Best VPN for Torrenting Anonymously in 2024

Torrenting, also known as peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing, is both a fascinating and complex aspect of the modern internet. While it offers decentralized downloading, this also comes with the reputation of illegal piracy, placing many torrenters at legal risks. However, with the right approach, responsible torrenting can be a handy and convenient way to freely share files while respecting copyright laws.

Even if you’re not downloading copyrighted content, like books, movies, or software (which may lead to legal trouble or fines), you are exposed to privacy risks. This is the major privacy concern of torrenting – all peers sharing the files can easily pinpoint each other via their IP addresses. That’s where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can help you avoid any unwanted eyes peeking into your activities.

Even though I do not condone piracy, I believe in online freedom and individual online privacy. So, in this article, I'll guide you through the world of private P2P sharing and help you pick the best VPN for torrenting.

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Best VPN for torrenting in 2024: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   The best VPN for torrenting overall
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   P2P-sharing torrent VPN with infinite connections
   9.5
3. TotalVPN

   Affordable VPN for torrenting with extra security tools
   8.2
4. PrivateVPN

   Torrent VPN with great P2P features
   8.7
5. Proton VPN

   Private & secure P2P VPN for torrenting
   8.6

Why do I need a VPN for torrenting risk-free?

While I don’t condone piracy, I prefer that my readers and torrenters stay safe. P2P file sharing is quite dangerous as it exposes your actions to third parties. So, hackers can use it to their advantage and steal your' precious information. However, that won’t be an issue with the best VPN, as it encrypts your data and hides your IP address.

Additionally, snoopers, your ISP, and even the government can see what you’re up to online. They know if you’re torrenting, which might lead to trouble. Nevertheless, you can protect your anonymity and P2P efforts with the best VPN for torrenting according to Reddit. That way, no one, except for you, will know about your internet ventures.

Lastly, torrenting is risky if you don’t take extra precautions. For example, if you get caught downloading copyrighted P2P content, you may get fined or, worst-case scenario, jailed. It’s a serious crime in some countries, and the copyright holders and ISPs won’t hesitate to punish pirates no matter the circumstances. Luckily, a P2P-friendly VPN will hide any information about you, so you won’t have to worry about it as much.

Best torrenting VPNs: overview

1. NordVPN – best VPN for torrenting anonymously
2. Surfshark – torrenting VPN with unlimited connections
3. TotalVPN – best VPN for torrenting on a budget
4. PrivateVPN – cheapest VPN with port forwarding
5. Proton VPN – privacy-focused VPN for torrenting

Firstly, reliable, confidential VPNs must allow P2P traffic on their servers. Without this, the user won’t be able to download anything safely. Fast speeds, no data caps, and a vast server network are expected, too. Combined, they ensure excellent performance and unlimited torrenting potential for even the most enormous files.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for torrenting privately

NordVPN has the most robust security credentials on the market. Combined with plenty of powerful features and excellent performance, it is the best VPN for torrenting privately.

Peer-to-peer servers. NordVPN allows P2P sharing on all of its 7000+ RAM-only servers in 118 countries, but I found it works best on dedicated P2P-optimized servers. However, with a server fleet of this size, you’ll easily find one nearby.

Privacy features. Any torrenter will become invisible to third parties with industry-standard AES encryption, two kill switches, and IP & DNS leak protection. The four-time independently audited no-logs policy further confirms the claims that NordVPN holds no browsing information of its users. Additionally, obfuscated servers will help to bypass strict firewalls in restrictive countries like China, Russia, or Iran, letting you download in peace.

Speed. This service is the fastest VPN for torrenting, thanks to the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, specifically designed for high-speed performance. While I've been testing, NordVPN consistently demonstrated great download speeds that were way above its competitors. However, while all servers allow P2P traffic, you'll get the best speeds using those already optimized for torrenting.

With a low price of $2.99/month, a NordVPN subscription comes with 6 simultaneous connections. Trying one of the NordVPN coupons might also net you a better deal. Check out their 7-day free trial version by downloading it from the Google Play Store. There’s always the 30-day money-back guarantee if something doesn’t work out.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – best torrent VPN with wide global coverage

For a tool as cheap as Surfshark VPN, it’s exceptional at protecting user privacy while torrenting. The best thing about it is unlimited connections, meaning you can secure virtually every device you own. This also makes this service one of the best multi-device VPNs.

Peer-to-peer servers. Surfshark controls 3200+ servers in 100 countries, which are all P2P-friendly, to our knowledge. Those who only need a VPN for torrenting will find the Bypasser tool very useful, too. It allows the user to route the VPN traffic strictly for torrents and surf the net like usual.

Privacy features. Top-grade 256-bit encryption, a functional kill switch, and advanced leak protection mask one's torrenting activities from their ISP and any potential onlookers. Plus, its independently-audited no-logs policy, paired with RAM-only servers, means no data is saved or can be retrieved later. Meanwhile, Camouflage and NoBorders modes help you browse and torrent even in countries like China.

Speed. Downloading will be over before you even notice due to the WireGuard tunneling protocol. Just keep in mind to use servers as close as possible for the most optimal speeds. Additionally, thanks to Surfshark’s exclusive Software Defined Networking (SDN) feature, introduced with the Nexus update. you can expect excellent connectivity.

Purchase Surfshark to get one of the best VPNs for downloading torrents out there – it’s only $2.19/month. Other pricing options might be available with a Surfshark coupon as well. Either way, try the 7-day free trial (via Google Play or Apple App Store) or subscribe risk-free, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. TotalVPN – one of the cheapest VPN for torrenting

TotalVPN is a good VPN for torrenting that will keep the user's internet activities anonymous. And with optimal speeds under the belt, P2P file sharing will be made extra easy.

Peer-to-peer servers. TotalVPN does not discriminate against torrenting – P2P traffic is allowed on several dozen servers. The service works just fine with popular torrenting clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent. I especially liked that the VPN, paired with TotalAV’s functionality, essentially eliminated malware threats that tend to plague torrents.

Privacy features. This provider is excellent for anonymity as it offers IP & DNS leak protection, AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and more. Despite the sub-par location (based in the UK), it maintains a zero-logs policy, which increases credibility. The fact that the VPN comes built-in with the reputable TotalAV antivirus solution provides increased safety while torrenting. Subscribers further benefit from an ad blocker, phishing scam protection, real-time virus scanning, and more.

Speed. While the fleet is modest, with 50+ servers scattered across 35 countries, the speeds are relatively fast. It can be attributed to the reliable OpenVPN protocol powering the connections, which were stable throughout the tests.

One reason I've decided to rate TotalVPN as a top torrenting VPN is the low price, only $1.59/month. Additionally, the subscription includes the ability to protect your torrenting traffic on 5 devices simultaneously. There’s also a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

4. PrivateVPN – one of the cheapest torrenting VPN

PrivateVPN is an optimal choice for P2P file-sharing, with great features for a low-cost VPN. It’s also one of the best freemium VPNs in the industry.

Peer-to-peer servers. According to PrivateVPN, P2P traffic is allowed on all its 200+ servers in 63 countries. Even better news is that port forwarding goes hand in hand with torrenting as it lets the user connect to more peers directly and increase their torrent speeds.

Privacy features. As expected from a premium service, the provider ensures complete anonymity with the essential VPN feature trifecta. I'm talking about a kill switch, IP & DNS leak protection, and industry-leading encryption. And it adheres to a no-logs policy, which is crucial when you're based in the US. And if you need your downloads to remain untraceable back to you, take advantage of either SOCKS5 proxy or Application Guard feature.

Speed. While the fleet is smaller, it means nothing when each server is part of the HQN (High Quality Network) for top-grade connections. Moreover, PrivateVPN utilizes the WireGuard tunneling protocol, so lightning-fast speeds are the norm.

The user pays as little as $2.00/month for a PrivateVPN subscription. Plus, you can save some cash with a PrivateVPN coupon. And if it isn’t what you were looking for, feel free to use the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.

5. Proton VPN – P2P-friendly VPN with useful privacy features

Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPNs on the market. While streaming isn’t exactly its forte, P2P is a free game, making it a torrent-friendly service that one shouldn’t overlook.

Peer-to-peer servers. Although this provider doesn’t encourage sharing copyrighted material, it allows P2P traffic on select servers ​on​ its 9200+ server network in 110 countries. Proton VPN users also get split tunneling for customizing their VPN connection and the handy port forwarding feature for boosting P2P file-sharing.

Privacy features. Every subscription includes a powerful kill switch, NASA-grade encryption, and IP & DNS leak protection. Additionally, the no-logs policy was independently audited by Securitum, and all Proton VPN apps are open-source. On top of that, the service is based in Switzerland, a country with no data retention laws. Secure Core is another neat perk that routes user traffic via two VPN servers instead of one for double encryption.

Speed. Proton VPN uses the gold-standard WireGuard protocol to ensure speedy downloads on all of its servers. In addition, its proprietary VPN Accelerator feature enhances your speeds by up to 400%. However, you only get the best speeds on those P2P-optimized servers, which can be hard to find near you, depending on your location.

At just $3.59/month, the provider offers top-notch privacy measures with 10 simultaneous connections. Plus, one can use a Proton VPN coupon to save some cash. If you subscribe, you have plenty of time to see whether it meets your needs with the 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, those who don’t want to commit just yet - can try the free Proton VPN version.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Best torrenting VPN: comparison

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the ins and outs you have to consider? Don't worry, I've got your back. Pick your best VPN for torrenting with a quick side-by-side comparison of the top providers.

How I chose and tested these VPNs for torrenting

Are you curious about how I determined the best VPNs for torrenting? Below, I outline my rigorous testing process with each criterion used for evaluation. While my Top 5 picks may suit most torrenters looking for privacy, you can use the following process to find your own best fit.

• P2P servers. I checked each VPN's P2P server availability, ensuring they offer dedicated servers for torrenting. If details weren't readily available, I contacted customer support for clarification on their torrenting capabilities.
• P2P server locations. I verified the locations of P2P servers. Some providers, like NordVPN, transparently list these servers on their websites.
• Privacy features. I looked for VPNs with robust privacy features for maximum online anonymity. These include 256-bit AES encryption, dependable IP and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to avoid IP slips in case your VPN connection drops.
• Privacy policy. The provider should not keep any logs or collect identifiable data about its users. I checked every VPN's privacy policy to pick the ones that do not log user data, like browsing history, VPN traffic details, IP addresses, or DNS requests.
• Performance. I conducted multiple tests, including speed tests, various leak tests using ipleak.net, and simple torrent downloads with a standardized file. I evaluated the performance based on download speeds and gave the fastest VPNs the best scores.
• Value. The price for the VPN subscription should be adequate for the number of features you’re getting. As such, I chose top-tier VPNs that include split tunneling, a SOCKS5 proxy, and Stealth VPN capabilities.

How to use a VPN while torrenting

Using a VPN for torrenting is simple and easy. After you download it, you just have to set it up before you begin sharing files via P2P.

Here’s a short guide on how to use a torrenting VPN:

Where is torrenting with a VPN illegal?

Torrenting with VPNs is generally considered legal, but it only applies in regions, where torrenting itself is not expressly banned. In some grey areas, the legality of torrenting mostly hinges on the content being shared, with open-source and public-domain files posing no legal risk. However, sharing copyrighted material or software through P2P connections is strictly illegal in most countries.

On the other hand, certain countries like Sweden, Russia, and the United Kingdom consider all forms of torrenting a criminal offense. In Sweden, engaging in torrenting can result in significant fines and a potential prison sentence of up to two years. The consequences are even more severe in the United Kingdom, where torrenters can face imprisonment for up to a decade.

Engaging in torrenting without a VPN can expose individuals to high fines and legal trouble. For example, in the United States, where P2P sharing is viewed as a civil offense, legal fees must be paid for each shared file, with fines ranging from $200 to $150,000. Similarly, in Germany, individuals may be required to pay fines ranging from 500 to 1,500 Euros.

While legal and financial consequences vary from country to country, torrenting without a VPN is expensive and, in some cases, detrimental to one's legal reputation. There is a way you can avoid such issues, though. Invest in the best P2P VPN to keep yourself safe and anonymous while downloading content. I also recommend you only share files while you're connected to countries where torrenting is safe.

What’s the safest VPN server location for torrenting?

When it comes to torrent-friendly locations, there are quite a few countries that permit torrenting for personal use. Another viable option is those that don’t take any legal actions against torrenters. For a seamless downloading experience, it’s advised to use the fastest VPNs in the market, for instance, NordVPN. So, the best VPN countries for torrenting are:

• Switzerland. One of the most privacy-friendly locations. Here, downloading copyrighted content for personal use is legal if the user doesn’t intend to sell it for profit. Uploading such content is highly illegal, though.
• Canada. Here torrenting laws are pretty soft, allowing everyone to share almost anything, including copyrighted material. That is if one doesn’t use or share it for profit.
• Mexico. P2P file-sharing isn’t monitored in any official capacity, making it an excellent country for torrenting, especially for US residents.
• Poland. Users are free to download files for personal use. Of course, selling them for profit is illegal.
• Spain. Torrenting is legal and allowed, for as long as the user isn't involved with copyrighted material.
• The Netherlands. Despite a regulation change in 2017, downloading files for personal use is safe. Only sharing them to make a profit is prohibited.

You should also be aware of locations where torrenting is strictly forbidden or countries where VPNs are banned. The authorities shut down torrenting sites in these locations, and those who attempt to share files via P2P can receive fines. Thus, the worst countries for torrenting:

Can I use a free torrenting VPN?

There are a few reliable free torrent VPNs. However, the majority of costless services have more flaws than upsides. Here’s what you’ll most likely get if you decide to use a free VPN for P2P:

• Strict data caps. Most free VPNs impose strict data limits on their users as massive simultaneous downloads severely impact their networks. Worst case scenario, they don’t even allow P2P traffic despite advertising otherwise.
• Surveillance. These providers have to stay afloat somehow – they do it by logging user data and selling it to third parties, showing ads, and even injecting malware.
• Ad-trackers. Another way they manage to run free services is by secretly placing trackers in their VPN clients. These gather info about you and tailor advertisements according to your profile.
• Speed throttling. And then there are performance issues – free VPNs are generally very slow because millions of people use their limited servers simultaneously. Your downloads will simply take too long.

These issues defeat the purpose of using a VPN for P2P file sharing. You’d be better off opting for the best cheap VPN for torrenting. Of course, not all providers are bad to the bone – you’ll be surprised to find a few trustworthy ones. Some of the best VPN for torrenting free include:

• Ivacy VPN. The free version offers full P2P support with unlimited data. Also, you get 1 server in The Netherlands. While it may not be reliable with unblocking streaming websites, it’s right for torrenting.
• Hide Me VPN. You get 8 server locations, 10GB/month, Stealth Guard, SOCKS5 proxies, and split tunneling.
• Windscribe. The free version includes 2GB/month, 11 server locations, and the ability to unblock Netflix and BBC iPlayer. You can connect an unlimited number of devices.

Another suitable option is going for premium free trial VPNs. They are more reliable, faster, and won’t compromise your safety. Plus, you’ll get loads of nifty features that will help you get your torrent files faster. And once one trial ends, switch providers.

Try NordVPN risk-free today

VPNs for torrenting you should avoid

Some VPN services shouldn’t be touched with a ten-foot pole. These include but are not limited to:

• Betternet. Was caught injecting malware and user trackers into its applications. It offers unreliable tools and doesn’t include such essential feature as a kill switch. It also collects extensive logs about its users.
• VPNGate. The network works on a P2P principle, where volunteers offer their computers as connection points. It has no kill switch or leak protection, and the connections are unreliable to a fault. It also collects information about your every action and will disclose it to government institutions if they receive data requests.
• Hola VPN. Has no kill switch, leak protection, or even basic encryption, making it a proxy service instead of a VPN. Your idle bandwidth will be allocated to other users. It also monitors all your activity and will share this data with authorities if the provider deems it necessary.

Torrenting with VPN: the bottom line

Whether you choose one of the VPNs listed above or another tool, the most important thing is knowing what and how you’re doing it. Torrenting is risky with various perils, ranging from legal troubles (if caught) to the files themselves, which often include malware. Keeping your IP address unchanged paints a big red target on your back, and a reputable VPN can mitigate these risks.

I highly recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for torrenting privately. It provides dedicated P2P servers, employs best-in-class security features, operates from a privacy-oriented jurisdiction, and maintains blazing-fast NordLynx connections. Additionally, it offers cost-effective subscription plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free and see for yourself.

What do you think is the best VPN for torrenting? Have you tried any providers listed here? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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You may also like to read:
Best streaming VPNs
Bypass YouTube TV location restrictions
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Unblock websites from anywhere

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FAQ

Is torrenting legal?

Yes, generally speaking, torrenting is legal. You can freely download open-source software and public-domain content. Sharing copyrighted material, however, is punishable by law in some countries. If you frequently download files, I advise you to use tools like NordVPN to hide your activities and keep yourself safe.

Which country is the best for torrenting with a VPN?

The best countries for P2P file sharing are the ones that permit torrenting. For example, Switzerland, Mexico, or the Netherlands are great choices if you live not too far from them. If you’re not in the proximity, I recommend checking out the best torrent server locations worldwide.

Which VPN is the best for torrenting?

The top VPN for torrenting is NordVPN. It offers loads of hardware globally, phenomenal speeds, and torrenting-optimized servers. Moreover, has features like split tunneling, obfuscated servers, and SOCKS5 proxy, that will drastically improve your torrenting experience.

Do VPNs really work for torrenting?

Yes, using a VPN while torrenting is a great way to make your P2P activities private and safe. VPNs encrypt the user's connection, making it impossible for ISPs or authorities to see what they're up to. If torrenting is blocked in your country, services like NordVPN are a means to bypass the restrictions.

Which VPN location is best for uTorrent?

The best VPN location for uTorrent depends on whether you’re looking for the best speeds or the most privacy. To get the best download speeds, connect to a server physically closest to you. Otherwise, Switzerland, Mexico, and Poland are a few of the best VPN locations for torrenting privately.

Does VPN allow P2P?

Yes, all the best torrenting VPNs allow P2P connections on all or select servers. Top VPN providers like NordVPN and Surfshark allow torrenting on all of their servers. On the other hand, services like CyberGhost even offer special P2P-optimized servers for the best file-sharing experience.

What is the fastest VPN for BitTorrent?

The fastest VPN for BitTorrent is NordVPN. Thanks to the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, this service provides best-in-class connection speeds. Additionally, it offers P2P-optimized servers and handy features, such as split tunneling and a free SOCKS5 proxy, highly valued by frequent torrenters.