NordVPN is the best VPN for BitTorrent, featuring specialty P2P servers, infallible security, and SOCKS5 proxy.
If not NordVPN, try ExpressVPN for the fastest torrenting speeds, CyberGhost for P2P optimized servers, Surfshark for infinite simultaneous connections, and Private Internet Access for Port forwarding.
After equipping you with the best VPN for BitTorrent, I’ll demonstrate the procedure to bind it with BitTorrent – so keep reading!
Top 3 VPNs for BitTorrent
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol delivers wicked-fast speeds on BitTorrent and also offers port forwarding on routers. Plus, it keeps BitTorrent traffic secure via military-grade encryption, network kill switch, and Threat Manager.
NordVPN has P2P specialty servers and a SOCKS5 proxy that works flawlessly with BitTorrent. It’s also a privacy behemoth with impenetrable 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, no-logs policy, and Threat Protection.
CyberGhost offers Smart rules to establish the VPN connection automatically when you launch the BitTorrent client. It also features the most extensive server library of all the BitTorrent VPNs, with P2P-optimized servers.
Although P2P sharing of large files offers undeniable advantages, it can potentially expose you.
For example, using BitTorrent for downloading copyrighted content can drag you into a copyright lawsuit, not to mention the risk of hackers infiltrating your device.
Fortunately, a virtual private network can safeguard BitTorrent users from data theft, malware attacks, and legal disputes.
Unblock Torrenting Sites and Anonymously Download Torrents With My Top BitTorrent VPNs
Here are the top highlights of my handpicked VPN providers for BitTorrent:
- NordVPN: Top-Notch User Privacy for BitTorrent
- ExpressVPN: Fastest Speeds for BitTorrent
- CyberGhost: Dedicated P2P Servers for BitTorrent
- Surfshark: Best Budget-Friendly VPN for BitTorrent
- Private Internet Access: Enjoy Port Forwarding on BitTorrent
I evaluated the BitTorrent download speeds of these VPNs by downloading a 258MB copyright-free file using a 100 Mbps connection.
Best VPNs for BitTorrent: Comparisons and Detailed Review
I dedicated significant effort to assessing 25+ VPN providers based on their performance with BitTorrent, server catalog, security & user privacy, availability of port forwarding, device compatibility, and other valid criteria for BitTorrent.
NordVPN - Top-Notch User Privacy for BitTorrent
Location | Server Network | Port Forwarding | Simultaneous Connections | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Switzerland | 5600+ in 60 countries | Unavailable | 6 | 89 Mbps | Show Offer |
NordVPN is the best-in-class NordVPN app that features specialty P2P servers optimized for torrenting on BitTorrent.
Unfortunately, these servers are not accessible via its proprietary NordLynx protocol.
Still, I received an impressive 89 Mbps speed via NordVPN’s OpenVPN protocol on the Hong Kong server. However, it took 113 seconds to download the torrent file, which is almost twice the time compared to ExpressVPN.
Still, almost all the servers from its standard server library, which consists of 5600+ servers across 60 countries, facilitate P2P traffic, so BitTorrent users don’t necessarily need to rely on the specialty servers.
As for security, NordVPN features a certified no-logs policy and unbreakable 256-bit encryption to prevent infiltration by third parties.
To ensure maximum protection during BitTorrent downloads, you can also activate the kill switch to avoid IP leaks in case the VPN connection drops.
Additionally, I saw no ads or malicious content while browsing torrenting websites because of NordVPN’s Threat Protection. What sets it apart from typical ad blockers found in other VPNs is that it works even when the VPN connection is inactive.
Furthermore, the provider offers SOCKS5 proxy on macOS and Windows for enhanced privacy and speeds on BitTorrent.
You can utilize NordVPN on up to six BitTorrent-compatible devices like Windows, macOS, and Android.
Interested? Take advantage of this limited-time offer and test NordVPN for BitTorrent risk-free via its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- 5600+ servers in 60 countries with specialty P2P servers for secure torrenting
- NordLynx supported on standard servers
- Anonymous torrenting with 256-bit encryption, kill switch, and Threat Protection
- Utilize SOCKS5 Proxy on macOS and Windows
Cons
- No port forwarding
- Not the fastest BitTorrent VPN
ExpressVPN - Fastest Speeds for BitTorrent
Location | Server Network | Port Forwarding | Simultaneous Connections | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The British Virgin Islands | 200+ in 63 countries | Available on routers | 5 | 94 Mbps | Show Offer |
ExpressVPN offers wicked-fast speeds on BitTorrent.
Through its Lightway protocol, I achieved an average download speed of 94 Mbps on the UK server, allowing the torrent file to download in less than a minute.
Thanks to its military-grade encryption, I could also freely browse torrenting websites without interference or concerns about hackers.
Furthermore, its Network Lock (kill switch) ensures your IP remains anonymous by halting the BitTorrent client whenever your VPN connection drops.
And the no-logs policy is a powerful defense against copyright trolls attempting to access your BitTorrent activity. Its TrustedServer technology also wipes your BitTorrent traffic history with every reboot.
Torrent sites are notorious for being infested with malware and viruses.
To tackle this, ExpressVPN offers a Threat Manager that blocks malicious files and sites.
The only drawback to ExpressVPN is that it’s the only VPN here that doesn’t offer a built-in ad blocker, so you’ll have to put up with the annoying ads on torrenting sites.
However, unlike NordVPN, it offers port forwarding on routers but doesn’t come close to PIA’s port forwarding.
Moreover, its server library of 3000+ in 94 countries supports P2P traffic. Consequently, there’s no need to look for P2P servers or constantly switch servers due to overcrowding.
An ExpressVPN subscription lets you download torrents on up to five BitTorrent-supported devices, including macOS, Windows, and Android.
Although It’s the most expensive VPN for BitTorrent, fear not, as I’ve got these enticing discounts backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee to save your day.
Pros
- 3000+ servers in 94 countries to access torrenting sites and BitTorrent
- Blazing-Fast speeds via the Lightway protocol
- Secure torrenting with 256-bit encryption, Network Lock, and Threat Manager
- Port forwarding available on routers
Cons
- Most expensive BitTorrent VPN
- No in-built ad blocker
CyberGhost - Dedicated P2P Servers for BitTorrent
Location | Server Network | Port Forwarding | Simultaneous Connections | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Romania | 9000+ in 90+ countries | Unavailable | 7 | 90 Mbps | Show Offer |
CyberGhost is the next best BitTorrent VPN, offering P2P optimized servers as part of 9000+ of them in 90+ countries. When combined with the WireGuard protocol, these servers deliver buttery-smooth torrenting speeds.
Using the Australian P2P server, I achieved an average 90 Mbps download speed, enabling me to download the torrent file in just 90 seconds.
CyberGhost also offers the convenient Smart Rules feature for Windows users to automatically establish the VPN connection when the BitTorrent app is launched.
Besides that, its robust 256-bit encryption and strict no-logs policy ensure you never receive DMCA notices while using BitTorrent.
Plus, thanks to its airtight DNS leak protection, I found no DNS leaks during my tests.
There’s also a kill switch to preserve anonymity even if the VPN connection drops while torrenting.
Like NordVPN, CyberGhost has an in-built ad blocker in all its apps to eliminate the pop-ups and ads on torrent sites.
Finally, CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections and can be used with BitTorrent on Windows, macOS, and Android.
Grab these exclusive discounts to save more on CyberGhost’s subscription with a benevolent 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- 9000+ servers in 90+ countries with P2P optimized servers for BitTorrent
- Set Smart rules to activate the VPN when BitTorrent is launched
- Avoid copyright lawsuits via AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection
- Consistent torrenting speeds via the WireGuard protocol
Cons
- No port forwarding
- Not as fast as ExpressVPN
Surfshark - Best Budget-Friendly VPN for BitTorrent
Location | Server Network | Port Forwarding | Simultaneous Connections | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Netherlands | 3200+ in 100 countries | Unavailable | Unlimited | 88 Mbps | Show Offer |
Surfshark is another reliable VPN for BitTorrent that lets you effortlessly unblock torrenting sites like RARBG, The Pirate Bay, 1337X, etc.
It also features P2P-optimized servers for BitTorrent, but I wonder why these servers are not readily visible.
Nevertheless, you can access them by simply typing “p2p” into the search bar located at the top.
Like CyberGhost, Surfshark also has the WireGuard protocol.
However, during testing, I found that its IKEv2 protocol delivered faster speeds with BitTorrent. With an average 88 Mbps average speed, the torrent file took less than 90 seconds to seed.
Surfshark protects your BitTorrent traffic against potential threats using 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection.
Additionally, its kill switch effectively terminates your connection upon detecting any interruption between your device and the VPN servers.
Surfshark also has a CleanWeb feature that safeguards you from suspicious ads and trackers.
You can also use its Bypass feature (split tunneling) to allocate bandwidth specifically for BitTorrent. However, it’s currently unavailable on macOS.
Finally, Surfshark features 3200+ servers in 100 countries and has dedicated apps for all BitTorrent-supported platforms.
Moreover, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it an excellent value-for-money choice, especially if you have flatmates or friends.
Seize these outstanding discounts to maximize savings on a Surfshark subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries to unblock RARBG, The Pirate Bay, 1337X, and BitTorrent
- Fast Torrenting speed via the IKEv2 protocol
- 256-bit encryption + IP/DNS leak protection + Kill switch + CleanWeb
- Infinite simultaneous connections
Cons
- No port forwarding
- Not as fast as ExpressVPN
Private Internet Access - Enjoy Port Forwarding on BitTorrent
Location | Server Network | Port Forwarding | Simultaneous Connections | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The United States | Unspecified | Available | Unlimited | 85 Mbps | Show Offer |
Private Internet Access is an excellent feature-rich VPN for BitTorrent. Firstly, it’s the only VPN here to offer full-fledged port forwarding, which is great for optimal torrenting speeds.
All of its servers support P2P traffic, and I managed to obtain an average 85 Mbps speed with PIA’s WireGuard protocol, allowing me to download the torrent file in about 75 seconds.
Plus, like NordVPN, PIA offers SOCKS5 support for enhanced security on BitTorrent. It also lets BitTorrent users select between 256-bit encryption (higher security but slightly slower speeds) to 128-bit (faster speeds but slightly less security).
One notable feature that sets PIA apart is its two kill switch options.
The advanced kill switch protects you even when the VPN is disconnected. This is convenient when you forget to activate the VPN before using BitTorrent.
Furthermore, its PIA MACE functionality blocks all the ads, trackers, and malware you encounter on torrenting sites.
While I was initially concerned about PIA being based in the US (5-Eyes alliance), my worries were put to rest by its audited no-logs policy, which confirms that none of the user data is stored.
The PIA app also has split tunneling that enabled me to selectively utilize the VPN connection for the BitTorrent client.
Like Surfshark, PIA permits infinite simultaneous connections, and the app is available on all BitTorrent-compatible devices.
Grab this lucrative deal to enjoy massive savings on PIA’s subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- 9000+ servers in 90+ countries with P2P optimized servers for BitTorrent
- Set Smart rules to activate the VPN when BitTorrent is launched
- Avoid copyright lawsuits via AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection
- Consistent torrenting speeds via the WireGuard protocol
Cons
- Based in the US (5-Eyes territory)
- Not as fast as ExpressVPN
How to Set Up a VPN for BitTorrent?
You must install a VPN and activate its kill switch to enjoy secure torrenting via BitTorrent. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing this using the best VPN for BitTorrent:
- Purchase a NordVPN subscription.
- Download the NordVPN app and sign in using your credentials.
- Activate its Kill switch by visiting Preferences > Kill Switch.
- Connect to a server, launch BitTorrent, and download torrent files without worrying about privacy.
How to IP Bind Your VPN to BitTorrent?
Binding your VPN to BitTorrent is the most effective method to avoid exposing your IP address. This setup ensures BitTorrent can only be utilized when the VPN tunnel is active, significantly minimizing the chances of any potential leaks.
Here’s the step-by-step guide:
- Launch the NordVPN app and connect to any location.
- Visit “What is My IP Address” and copy your VPN IP address.
- Launch the BitTorrent client, go to Options > Preferences, and select “Advanced.”
- Enter “bind” in the Filter field to locate the “net.bind_ip” option.
- Choose the “net.bind_ip” option and paste the VPN IP address you copied in the second step in the “Value” field.
- Click “Set” and then OK.
- Follow the same process for the “net.outgoing_ip” option and click “Set.”
- Click “OK” to save the changes and restart the BitTorrent app to apply newly configured settings.
How to Port Forward With VPN in BitTorrent?
If you wish to increase your download speeds in BitTorrent using Port Forwarding, follow these steps. For this demonstration, I’ll use our Best BitTorrent VPN for Port forwarding, Private Internet Access.
- Launch the Private Internet Access app.
- Go to Settings > Network and activate the “Request Port Forwarding” option.
- Once enabled, connect to any VPN server.
- Launch the BitTorrent and navigate to Options > Preferences > Connections and uncheck the options labeled “Enable UPnP port mapping” and “Enable NAT/PMP port mapping.”
That’s it! Port forwarding with PIA is now active on BitTorrent, and you should experience a noticeable improvement in download speeds.
FAQ
Can You Use a Free VPN With BitTorrent?
You can’t use a free VPN with BitTorrent because free VPN providers typically offer limited bandwidth and prohibit P2P activity. Most free VPNs cannot provide you with a safe and anonymous torrenting experience.
So for BitTorrent, it pays to invest in a reliable VPN like NordVPN or PIA, both of which provide a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Elevate Your BitTorrent Experience with a VPN!
A solid VPN can significantly improve your experience with BitTorrenting by concealing your IP address so you never fall victim to prying eyes and copyright lawsuits.
NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for BitTorrent due to its dedicated P2P servers, foolproof security, and SOCKS5 proxy.
So don’t hold back and spare no expense to try NordVPN for BitTorrent risk-free with this showstopper deal backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.