It is necessary to be cautious whenever file sharing online but with the best VPN for torrenting, you can protect yourself. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) sharing is useful but you may be exposing yourself to online threats while doing so. Using a VPN when P2P sharing will keep you safe from malicious actors and cybercriminals.
Alongside their range of other uses, the VPNs in this article help to protect your identity and anonymity when torrenting and downloading files. An active VPN connection will ensure that all of the data that you download or share online is completely secure and anonymous. The best torrenting VPN services encrypt your internet activity data so that no one can access or decipher it.
Although the torrenting of films, music, and games is prohibited by governments and authorities, many users continue to do so. While we do not condone or encourage any activities that breach copyrights, we strive to protect your privacy and anonymity online.
To help you torrent safely, we have compiled a list of the best torrenting VPNs to ensure your activity and identity remain private online.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV |
| Browser Extentions: | Firefox, Safari, Chrome |
Pros:
Fast connection
Zero-log policy
More than 5000 worldwide servers
Cons:
Few payment options
Split tunneling unavaible
6 Devices Maximum
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
NordVPN is a great choice if you are looking for a secure Virtual Private Network for P2P data sharing and torrenting. Nord is one of the most popular VPNs on the market thanks to its first-rate security features, Double VPN tool, and excellent independently audited no-logging policy.
NordVPN is another secure VPN option for P2P sharers and torrenters and is one of the most well-known VPN providers on the market.
The provider boasts secure VPN connections thanks to its industry-standard IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN encryption protocols, as well as its proprietary high-speed NordLynx option. There is also a range of “Double VPN” servers that encrypt your data twice rather than just once for an additional security layer. Additionally, the VPN’s Onion over VPN option ensures complete privacy for slightly lower download speeds.
Like all premium VPN providers, NordVPN also offers a transparent no-logging policy. The policy has even been independently audited by the world-renowned security company PricewaterhouseCooper, verifying Nord’s safety as a VPN provider.
There is a reliable automatic kill switch for Windows, iOS, and Mac apps, with a simple-to-use alternative for Android. This ensures that private data, like your real IP address, is not exposed while torrenting, even if the VPN connection fails. The VPN also includes complete DNS leak protection, an easy-to-navigate client, and reliably high speeds, even on long-distance server connections.
Users can opt to pay with Crypto-currency, including Bitcoin, to ensure their identity is completely private. There is a 30-day refund policy, too, allowing you to test the product risk-free for a month and request a full refund if you are not completely happy with the service.
If you are ready to commit to a long-term subscription plan, NordVPN’s multi-year option is the most cost-effective. However, we would always recommend testing any VPN product for a shorter period of time before signing up for a lengthier plan.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Plenty of payment methods
24 hours live chat support
30 days money back guarantee
Cons:
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ExpressVPN is arguably the best torrenting VPN on the market. The VPN offers everything you require when torrenting: an extensive network of high-speed servers for fast downloads, a reliable integrated kill switch, support for various devices, and simple-to-use clients.
ExpressVPN offers all of the features you could ever need in a torrenting VPN. The provider is also one of the best overall VPNs on the market, thanks to its excellent security and privacy features.
It offers high-speed server connections for fast and lag-free downloads. Speed tests reveal quick, reliable speeds no matter where you connect from. This is a great benefit for torrenters looking to download large files. There is also unlimited bandwidth and P2P support on all ExpressVPN’s servers, making it one of the best torrenting options.
When it comes to security, ExpressVPN boasts a range of excellent privacy features. It offers strong AES-256 encryption, proprietary secure server DNS technology, and a range of first-rate VPN protocols. Its privacy policy also reassures users that it will never monitor, store, or misuse customer data, to ensure your connection and downloading activity is completely private.
There is a reliable integrated kill-switch for its desktop and mobile apps too. However, there is no specific kill-switch for iOS, and it will be necessary to opt for the auto-reconnect option instead.
The VPN provider’s location in the British Virgin Islands, which enjoys great data protection laws, is a huge plus. For users looking for complete online anonymity, there is an option to pay with Bitcoin too.
The VPN’s Mac and Windows clients feature a split tunneling option that allows users to choose to encrypt their torrenting activity alone. This allows all of your other activities, such as browsing or streaming, to run through your normal ISP connection and remain unaffected by the VPN connection.
The service is straightforward to use, even for a beginner VPN user. There is 24/7 live chat support on hand if you do run into any issues.
In terms of pricing, ExpressVPN is not the cheapest option on the market; however, its first-rate service is worth the extra investment if you are looking for the best torrenting VPN on the market.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Free version
Fast server speeds
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Expensive paid plan
Based in USA (5 Eyes)
Only 5 simultaneous connections
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Hotspot Shield offers some of the fastest server speeds making it a great choice for lag-free downloads. The VPN is simple to use and comes at a reasonable price too.
Hotspot Shield offers some of the fastest VPN connections and has become one of the most popular VPNs on the market. Its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol enables remarkable server speeds that are much faster than even WireGuard can offer. Therefore, you can activate a Hotspot Shield VPN connection with the peace of mind that your download speed won’t be affected.
Hotspot isn’t just fast; it offers a range of other excellent features, too, making it one of the best choices for torrenting. It provides complete support for P2P on every one of its servers. There are a range of helpful torrenting support guides on its website, as well as reliable 24/7 live chat support in case you run into any issues.
Hotspot Shield’s VPN features a reliable kill switch on both its desktop and Android apps, although its iOS version lacks this important feature.
If you are a fan of torrenting, you likely want to stream safely too and access streaming services worldwide. Hotspot Shield is a great choice for streamers, thanks to its excellent unblocking capabilities.
Unfortunately, unlike some of its competitors, the provider does not offer an audited no-logging policy. We would like to see Hotspot Shield introduce this in the future. Moreover, Hotspot Shield admits to some amount of session logging. While none of the stored data could be used to link you to your online activity, if you require complete privacy and anonymity, we’d recommend one of the other VPN service options on this list.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unblocks streaming services
Based in privacy-friendly country
Cons:
No phone support
No 12 month plan
Few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Surfshark is a great VPN for torrenting that comes at a remarkably affordable price.
If you are already considering Surfshark’s virtual private network option, it is likely because of its impressive price. This provider is arguably the best VPN for torrenting for those users looking for a reasonably priced option.
Not only does Surfshark offer a cost-effective VPN option, but it comes with a range of great features and an impressive number of servers too. For torrenting fans, there is P2P support across most of its servers, 256-bit encryption, zero-knowledge DNS servers, the option to pay with Bitcoin, split tunneling, as well as URL and adblocking.
There is an integrated kill-switch for Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone, making it the only VPN provider on our list to cover all 4 devices. Also, on the rare occasion that you run into problems while using the service, there is 24/7 live chat and email support.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, a single Surfshark subscription covers an unlimited number of devices. Therefore, you can use the VPN on your computer, MacOS, mobile devices, gaming consoles, router, and more, and even share the VPN with some of your friends and family members too.
Overall, Surfshark is the best VPN for torrenting when it comes to affordability and functionality.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Roku, Windows, Xbox 360 |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Located in privacy-friendly Romania
Accepts Bitcoin as a payment option
NoSpy server network
Cons:
Limited Netflix unblocking capability
No phone support
Uses virtual servers
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
CyberGhost is a great VPN for torrenting since it offers support for P2P networking on all of its servers.
CyberGhost is an excellent torrenting VPN that comes with an extensive range of sophisticated features while remaining easy to use. The VPN is specially designed to provide the optimal torrenting and P2P sharing experience.
The client will automatically configure to offer the best torrenting service. This means that you do not need to manually set the VPN’s protocols or servers for the best P2P performance, as the VPN will do everything for you. There is even a “Torrent Anonymously” button to make the whole experience extremely easy.
CyberGhost offers an excellent no-logging policy, a split tunneling feature, and a reliable kill-switch to ensure your torrenting activities remain safe and secure.
The VPN also offers an excellent CyberGhost App Protection feature, allowing you to configure the VPN to connect to your chosen server when you visit a particular app. Typically this app will be your torrenting client, and once you have configured it, you will not even have to launch CyberGhost to protect your activities.
One weakness of CyberGhost is the somewhat basic design of its apps. However, despite the fact it offers a less streamlined experience compared to some of its competitors, it remains an excellent specialized P2P sharing VPN.
If you are not yet convinced, the provider offers a generous 45-day refund policy, allowing you to test the service before committing to a paid subscription plan.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Free VPN version
P2P friendly servers
Unlimited device connections
Cons:
3-day money-back guarantee
5 Eyes member
No phone support
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Windscribe is a lesser-known VPN that nonetheless offers an excellent VPN service for torrenting.
Windscribe is another great VPN product that offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription plan. So, if you are looking to use a VPN for torrenting on a range of devices, Windscribe is an excellent choice.
Although the server network is smaller than others on our list, there is P2P support across almost all of Windscribe’s servers. This means you have around 400 options when connecting to a server for torrenting purposes.
This VPN provider boasts an excellent no-logs policy to ensure your anonymity and privacy remain completely secure and protected when torrenting or P2P sharing.
If you’re strapped for cash, there is a great free VPN option that comes with a 2GB data allowance per month. While this may not be enough for torrenting, the free version enables users to get to grips with the VPN service before purchasing a paid plan.
Unfortunately, the VPN does not come with 24/7 support, unlike the other providers on this list, meaning that it may be unsuitable for a beginner VPN user.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 10 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Large server network
Support for torrenting on all servers
Bitcoin as payment option
Cons:
Limited features
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Netflix access issues
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Private Internet Access offers a well-balanced VPN for torrenting when it comes to price and user experience.
PIA offers a huge server network, meaning that you will never be stuck for a choice when it comes to choosing a VPN connection for torrenting, especially considering every single server offers specialized P2P support. There are also no bandwidth restrictions, meaning that you can torrent and share as much as you like without worrying about your data consumption.
The VPN also offers a range of rarely seen features such as Port Forwarding to enable you to redirect your connection through a NAT firewall for super-fast torrenting speeds. There is also a reliable kill switch and excellent split-tunneling feature, allowing you to optimize your torrenting experience further.
PIA offers super-fast connection speeds that are extremely reliable when it comes to performance, no matter where you are connecting from.
There is also a 30-day refund policy and a helpful live-chat support option for additional peace of mind. Although the VPN client is not as sophisticated as some other options on the market, it is a cost-effective VPN that offers first-rate torrenting protection for various devices.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
24/7 customer support
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Limited payment options
Doesn't unblock BBC iPlayer
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
IPVanish is a great torrenting VPN thanks to its generous offer of 10 simultaneous connections on a single subscription as well as a great list of VPN servers.
IPVanish offers a cost-effective torrenting VPN option with 10 simultaneous connections on a single plan. The provider allows torrenting on all of its servers, meaning that you have lots of choices regarding choosing a server. However, the VPN’s split tunneling feature is currently reserved for its Android and FireTV apps, which may cause issues for some users.
The best torrenting VPNs combine fast, reliable speeds and powerful security features, and IPVanish does just that. It is a popular choice among fans of P2P torrenting, with apps available for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Fire TV, and more. IPVanish’s apps are well-designed and offer a comprehensive range of features for both desktop and mobile.
Unlike many of its competitors, IPVanish manages its own servers rather than those of third-party providers. This means that the VPN provider has much more control over the security of its network.
To ensure your torrent traffic and torrent downloads are protected, the VPN boasts a wide range of secure protocols, including OpenVPN. There is also complete DNS leak protection and a reliable kill switch to ensure that your private online activity is secured even if your VPN connection fails. The VPN also operates on 256-bit encryption for safe torrenting.
There is also the option to customize your OpenVPN connection. This means that you can scramble the OpenVPN data traffic to hide your use of a VPN. Alternatively, you can choose between OpenVPN port 443 or 1194 to further optimize your VPN setup.
While the provider does offer a strict no-logs policy, its policy has not yet been independently audited, unlike many of its competitors. This is something that we would like to see IPVanish offer in the future.
Prices start at $6.49 per month if you are ready to commit to the VPN’s one-year plan, making it one of the more reasonably-priced torrenting VPNs on the market. There is also the option to pay anonymously with Bitcoin, which is beneficial to torrenters looking to remain completely anonymous online.
Using a VPN when torrenting can ensure your activity remains anonymous and private. All of your web traffic (including download activity) will be rerouted through a VPN server connection, and when you share files with others on the torrenting network, no one will be able to see your real IP address, just that of the VPN server.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a VPN for torrenting:
Yes! A VPN for torrenting is necessary and here’s why:
Although a free VPN may sound like the perfect solution for your P2P sharing activities, it is unrealistic that you’ll find one that works. It is important to consider how a free VPN operates, how the provider can afford such a service, and what risks and sacrifices come with choosing a free VPN.
Typically, a free VPN will not be sufficient to protect your torrenting activities. Most free VPNs come with strict bandwidth restrictions and slow connection speeds, rendering them useless for P2P sharing and torrenting. Some free VPNs don’t even allow torrenting at all. Windscribe’s free version, for example, allows torrenting, but it limits users to just 2GB per month. TunnelBear also supports torrenting on its free plan; however, bandwidth is restricted to a meager 500GB.
Moreover, it is necessary to consider that free VPNs have to make a profit somehow. Many do so by selling your private online data.
Even though a free VPN may be useful for quick browsing on public Wi-Fi connections, intense activities such as torrenting, gaming, or streaming will require faster speeds and more bandwidth than a free version can provide.
If you only need to download a few small files every month, a free VPN may be sufficient. However, if you torrent regularly, a free version will be unable to support your activities. Therefore, opting for a low-cost premium VPN such as Surfshark is recommended to ensure your online activities remain private.
Even though many users believe a VPN causes slow connection speeds, activating one may in fact make torrenting faster. ISPs (Internet Service Providers) are known to monitor users’ activity and throttle connection speeds if they notice intense activities such as torrenting, streaming, and gaming. Many ISPs simply cannot keep up with the demand on their servers, resulting in speed throttling.
Throttling means that your ISP slows your internet speed to discourage particular activities and preserve bandwidth for other users. ISPs typically target users that use a large amount of bandwidth. So, if you torrent, game, or stream frequently, you may notice a reduction in your internet connection speeds for no apparent reason.
However, installing a VPN can prevent this issue. A VPN hides your internet activities so that even your ISP cannot view what you are doing online. Therefore, it is less likely to target you for connection throttling. By utilizing a VPN, you may notice a significant improvement in your internet connection speeds.
Not only will a VPN provide fast speeds and secure encryption for your torrenting activities, but it will offer a range of other useful benefits too.
High-quality VPN services will allow you to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services and websites. A good VPN provider will offers servers across the globe. This means that you can browse the web under an IP address from another country, overcoming any local geo-blocks.
So, if you are based in the U.S. and want to access streaming content that is exclusively available in Europe, you require a VPN.
When you connect to a European server, your actual IP address will be replaced with that of the VPN server. This means that your device will appear as if it is located in Europe, enabling access to geo-restricted sites.
VPNs for torrenting will also allow you to bypass firewalls and network restrictions that your university or government may impose. Such organizations need access to your internet activity in real-time to restrict your movements online. Utilizing a VPN can hide your internet activity, allowing you to overcome firewalls and restrictions.
The best VPNs will also offer a reliable kill switch to protect you against leaks that may occur in the event of a lost connection. This feature automatically stops your internet connection if your information isn’t completely secure and only reconnects you when your VPN is active again.
Every internet user has a right to privacy online. However, an increasing number of threats and malicious third parties are attempting to access your internet activity and browsing history. Many internet service providers are even allowed to monitor, store, and sell your personal data to advertisers, researchers, and government agencies.
A VPN service provides an additional security protection layer, giving you back control of your own internet privacy. When you activate a VPN service, even your ISP will be unable to monitor you. If you are concerned about third parties selling your internet data, we would recommend installing a VPN.
Hi, I'm Nicola and I am a junior journalist at PrivacySharks. A quick look at my Twitter profile will show you that I live in Berlin, Germany where I've been living for over a decade now. What's more interesting is that I reall...
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