Best SOCKS5 VPN in 2025

When I’m looking for online protection without compromising on speed for activities like torrenting, I find SOCKS5 proxies to be the ideal tool. I also take cybersecurity seriously, and since SOCKS5 doesn’t offer any encryption, I also want the security that comes with a high-quality VPN service.

That’s why I set out to find the best VPNs with SOCKS5 proxy. Keep reading to learn more!

5 best VPNs with a SOCKS5 proxy

I’ve narrowed down the vast VPN market to the 5 best VPNs with a SOCKS5 proxy. Here’s all you need to know to find the right one for your needs and budget:

Key takeaways

1. A SOCKS5 proxy routes internet traffic through a different server, masking your IP address for anonymous torrenting and access to geo-restricted online content.
2. While both VPNs and SOCKS5 proxies offer a new IP address, SOCKS5 offers faster connections without encryption.
3. NordVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), IPVanish, PrivateVPN, and Hide.me are the top 5 SOCKS5 proxy VPNs.

What is a SOCKS5 proxy?  

When you connect to a SOCKS5 proxy it routes your data through a different server, masking your real IP address. It uses proxy servers to form User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) via random IP addresses. This can be useful if you want to access content restricted to a specific country or want to remain anonymous online.

While both a VPN and a SOCKS5 proxy can provide you with a new IP address, what makes SOCKS5 unique is that it works at a lower level than typical HTTP proxies. It doesn’t interpret or modify data passing through it but simply routes the packets of data. That’s why SOCKS5 works with more applications and protocols, including FTP (for file transfers) and P2P (for torrents).

SOCKS5 supports authentication, requiring multiple authentications in order to protect your online privacy. The downside of this method is that your data doesn’t get sent through an encrypted VPN tunnel, as it does when using a VPN client, so overall it offers weaker online security than a VPN.

Why you might need a VPN with a SOCKS5 proxy

Here are the main reasons why I would consider using a SOCKS5 proxy:

• Bypass geo-restrictions. You can use your SOCKS5 proxy to hide your actual IP address and get an IP in another country for access to geo-restricted sites and services. In addition, SOCKS proxies can bypass firewalls if they are configured to permit remote access to a local network.
• Faster downloads. Since SOCKS5 doesn’t encrypt traffic like a VPN and sends smaller data packets making it faster than other proxies, which is ideal for things like file transfers or torrenting.
• Improved performance. Proxy servers don’t rewrite data packet headers which leads to fewer errors.
• Better compatibility. SOCKS5 works with more applications and protocols than other proxies, making it a highly versatile option.
• Security. SOCKS5 is safer than other proxies since it uses the UDP protocol and authentication methods like username and password authentication or GSS-API authentication. It is not, however, as secure as a quality VPN.

How to choose the best SOCKS5 VPN

Some torrent clients come with their own SOCKS5 proxy, but they are less secure and reliable than using a SOCKS5 VPN. Here are the most important qualities you want to look for in choosing the best SOCKS5 VPN:

• Speed. A fast VPN ensures timely downloads for P2P file sharing as well as smooth gaming and streaming.
• Server network. First and foremost get a VPN with multiple SOCKS5 servers. If you plan to use your SOCKS5 for torrenting, be sure your VPN comes with P2P servers as well. I also look for broad worldwide coverage to access the most geo-restricted content and to prevent slowdowns from overcrowding.
• Security and privacy. I want a VPN that has secure SOCKS5 authentication as well as strong security features like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. I also look for secure tunneling protocols like NordLynx, Wireguard, and the OpenVPN protocol.
• Compatibility. Look for an easy setup process for the SOCKS5 proxy on all of your home and mobile devices, as well as 24/7 customer support in case you need extra support with setup and use.
• Trial period. I recommend signing up for a plan with a minimum of a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.
• Pricing. Find a quality VPN that fits your budget, keep in mind there may be an extra charge for the SOCKS5 proxy feature.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN tops my list as the best VPN with a SOCKS5 proxy, providing excellent speed, security, and privacy protection.

Features: I love the comprehensive server network on NordVPN including 9 SOCKS5 proxy addresses, and P2P servers among its 7,100+ servers in 118 countries worldwide. I also appreciate the extra layer of protection that the Dark Web Monitor and Threat Protection Pro offer. It also comes with split tunneling so you can use your SOCKS5 proxy with your torrent client and your regular ISP for other online activities.

Speed: I’m blown away by NordVPN’s blazing fast speeds, especially when using the NordLynx protocol. From a baseline download speed of 96 Mbps, my download speed on a US connection was 93.5 Mbps.

Privacy and security: When it comes to my privacy and security, I know NordVPN has my back. It secures all VPN traffic with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, secure tunneling protocols, an audited no-logs policy, and RAM-only servers.

Performance: I’ve used NordVPN for torrenting, gaming, streaming, and VoIP calls and enjoyed seamless service.

Streaming: I was able to bypass geo-restrictions on major streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more!

Compatibility: The VPN apps are easy to use and compatible with Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, and macOS.

Pricing: The 2-year basic plan is available for $3.59/month and comes with 3 months free, 10 simultaneous connections, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee!

2. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers customizable top-of-the-line security features and free SOCKS5 proxies at a low cost, making it a great choice for beginners and advanced users alike.

Features: My favorite part about PIA is its huge network of 30,000+ servers in 91 countries including 30 SOCKS5 IP addresses, and P2P servers. The SOCKS5 comes with an easy-to-use on-off switch. It also comes with ad blocking and port forwarding for a bit of extra security. The split tunneling feature lets you use SOCKS with your torrent client while browsing on your ISP.

Speed: I got great speed on local servers, where my baseline download speed of 100 Mbps dropped just a bit to 88 Mbps.

Privacy and security: PIA offers customizable encryption levels including, AES 256-bit encryption. It also comes with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, secure tunneling protocols, a zero-logs policy, and RAM-only servers.

Performance: PIA has the speed and stable connections needed for online gaming, streaming, VoIP calls, and torrenting.

Streaming: With PIA, you can access Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more without geographical restrictions getting in your way.

Compatibility: The PIA apps are compatible with Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux operating systems.

Pricing: The pricing for PIA starts and $2.03/month and includes unlimited simultaneous devices, 4 months free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a trustworthy VPN provider with over 30 free SOCKS5 proxy locations.

Features: The IPVanish network includes 2400+ P2P-compatible servers in 100 countries with 30 SOCKS5 proxy locations available for manual setup. You also have access to features like port forwarding, ad blocking, and split tunneling.

Speed: When I tested IPVanish’s speed on a local server I got a download speed of 76 Mbps as compared to a baseline of 100 Mbps. Which is slower than my top choices, but still good enough for most online services.

Privacy and security: I can count on secure VPN connections since IPVanish comes with AES-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, a kill switch, and secure tunneling protocols.

Performance: The solid speeds and stable connections support smooth streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: IPVanish lets you access Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, and more. It doesn’t consistently unblock Amazon Prime Video.

Compatibility: The VPN apps for IPVanish are compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. There is no dedicated Linux app.

Pricing: Pricing begins at $2.19/month and includes 24/7 customer support, unlimited device connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. PrivateVPN

If you’re looking for a secure, private, and reliable VPN provider with SOCKS5 proxies for a reasonable price, PrivateVPN is a solid choice.

Features: PrivateVPN comes with a relatively small network of 200+ servers in 63 locations, but it also has an impressive 80+ proxy addresses, and HTTP proxies. All of the servers are P2P capable and users also have access to advanced features like port forwarding.

Speed: While it’s not the fastest VPN on the market, PrivateVPN provides solid download speeds at 84 Mbps on a local connection as compared to the baseline of 100 Mbps.

Privacy and security: Customizable encryption levels, a no-log policy, a kill switch, secure tunneling protocols, and DNS leak protection are all in place to make sure your online privacy is secured.

Performance: PrivateVPN is fast and stable enough for browsing, streaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: With PrivateVPN, you can access geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more!

Compatibility: You can use Proton VPN with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices. There are detailed instructions on how to set up SOCKS5 proxy on these devices.

Pricing: Subscription costs begin at just $2.00/month and include unlimited simultaneous devices, 24/7 live chat, and a 30-day money-back guarantee

5. Hide.me

Hide.me is a reliable VPN with a SOCKS5 proxy that has a free version with strong security features and torrenting support.

Features: There are 2000+ servers in 91 locations in the Hide.me network, including a SOCKS5 proxy that can only be used in conjunction with the VPN, which boosts security but limits speed. The service also comes with port forwarding and split tunneling.

Speed: When connected to a nearby server, my download speed dropped 5%, which is not as fast as the premium plans, but adequate for most online activities.

Privacy and security: Users are protected by military-grade encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.

Performance: The speeds on Hide.me are adequate for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

Streaming: I was able to unblock multiple content libraries on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.

Compatibility: The service comes with dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Pricing: There is a free version with limited features or pay $3.34/month for 26 months. It comes with 10 simultaneous connections and 24/7 customer support.

Methodology: How we picked and tested the best VPNs with SOCKS5

I carefully examined VPNs based on the following criteria to select the top 5 SOCKS5 VPNs.

• Speed. I conducted speed testing on multiple VPN servers to ensure adequate speeds for efficient torrenting, streaming, and gaming.
• Server network. I prioritized VPNs with a broad server network that offers P2P-optimized servers as well as SOCKS5 proxies.
• Privacy and security. I looked for strong security features including an independently verified no-logs policy, IP and DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and military-grade encryption. I also sought out secure tunneling protocols like the OpenVPN and Wireguard protocols.
• Compatibility. I checked the compatibility across devices and operating systems, prioritizing those that offer user-friendly apps for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux devices.
• Streaming. I tested the VPN’s ability to unblock geo-restricted content worldwide on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
• Customer service. I reached out to customer service with questions looking for prompt, accurate, and professional support.
• Pricing. I balanced costs and features to ensure a good value.

What are the benefits of a SOCKS5 proxy?

I recommend using a SOCKS5 proxy when staying anonymous while maintaining good speed is your main priority. A SOCKS5 proxy rerouts your internet traffic through a separate server, masking your IP address and maximizing your privacy. It’s primarily used for torrenting to greatly reduce your risk of exposure without compromising on speed.

The main problem with a SOCKS5 proxy is it does not encrypt your data, which makes you more vulnerable to surveillance from your ISP or the government and more exposed to cyber-attacks.

If your priority is hiding your IP address and getting maximum speed, use a SOCKS5 proxy. If you want the best protection from cyber threats and ISP or government surveillance, you’re better off using a premium VPN.

How to set up a VPN with SOCKS5

Follow the steps below to set up your SOCKS5 VPN.

1. Select and subscribe to a reliable VPN with SOCKS5 proxy servers. I recommend NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN app on your device.
3. Look up the SOCKS5 server information on the VPN website.
4. Set up the proxy server on your app by going to the proxy settings and entering your preferred proxy server address. Use the port number provided on your VPN’s website.
5. Select the boxes Authentication, Use proxy for hostname lookups, Use proxy for peer-to-peer connections, Disable all local DNS lookups, Disable features that leak identifying information, and Disable connections unsupported by the proxy.
6. Use your VPN credentials from the website for authentication.

How to configure SOCKS5 proxy on Windows

Here’s how to set your SOCKS5 proxy on a Windows device.

1. Subscribe to a SOCKS5-compatible VPN. I recommend using NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN on your Windows device.
3. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
4. Click the On button under Manual proxy setup.
5. Fill in the proxy details listed on the VPN website.
6. Click Save

How to configure SOCKS5 proxy on macOS

If you’ve got a macOS, follow these steps to configure your SOCKS5 proxy.

1. Subscribe to premium SOCKS5 VPN, like NordVPN.
2. Navigate through System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies.
3. Select SOCKS proxy from the menu.
4. Input the proxy address and port number from the VPN provider’s website.
5. Click OK to save the settings

How to configure SOCKS5 proxy in your browser

If you’re going to connect to a proxy in your browser, I recommend using the Firefox browser along with the FoxyProxy extension, then follow the steps below.

1. Download and install FoxyProxy from the Firefox Add-ons page.
2. Click the FoxyProxy icon on the browser toolbar.
3. Select Options from the drop-down menu to be redirected to a website.
4. Using the drop-down menu in the middle of the page, select Use Proxy Default for all URLs.
5. Click the Add button.
6. Select Edit and add the details for your VPN’s SOCKS5 proxy, including the server address, port number, username, and password from your VPN provider.
7. Select Send DNS through SOCKS5 proxy.
8. Click Save.

Can I use a free SOCKS5 VPN?

In general, I would stay away from the free services. It’s very hard to find a reputable VPN that is SOCKS5 compatible and the few that do typically limit bandwidth, data, and servers which leads to slower connections. Free VPNs also tend to have weaker security features and may sell your private data to a third party for profit making you vulnerable to hackers and phishing attempts.

If you do want to give a free VPN a try, Hide.me has a free version with SOCKS5 proxies that is reliable, private, and secure. The SOCKS5 proxy only works in conjunction with a VPN connection, so it’s not the fastest free VPN provider, and its very bare bones, but it’s got solid security features so there’s not much risk in giving it a try.

I would also recommend avoiding free proxies as they typically don’t work well and don’t offer adequate support with configuration. They also may store your online data for long periods or sell it for profit which compromises your privacy online.

FAQ

Which VPN offers a SOCKS5 proxy?

NordVPN is the best VPN that offers a SOCKS5 proxy. Other options include Private Internet Access (PIA), IPVanish, PrivateVPN, and Hide.me.

Does ExpressVPN have a SOCKS5 proxy?

No. ExpressVPN does not have a SOCKS5 proxy.

Does PIA have a SOCKS5 proxy?

Yes. PIA has a SOCKS5 proxy.

Does NordVPN have a  SOCKS5 proxy?

Yes. NordVPN comes with a SOCKS5 proxy.

Conclusion

if you’re looking for a VPN that includes a SOCKS5 proxy for enhanced speed, anonymity, and access to geo-restricted online content, any of the five options I’ve highlighted here are excellent choices.

My top choice is NordVPN. It has the best speed, advanced security, and privacy features, a large server network, and is easy to use.