Best VPN for Torrenting in 2024

Looking to enjoy some great books, images, movies, or music? Torrenting is the go-to method for transferring those files, some of which can be pretty hefty, across the internet.

Here’s how it works. Torrent clients break down files into manageable chunks, allowing each downloader to pitch in by distributing parts of the file. This creates a wonderfully decentralized and stable way to download large files, steering clear of the chaos of overcrowded servers.

While torrenting works well, it comes with certain risks. You’re relying on the kindness and honesty of fellow torrenters out there for your downloads. That’s where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) become important. It adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind against any malicious actors out there, making sure your torrenting activities stay safe and sound.

Unfortunately, torrenting can sometimes play host to less savory characters, like malware creators and purveyors of illegal content. Plus, there’s the risk of your internet speed taking a nosedive if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) catches wind of your P2P sharing habits. They might just hit the brakes by throttling your connection to keep things in check.

So, it’s no wonder why finding the right VPN company for torrenting is so crucial. But with so many options out there, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. At VPNBrains, we’ve got you covered with our carefully curated list of the best VPNs for torrenting in 2024!

Here are 5 best VPNs for torrenting in 2024

Here’s a quick summary of our top pick VPNs for torrenting. Each recommended VPN company provides users with security, speed, and privacy, which are essential features for anyone looking to torrent online!

How to choose the best VPN for torrenting

When selecting the best VPN for torrenting, make sure you check for the following features:

• P2P servers. P2P servers are the fastest, most efficient way to download torrents and share files. A torrent client uses P2P networks, so your VPN will need a P2P server to download files.
• Security. Check for essential security features like AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS & IP leak protection.
• Privacy. Stick with VPN services that offer an independently verified zero-logs policy to ensure all of your online activities remain private.
• Speed. Select a fast VPN so you can download large files quickly.
• Servers. Select a VPN with a large number of server locations around the world, especially in countries with generous torrenting policies, such as Switzerland.
• Compatibility. Make sure the VPN has user-friendly apps for your home devices.
• Service. Look for a VPN with 24/7 customer support and a money-back guarantee.

5 best VPNs for torrenting 

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN servers are all P2P optimized and offer excellent speed speed for a smooth torrenting experience. The security and privacy features are outstanding, providing the level of protection torrent users need.

Features: The ExpressVPN network includes 3000+ P2P servers in 105 countries. Additional features include split tunneling, port forwarding, malware protection, an ad blocker, and a tracker blocker. Their proprietary VPN tunneling protocol, Lightway, which is similar to WireGuard, is both fast and secure. It also offers unlimited bandwidth, which is needed for downloading large files.

Speed: During speed testing when connected to a local server in New York, our VPN download speed only dipped by 1%, with uploads falling by a modest 3%. Heading across the ocean to London, we noticed a bit more of a slowdown, with download speeds decreasing by 5%, which is still quite impressive.

Privacy and security: With the privacy and security protection you get with ExpressVPN, you can count on secure torrenting. The VPN encrypts all of its data with military-level AES 256-bit encryption and offers secure VPN protocols, including Lightway and OpenVPN protocol. It also provides an automatic kill switch to ensure your online security isn’t compromised if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops. It has an independently verified strict no-logs policy, uses RAM-only servers, and is based in the privacy-friendly country of the British Virgin Islands.

Performance: The connection speeds on ExpressVPN make downloading torrents quick and efficient. It also works well for uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and gaming.

Streaming: Express is highly reliable when it comes to bypassing geographical restrictions on all of the popular streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Vidoe, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and more! Its broad global server network provides access to a huge library of worldwide content online.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN has intuitive apps for all major devices and operating systems including Android, Linux, macOS, and iOS. It allows up to 8 device connections at the same time on a single account.

Pricing: ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive torrenting VPN services. You can save on the subscription cost by signing up for the one-year plan for $6.67/month and you will get an additional 3 months for free. All plans come with a risk-free 30-day trial and 24/7 live chat support.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN’s security features, privacy protection, and excellent speed make it one of the best torrenting VPNs on the market.

Features: You have access to over 6400 servers in 111 countries, the majority of which are P2P optimized. It also comes with lots of features such as Threat Protection, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, Dedicated IP addresses, split tunneling, double VPN, SOCKS5 proxy, obfuscated servers, and Private DNS. The unlimited bandwidth allows you to torrent large files without a problem.

Speed: When connected to a server in New York from within the US, NordVPN maintained 93% of its download speed and 89% of its upload speed, which is not a significant drop when it comes to performance. On the London server, we maintained 97% of our download speed, and our upload speed actually improved over the baseline!

Privacy and security: VPN traffic is protected by AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, IP & DNS leak protection, and secure tunneling protocols, including the proprietary NordLynx protocol and the OpenVPN protocol. It is a fully anonymous VPN offering strong privacy features, including an independently verified no-logs policy and the use of RAM-only servers. The company is based in Panama, which is a privacy-friendly country.

Performance: Overall, NordVPN is a high-performance VPN offering excellent speeds. When it comes to torrenting, we found that the speeds decreased more than they did with ExpressVPN, especially when connected to long-distance VPN servers, so we recommend selecting a local VPN server for torrenting purposes. You will also need to stick with the P2P servers, as the others will not connect to a torrent client.

Streaming: Movie and TV fans can also enjoy streaming content on all of the popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and more without regional blocks getting in your way.

Compatibility: Nord offers user-friendly apps for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux operating systems. It works with all common devices, including laptops, desktops, mobile devices, smart TVs, routers, and more. Each account allows for up to 6 simultaneous device connections.

Pricing: The pricing on NordVPN varies depending on the package you select, and while some of the plans are on the pricier side, the 2-year Basic plan offers good value at $3.39/month plus 4 months for free. Every subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support.

3. Surfshark

The best of the budget torrenting VPNs Surfshark is easy to use, inexpensive, safe, reliable, and has a large network of P2P servers. In addition, subscribers can connect an unlimited number of simultaneous devices, allowing your entire household to utilize a single subscription for all of your online needs.

Features: Surfshark has a large network of servers, including 3200+ servers in 100 countries across the globe, and it offers P2P servers in every one of those server locations. It comes with protection from malware, trackers, and unwanted ads. Additional features include split tunneling, obfuscation, a multi-hop mode, and more! Its unlimited bandwidth means you can download as much content as you want without limitations.

Speed: When using a server in the New York area, Surfshark retains 95% of its download and 80% of its upload speed. On a London area server, the download retention was 92%, and the upload speed retention was 84%. While Surfshark isn’t the fastest VPN we tested, it provided the kind of speed needed for downloading large files in a reasonable amount of time.

Privacy and security: The security and privacy protection you get from Surfshark is excellent. They use AES 256-bit VPN encryption, a kill switch, and the WireGuard and Open VPN protocol. During testing, there were no DNS leaks following DNS requests. It also has an independently verified no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers. When it comes to jurisdiction, Surfshark is based in The Netherlands, which is not the most privacy-friendly location as it is part of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance, yet its privacy policies are independently verified, so they shouldn’t have any information to hand over to authorities should they be subpoenaed.

Performance: We were able to establish a quick connection to the P2P servers and found that the download times were quick, even while using a distance VPN server location. If you do find that your connection is slow, there are lots of other VPN servers in the network to choose from that may offer better speeds.

Streaming: If you are also looking for access to worldwide content on your favorite streaming platforms, Surfshark has a great track record for getting past geo-blocs on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Compatibility: Surfshark is compatible with all major devices, including desktops, laptops, mobile devices, smart TVs, and routers. It has intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Since it offers unlimited simultaneous connections on each account, your whole family can benefit without having to pay extra!

Pricing: For the best price, subscribe to the 24-month Surfshark Starter Package which is available for just $1.99/month. The subscription includes 4 extra months free, a 30-day trial, and 24/7 live chat support.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers excellent VPN security, a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, and a large number of servers optimized for P2P file sharing, streaming, and gaming.

Features: There are an impressive 11,500+ servers in 100 countries on the CyberGhost network, with servers optimized for torrenting, gaming, and streaming. It also offers split tunneling, ad blocking, tracker blocking, multi-hop mode, and dedicated IP addresses. It’s also possible to set up your VPN to turn on automatically anytime you connect to the uTorrent app or any other torrenting app, so you’ll be automatically protected whenever you torrent.

Speed: While CyberGhost wasn’t the fastest VPN we tested, it still demonstrated decent speeds, especially when sticking with nearby server locations. When connected to a New York server we experienced a 10% decrease in the download speed and a 2% decrease in the upload speed. The long-distance connection to London had a more significant drop of a 45% decrease in upload speed and a 50% decrease in upload speed.

Privacy and security: CyberGhost does a good job of securing internet traffic. When your data travels through their VPN tunnel, it is protected by military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, strong tunneling protocols, and DNS & IP leak protection. It also supports anonymous torrenting with its independently audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers. CyberGhost is in Romania, which is a privacy-friendly country and outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance.

Performance: CyberGhost is not the fastest VPN on our list, but it was still able to download files within a reasonable time frame, though it’s best to stick to local server locations, as the speed decreased significantly the further away the server was.

Streaming: CyberGhost has a proven ability to bypass geo-blocks on popular streaming websites, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, and more! It has streaming-optimized servers and server locations all over the world!

Compatibility: CyberGhost is compatible with all major operating systems and has easy-to-use apps for desktops, mobile devices, laptops, smart TVs, and more! Subscribers can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously on each account.

Pricing: CyberGhost is the cheapest VPN on our list, with subscription costs beginning at $2.03/month plus 4 months free when you sign up for 2 years. It includes a full 45-day money-back guarantee as well as 24/7 live chat support.

5. Proton VPN

Proton VPN has dedicated, high-speed P2P servers as part of its network. It also offers solid privacy and security pictures, even on its free version.

Features: Proton VPN includes 8,600+ servers in 112 countries around the world, including 140 P2P-optimized servers. The service also comes with ad blocking, tracker blocking, malware protection, split tunneling, multi-hop mode, and TOR over VPN. Users are allowed up to 10 simultaneous devices with Provon VPN Plus. Port forwarding is available on the Windows and Linux apps. The free VPN plan has more limited features and servers in 5 countries. It does not include ad blocking, tracker blocking, or malware protection.

Speed: When connected to a local New York City server, Proton VPN maintained 94% of its download speed and 92% of its upload speed. It achieved 90% of its baseline download speed and 88% of its upload speed when connected to a London server. Speed results reflect results on the paid subscription plans, with the free VPN plan offering slower speeds.

Privacy and security: Proton VPN protects its users with military-grade encryption, strong tunneling protocols, an automatic kill switch, and DNS & IP leak protection. The no-logs policy has been independently verified, and the company is based in the privacy-friendly country of Switzerland, which is not part of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance. Switzerland also happens to be one of the best VPN locations for torrenting, as torrenting for personal use is legal.

Performance: Proton VPN offers good speeds for torrenting that support quick downloads. It also worked well for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Streaming: Proton VPN can hide your real IP address so you can enjoy geo-restricted movies and TV on your favorite streaming sites, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Compatibility: Proton VPN offers straightforward apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Android TV, and iOS. Users are allowed up to 10 device connections at the same time.

Pricing: Proton VPN offers several plans with variable subscription costs. There is a free plan with limited features, or sign up for the ProtonVPN Plus plan for $4.99 per month when you sign up for 2 years. If you are looking for more advanced features, select the 2-year unlimited plan and pay $7.99 per month.

How we tested and ranked the best VPNs for torrenting

We tested dozens of VPNs to determine which were the best for torrenting, taking into consideration the following criteria we consider essential for safe and efficient torrenting.

• Servers. We only selected VPNs that offer specialized P2P servers for torrenting.
• Security. All the VPNs we selected offer the gold standard in security features, including military-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection.
• Privacy. All of our recommended VPNs have a zero-logs policy, so they will have no records of your online activities should law enforcement or government agencies request it.
• Tunneling protocols. We only recommend VPNs with fast and secure tunneling protocols such as WireGuard (or an equivalent) and OpenVPN.
• Speed. We prioritized VPNs with top speeds to support quick and efficient downloads.
• Devices. Our chosen VPNs offer easy-to-use apps with all of the common devices and operating systems and allow for multiple simultaneous connections. We verified the VPN performance was consistent across various devices and operating systems.
• Customer support. We asked customer support questions to check for quick, professional, and knowledgeable service and only selected VPNs that provide a money-back guarantee.

VPN for torrenting: Quick comparison chart

Brand
Free Trial	Available – 7 Day (For Mobile Devices)	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available for – 1 day on desktop, 3 day on Android, and 7 day on iOS	Available – Unlimited	Available – 30 Days Refund Trial	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available – 30 Days Refund Trial
Starting Price	$6.67/month	$3.39/month	$2.19/month	$2.03/month	$4.99/Month	$2.03/month	$2.19/month	$2.00/month	$2.14/month	$5.00/month
Logging	No logs, independently audited by Cure53	No logs, independently audited twice by PwC	No logs, independently audited by Deloitte	No logs, independently audited by Deloitte	No logs, independently audited by Securitum	No logs, independently audited by Deloitte	No logs, independently audited by Leviathan	No logs, operated under Swedish privacy laws	No logs, always-on audit by KPMG	No logs, independently audited by Leviathan
Servers	3,000+ servers in 105 countries	6,400 + servers in 111 countries	3,200+ servers in 100 countries	11,500+ in 100 countries	5,200+ servers in 91 countries	30,000+ servers in 91 countries	2,400+ servers in 55 locations	200+ servers in 63 countries	6,500+ servers in 65 countries	700+ servers in 64 countries
Streaming	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Peacock, ITVX, SkyTV, Apple TV+, and more
Simultaneous connections	8	10	Unlimited	7	10	Unlimited	Unlimited	10	10	5
Based in	British Virgin Islands	Panama	The Netherlands	Romania	Switzerland	United States	United States	Sweden	British Virgin Islands	Switzerland
Reviews	ExpressVPN Review	NordVPN Review	Surfshark Review	CyberGhost Review	ProtonVPN Review	Private Internet Access Review	IPVanish Review	PrivateVPN Review	PureVPN Review	VyprVPN Review

Best VPN server locations for torrenting 

Any time you torrent content, it’s important to check your local laws and regulations to ensure you are not engaging in illegal activity. As an extra layer of protection and to ensure you don’t get fined for accidentally violating local laws, it’s best to select a server in a country with less stringent regulations. Here are our top recommendations:

• Switzerland. Swiss law does not prohibit torrenting copyrighted material for personal use. Uploading content or selling it for profit is not allowed. It also has excellent privacy protection laws in place.
• The Netherlands. As long as it’s for personal use and there are no profits involved, torrenting copyrighted material is legal in The Netherlands.
• Poland. In Poland, downloading copyrighted content for personal use is allowed.
• Spain. Spain permits the downloading of content you already own for personal use as long as there is no financial gain.
• Canada. Canada’s close proximity to the US means you’ll get better torrenting speeds, and it’s not considered a criminal activity, making it a safe location to connect to.
• Mexico. Not only does Mexico have excellent infrastructure with the top speeds needed for torrenting, but it does not monitor P2P file sharing. Plus, its proximity to the US means you’ll have faster connections.

Countries where torrenting is illegal

The laws regarding torrenting vary by country. In Switzerland, for example, it is permitted to torrent most content, while in Spain, it is legal to torrent content you already own. In some locations, it is illegal to torrent copyrighted material, and violators are subject to fines, including:

• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Japan
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

In the following countries, torrenting is not permitted, and the sites will be targeted and shut down:

• Australia
• China
• Italy
• Latvia
• Malaysia
• Portugal
• Russia
• South Africa
• United States

How to use a VPN for torrenting 

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to torrent safely using a VPN:

1. Select a secure VPN that supports P2P file sharing and subscribe. We recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Install the VPN on your device.
3. Go to settings and activate the kill switch, which will keep you safe if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
4. Connect to a nearby P2P-compatible server.
5. Go to a torrent site or web app and search for the content you want.
6. Download the files and enjoy!

VPNs you should avoid when torrenting

You don’t need to stick with our list of the best torrenting VPNs to find one that will allow you to download torrents safely and reliably. We selected those that we felt had the best balance of speed, security, privacy, reliability, and value. There are plenty of other VPN providers out there that will work, but here are a few we suggest avoiding:

• Betternet. This VPN doesn’t have a kill switch, which means you are completely exposed if your VPN connection drops accidentally. In addition, Betternet has a history of selling user data to third parties.
• FinchVPN. A popular free VPN service that has been known to sell user data for profit, meaning you can’t count on it to maintain your privacy.
• Avira Phantom. With a download speed of about 7 Mbps on nearby servers, this VPN just doesn’t have the speed needed for torrenting. Plus, its logging policy is unclear, meaning you can’t rely on it for full privacy protection.
• Hola VPN. Hola only uses encryption with the premium membership, maintains logs on its customers, and doesn’t offer any protection against IP leaks, making it an unsafe choice for torrenting.

VPN not working for torrenting: how to fix

When troubleshooting why you are having difficulty torrenting using your VPN, there are several possible causes to consider, most of which have an easy fix. Here’s what may be causing the problem.

• Your VPN needs an update. An outdated version of your VPN could lead to security and compatibility issues.
• Poor internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can interfere with torrenting.
• Inadequate VPN support. Not every VPN company offers P2P servers or is capable of torrenting.
• Anti-virus interference. Your anti-virus software may be blocking you from torrenting.

Here are some easy fixes to these and other common issues that may get in the way of using your VPN for torrenting:

• Change your VPN provider. Switch to a VPN service with specialized P2P servers and a strong track record for successful torrenting.
• Stay current. Complete all updates for your VPN and your torrenting device.
• Reconnect your router. Restart your router to improve your internet connection, and if that doesn’t help, connect using an ethernet cable.
• Modify your anti-virus. Either change the settings on your anti-virus or turn them off altogether.
• Change your protocol. Try a different VPN tunneling protocol.
• Restart your devices. Restart your torrenting device and your torrent client.
• Check your torrent file. Make sure the file has enough seeders.

FAQ

Is it legal to use a VPN for torrenting?

Yes. It is legal to use a VPN for torrenting. It is not, however, legal to download all content. In most countries, torrenting copyrighted material is illegal. It is important to check your local laws before you download files to be sure you comply with your local laws.

Is torrenting safe with a VPN?

Yes. When you use a reliable VPN with strong security and privacy features, such as ExpressVPN, it is safe to torrent. When you use a VPN, all of your torrent traffic is encrypted so no one, including your internet service provider, can see what you are doing, keeping you safe from online threats like hackers and snoops.

What VPN is best for torrenting?

The best torrenting VPN is ExpressVPN. It provides state-of-the-art security and privacy features to keep you safe while torrenting. It has a huge network of high-speed P2P servers all over the world, and it’s easy to use. The customer service is first-rate, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without any risk.

How does a VPN protect you when torrenting?

VPN software protects you by sending all of your torrent traffic through an encrypted tunnel that keeps your activities, including uploads and downloads, completely hidden, even from Internet Service Providers.

A VPN will also hide your IP address so that nobody can see where you are, protecting you from malicious attacks when downloading content from strangers online.

A reliable VPN also protects you from slowdowns caused by ISP throttling. Your ISP may throttle your connection if it detects you are using up too much data. If your activities are hidden, your ISP won’t have a reason to throttle your speed.

Is a VPN necessary for torrenting?

No. It is not necessary, but it is highly recommended. Without a quality VPN maintaining your online privacy and security, you are vulnerable to cyber attacks that may occur when downloading files from unknown sources. In addition, a VPN will protect you from fines if you accidentally download illegal content.

Can a VPN hide torrenting traffic from my ISP?

Yes. A good VPN uses security measures like military-level encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks, making it impossible for anyone, including your internet provider, to see you download torrent files.

Is ExpressVPN good for torrenting?

Yes. We chose ExpressVPN as the best torrenting VPN. It protects your online privacy with a verified no-logs policy and RAM-only servers and keeps you safe with its military-grade encryption, secure tunneling protocols, and kill switch. On top of that, it’s easy to use, incredibly fast, and offers great customer support.

Is NordVPN good for torrenting?

Yes! NordVPN is a great choice for torrenting. It is easy to use and offers top-of-the-line security features. It also offers a large network of fast P2P servers in countries all over the world. Torrent users can count on NordVPN for safe, fast, and reliable torrenting.

Is NordVPN better than ExpressVPN for torrenting?

NordVPN is an excellent VPN as is ExpressVPN. The features and pricing are a bit different with each, so it’s just about finding the best VPN for your personal needs.

Is NordVPN better than Surfshark for torrenting?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark are a good choice for torrenting. If speed is your top priority, NordVPN is a better choice, while if you are looking for a cheap VPN for the whole family that you can depend on, Surfshark is a better choice.

Conclusion

Plenty of VPN services boast about their security, but figuring out if they live up to their promises can be challenging. Without adequate security measures, your VPN could leave you susceptible to cyber threats, malware, and potential data breaches, not to mention slower speeds and unreliable connections.

That’s why selecting a trustworthy VPN is essential, especially for torrenting.

Our top pick for the best VPN for torrenting is ExpressVPN, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test it out without risk. Click on any of the links in this article for the best VPN deals on a premium VPN.