Best VPN for Torrenting: In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best VPNs for torrenting based on extensive testing and real-world performance. Whether you’re trying to bypass regional restrictions or protect your privacy during P2P file sharing, a reliable VPN is essential for safe and anonymous torrenting.
Why Use a VPN for Torrenting?
Torrenting without protection exposes your IP address and online activity to your ISP and potentially others. A VPN encrypts your traffic, hides your IP, and helps you avoid throttling, surveillance, or legal complications. But not every VPN is built for torrenting—many are slow, unreliable, or even block P2P traffic entirely.
Privacy Alert! Your data is exposed to the websites you visit! The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 48% off.
Your IP Address: Loading...
Your Location: Loading...
Your Internet Provider: Loading...
What We Found in Our Testing
We put dozens of VPNs to the test and found that:
- Many were too slow for large torrent downloads
- Some had serious privacy or security flaws
- Several did not work reliably with popular torrent clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent
That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to only the top-performing services that support fast, private, and secure torrenting.
Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN
While all the VPNs on our list are great for P2P use, ExpressVPN stands above the rest. It offers consistently fast download speeds and torrenting support on all servers. It also ranks high on privacy and security, with strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
Here’s a brief overview of what makes ExpressVPN ideal for torrenting:
- Blazing-fast download speeds
- Full torrent/P2P support across all servers
- Strong encryption & leak protection
- Easy to use with all major torrent clients
- Based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands)
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the full list of the top 5 VPNs for torrenting. If you know a VPN that works well with torrents and didn’t make our list, feel free to mention it in the comments!
What Is Torrenting?
Torrenting is a method of downloading and sharing files over the internet using peer-to-peer (P2P) technology. Instead of pulling a file from a central server, torrenting allows users to connect and transfer files directly between one another. For example, when you download a movie using a torrent client, the file is broken into smaller parts and downloaded from multiple users (known as seeders) who already have the file. At the same time, you may also be uploading parts of the file to others (leechers) who are downloading it. The more seeders there are, the faster your download speeds tend to be. This decentralized method makes file sharing faster and more efficient, but it also introduces some privacy concerns.
To get started with torrenting, you need a torrent client—software like uTorrent or BitTorrent—that connects you to the P2P network and manages the download process. Even though you can choose to only download without sharing, the torrenting community encourages a “pay-it-forward” approach, where users contribute by uploading files as well.
Best VPNS For Torrenting Safely
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
Best Feature
The fastest speeds we tested, ensuring you can stream, browse, game, and torrent without interruptions
Server Network
3,000 servers in 105 countries give you fast worldwide connections
Simultaneous Device Connections
Up to 8, so you can protect your compatible devices under one subscription
Works With
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more
2. NordVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
Best Feature
High security features and fast speeds for a reliable connection
Server Network
5,400 servers in 60 countries for improved accessibility and connection speeds
Simultaneous Device Connections
Up to 6 devices, suitable for protecting multiple devices simultaneously
Works With
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more
Why You Need a VPN for Torrenting
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) while torrenting is strongly advised. Here’s why:
- Protect Your Privacy: Torrenting is often monitored by ISPs and even government agencies. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, keeping your P2P activity private and secure.
- Avoid ISP Throttling: Many internet providers slow down (throttle) your connection if they detect heavy torrent traffic. A VPN hides your torrenting behavior, helping you maintain faster speeds.
- Safeguard Against Online Tracking: When torrenting, your IP address is visible to everyone sharing the file. A VPN replaces your IP with a shared, anonymous IP, masking your identity and preventing tracking.
- Bypass Geographic Restrictions: Some torrent sites and files are geo-blocked or banned in certain countries. A VPN lets you connect to servers in different regions, giving you access to restricted content.
Without a VPN, anyone monitoring your network can see your real IP address and what you’re downloading:
Without VPN: Your personal IP is exposed and traceable
With VPN: You share an anonymous IP with many other users—your activity becomes untraceable
Whether you’re a casual or frequent torrenter, using a VPN ensures your anonymity, security, and freedom while downloading.
How We Chose the Best VPNs for Torrenting
Before compiling our list of the top 5 VPNs for torrenting, we rigorously tested and evaluated dozens of services. Our selection was based on critical performance metrics that are essential for a smooth, private, and secure torrenting experience. Here’s what we focused on:
Speed
Torrenting is bandwidth-intensive and requires faster speeds than standard browsing or streaming. While a connection speed above 10 Mbps is sufficient for streaming, torrenting benefits from higher speeds to ensure fast downloads. Since all VPNs route your traffic through encrypted servers, a speed drop is expected. However, the best torrenting VPNs minimize this drop. We paid close attention to how much speed each VPN retained. ExpressVPN consistently delivered the best performance, but the other VPNs on our list also provided excellent speeds with minimal slowdown.
Security & Privacy
Torrenting without proper protection exposes your data and IP address. That’s why privacy is a major priority. All VPNs in our list provide top-tier encryption protocols to secure your internet traffic. Features like Kill Switch add another layer of safety by instantly disconnecting you from the internet if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly—preventing IP leaks. Additionally, each VPN has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your activities remain completely private and anonymous while torrenting.
Compatibility with Torrent Clients
Your VPN must work seamlessly with popular torrenting clients like uTorrent and BitTorrent. During our tests, we found that some VPNs either interfered with or even crashed these apps. Only the VPNs that worked reliably alongside torrent clients—without errors or connection issues—made it to our list.
ISP Throttling Protection
ISPs are known to throttle bandwidth when they detect torrenting or heavy data usage. This can severely affect download speeds. Our recommended VPNs effectively hide your torrenting activity from ISPs, preventing any throttling. This keeps your connection running at maximum possible speed during P2P transfers.
Torrent-Friendly Servers
Not all VPN servers are P2P-friendly. Some VPNs only allow torrenting on specific servers, which can limit your options and performance. We made sure the VPNs we selected either support torrenting across all servers or provide clearly labeled P2P-optimized servers, making it easy to connect and start downloading. ExpressVPN, for instance, allows torrenting on all its servers. In short, we looked at speed, security, compatibility, privacy, ISP evasion, and torrent support to determine the most reliable VPNs for torrenting. Each VPN on our list checks all the boxes for a safe and efficient torrenting experience.
Best VPN deals this week:
Best VPNs for Torrenting
If you’re looking for a reliable and secure VPN for torrenting, you’re in the right place. After extensive testing, we’ve narrowed down the top 5 VPNs for P2P file sharing in 2024. ExpressVPN tops the list for its unmatched torrenting performance, but the others on this list also held up impressively during testing.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best VPNs for torrenting:
- ExpressVPN – Fastest speeds, full P2P support on all servers, top-tier privacy and security.
- IPVanish – Fast and secure with plenty of torrent-friendly servers.
- PIA (Private Internet Access) – Strong torrenting support with excellent security.
- CyberGhost – Offers dedicated P2P servers with stable and safe connections.
- Surfshark – Budget-friendly with high-speed torrenting and robust privacy protections.
Let’s take a closer look at ExpressVPN, our #1 pick.
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Torrenting
ExpressVPN stands out as the best VPN for torrenting thanks to its lightning-fast speeds, airtight security, and widespread server coverage. It’s perfect for users who want a seamless torrenting experience while maintaining their privacy.
Torrenting Speed
Torrenting demands high-speed internet, and ExpressVPN delivers exactly that. In our tests, many servers retained over 90% of the original ISP speed, a figure unmatched by most VPNs (where typical speed loss exceeds 50%). There are no bandwidth limits, meaning you can download and upload large torrent files without restrictions or throttling from your ISP.
P2P Server Network
ExpressVPN allows P2P traffic on all its 3000+ servers in 160+ locations across 94 countries. This global coverage makes it easy to find a fast, secure server, even in regions where torrenting is restricted.
Security & Privacy
ExpressVPN uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and supports secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway. It includes:
- Kill Switch (Network Lock): Instantly cuts internet if VPN disconnects
- DNS and IPv6 leak protection
- Perfect Forward Secrecy for extra privacy
- Zero-logs policy: No data is stored about your activity
Being based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN operates outside the scope of major surveillance alliances (like Five Eyes), further enhancing user privacy.
Additional Features
- Split Tunneling: Route only your torrent app through the VPN while other apps use your regular internet connection.
- Bypass geo-restrictions: Great for accessing global content libraries.
- Works with Kodi and streaming devices like FireStick, Android TV, and more.
Device Compatibility
A single ExpressVPN account supports up to 8 simultaneous connections. Apps are available for:
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- iOS, Android
- FireStick, Android TV
- Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
- Routers (for whole-home coverage)
Customer Support
24/7 live chat support is available and extremely responsive. You can also reach out via email. Support reps are knowledgeable and helpful with both setup and troubleshooting.
Pricing & Plans
You can currently get 4 extra months free with the 2-year plan and save 61%. Plus, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. If you’re not satisfied, you can request a full refund. Payment options include credit/debit cards, PayPal, and even Bitcoin for anonymous transactions.
2. IPVanish – Reliable VPN for Torrenting with Unlimited Connections
IPVanish is a dependable VPN for torrenting, known for solid speeds and unlimited device connections. While it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, it performs consistently well across its network.
Torrenting Speed
IPVanish maintained around 75–80% of our original internet speed in tests. If you have a stable connection from your ISP, torrenting with IPVanish should be smooth and interruption-free. With 1,400+ servers in over 75 locations, IPVanish supports P2P traffic on nearly all of them. There are no bandwidth limits or data caps, so you’re free to torrent as much as you like.
Security & Privacy
IPVanish secures your activity using AES 256-bit encryption. Although it’s headquartered in the United States—a country under major surveillance alliances—the company follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store user data. Still, if you’re cautious about jurisdiction, ExpressVPN may offer greater peace of mind.
App Compatibility
IPVanish supports a wide range of platforms, including FireStick, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s compatible with all major torrent clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent. One standout feature is unlimited simultaneous device connections—you can protect your entire household with a single account.
Extra Features
- Unlimited server switching for optimal speeds
- Useful for bypassing geo-blocked content
- Easy-to-use apps across platforms
24/7 customer service is available via live chat, email, and phone (during business hours).
Pricing & Deals
- 24-month plan: $3.25/month (billed $77.95) – Save 75%
- 12-month plan: $4.33/month (billed $51.95) – Save 66%
- Monthly plan: $12.99/month
3. PIA (Private Internet Access) – Feature-Rich & Torrent-Friendly
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a favorite among privacy enthusiasts and torrent users. With a massive server network and rock-solid security, it’s one of the best VPNs for torrenting.
Torrenting Speed
PIA performed admirably in speed tests, especially for torrenting. It typically retains 50–60% of your base internet speed—more than enough for seamless downloading and uploading. You’ll also avoid ISP throttling, which often slows down torrenting. PIA ensures consistent, throttle-free performance.
P2P Server Network
All 29,650+ servers in 84+ countries support P2P traffic. This massive network ensures great speeds and high availability regardless of your location.
You’ll enjoy:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- No packet loss
- Reliable file availability
- Optimized torrenting experience
Security & Transparency
PIA gives you the choice between 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption. It uses open-source protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec (iOS), all trusted for safety and performance.
Other key security features:
- Kill switch: Protects you if the VPN drops
- Ad & tracker blocker (MACE): Stops annoying ads and prevents malware
- Strict zero-log policy: No records of your activity are kept
PIA also supports crypto payments and gift cards for extra anonymity.
Jurisdiction
PIA is based in the United States, part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. This is typically a concern for privacy. However, PIA has proven its no-logs policy in real-world cases, including one where they shut down operations in Russia rather than comply with data collection demands.
Advanced Features
- Split tunneling: Route some apps (like BitTorrent) through the VPN while others (e.g., banking apps) use your regular connection
- Full open-source transparency
- Advanced customization tools for tech-savvy users
PIA has intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. It also supports routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. 24/7 support is available through live chat and email. There’s also a contact form for additional help.
Pricing & Deals
PIA offers great value for its features:
- 2-year + 4 months plan: $2.03/month (billed $56.94) – Save 82%
- 6-month plan: $7.50/month (billed $45)
- Monthly plan: $11.99/month
4. CyberGhost – User-Friendly VPN with Dedicated Torrenting Servers
CyberGhost has earned a strong reputation in the VPN world and is a go-to choice for both streamers and torrent users.
Speed & P2P Server Network
CyberGhost doesn’t support torrenting on all of its servers, but it offers specialized servers optimized for P2P file sharing. These dedicated servers provide reliable speeds and stable connections ideal for torrenting. You can easily select one of these optimized servers right within the CyberGhost app. While general servers may not always deliver top performance, the torrenting-specific ones are fast and efficient.
Security, Privacy & Jurisdiction
CyberGhost uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to keep your data secure during torrenting. An automatic kill switch protects your IP if the VPN connection suddenly drops. The company is based in Romania, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the reach of global surveillance alliances. CyberGhost also maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring none of your activity is tracked or stored.
App Support
CyberGhost is available on:
- Windows, macOS, and Linux
- iOS and Android
- Browser extensions (Chrome & Firefox)
- TV apps (FireStick, Android TV)
- Compatible routers
You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously, making it a great option for families or power users.
Notable Features
- Split tunneling lets you route only your torrenting app through the VPN while keeping other apps on your regular internet connection.
- Ad-blocking and malware protection are also included.
Pricing & Plans
- 2-year + 4-month deal: $56.94 (just $2.03/month) – Save 83%
- 6-month plan: $41.94 ($6.99/month)
- Monthly plan: $12.99
CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, the longest among premium VPNs. You can also try it free for 24 hours—no credit card required. Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, and even Bitcoin for extra privacy.
5. Surfshark – Affordable VPN with Unlimited Connections
Surfshark has gained popularity for its budget pricing, unlimited connections, and reliable performance for torrenting.
Speed & P2P Support
Surfshark operates 1,000+ servers in 60+ countries. While not all servers are optimized for torrenting, many support P2P traffic. However, unlike CyberGhost, Surfshark doesn’t label or separate P2P-friendly servers, so you may need to test a few to find the fastest one. Still, once connected to a suitable server, the download speeds are solid for most torrenting needs.
Security, Privacy & Jurisdiction
Surfshark employs top-tier AES 256-bit encryption to secure your data. A built-in Kill Switch ensures no data leaks if the VPN connection drops. The provider is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction free from mandatory data retention laws and beyond the reach of major surveillance alliances. Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, so your activity stays private.
App Support
Surfshark offers apps for:
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Android & iOS
- Chrome & Firefox extensions
- Smart TVs (FireStick, Android TV, Apple TV)
- Gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)
- Routers
A major highlight: unlimited simultaneous device connections—protect all your devices (and your family’s) with a single account.
Additional Features
- Works well with torrent clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent
- Helps prevent ISP throttling during large downloads
- Includes Split Tunneling to control which apps use the VPN
Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email.
Pricing & Plans
- 2-year Starter plan: $59.54 total ($2.29/month) + 2 free months – Save 85%
- 1-year plan: $41.86 total ($2.99/month) – Save 81%
- Monthly plan: $15.45/month
Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark also offers premium bundles like Surfshark One and Surfshark One+, but the Starter plan is ideal for torrenting.
Best Free VPN for Torrenting
While there are plenty of free VPN services available, the old saying holds true: “If something is free, you’re likely the product.” We’ve tested several free VPNs, and unfortunately, we couldn’t find a single one we’d confidently recommend for torrenting.
Running and maintaining a secure VPN infrastructure is expensive. So, if a provider is offering it for free, you can bet they’re making money another way—and that’s often at your expense. Many free VPNs have been caught selling user data to third parties, and some have even injected malware into users’ devices. With these services, your privacy and security are constantly at risk. For torrenting—where privacy is crucial—a reliable paid VPN is the only safe choice. The small cost is well worth the peace of mind and protection you get in return.
VPN vs. Proxy for Torrenting
A common question among torrent users is whether to use a VPN or a proxy. The answer is clear: VPNs are superior. While a proxy can mask your IP address within specific apps like BitTorrent or uTorrent, it doesn’t encrypt your connection or protect your entire internet traffic. That means your IP is still visible when browsing torrent sites or using other apps. By contrast, a VPN encrypts all traffic on your device and routes it through a secure tunnel, offering full protection. Premium VPNs use military-grade encryption, which is virtually uncrackable, while proxies are far less secure and easier to compromise. If online privacy and security matter to you, a VPN is the only serious option.
Best VPNs for Streaming — Final Score:
Rank
Provider
Overall Score
Best Deal
9.8
★★★★★
save 84%
VISIT WEBSITE >
9.6
★★★★★
save 83%
VISIT WEBSITE >
9.4
★★★★★
save 84%
VISIT WEBSITE >
FAQs About Torrenting with VPNs
Why do I need a VPN for torrenting?
A VPN keeps your torrenting activity private and anonymous. It shields you from ISP tracking, prevents speed throttling, and protects against government surveillance and potential legal issues.
Which VPN is the best for torrenting?
Based on extensive testing, ExpressVPN ranks #1. It offers blazing-fast speeds, robust privacy protections, and torrent-friendly servers worldwide—everything you need for a secure and smooth torrenting experience.
Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?
Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Free VPNs often come with bandwidth caps, poor speeds, data logging, and weak security. Your online privacy is too important to risk on free tools.
Can I use a proxy instead of a VPN?
A proxy might mask your IP address in a torrent client, but your connection is not encrypted. For comprehensive protection, a VPN is the better and safer choice.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our list of the best VPNs for torrenting. If we had to recommend just one, ExpressVPN would be the top pick. With its extensive server network, industry-leading speeds, and airtight security, it offers everything a torrent user needs. That said, the other VPNs in our roundup also performed well during testing and are strong contenders—especially when compared to the dozens that didn’t make the cut.