Quick Answer: Which VPN Is Best for Torrenting?
The best VPN for torrenting allows P2P traffic, has a kill switch that works, keeps no logs, and stays fast under load. Of the seven providers below, NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark are the strongest all-round picks. PrivateVPN and PureVPN are worth a look if port forwarding matters to you. ExpressVPN is the easiest to set up. VeePN is the one to test carefully before you commit.
A quick note before we start: torrenting itself is legal. Millions of people use it for Linux distributions, open-source software, game patches, public-domain media and Creative Commons files. Downloading or sharing copyrighted material without permission is not legal, and a VPN does not change that. This guide covers privacy and performance for legal torrenting only.
Quick picks
- Best overall: NordVPN. P2P servers are labeled in the app, and independent testers report reliable leak protection.
- Best for seeding and port forwarding: Proton VPN. P2P works on paid plans in a large number of countries, and port forwarding is available.
- Best for many devices: Surfshark. One subscription covers unlimited connections.
- Best for easy setup: ExpressVPN. Few settings to get wrong, plus a router option.
- Best budget pick with port forwarding included: PrivateVPN.
- Best low-cost pick if you’ll pay extra for port forwarding: PureVPN.
- Use with caution: VeePN. Torrenting works, but its privacy and speed record is weaker than the rest.
Best Torrenting VPNs Compared
| VPN | P2P support | Port forwarding | Based in | Approx. long-term price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Dedicated P2P servers, labeled in app | Not offered | Panama | ~$3.09–3.69/mo |
| Proton VPN | Paid plans only, 110+ countries reported | Yes, on supported servers | Switzerland | ~$2.99–4.99/mo |
| Surfshark | Supported across its locations | Not offered | Netherlands | ~$1.99–2.49/mo |
| ExpressVPN | Supported | Not offered | British Virgin Islands | ~$2.49–3.49/mo |
| PrivateVPN | Supported on all servers | Included in the price | Sweden | ~$2.00–2.50/mo |
| PureVPN | Supported | Paid add-on | British Virgin Islands | ~$2.14–2.99/mo |
| VeePN | Reported as allowed on all servers | Not advertised | Panama | ~$1.67–5.83/mo |
Prices are for multi-year plans and change often, so check the provider’s page before you buy.
How We Chose These VPNs
Every provider on this list is one we cover on this site, so the shortlist started there. From that group, we looked at what matters for Every provider here is one we already cover on this site, so the shortlist started there. We then compared them on the factors that matter most for torrenting:
- P2P policy: Does the provider allow torrenting, and on which servers?
- Kill switch: If the VPN drops, does your traffic stop, or does it fall back to your real IP?
- Logging: What does the privacy policy say, and has anyone independent checked it?
- Speed: We relied on published independent speed tests. Where reviewers disagree, we say so.
- Port forwarding: Not essential, but useful in some situations.
- Price and refund window: Most offer 30 days, enough time to test with your own torrent client.
We have not run our own torrent speed tests for this article, so none of the figures below are ours. Where a number comes from another publication, the text names the source.
What a VPN Does for Torrenting (and What It Doesn’t)
When you download a torrent, you connect directly to other people sharing the same file, and those peers can see your IP address. A VPN swaps your IP for the VPN server’s, so peers see that address instead of your home connection. It also encrypts traffic between your device and the VPN server, so your ISP cannot see which torrents you download.
That’s useful for a few reasons:
- Other peers and anyone monitoring a swarm do not see your real IP.
- Your ISP cannot easily identify BitTorrent traffic, which matters if it throttles P2P.
- On a shared or restricted network, a VPN may get torrent traffic through where it would otherwise be blocked.
It doesn’t do everything, though:
- It does not make you anonymous. Your VPN provider can still see your real IP, which is why its logging policy matters.
- It does not make illegal downloads legal.
- It does not scan torrent files for malware. Use antivirus software and stick to trusted sources.
- Without a kill switch, a dropped VPN connection can expose your real IP mid-download.
The 7 VPNs for Torrenting
1. NordVPN: Best Overall for Torrenting
Best for: An all-round torrenting setup with clearly labeled P2P servers.
NordVPN lists its P2P servers under Specialty Servers in the app, so you do not have to guess which ones will work with your client. Security.org notes that regular NordVPN servers may fail to connect to a torrent client, which is the reason to stick with the P2P group.
In Security.org’s torrent tests, NordVPN passed its DNS leak checks every time, and its kill switch stopped a download when the connection dropped. TheBestVPN.com reported similar download times for NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. NordVPN runs on NordLynx, its WireGuard-based protocol.
It is based in Panama, and its no-logs policy has been audited more than once. Higher tiers include Threat Protection Pro, which NordVPN says can scan downloaded files. Treat that as an extra layer, not a replacement for antivirus software.
Limitations: No port forwarding. Security.org also found that P2P servers farther from you can be noticeably slower, so choose the closest one.
Price: About $3.09–3.69/month on a 2-year plan. 30-day refund.
2. Proton VPN: Best for Seeding and Port Forwarding
Best for: Seeding and port forwarding.
According to Security.org, Proton VPN supports P2P on its paid plans in over 110 countries and offers port forwarding on supported servers. In that publication’s tests, Proton VPN had the smallest upload speed loss of the VPNs it compared (around 4%), which is why it recommends it for seeding.
The apps are open source and independently audited, and the company is based in Switzerland. If you already use other Proton services, bundle pricing can bring the cost down.
Limitations: The free plan does not allow torrenting, so you need a paid plan. The 30-day money-back guarantee is also prorated: you get back the unused portion of your subscription, not the full price.
Price: About $2.99–4.99/month depending on plan and offer. Pricing varies between sources, so check the live page.
3. Surfshark: Best for Many Devices
Best for: Households with many devices, or anyone who torrents from more than one computer.
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so one subscription covers every device you own. TheBestVPN.com reported a download time close to NordVPN’s, and Security.org found P2P support across Surfshark’s server locations. Security.org also noted that Surfshark does not separate P2P servers in the app, so you may need to try another server if your client will not connect.
Its Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) can help if your ISP throttles VPN or torrent traffic. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, and its no-logs claims have been audited.
Limitations: No port forwarding. Security.org noted the kill switch is off by default, so turn it on before you start. It also reported a larger upload speed drop than the other top picks, which matters if you seed a lot.
Price: About $1.99–2.49/month on a 2-year plan. 30-day refund.
4. ExpressVPN: Best for Easy Setup
Best for: People who want a simple, low-maintenance setup.
ExpressVPN has a clean app with few settings to get wrong, and it works with torrent clients. It is based in the British Virgin Islands, and its privacy claims have been audited. Its Aircove router runs the VPN at the router level, so every device on your network is covered without anyone having to remember to switch it on. Security.org called this a practical way to avoid torrenting unprotected by accident.
Limitations: Security.org noted you cannot sort P2P servers in the app, so finding one that connects may take some trial and error. No port forwarding. Monthly plans cost more than most rivals, so the value is in the multi-year deals. The router is a separate purchase.
Price: About $2.49–3.49/month on a 2-year plan. 30-day refund.
5. PrivateVPN: Best Budget Pick with Port Forwarding
Best for: Budget buyers who want port forwarding without paying extra.
PrivateVPN is a smaller, Sweden-based service. Comparitech and other reviewers report that it allows P2P on all servers and includes port forwarding at no added cost, which is rare at this price. Reviewers say the feature works on certain servers and protocols, so follow the provider’s own setup guide for your torrent client.
Limitations: The network is small, at roughly 200 servers in 63 countries, and reviewers do not rate it as the fastest VPN. It does not use RAM-only servers, and we have not seen an independently published no-logs audit. If audits matter to you, the larger providers above have more to show.
Price: About $2.00–2.50/month on its longest plan. 30-day refund.
6. PureVPN: Best Low-Cost Pick if You’ll Pay for Port Forwarding
Best for: A low monthly cost, if you are happy to pay a little extra for port forwarding.
PureVPN has a large network (6,000+ servers, per TheBestVPN.com) and publishes setup guides for popular clients such as qBittorrent and Deluge. Port forwarding is available as a paid add-on. TheBestVPN.com listed it at around $1.49 a month on top of the plan price, so include that in your total.
PureVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and works with KPMG on an ongoing audit arrangement. One piece of history to know about: in 2017, PureVPN handed connection logs to the FBI in a criminal case. The company has since changed its infrastructure and jurisdiction, and you will need to decide for yourself whether that is enough.
Limitations: Port forwarding costs extra. Reviewers report mixed experiences with support and refunds.
Price: About $2.14–2.99/month on a long plan, plus the add-on if you want port forwarding. 31-day refund.
7. VeePN: Use with Caution
Best for: Not our first choice for torrenting, though it does work.
Comparitech reports that VeePN allows torrenting on all of its servers and that its torrent tests ran without disconnects. Other reviewers confirm P2P is allowed, but at least one says it is limited to certain servers, so confirm in the app before you start.
The concerns lie elsewhere. Comparitech found its average speeds lagged well behind NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN, noted that the kill switch is desktop-only, and reported that VeePN logs some user data. PCWorld also reported that VeePN collects some device data, which VeePN says it uses to calculate server load. For torrenting, where leak protection and logging are the whole point, these are serious drawbacks.
Limitations: No WireGuard support in the reviews we saw, a desktop-only kill switch, and a privacy policy that discloses more data collection than the others on this list. Read the policy before paying for a long plan.
Price: Varies by plan and device tier, from roughly $1.67/month on promotional long plans. Refund windows differ by source (14–30 days), so confirm before you buy.
How to Torrent More Safely with a VPN
Setup matters as much as the provider you pick. Follow these steps in order:
- Turn on the kill switch first. Do this before you open your torrent client. On Surfshark, for example, it may be off by default.
- Connect to a P2P-friendly server. Use the labeled P2P group if your VPN has one, and choose a nearby location for better speed.
- Check your IP before downloading. Run an IP and DNS leak test while connected. You should see the VPN server’s IP, not your own. Torrent-specific IP checkers also exist: you load a test magnet link and see the address peers see.
- Bind your client to the VPN. qBittorrent and Deluge let you tie the client to the VPN’s network adapter, so it cannot send traffic if the VPN disconnects.
- Use WireGuard or another fast protocol if available. It is usually quicker than OpenVPN for downloads.
- Stick to legal, trusted sources. Torrent files from unknown sites are a common route for malware.
- Run antivirus software. A VPN is not malware protection.
Do You Need Port Forwarding for Torrenting?
Not always. Without it you can still download, because your client connects out to peers. Port forwarding lets other peers connect in to you, which can improve speeds on torrents with few seeders and helps if you seed a lot. Security.org reported a gain of up to 15% with Proton VPN’s port forwarding in its tests, though your result will depend on the torrent and your connection.
Of the seven providers here, Proton VPN and PrivateVPN include port forwarding, and PureVPN sells it as an add-on. NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN do not offer it as far as we have found, so check their help pages if it is critical for you.
To use it, connect to a server that supports the feature, note the port number and enter it in your torrent client’s connection settings. Then run your client’s built-in port test to confirm it is open. Some providers assign a new port each session, so you may need to update it.
Troubleshooting Common Torrenting VPN Problems
- Torrent client won’t connect: Switch to a P2P-labeled server, or try another server in the same country. Not every server accepts torrent traffic.
- Slow downloads: Pick a closer server, switch protocol (WireGuard is often faster than OpenVPN), and restart both the VPN and the client. A low seeder count can also be the cause, whatever VPN you use.
- Throttling continues: Turn on obfuscation if your VPN offers it, such as Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode, so your traffic is harder to identify.
- Real IP showing in a leak test: Stop the download, check the kill switch and network binding, then test again before restarting.
Should You Use a Free VPN for Torrenting?
Generally, no. Free plans often cap data, throttle speeds or block P2P outright. Proton VPN’s free plan, for example, does not allow torrenting, even though it is one of the better free services. Some free VPNs have also been found collecting and sharing user data, which defeats the purpose. A paid plan with a refund window is a safer way to test.
FAQ: VPNs and Torrenting
Is it legal to use a VPN for torrenting?
Yes, in most countries. Using a VPN is legal, and so is torrenting legal files. Copyright infringement is not legal, with or without a VPN. Laws vary by country, so check yours.
Can you still get caught torrenting with a VPN?
A VPN reduces your exposure, but it is not a guarantee. The main risks are a connection drop without a working kill switch, DNS or WebRTC leaks, and providers that keep logs. That is why the kill switch and the provider’s logging policy matter so much.
Will a VPN slow down my torrents?
Slightly, in most cases, because of encryption overhead and distance to the server. If your ISP throttles BitTorrent, a VPN can sometimes make downloads faster. Server choice and protocol make the biggest difference.
Do all VPNs allow torrenting?
No. Some block P2P entirely, and others limit it to certain servers or paid plans. Check the provider’s policy before you subscribe.
Do I need a VPN with a no-logs policy?
Yes. Your VPN provider can see your real IP, so a verified no-logs policy is what stops that from becoming a record. Look for independent audits, not just marketing claims.
Which VPN is cheapest for torrenting?
Based on current long-term pricing, Surfshark and PrivateVPN are among the lowest. PureVPN is also low but charges extra for port forwarding.
Bottom line
For a dependable default, NordVPN is the easiest to recommend: labeled P2P servers, a strong reported record on leak tests and an audited no-logs policy. Proton VPN is the pick for seeding and port forwarding, and Surfshark covers a houseful of devices at a low price. PrivateVPN and PureVPN suit budget buyers who want port forwarding, with the caveats above. ExpressVPN is the simple option, and VeePN should be tested carefully inside the refund window before you commit to a long plan.
Whichever you choose, switch on the kill switch, run a leak test and keep your torrenting to files you are allowed to download.
