Best VPNs with port forwarding in 2024

Port forwarding is a networking technique that helps you bypass NAT firewalls and speed up your internet connection. It enhances P2P file-sharing, gaming, hosting servers, and remote access.

Using a VPN with port forwarding boosts security by encrypting your traffic and protecting your data from hackers and surveillance. This combination reduces latency and improves speeds, providing a seamless, secure online experience for gaming, streaming, and remote access to devices like home security cameras and personal servers.

There are a few VPNs that allow port forwarding. That’s because the tool's complex implementation can expose your home network to risks like hacking or privacy breaches and turn your devices into hubs for cybercriminals. However, when done correctly, it’s a horizon-expanding win for server-based hobbies and a jackpot for torrenting and gaming fans. Due to the potential risks, it is crucial to choose a port-forwarding VPN carefully.

I tested 21 providers to find the best and most secure options with port forwarding support. In this article, I’ll present my top 5 picks and explain the ins and outs of port forwarding.

Best port forwarding VPNs: shortlist

1. PrivateVPN

   All-time best VPN with port forwarding
   8.7
2. Proton VPN

   Speedy port forwarding VPN with an easy setup
   8.6
3. PureVPN

   Budget-friendly VPN with open ports
   8.5
4. ExpressVPN

   Torrent-friendly VPN that supports port forwarding
   8.4
5. Ivacy VPN

   Security-focused VPN for port-forwarding
   8.2

The best VPNs with port forwarding – 2024 analysis

I tested out features that make my top picks the best VPN with port forwarding. Apart from port mapping, interface, security, performance, and pricing carried the most weight during my research. From the initial number of 21 providers, I ended up with the Top 5. Learn about them below.

1. PrivateVPN – best VPN with port forwarding for torrenting and gaming

PrivateVPN is the best VPN with port forwarding if you’re after speedy torrenting. It supports port forwarding for selected VPN protocols and locations, helping speed up your connection by allowing incoming data to bypass the NAT firewall. The service supports P2P file-sharing on all servers, and port mapping is easy to set up since port forwarding is always enabled.

To use port forwarding with PrivateVPN, simply go to the app, select a random port number provided, and paste it to a desired P2P server.

Performance. PrivateVPN performs swimmingly on Windows with WireGuard. In my experience, WireGuard retains about 83% of initial speeds, allowing you to torrent files relatively quickly. However, gaming sessions may have a slightly higher ping if they demand higher hardware specs. Overall, connectivity remained stable throughout my tests. Additionally, PrivateVPN has dedicated IP servers that allow most ports to be forwarded, which further enhances torrenting performance.

Security. This VPN nets a relatively good security package. For starters, you can rely on a kill switch and IP & DNS leak protection to prevent your data from spilling. The Stealth VPN feature hides the service usage if you need ninja-level skills to bypass Netflix or similar restrictions. Read further about it in one of my expert’s PrivateVPN analysis.

Pricing. You can fetch the best VPN with port forwarding for only $2.00/month, among the top PrivateVPN deals. As for testing the waters first, take advantage of the 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

2. Proton VPN – the fastest VPN that allows port forwarding

ProtonVPN is the best VPN with port forwarding to play video games and torrent securely. Port forwarding is currently available in Windows and Linux apps for everyone with a paid ProtonVPN plan. Launch the application, access Settings, and activate the Port Forwarding option to set up port forwarding. Then, copy the assigned random port number and paste it into your preferred P2P server.

Performance. This service maintains approximately 85% of the original internet speed before using the VPN. Based on my tests, there is a slight decrease in performance when connecting to servers located far away, but overall, the performance remains excellent. I was particularly impressed by the reduced ping times while playing Fortnite and other multiplayer games. Additionally, download speeds consistently stayed above 9 Mbps when torrenting, which was quite satisfactory.

Security. Proton VPN houses a roster of solid protection measures. You can rely on NetShield to filter malware online and protect you from ads. If you prefer online solitude over unwanted snoopers, the Double VPN feature routes your connection through two servers. Speak of extra encryption. And it’s just the tip of the security iceberg, as you can find in one of my expert’s Proton VPN review.

Pricing. This VPN with port forwarding also comes with a hefty price tag – $3.59/month. But it’s just one of the best Proton VPN deals. Still, I firmly believe the value justifies the cost, which you can see during the 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

3. PureVPN – cheap VPN with port forwarding

PureVPN offers port forwarding, allowing users to open UDP/TCP ports on any device. Previously known as NAT Firewall, this feature enhances connectivity for specific applications and services. You can add port forwarding to your PureVPN plan for just $1.99/month. This service is ideal for users requiring optimized connections and full P2P support. Overall, PureVPN provides reliable performance across various hardware configurations, making it a valuable choice for secure and efficient VPN use.

Performance. PureVPN shows varying speeds across different activities. During my testing, I found port forwarding with PureVPN to be a game changer for P2P activities. However, its benefits for gaming are far less noticeable. On average, PureVPN maintains approximately 81% of your original internet speed, with occasional peaks reaching up to 92%.

To set up port forwarding with PureVPN, select a PureVPN plan and include the port forwarding add-on during checkout. Consider opting for PureVPN's 5-year plan for significant savings: it is 90% off now. Once subscribed, log in to the PureVPN app and navigate to the "Subscriptions" section. From there, click "Configure" and "Enable specific ports" to begin customizing your port forwarding settings.

Security. PureVPN offers several robust security features to protect your online activities: the Kill Switch, server obfuscation, DNS leak protection, and AES-256 Encryption. All together, it will keep you away from any prying eyes while port-forwarding. The kill switch will automatically disconnect your device from the internet if your VPN connection suddenly drops. Additionally, the server obfuscation will mask your VPN traffic to appear as regular internet traffic, helping you bypass firewalls and anti-VPN measures. DNS Leak Protection will prevent your queries from being exposed outside the VPN tunnel, thus ensuring your browsing activity remains private and not visible to your ISP.

Pricing. The additional port forwarding cost is a meager addition to the already small $1.99/month price tag. Besides, you can ransack other PureVPN deals. As for seeing yourself what all the fuss is about, you get a 31-day money-back guarantee.

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

4. ExpressVPN – a good VPN that supports port forwarding on routers

ExpressVPN is a solid VPN with port forwarding support. However, it’s only available for setting up on v1 or v2 (and upward) routers. Many will find it a minor inconvenience since the service works with many router models. As for the rest, you get a polished VPN that is great for both gaming and torrenting. To set up port forwarding, log in to your ExpressVPN account, navigate to your router's setup page, find the port forwarding settings, configure them accordingly, and save the changes to optimize your VPN connection.

Performance. During my tests, ExpressVPN retained between 79-81% of the original internet speed, with varying performance based on server proximity. P2P file-sharing speeds were notably fast on neighboring servers. Personally, during online gaming sessions, I encountered minimal lag.

Security. ExpressVPN stands out with RAM-only servers, meaning all data traces are wiped out periodically to preserve your privacy. Additionally, you can rely on Stealth VPN to remain undetected. At the same time, gaming or torrenting would be beneficial if VPN use and the P2P shares were grey moral ground in your location. Read more in one of my expert’s ExpressVPN overview.

Pricing. All of this can be yours for $4.99/month, among other ExpressVPN deals. It is on the more expensive side, but sensible considering its value. Curious cats can utilize the 30-day money-back guarantee before committing to one of the best VPNs with port forwarding.

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

5. Ivacy VPN – the cheapest port forwarding VPN with security measures

Ivacy VPN is a security-oriented VPN with port forwarding suitable for torrenting anywhere. However, the port mapping feature costs an additional $1.00/month. Overall, the implementation of this tool is seamless, so both netizens and newbies will be quick to apply it to torrents and video games. To enable port forwarding on Ivacy VPN, subscribe to the port forwarding add-on, enable the feature in the app settings, and configure the desired port in your application.

Performance. My tests showcase a solid 75% speed retention, with slight drops during P2P downloads or gaming lag on distant servers. In my personal experience, its port forwarding definitely bolsters performance. I downloaded gigabytes of content with speeds consistently above 7 Mbps.

Security. As for online safety, you can rely on the kill switch to prevent data spills. What’s more, split tunneling allows you to prioritize which sites or apps get extra encryption. But the icing on the cake is the Secure Download tool. It scans downloaded files in search of malware. Tune in to learn more details in the Ivacy VPN review.

Pricing. Among the top IvacyVPN deals, you can snatch it for just $1.00/month. And don’t worry, there’s always the 30-day money-back guarantee should you change your mind.

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

Best port forwarding VPNs comparison

If you’re in a rush, I present a quick and visual overview of the top selected VPNs that support port forwarding. You’ll find all the necessary insights below:

How I tested and selected these VPNs

I tested 21 VPN providers that offer port forwarding on a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 1 with an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U, Radeon Graphics, and 32 GB RAM, running Windows 11 Pro. Many VPNs avoid port-forwarding due to security concerns, so I ensured those offering this feature maintained high protection standards. Here’s what I paid attention to while testing:

• Successful port mapping. This tool doesn’t work seamlessly with every service. So I tested port forwarding multiple times, focusing on torrenting and multiplayer games, to ensure it functions smoothly.
• Optimal speeds. Performance is crucial for P2P sharing or gaming. My top port-forwarding VPN picks include only the fastest VPNs, maintaining at least 80% of initial performance.
• Torrent-friendly servers. I double-checked my top recommendations to ensure they support torrenting and gave extra points to VPNs with torrent-dedicated servers.
• High-end security. For those in regions with restrictive legislation or online sports betting bans, I tested each provider for possible detection, DNS leaks, and data spills.
• Intuitive application. A good VPN should be easy to use for all technical levels. I assessed the interface navigation and ease of toggling settings.
• Pocket-friendly pricing. Affordability is critical, so I checked if port forwarding costs extra and ensured any additional costs were reasonable.

Get the best port forwarding VPN

When is a VPN with port forwarding used?

Port forwarding routes traffic through a designated port, enhancing speed, security, and accessibility for various applications, such as hosting multiplayer game servers, ensuring smooth torrent downloads, accessing virtual desktops remotely, and controlling IoT devices like home security cameras.

Types of port forwarding

Here are some different types and use cases of port forwarding:

• Static Port Forwarding permanently maps a specific port on your router to a particular device, ideal for hosting servers.
• Local Port Forwarding redirects traffic from one port on a local machine to another port on the same or another machine, commonly used for accessing services within a private network.
• Remote Port Forwarding allows a remote device to access services on your local machine, which helps access local servers or applications from an external network.
• Dynamic Port Forwarding dynamically routes traffic through a specific port, changing as needed, and is typically used for secure web browsing and accessing multiple services through a single connection.

How to port-forward with a VPN?

Setting up port forwarding via a VPN app is the most straightforward way. First, you must download and install a VPN with port forwarding on your device. Note that the steps may vary depending on the VPN. I will show you how to forward ports with PrivateVPN, as it offers the best features for remote access and hosting online services. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Choose a VPN with port forwarding. It is crucial as not all VPNs offer this capability.

2. Subscribe to a suitable VPN plan. Ensure you subscribe to a VPN plan that includes port forwarding. It may require opting for a specific tier or plan that supports this feature.

3. Configure port forwarding in VPN settings. Once connected to your VPN, navigate to the settings or account dashboard. Look for an option related to port forwarding and configure it by specifying the port number you want to open.

4. Update router settings (if needed). Log in to your router's admin pane Locate the port forwarding section and forward the chosen port to the local IP address of your device running the VPN.

5. Test the port forwarding. Use online tools or services to check if the port is open and accessible from outside your network. This step verifies that the port forwarding setup works correctly and that your desired services can accept incoming connections.

Enjoy port forwarding with the #1 VPN

How to set up port forwarding on a router?

The process of setting up the port forwarding will depend on the router model and firmware. Double- check that the VPN with port mapping supports your model. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Install VPN. Download and install your VPN client on your device.

2. Connect to VPN. Launch the VPN client and connect to a server of your choice. Access Router Settings: Enter your router’s IP address in a web browser and log in with your credentials.

3. Configure Port Forwarding. Locate the port forwarding section in your router settings and create a new rule.

• Name the service/application.
• Specify the port range and protocol (TCP/UDP).
• Enter the local IP address of your device running the VPN client.

4. Save the Settings: Apply the changes and restart your router if necessary.

Get the best VPN with port forwarding

How to check if VPN port forwarding is working?

Once you've set up port forwarding for your VPN-connected device, it's essential to verify that it's functioning correctly. Access your VPN provider’s website or documentation to find tools or instructions specifically designed to test port forwarding. Typically, these tools allow you to input the port number you configured and check if it is open and accessible online.

Another method involves using online port-checking websites that can scan your specified port to see if it is open and reachable. Additionally, you can utilize services like Telnet or specialized software designed for port testing to ensure that the port forwarding rules you set up on your router are active and that incoming connections to your device are correctly forwarded. Regularly testing your port forwarding setup ensures that your VPN service effectively allows external access to applications or services running on your device.

Why don’t all VPNs have a port-forwarding feature?

Port forwarding is not supported universally by all VPNs due to security concerns. Enabling port forwarding can potentially expose your device to external threats, as it opens specific ports on your router's firewall to allow inbound traffic. This increased exposure can make your device vulnerable to attacks from malicious actors who could exploit these open ports to gain unauthorized access or launch cyber attacks. However, reputable VPN providers that offer port forwarding often implement strict security measures to mitigate these risks, such as encryption and robust authentication protocols.

When configured correctly and used judiciously, port forwarding can be a valuable tool for tasks like remote access or hosting servers, such as gaming or torrenting. However, users must balance the convenience of port forwarding with the necessary precautions to safeguard their network and devices against potential threats.

Is it safe to open a port for a VPN?

Opening a port for a VPN, if not configured properly, can pose security risks. Improper configuration may leave your network vulnerable to potential exploitation by hackers. When ports are left open incorrectly, they can serve as entry points for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to your system or network. To mitigate these risks, ensuring that your VPN provider is reputable and that the port forwarding feature is tested and secure is crucial.

Therefore, follow these tips to configure port forwarding for your VPN safely:

1. Rely on a robust and tested VPN. Only a good provider can guarantee a prosperous port forwarding implementation. A poor integration could only add security problems. My team's of experts top port mapping VPNs are tested to ensure a safe installation.
2. Be deliberate with port mapping. Only forward to the specific ports and choose the most necessary ones. If port mapping expands, it can quickly grow out of control and attract the attention of cyber crooks or malware.
3. Use protective software. If you actively forward ports, it’s advisable to have a reliable antivirus running. The service deploys active real-time protection to identify incoming malicious code, making it one of the most essential security patches. Regularly scan ports for vulnerabilities.
4. Create strong passwords. If a hacker decides to infiltrate your device, they’ll have a harder chance of breaking inside with solid credentials. Additionally, port traffic filtering should also be implemented to manage incoming and outgoing packets effectively.
5. Restrict the IP addresses. Permit only selected IP addresses for remote connection. It This helps prevent agents from utilizing vulnerability points to slip inside your network or device.

Forward ports securely with PrivateVPN

Can you use a free VPN with port forwarding?

No, you can’t use a free VPN with port forwarding. It’s a feature only available in premium services, sometimes requiring an extra fee as it’s rare. A freebie offering port mapping as part of their suite should raise concerns. You can expect friction, if not downright malware or data harvesting, to hide behind the allegedly free port forwarding feature. Instead, I advise opting for premium VPNs with a free trial if you’re short of cash.

That way, you get a safer port mapping experience with all the benefits of a good VPN, albeit for a limited time. You can take advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees only. But once time runs out, you can just switch to another provider. This resource is a hundred times better than relying on a free VPN with port forwarding.

Final remarks

Port forwarding is a sought-after feature valued by torrenting enthusiasts and gamers, as it facilitates better connectivity and performance. However, finding a VPN service that supports port forwarding without compromising security can be challenging.

Based on my tests, PrivateVPN is the best port-forwarding VPN option. It provides safe and efficient port forwarding capabilities, crucial for optimizing torrenting speeds and game server connections. Moreover, the provider impressed me with its robust security measures, ensuring users can enjoy these benefits without sacrificing protection.

---

You may also like to read:
Best VPN for torrenting
Best VPN for uTorrent
Best VPN for torrenting according to Reddit
Best VPN for gaming

---

FAQ

What is the difference between static and dynamic port forwarding?

Static port forwarding maps a specific local port to a particular remote port, maintaining a constant mapping. It is useful for hosting servers and services that need a predictable address. On the other hand, dynamic port forwarding allows a local port to map to any remote port as required, with the mapping changing based on the client's request. It's commonly used for secure connections like SSH tunneling.

Is it better to port forward or port trigger?

Whether port forwarding or port triggering is better depends on your needs. Port forwarding is ideal for services that require a constant open port, such as gaming servers or remote access. Port triggering, however, is more dynamic, opening ports only when specific conditions are met, making it more secure for occasional connections like online gaming or particular applications. Choose based on your application's stability and security requirements.

Do I need my VPN on when I’m seeding?

Yes, it is recommended to keep your VPN on when seeding. Using a VPN while seeding ensures your IP address is hidden, protecting your privacy and reducing the risk of legal issues. It also helps prevent your ISP from throttling your connection based on your torrenting activity.

Which VPN supports port forwarding?

PrivateVPN is the top choice for port forwarding, and it is noted for its robust features and user-friendly setup. Other reliable options include ProtonVPN, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN, offering solid port-forwarding capabilities. PrivateVPN enables straightforward port forwarding on Windows, while ProtonVPN, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN provide similar functionalities and excellent gaming performance.

Is a port-forwarding VPN safe?

Port forwarding via VPN can be valuable for enabling remote access or hosting online services. However, it introduces potential security risks. When configuring port forwarding, there's a legitimate risk of exposing your network to malicious actors. It's crucial to exercise caution and ensure that both your remote and local devices are secure and trustworthy before utilizing this feature. Always prioritize security measures to mitigate these risks effectively.

Does port forwarding slow down the internet?

Port forwarding shouldn’t affect your internet speed. unless you're engaged in high-bandwidth gaming while utilizing it. Forwarding ports signal your router to open access to specific IP addresses or devices; however, the feature itself doesn’t add anything extra that would hog connection speeds.

Does NordVPN support port forwarding?

No, NordVPN doesn’t support port forwarding. due to the inherent risks of opening ports to external sources. Port forwarding can expose users to serious security threats such as unauthorized access by hackers, increased vulnerability to malware, and potential breaches of sensitive data. Thus, NordVPN does not offer this feature to safeguard its users' privacy and security online.