VPN Service
Features
Rating
Visit Site
NordVPN
- Hundreds of secure, dedicated P2P servers
- Compatible with Tor for complete privacy & anonymity
- Blocks malware, ads, & bots
- Connect up to 6 devices with one account
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost
- Great combination of speed & security
- Unlimited bandwidth & traffic
- First VPN to publish a Transparency Report
- Connect up to 7 devices with one account
- Free trial & 45-day money-back guarantee
TorGuard
- Works great with popular torrent apps
- SSL Stealth hides the VPN from your ISP
- Blazing fast download speeds
- Connect up to 8 devices with one account
- 7-day free trial
SurfShark
- Blocks ads, malware, & phishing attempts
- Camouflage mode hides the VPN from your ISP
- MultiHop allows increased footprint masking
- Connect unlimited devices with one account
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Anonymous payment methods
- No user logs, no DNS blocking, & no third parties
- Connect up to 5 devices with one account
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Table Of Contents
- What Is A VPN For Torrenting?
- Why You Need A VPN For Torrenting
- The Risk Of Torrenting Without A VPN
- Torrenting And VPN Legality
- How To Choose A VPN For Torrenting
- Free vs. Premium VPNs
- How To Torrent Safely
- Disadvantages Of Using A VPN For Torrenting
- Get A VPN For Torrenting Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A VPN For Torrenting?
Torrenting is still the most popular form of P2P file sharing despite opposition from governments and ISPs (Internet Service Providers). It involves downloading and uploading files through torrent networks instead of a central server. Torrenting requires torrent management software that connects to the network and is in itself a legal activity. However, downloading unsanctioned copyrighted files is illegal.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are encryptions that create a private network from a public network. They ensure maximum security and anonymity, protecting your connection from various forms of external attacks. VPNs have many applications that stem beyond torrenting, including in privacy, business, streaming, and gaming. In this article, we focus only on VPNs for torrenting.
A good VPN for torrenting will protect you from the threats you face downloading and sharing files with peers. VPNs are designed to augment privacy and prevent others from viewing your activity and IP address. Those for torrenting have other features to prevent DNS leaks and kill switches that ensure your IP is always safe even if the connection breaks. There are various qualities of a typical best VPN for torrenting and we explore this in how to choose VPN for torrenting below. However, they are merely VPNs designed to protect your devices and hide your activity from other users.
Why You Need A VPN For Torrenting
Torrenting is a convenient way to download media and files that can be challenging to find using other conventional means. However torrenting also exposes you to various risks especially since the source has no way to guarantee privacy. Without a proper VPN your activity and connections are exposed to others in the network and it is only a matter of time before you encounter hackers and malware. You can also use a VPN for torrenting free on google. Here are some reasons why you need a good VPN for torrenting:
1. Security & Safety
The best VPN for torrenting will keep you safe from hackers looking to intercept your connections and corrupt your downloads and uploads. Features such as the kill switch disconnect all internet connections when your VPN runs low protecting your IP address and activity from other internet users. You will also enjoy anonymity and prevent websites from logging your activity. Privacy and security is the primary advantage of investing in premium VPNs. These networks keep you safe from identity thieves frauds, governments and other snooping eyes.
2. Bypass Restrictions
There are several restrictions you will face when watching, playing and listening to media online. The most common is geo-restriction where you are barred from downloading or streaming media because you are in a different geographical location. Although torrenting is one way to bypass such barriers some torrents have geo-restrictions. A VPN is the only sure way to stream media and download content from servers in the world without encountering location restrictions. It hides your location providing instant anonymity for your online activity.
3. Remote Access
A VPN is useful when you want to remote access work or home servers while traveling. Using a VPN you can encrypt and protect these servers when accessing the desktop over the internet remotely. You can access files, play games and watch media on your home computer using public Wi-Fi without worrying about hackers. However not all VPNs have these features and the extra security layer required to guarantee safety. You need to review options carefully to ensure they support remote local area network access.
4. Streaming Media On Hulu And Netflix
Some VPNs come with extra perks such as improved throttle speed and a no-logs policy that leaves no window for anyone to see whatever you are doing online. If you are concerned about privacy and security when streaming media such as Netflix a VPN will ensure 100% anonymity. You can stream all kinds of media and no one can trace the activity to your devices. The boost in speed also allows you to stream and download faster although you need a premium VPN with more features and capabilities.
The Risk Of Torrenting Without A VPN
Without a VPN, your internet service provider can see all the sites you visit and the content you view. They can also share this information with the government, intellectual property owners, and other third parties, or block and throttle you. A VPN keeps your history and activity secure from all prying eyes. Not even your ISP will trace your activity as nothing is logged on the servers you access. Other people you share files with online can see your IP address leaving you vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves. Your traffic is also visible, meaning hackers can intercept communications, infecting your devices with malware and ransomware. VPNs offer P2P encryptions to ensure maximum security and anonymity from all external threats.
Torrenting And VPN Legality
How To Choose A VPN For Torrenting
There are various ways to use a VPN for torrenting free. You can use your work VPN, create your server, host one out of your house, or sign up with one of the top-rated providers. The last option remains the most common among most people looking to protect them while torrenting or streaming media content blocked in their country.
With so many VPNs available online, finding options shouldn’t be a daunting task. All you need to do is find a reliable VPN provider, sign up for an account, download your VPN and install it for all your devices (PCs and smartphones). However, not all offers are desirable. Each VPN for torrenting free is different and offers unique features and capabilities.
Some of the vital aspects to review before using any best VPN for torrenting include:
a) Torrent Support
There are many virtual private networks designed to offer features for specific internet activities. Because of the feature difference, not all VPNs support torrents, so it is always crucial to check before subscribing. In addition to providing support for torrents, the VPN should include the right features required when torrenting. Some options throttle your speed and expose you to other demerits of using a VPN. As such, you should review all features and capabilities carefully before installing the VPN on your devices.
b) Privacy & Security
This is, of course, the most important feature of a VPN. You need to invest in a strong VPN with encryption that will protect you from copyright trolls and ISP trackers. The best VPN for torrenting should have ports forwarding turned off by default. It should also prevent DNS leaks and trigger the kill switch as soon as the connection runs low to ensure your IP address, location, and torrenting activity remains anonymous. A no-logs guarantee is also important to prevent your activity from being registered anywhere online.
c) Download Speed
A vast majority of VPNs will hurt your download speed, more so if they are free. Options that log your activity will also leave you exposed to ISP trolls that can detect your torrenting activity. Many internet service providers discourage torrenting and can immediately throttle your speed. Premium VPNs often have features to boost your speed resulting in significantly faster downloads. Nonetheless, review all aspects collectively to avoid VPNs that use swift download speed to mask other risks and exposure to security vulnerabilities.
d) DNS Leaks & Kill Switch
DNS leaks are gaps that leave your IP address exposed to cybercriminals, governments, and other snooping eyes. Some VPNs lack the proper encryption and protocols to prevent DNS leaks, so you should ask for this information before installing it. The killer switch is also a vital feature that cuts off all internet connections when your VPN runs low. VPN running low is common and can happen for various reasons, including delayed subscriptions, delays in your network, and hardware issues. The switch protects your IP address and activity by instantly turning off the internet connection on all devices.
e) Customer Support Options
The best VPN for torrenting should feature exceptional customer support, preferably live chat communication. You will encounter various technical challenges when using a VPN. Without customer support, these issues can cripple your torrenting activity or expose you to all the threats mentioned above. Most VPN providers offer multiple support channels, so what remains is to verify whether they are active and helpful. Emails, phone calls, social media, support blogs, and forums are essential if you plan to use VPNs for all your torrenting and streaming.
f) Market Reputation
The easiest way to quickly determine if any given VPN will meet your needs is through the reviews and reception from other users. A good VPN for torrenting will draw a growing reputation and positive reviews from the market. If people complain about slow speeds, exposure, or other undesirable experiences, you should find a better VPN. Not all top-rated VPNs are best for everyone, so you should focus on torrenting VPNs from impartial reviews that comprehensively discuss all crucial aspects.
g) VPN Cost
You can find free VPNs or invest in premium options, depending on your needs. Cost should be the last thing you compare once you have a shortlist of secure, reliable VPNs for torrenting. The average price of a VPN ranges from $5 to $20 per month, but you will pay more or less based on various deciding factors. The priority here is to compare costs and features for the best value. You can also search for affordable options, but this should be a reason to compromise security and convenience.
Free vs. Premium VPNs
You can find free VPNs that give you access to restricted media. However, in most cases, free VPNs leave you exposed to various risks. You may experience slow download speeds and bandwidth restrictions in addition to your information being sold to the highest bidders. Not all free VPNs are bad, but you are better off using a premium version. Paid VPNs offer more in terms of features and control. There are fewer restrictions and you can enjoy faster download speeds, end-to-end encryptions, and 24/7 customer support, among other benefits.
If you are new to VPNs, it is advisable to start with paid VPNs for torrenting. Free options can leave you vulnerable to cybercriminals and also log your information. They are only suitable if you want to access geo-restricted content. Otherwise, you shouldn’t use a free VPN to access your work or local desktop. A good VPN for torrenting will offer augmented security, fast downloads, and other conveniences you can only get in premium offers. You can also find cheap VPNs, but beware such offers leave you vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If the VPN doesn’t guarantee privacy and safety, you shouldn’t pay. Here are some attributes the best VPN for torrenting should boast:
- Hundreds of thousands of reliable servers across multiple regions
- Guaranteed privacy and security
- Strictly no-logs policy
- 24/7 customer support, including live chat
- Feature-rich and sleek user-friendly interface
These features are only available in premium VPNs that require a subscription.
How To Torrent Safely
Torrenting safely is relatively simple once you understand the risks. A good VPN will help you remain anonymous and protected from cybercriminals and other trolls. However, finding the best VPN for torrenting isn’t enough. You still face the risk of downloading malware from compromised torrent sites. One way to counter this threat is by installing the latest antivirus on your computers and devices. You should also understand the security features in your VPN, including how to activate them. Here are five steps to ensure your torrent safely using a VPN.
a) Download A Reliable VPN
You can pick any of the 10 VPNs listed above or find any other reliable VPN for torrenting. We recommend Express VPN. You can also refer to our criteria for how to find the best VPN for torrenting. Once you have a VPN install it on your devices.
b) Activate Essential Security Features
VPNs have different security features you can use to keep hackers and snooping eyes at bay. However the most important feature is “Kill Switch.” It has different names depending on the VPN. For example, Express VPN calls it “Network Lock.” Locate the switch and enable it. This simply disconnects you from the internet instantly when your VPN connection runs low.
c) Find P2P-Friendly Country
Once your VPN is installed and ready you can connect to any servers available. Most VPNs feature thousands of servers in different regions and countries. Some have multiple in the same area especially in P2P-friendly countries. Simply connect to a VPN server and wait for the connection to be established.
d) Connect To A Reliable Torrent Client
Like VPNs torrent clients are not all the same. You should choose a client with a growing reputation with a sleek dashboard and interface that supports fast downloads. The VPN will encrypt all your online activity.
Disadvantages Of Using A VPN For Torrenting
Although VPNs increase privacy and safety they carry inherent concerns you should know. Some VPNs log your information and share it with third parties. Activity logging also leaves you exposed to trolls from your ISP and others monitoring torrenting activities. VPNs also allow you to access files you are barred from accessing. It is easy to violate copyright laws that warrant litigation. What is more VPNs connect you to a server connected to the internet and most suffer slow speeds. You might need to pay extra for better download speeds and bandwidth plans. The VPN is also not a substitute for your antivirus.
Get A VPN For Torrenting Today
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I Need A VPN For Torrenting?
A VPN is essential when torrenting. You can still torrent without a VPN, but this leaves you exposed to cybercriminals. Your internet service provider and any other interested party will also see your online activity and torrents. VPNs offer privacy, anonymity, and safety.
2. Are Free VPNs Safe For Torrenting?
We strongly advise against free VPNs, especially if you value your privacy and security. Free VPNs leave you exposed to security risks and DNS leaks, allowing others to view and intercept your traffic. Premium options offer better protection and features.
3. How Much Can I Pay For A VPN?
VPN prices are based on various factors, including XYZ. You should outline your needs and determine the essential features. On average, VPNs cost between $5 and $15 per month. You can bargain a lower price when you pay for a whole year.
4. What Is DNS Leakage And Kill Switch?
DNS leakage is when the VPN has gaps in the security algorithms and encryptions, allowing your IP address to be visible by others. The best VPNs never suffer DNS leaks. Killer Switch disconnects you from the internet when VPN servers run low. They ensure safety when VPN protection isn’t available.
5. Is It Legal To Use A VPN For Torrenting?
Yes. VPNs and torrenting are legal, so you can use the best VPN for torrenting without worrying about breaking the law. However, you should be careful to avoid downloading unsanctioned copyrighted content. If caught, you can face legal action for illegal activity. Nonetheless, using VPNs for torrenting is perfectly legal in most states.
6. Are There Alternatives To VPNs?
VPNs are highly recommended over other alternatives. If you aren’t willing to pay for a VPN, you can use the TOR browser. Like most VPNs, Tor routes traffic to various volunteer nodes. However, it is very slow and comes with more risks, so VPNs are your best bid for safe, anonymous torrenting.