encryption makes sure your torrenting activities are completely safe.

The parent company of IPVanish is based in the United States where many major surveillance bodies have jurisdiction. This is a bit worrisome. However, the company maintains a strict zero-logs policy. Therefore, I would like to believe my information is safe with them. Yet, I would trust ExpressVPN over IPVanish any day.

App Support

IPVanish is available on a whole range of devices including Amazon Fire TV & FireStick, iOS, Android mobiles, Mac OS, Windows, Linux, as well as browser extensions.

The apps are compatible with all the popular torrent clients, including BitTorrent.

With one IPVanish subscription, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. You can share this VPN with your family and friends too.

Additional Features

Besides being the VPN that allows torrenting, IPVanish is also handy when it comes to unblocking censored content, apps, and websites.

In addition, it lets you switch the servers unlimited times. Meaning, you can try as many servers as you like until you find the one that suits your needs the best.

Customer Support

Should you have any questions, there is a 24/7 customer support available via live chat as well as email.

Deals & Buying Options

You can now save 46% on the IPVanish yearly plan, which now costs $77.99 annually as opposed to $143.88. You can also opt for the 3-month plan for $26.99 and save 25%. If you want to keep it month-to-month, the monthly plan is now available for a discounted price of $10 (and not $11.99)

IPVanish offers a 7-day unconditional money-back guarantee. That’s the shortest if you compare it with ExpressVPN or most other VPNs in the market. Nevertheless, you can get a fair amount of idea of the VPN’s capabilities in 7 days.

Visit IPVanish.com

3. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has made a name for itself in the VPN world over the past couple of years. This VPN has become the preferred choice for the streamers as well as many torrenters.

Torrenting speed and P2P server coverage

The interesting thing about CyberGhost is that many of its servers do not support torrenting. However, it has set aside some torrenting-optimized servers that offer high-speed P2P connections and are just perfect for your torrenting needs.

While not all of its servers offer desirable speeds, the ones dedicated to torrenting are fast enough. You can choose one of the torrenting-optimized servers from the app interface.

Security, privacy, & jurisdiction

CyberGhost also makes sure that all your downloads and uploads are protected with the airtight, military-grade security protocols. You can torrent as much as you like and neither your ISP nor anyone else will get a whiff of it. It also has an Automatic Kill-Switch, which instantly blocks your internet connection if the VPN connection drops.

CyberGhost is based in Romania and it is outside the jurisdiction of the surveillance organizations. The company has a strict zero-log policy making sure your privacy is always maintained.

App Support

CyberGhost has desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mobile apps for iOS and Android, browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, TV apps for Amazon FireStick, and Android TV devices, and router support for select routers.

It also allows up to 7 simultaneous connections. Meaning, you can secure not just your torrenting but online activities on other supported devices as well. You can also share it with your family or friends.

Additional Features

There is Split Tunnelling too in case you want only your P2P client to stay connected to the VPN servers and other online activities go through your ISP.

Deals & buying options

You can save 79% on the 3-year plan and also get an additional 2 months for $99 (billed every 3 years). CyberGhost also has a 2-year plan that costs $88.56, a 1-year plan for $71.88, and a $12.99 monthly plan.

CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee. Longest known among VPNs.

Bitcoin payment is supported in addition to credit/debit cards and PayPal.

Visit CyberGhostVPN.com

4. NordVPN

If you are looking for the best VPN for torrenting, NordVPN is another VPN you would like to consider. It is one of the fastest VPNs I have tested and speed is one of the key factors to take into account for torrenting.

Speed and P2P server coverage

NordVPN is capable of retaining 70-75% of the original speed offered by your ISP. That’s pretty satisfactory given that most VPNs do not even come close to 50%.

Even though some NordVPN servers aren’t torrent-friendly, it has tons of servers optimized for torrenting. You just need to choose the P2P category in the menu on the NordVPN interface.

Security, privacy, & jurisdiction

NordVPN employs the strongest VPN protocols and algorithms to protect your online identity while you are torrenting. IP and DNS leak protection make sure your P2P traffic remains concealed from anyone who might be looking.

NordVPN is headquartered in Panama. It is outside the jurisdiction of the surveillance organizations. Additionally, it maintains a strict no-log policy.

App Support

NordVPN has a VPN app for Android mobiles, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android TV, FireStick, Linux, and even browser extensions. However, it does not offer the router setup anymore.

One NordVPN account lets you connect up to 6 devices simultaneously. You not only keep your torrent activities safe; you can also protect other devices.

Additional Features

Besides torrenting, you can use NordVPN for all kinds of online activities, including web browsing, streaming, or even to unblock geo-restricted content.

Deals & buying options

You can save 70% on the 3-year plan which is now billed $125.64 every 3 years. The 2-year plan costs you $119.76 and saves you 58%. You can also opt for a 1-year plan, which is billed $83.88 every year and saves you 41%. If you would like to keep it month-to-month, you can choose the monthly plan for $11.95 with no savings.

You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee when you buy a NordVPN plan.

Visit NordVPN.com

5. Surfshark

Surfshark offers several high-speed servers for torrenting. This is why it is part of this list of best VPN for torrents.

Speed & P2P server coverage

It has more than 1000 servers in over 60 countries. However, not all of them may be completely torrent-friendly. You may have to go through a bit of a hit-and-trial process. Sadly, Surfshark does not have the option to choose P2P friendly servers separately.

Security, privacy, & jurisdiction

This VPN provider follows the industry standards for security and safeguards your torrenting activities with AES 256-bit encryption; the best you can get. It has a Kill Switch to block internet access in the event VPN connection drops.

Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands. Meaning, it is outside the jurisdiction of the major surveillance bodies.

App Support

Surfshark offers apps for macOS, Windows, and Linux computers. It has mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Smart TV apps for FireStick, Apple TV, and Android TV.

It is also available on gaming consoles including Xbox and PlayStation.

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Meaning, you can protect as many devices as you like with one account.

Additional Features

Surfshark works well with P2P clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent. It also helps you avoid internet throttling in case your ISP is slowing down your connection during torrenting.

Customer Support

You can contact Surfshark customer care via Live Chat. You may also send an email to them from their contact page.

Deals & buying options

The 2-year plan has a maximum savings of 83%. It is available for $47.76 (billed every 2 years). In addition, you can buy the yearly plan for $71.88 and save 50%. The monthly plan costs you $11.95 with no savings.

There is a 30-Day money-back guarantee with every subscription.

Visit Surfshark.com

Best Free VPN for Torrenting

Yes, there are many free VPN providers available in the market. They remind me of a popular saying, “if it is free, it is likely YOU are the product.”

We have also tested several free VPNs and there isn’t a single name we can take with confidence that would do more harm than any benefit.

Maintaining a VPN network requires lots of money. Free VPN providers are not here for charity. They must be making money some way or the other.

A lot of free torrent VPN providers are known to have sold users’ data to the highest bidders. With them, your privacy is always at the risk of being compromised.

Some dubious VPN services have even sneaked in malware into the user’s devices.

I highly recommend that if you are looking for torrent VPN, go for one of the paid ones. Even though you will be paying some money, you will remain safe and secure.

Read: How Free VPNs Make Money

VPN vs Proxy for Torrenting

Whether to use a VPN or Proxy for torrenting? It is a very common question among torrenters.

The answer is quite simple though – VPN is the best.

A proxy will only hide the IP address for one app at any point. VPN provides all-round protection.

For instance, you can set up a proxy server within BitTorrent or uTorrent client to mask your IP address. However, your IP address will still remain exposed when you visit the torrent sites.

Furthermore, a paid VPN service uses the military-grade encryption protocol to protect your torrenting activities. They are almost impossible to crack. On the other hand, a proxy can be compromised much easily.

If you are serious about safeguarding your privacy, a VPN is the only answer.

Wrapping Up

This is our list of the VPNs we believe are the best for torrenting. If you would ask me to pick one from the list, ExpressVPN will be my undisputed choice. Not only does ExpressVPN have more torrent-friendly servers, but it also offers the fastest P2P connections.

The other VPNs on this list also did well though, especially when compared to all other VPNs that did not make it to our list. What are your thoughts? Let us know via the comments section below.