I torrent pretty frequently – but never without a VPN.
And despite testing many VPNs over the years, I’ve always had a clear favorite for torrenting: NordVPN.
But what makes NordVPN special?
It allows P2P on all of its standard servers for starters, so any server you pick is ready for torrenting.
It also has two kill switches, leak protection, and SOCKS5 proxy support.
And that’s not all.
Keep reading for the full story – plus several alternatives (like ExpressVPN and PIA) and everything you need to know about safe torrenting!
Top 3 VPNs for Torrenting (November, 2026)
ExpressVPN
Best for fast private torrents
- Automatic obfuscation
- P2P on every server
- Network Lock protection
NordVPN
Best for protected torrenting
- P2P on all standard servers
- Two kill switches
- SOCKS5 proxy support
Private Internet Access
Best for port forwarding
- One-click port forwarding
- Kill switch and ad blocker
- SOCKS5 proxy support
Finding a reliable VPN to torrent with is essential.
There are too many legalities around the activity to take any chances with a mediocre VPN.
So, during my investigation, I paid special attention to VPN services with must-have features, like a reliable kill switch, P2P-friendly servers, fast speeds, and a verified no-logging policy.
You won’t go wrong with any of my recommendations – but you might have a preference after reading my mini-reviews!
Let’s get started.
Ready to Start Torrenting ASAP? Check Here for My Top 5 Picks!
If you’re in a rush to torrent a movie for your weekly movie night, don’t skip on a VPN!
Instead, check here for my top five picks:
- NordVPN – P2P on All Standard Servers + Premium Security Features
- ExpressVPN – Automatic Obfuscation & P2P-Friendly Servers
- Private Internet Access – Torrenting VPN With Port Forwarding
- PureVPN – Obfuscated Servers + P2P-Optimized Servers + Port Forwarding Add-On
- PrivateVPN – Privacy-Friendly Torrenting With Port Forwarding
But after movie night is over, stop back for the full guide.
I’ll discuss what makes each VPN unique, plus must-know information on safe torrenting.
Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for Torrenting
In the following mini-reviews, I’ll discuss everything you need to know about my top VPNs for torrenting, including relevant features and P2P tests.
Off we go!
1. NordVPN – P2P on All Standard Servers + Premium Security Features
| P2P Servers: | P2P on all standard servers |
| Former P2P Server Speeds: | 14.5 MiB/s average |
| Normal Server Speeds: | 9.7 MiB/s average |
| SOCKS5 Proxy Speeds: | 19.5 MiB/s average |
| MAX Download Speed: | 28.6 MiB/s (SOCKS5) |
| Logging: | Verified no-logs policy |
NordVPN takes the cake (and then some) as the most reliable VPN for torrenting.
First, it allows P2P on all of its standard servers, so you don’t need a special server to torrent.
This is huge, as it means you won’t sit there for hours trying to find the best server for torrenting.
NordVPN used to list separate P2P servers (like in the screenshot above), but it has since removed that category from its apps.
With 7,000+ servers in total, you’ll always find one nearby.
Just connect and start torrenting safely right away.
Back when the P2P category still existed, I tested NordVPN’s P2P servers and normal servers by torrenting a Rust update file from ThePirateBay.
P2P test using my fastest available server:
P2P test using a dedicated P2P server:
As you can see, the provider’s dedicated P2P servers were faster and more stable at the time, with an average download speed of 14.5 MiB/s and a max of 27.3 MiB/s!
But if you want more speed than the regular servers give you, the provider also offers SOCKS5 proxy support – which is great for faster speeds but worse for security.
For information on how to set up NordVPN’s SOCKS5 Proxy on qBittorrent and Firefox, check my article “Does NordVPN Offer SOCKS5 Proxy?”
Or, if speed and security are both concerns, you can torrent on NordVPN’s standard servers with its proprietary NordLynx protocol.
NordLynx is designed to enhance your torrenting experience by providing even faster speeds without sacrificing security.
On top of that, NordVPN offers essential security features, starting with two kill switches.
It’s actually the only VPN on my list to offer a second kill switch.
The first is your standard kill switch that kills your internet if your NordVPN connection drops.
The second is specifically for apps – meaning you can set your torrent client to “get killed” as well!
NordVPN also offers leak protection, so you’re always safe from DNS, IP, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks that might alert your ISP (or copyright trolls) to your P2P activities (though you should still check regularly just to be sure).
But wait, there’s more!
The provider’s no-logs policy also passed its second independent audit in 2020, confirming that absolutely no logs are stored.
This is a huge benefit for torrenters, as it means even if copyright trolls or authorities subpoena your logs, NordVPN will have nothing to give.
There is one downside, though.
NordVPN doesn’t offer port forwarding on its standard servers, which is useful for increasing your torrent speeds (sort of like SOCKS5).
You can only get it with NordVPN’s paid Dedicated Server add-on, while every other VPN on my list offers port forwarding in some way.
But, as a final bonus, you’ll get Real-time protection (formerly Threat Protection, and CyberSec before that) – a malware and ad-blocker that comes in handy, depending on the torrent site(s) and client you use (for example, uTorrent, as it’s plagued with ads).
Plus, NordVPN has great deals on long-term plans:
US dollars · checked Nov 9
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
But if you want the BEST POSSIBLE DEAL, click here! Our page of NordVPN promo codes lists every deal we could verify, worth a look before you fire up your torrent client.
Pros
- 7,000+ servers, with P2P on all standard ones
- Blazing-fast torrent speeds (+NordLynx)
- Two kill switches that kill internet and torrent client
- Verified no-logs policy
- SOCKS5 Proxy support
- Threat Protection malware and ad-blocker (for torrent clients like uTorrent)
- IP, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection
Cons
- SOCKS5 proxy offers the best speeds but less security
- No port forwarding without the paid Dedicated Server add-on
2. ExpressVPN – Automatic Obfuscation & P2P-Friendly Servers
| P2P Servers: | P2P support on all servers |
| P2P Speed Test (Slovakia): | 22.7 MiB/s average |
| P2P Speed Test (Austria): | 20.0 MiB/s average |
| MAX Download Speed: | 29.6 MiB/s (Slovakia) |
| Logging: | Verified no-logs policy |
Next on my list of the most trustworthy VPNs for torrenting is ExpressVPN – a provider that has automatic obfuscation and P2P support on all of its servers in 113 countries (with any protocol)!
No other VPN on my list offers automatic obfuscation with any protocol.
This means you can use ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway, to get even faster torrent speeds.
This is good, as ExpressVPN doesn’t have dedicated P2P servers, so you might need to try a few before settling.
The good news is, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on my list.
It even beats NordVPN’s SOCKS5 proxy speeds!
So, you’re likely to find a fast server for torrenting pretty easily.
But to give you a better picture, I tested ExpressVPN’s torrent speeds (with the same Rust update file) on two servers that frequently pop up in my “Smart Location” recommendations (Slovakia and Austria).
Here are my results for Slovakia:
And here are my results for Austria:
Needless to say, I was happy with my results.
Both servers were faster than NordVPN’s best speeds, though the Slovakian server was faster than the Austrian one (expectedly; I’m in Slovakia), with an average speed of 22.7 MiB/s and a max of 29.7 MiB/s.
Either way, I recommend trying the “Smart Location” first when torrenting with ExpressVPN.
Moving on, ExpressVPN doesn’t have a second kill switch (like NordVPN), but its Network Lock feature is robust and reliable.
So, if your VPN connection is interrupted, your internet traffic will stop, along with any active torrents.
ExpressVPN also offers port forwarding with its router setup.
It’s a bit disappointing that the feature isn’t available for all of the provider’s apps, but at least it’s included, while NordVPN only offers port forwarding with a paid Dedicated Server add-on.
Plus, it means you can enjoy faster torrent speeds when you use ExpressVPN on your router (though forwarded ports aren’t protected by your VPN)!
However, something ExpressVPN does share in common with NordVPN is its verified no-logs policy.
This means you can enjoy torrenting without concern for your ISP, the authorities, or copyright trolls demanding your logs.
Additionally, ExpressVPN has robust leak protection, so there’s no worry of your IP leaking while you torrent.
There’s also no worry of DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 leaks.
On the downside, ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest option on my list.
Even on its long-term plans, it costs more than PIA, PureVPN, and PrivateVPN:
US dollars · checked Nov 9
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Luckily, you can snag a MAJOR discount with ExpressVPN’s current deal.
Pros
- P2P-friendly servers in 113 countries with automatic obfuscation
- Fastest VPN for torrenting (+Lightway)
- Network Lock
- Verified no-logs policy
- Port forwarding
- IP, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection
Cons
- More expensive than most providers
- Port forwarding only on router setups
- No dedicated P2P servers
3. Private Internet Access – Torrenting VPN With Port Forwarding
| P2P Servers: | P2P support on all servers |
| P2P Speed Test: | 19.1 MiB/s average |
| P2P Speed Test With Port Forwarding: | 21.4 MiB/s average |
| P2P Test With SOCKS5 Proxy: | 22.1 MiB/s average |
| MAX Download Speed: | 26.7 MiB/s (SOCKS5) |
| Logging: | No-logs policy (unverified) |
Private Internet Access (PIA) earns third on my list, thanks to its one-click solution for port forwarding and network of P2P-friendly servers (PIA no longer publishes a server count, but it covers 91 countries).
So, you can torrent on any server right off the bat, though the provider doesn’t offer dedicated ones.
You can also use port forwarding on most servers!
In fact, the only servers I found that don’t allow port forwarding are the US ones and a streaming-optimized server in Sweden.
Additionally, as promised, enabling port forwarding is as easy as checking a box in PIA’s settings (“Request Port Forwarding”).
This is miles ahead of the other VPNs on my list that offer port forwarding.
Beyond that, PIA also offers SOCKS5 proxy support – and, unlike NordVPN, you can set it up directly in the PIA app!
You can also set it up in your torrent client, though that requires logging in to your PIA dashboard and “Generating” a username and password (under “Downloads”).
There’s more good news.
PIA also offers a kill switch that you can set to “Auto” (active when the VPN is on) or “Always” (active when the VPN is off).
I recommend “Always,” as it’ll protect your torrenting activities if you forget to turn your VPN on.
As for torrent speeds, I tested PIA’s servers without port forwarding, with port forwarding, and with the SOCKS5 proxy enabled in the app.
Here are my P2P results without port forwarding:
And here are my results with port forwarding:
Finally, here are my SOCKS5 proxy results:
PIA impressed me!
As expected, port forwarding was faster than using a regular server, and the SOCKS5 proxy was faster than both, with an average speed of 22.1 MiB/s and a max of 26.7 MiB/s.
However, PIA’s regular server speeds were neck-to-neck with NordVPN’s SOCKS5 proxy – and PIA’s port forwarding and SOCKS5 results were neck-to-neck with ExpressVPN!
The good news doesn’t end there.
PIA also offers the WireGuard protocol.
It’s not as great as NordVPN’s or ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocols, but it’ll still give you faster speeds than OpenVPN!
Furthermore, PIA offers robust leak protection.
So, you’re safe from DNS, IP, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.
Just as importantly, PIA operates a strict no-logs policy.
But there’s a catch.
Despite saying in a 2019 blog post that they’re “reaching out to external auditors” to verify that claim, the provider has yet to undergo an audit.
However, considering PIA’s code is open-source (so anyone can review it) and there are no reports of logs being handed over to authorities, I’ll let that slide.
Finally, PIA also offers an ad and malware blocker called MACE, and despite getting mixed reviews in the past, I’ve since tested MACE many times.
It always performs spectacularly (to the point of earning second in my article of the “4 Best Ad Blocking VPNs”).
Oh, and let’s not forget PIA’s affordable prices (especially on long-term plans):
US dollars · checked Nov 9
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Do you want an even BIGGER discount?
Click here!Pros
- P2P-friendly servers in 91 countries
- Super-fast torrent speeds (+WireGuard)
- Always-on kill switch
- No-logs policy + open-source code
- Port forwarding + SOCKS5 proxy
- IP, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection
- MACE ad-blocker
Cons
- SOCKS5 offers the best speeds but less security
- No-logs policy isn’t verified through an audit
- No dedicated P2P servers
4. PureVPN – Obfuscated Servers + P2P-Optimized Servers + Port Forwarding Add-On
| P2P Servers: | P2P-optimized servers in multiple regions |
| Obfuscation: | Obfuscated servers (manual pick) |
| Port Forwarding: | Paid add-on |
| P2P Speed Test: | Not part of my test round |
| Logging: | No-logs policy (independently audited, per PureVPN) |
Coming in fourth with its obfuscated servers, P2P-optimized servers, and a port forwarding add-on is PureVPN!
Let’s start with obfuscation. PureVPN’s obfuscated servers make your VPN connection look like ordinary HTTPS traffic, so your ISP (or a government) struggles to recognize and block it.
That’s a big help if you’re torrenting from a country that blocks torrent sites or restricts VPNs.
For the torrenting itself, PureVPN runs specially optimized P2P servers in multiple regions. You’ll find them in the app by filtering for P2P-friendly locations, so pick one of those before you open your torrent client.
PureVPN also sells port forwarding as a paid add-on, bundled with a dedicated IP at checkout. It costs extra, but it gives your seeding a boost without a router setup.
On the safety side, its Internet Kill Switch cuts your connection if the VPN drops, so your torrents pause instead of exposing your IP.
And with split tunneling (on Windows and Android), you can route only your torrent client through the VPN.
Now for the drawbacks.
I haven’t put PureVPN through the qBittorrent tests below, so I have no download figures to set against the other picks. You also have to switch to the obfuscated servers yourself, whereas ExpressVPN applies its obfuscation automatically.
On the plus side, the price is affordable: the Standard plan costs $2.15 a month on the 2-year deal ($58.20 for the first 27 months), covers 10 devices, and comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.
US dollars · checked Nov 9
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
If PureVPN sounds right for you, grab the 2-year deal here.
Pros
- Obfuscated servers for restrictive networks
- P2P-optimized servers in multiple regions
- Port forwarding add-on
- Internet Kill Switch + split tunneling
- 10 devices + 31-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not included in my torrent speed tests
- Obfuscated servers must be picked manually
- Port forwarding costs extra
5. PrivateVPN – Privacy-Friendly Torrenting With Port Forwarding
| P2P Servers: | Torrenting allowed |
| Port Forwarding: | Selected protocols and locations |
| SOCKS5 Proxy: | Included (plus an HTTP proxy) |
| P2P Speed Test: | Not part of my test round |
| Logging: | No-logs policy (unverified) |
PrivateVPN is my last entry – a small Swedish provider that punches above its weight for torrenting.
It allows torrenting, and like PIA, it supports port forwarding – though only on selected protocols and locations.
That means you’ll want to check which servers support it before you start seeding.
For an extra trick, PrivateVPN includes a SOCKS5 proxy you can point your torrent client at.
Keep the VPN connected alongside it, though – the proxy changes your IP in the swarm, but it doesn’t encrypt your downloads.
On the safety side, PrivateVPN’s kill switch stops all traffic if the VPN connection fails, so your active torrents pause instead of leaking your IP.
It’s available in the Windows, macOS, and Android apps.
The apps also include DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and PrivateVPN says it doesn’t log your traffic or put any limits on your bandwidth.
Tinkerers will like the desktop app’s Advanced View, where the port forwarding details sit right on the dashboard instead of being buried in menus.
Now for the downsides.
PrivateVPN’s network is small – 200+ servers in 63 countries – and it’s based in Sweden, a Fourteen Eyes country.
It also wasn’t part of my torrent speed tests, so I can’t tell you how it stacks up against NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA on download speed.
As a final bonus, you can pay with cryptocurrencies, and the prices are affordable: the 36-month plan comes to $2.00 a month ($72 in total) with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you decide to try PrivateVPN, grab this discount to save EVEN MORE!
Pros
- Torrenting allowed + port forwarding on selected locations
- SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies included
- Kill switch (Windows, macOS, Android)
- DNS and IPv6 leak protection
- Crypto payments + $2.00/month on the 36-month plan
Cons
- Port forwarding isn’t available on every server
- Not included in my torrent speed tests
- Small server network
- Based in a Fourteen Eyes country
How to Choose the Best VPN for Safe Torrenting?
It’s extremely important to find a reliable VPN for downloading torrents – you can’t just purchase the first one you find.
So, if you decide to shop around a bit more, check this section first!
Don’t Jump to ThePirateBay With the First VPN You See – Use My Checklist Instead!
Before committing to a VPN, grab my checklist below and go through it!
It tells you everything you need to know to find the best VPN for torrenting.
P2P-Friendly (Including Servers!)
Many VPN providers claim to be P2P-friendly.
And maybe they are – to some extent.
But the most reliable VPNs for torrenting will offer P2P support on all their servers and/or dedicated P2P servers (like NordVPN, which allows P2P on all its standard servers).
Ensure your VPN’s IP addresses are 100% P2P-friendly before committing.
This includes researching its Copyright Policy and/or Privacy Policy, as some VPNs “allow P2P activities” but will ban you for “downloading copyrighted material.”
And, let’s be honest, torrenting copyrighted material is the number one reason people torrent.
I recommend asking the VPN provider’s support team and checking other user reviews (for example, Reddit).
Kill Switch + Leak Protection
To keep your torrent traffic safe from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), government, and other third parties, your VPN needs to have a reliable kill switch and leak protection.
The kill switch should cut your internet (and block any active torrents) if your VPN connection drops, and the leak protection should prevent IP, IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks while your VPN is on.
It’s a bonus if there’s also a second kill switch for apps.
But not many providers offer that…so grab NordVPN’s current deal to enjoy a provider that does!
Fast Torrent Speeds
Torrent speeds might differ from normal speeds.
So, while both are important, you should try torrenting several files before committing to a VPN to ensure those speeds are good.
The best way to do this is to utilize a provider’s money-back guarantee.
If your VPN doesn’t offer one, scrap it!
Otherwise, purchase a subscription, torrent a few files, make a note of your download speeds in your torrent client (average speed is the most important), and ask for a refund if you’re unsatisfied.
Features to Enhance Torrent Speeds
Though not a necessity for torrenting, a few features can enhance your torrent speeds.
Two of them are port forwarding and the SOCKS5 proxy.
However, it’s important to note that both come at the cost of security (though potential port forwarding vulnerabilities depend on the VPN provider).
So, consider that before using either!
No-Logging Policy
Your VPN absolutely needs to operate a no-logs policy – you never know when the authorities or your ISP might demand your VPN logs (and thereby your P2P activities)!
You can check the details of a provider’s logs policy by browsing their Privacy Policy.
But it’s not unusual for VPNs to lie in their Privacy Policy, either, so look for VPNs with independent audits that verify their no-logs claims.
If your VPN doesn’t have an independent audit, it should at least be open-source so that you can look at its code (or check community ratings).
Other Security Features
Other security features to look for in the top VPNs for torrenting include RAM-only servers, 256-bit AES encryption, and obfuscation features – especially if you’re in a country with heavy censorship or invasive data privacy laws.
BONUS: Ad-Blocker
An ad-blocker is a bonus feature to look for in your VPN for torrenting.
This can come in handy if your torrent client is known to stuff its interface with annoying ads (looking at you, uTorrent).
Can I Use a Free VPN for Torrenting?
You should never use a free VPN for torrenting.
The reliable options (like ProtonVPN) block P2P traffic on their free plans, while those that allow P2P traffic aren’t secure.
For example, a free VPN service that allows P2P traffic might have minimal encryption, lax logging policies, or disguised malware.
For this reason, you should always use a premium VPN when torrenting.
Worried about money?
Grab this CRAZY DEAL on NordVPN!
Torrent VPN Setup: How to Use a VPN for Torrenting?
Using a VPN to torrent is easy!
Just follow my step-by-step instructions:
- Choose one of my recommended P2P-friendly VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) and purchase a subscription.
- Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you use for torrenting.
- Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
- Ensure the kill switch is enabled and select your preferred protocol.
- Connect to a P2P-friendly server (with NordVPN, any standard server will do).
- Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
- Enjoy safe torrenting!
Testing the Best VPNs for Torrenting
I put three of my top five VPNs for torrenting through several P2P tests: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA.
Here are the steps I took during the testing process:
- I chose 2-3 P2P-friendly servers. If port forwarding or the SOCKS5 proxy were available, I tested those, too. Specifically:
- For NordVPN, I tested a regular VPN server, a dedicated P2P server, and the SOCKS5 proxy.
- For ExpressVPN, I tested a Slovakia server and an Austria server.
- For PIA, I tested a regular server without port forwarding, a regular server with port forwarding, and the SOCKS5 proxy.
- During my tests, I used qBittorrent and downloaded the same Rust update file each time.
- I noted each server’s average and max speeds, with the average being the most important.
- When a test was completed, I marked the displayed average speed (in the screenshots) and the max download speed (not in the screenshots).
- I tried to use the same countries during my tests but also considered what servers performed the best for me in previous tests.
So, how did my tests fair?
Well, you’ve seen the individual results – but check out the next section for an in-depth comparison!
Test Results
Here’s an in-depth comparison of the most reliable VPNs for torrenting and their best P2P test results:
| VPN Provider | Server Used | Protocol Used | Best Avg Download Speed | Max Download Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Netherlands | SOCKS5 | 19.5 MiB/s | 28.6 MiB/s |
| ExpressVPN | Slovakia | Lightway UDP | 22.7 MiB/s | 29.6 MiB/s |
| PIA | Netherlands | SOCKS5 | 22.1 MiB/s | 26.7 MiB/s |
All in all, ExpressVPN outperformed the others with both its average download speed and max download speed.
However, PIA came in at a very close second!
Is Torrenting Legal?
The act of torrenting is legal, and it has several legit uses (like downloading game updates).
However, torrenting copyrighted content is illegal in most countries, and the repercussions of getting caught range from DMCA notices and a slap on the wrist to fines or even jail time.
Additionally, as ISPs and copyright trolls are always on the prowl for copyright violations, it’s essential to always use reliable, P2P-friendly VPN software when torrenting.
Can You Go to Jail for Torrenting?
Jail is only a possibility if you’re caught torrenting copyrighted material.
However, jail is an unlikely punishment if the copyrighted material is for personal use.
You’re more likely to get a DMCA notice or fine first.
That said, some countries take copyright violations more seriously, like China and the UAE.
Additionally, if you’re torrenting copyrighted material for distribution, you should expect jail as a repercussion to getting caught, regardless of the country you’re in.
What Happens if I’m Caught Torrenting in the US?
While it’s illegal to torrent copyrighted material in the US, the repercussions heavily depend on your ISP and how many times you’re caught.
Some ISPs will forward DMCA notices from copyright trolls, while others will cut your service without warning.
However, it’s also a possibility that your ISP will report you to the authorities (or the copyright trolls will), meaning you’re likely to be fined a large amount.
And while jail is extremely unlikely, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities.
Just take a look at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) website that declares unauthorized copies of music recordings can result in a fine of $250,000 and/or (up to) 5 years in jail.
For this reason, you should avoid downloading torrent files in the US at all costs.
What Happens if I’m Caught Torrenting in the UK?
The repercussions of torrenting copyrighted material in the UK heavily depend on your ISP.
While bigger ISPs are legally obligated to notify you if the British Phonographic Industry catches you torrenting copyrighted content (via a cease and desist letter), ISPs with less than 400,000 subscribers are not.
And any ISP can throttle your bandwidth or disconnect you at any time.
Additionally, torrenters caught downloading copyrighted content can be sued by the copyright holders for damages even if the content was for personal use.
And as the cherry on top, some ISPs block major torrent websites (like ThePirateBay).
So, to avoid all of these troubles, you should always use a VPN when torrenting in the UK.
Best Countries to Torrent In?
There are a few countries where torrenting is less of a threat.
However, before I discuss them, it’s important to note that you should always use a VPN when torrenting, even if you’re in a country with generous copyright laws.
Remember – anyone on the same peer network can see your IP.
A VPN will stop that from happening.
But now, let’s take a look at the best countries to torrent in:
- Spain – Spain will only punish torrenters who download copyrighted material for profit. In fact, torrenting copyrighted material for personal use is 100% legal, provided you don’t share it with others or seed it.
- Switzerland – Likewise, Switzerland’s piracy laws allow you to torrent copyrighted material for personal use, as long as you don’t seed it or profit off it.
- Poland – Poland’s piracy laws are a grey area. Torrenting copyrighted material isn’t illegal…but it’s also not legal. Generally, if you’re torrenting copyrighted material for private use, it falls outside Poland’s piracy laws. But don’t take advantage of that loophole!
VPNs to Avoid When Torrenting?
Like I mentioned earlier, there are some VPNs you want to straight-up avoid when torrenting!
Here are a few examples (though there are many more):
- Hola VPN – This free VPN provider was caught selling its users’ bandwidth for botnets. On top of that, IP leaks are common, and the provider’s privacy policy says they collect user logs.
- Astrill VPN – Astrill VPN logs your IP address, DNS requests, and timestamps, making it unsuitable for torrenting.
- Anonymous VPN – Anonymous VPN also logs your IP address, DNS requests, and timestamps.
- Encrypt.me – Encrypt.me is based in the US and logs your IP address, DNS requests, and timestamps.
- SaferWeb VPN – This VPN provider is based in the US and logs your IP address, DNS requests, timestamps, and network traffic.
What Are the Best Torrent Websites?
Here’s a list of my top 14 torrent sites (RARBG used to top it, but it shut down on 31 May 2023 – any site using its name today is a clone):
- ThePirateBay – Large Content Library
- 1337x – Fastest Torrent Site
- TorLock – Beginner-Friendly Interface
- Torrentz2 – Best Torrent Search Engine
- TorrentDownloads – Best for Obscure Software
- LimeTorrents – #1 Alternative to TorLock
- EZTV – Best for TV Shows
- Zooqle – Popular Alternative to ThePirateBay
- Nyaa.si – Best for Anime Lovers
- ETTV – Alternative to EZTV
- TorrentFunk – Shows Verified Torrents
- Torrends.to – User-Friendly Torrent Search Engine
- SolidTorrents – Torrents From Credible Sources
- YTS (Yify Movies) – Best for Movies For a more thorough discussion on these torrent sites and why they’re the best, check my article, “15 Best Torrent Sites (Tested & Working)!”
FAQ
Is Torrenting With a VPN Safe?
You should never torrent without a VPN.
If you’re downloading copyrighted content, your P2P activities will be visible to your ISP (and copyright trolls) without a VPN.
Even if you’re using the P2P network for legit reasons, your IP is visible without a VPN, making your connection vulnerable to anyone on the same P2P network.
What Dangers Are Associated With Torrenting?
The biggest dangers are in the files you download.
If you don’t torrent from trusted sources at all times, you risk downloading viruses, malware, adware, bloatware, or other vulnerabilities on your device that can put you and your data at risk.
Overall, P2P networks are hotspots for hackers, invasive advertisers, and other cybercriminals looking to exploit you.
Can I Get Caught Torrenting With a VPN?
If you’re using an unreliable VPN, you might get caught torrenting.
Not all VPNs are P2P-friendly, and some that are don’t have the necessary security features to ensure your P2P activities stay hidden.
This is why you should always ensure your VPN has a kill switch, leak protection, P2P-friendly servers, and verified no-logs policy.
What’s the Best Server for Torrenting?
The best server for torrenting depends on your location and the VPN you’re using.
You should always try nearby servers first.
Or, if your VPN has a “fastest server” option, try that.
You can also experiment with different VPN protocols for the best torrent speeds (I recommend proprietary protocols or WireGuard).
Additionally, if your VPN supports port forwarding or the SOCKS5 proxy, you can use those to increase your speeds, though you’ll sacrifice security as a result.
Can My ISP See Me Torrent When I Use a VPN?
If you’re using a reliable VPN, your P2P activities will be hidden from your ISP, though they might see you’re using a VPN if your traffic isn’t obfuscated.
Either way, ensure your VPN kill switch works (and is enabled), and the VPN doesn’t have any leaks before downloading any torrents.
Can I Use the SOCKS5 Proxy to Torrent?
You can use the SOCKS5 proxy to torrent, and it might even increase your torrent speeds, though it lacks the security and encryption offered by a reliable VPN.
But if you’re set on using a proxy instead of a VPN, SOCKS5 is the best option, as it conceals your IP address in swarms via the SSH encrypted tunneling method.
Do I Need to Use Port Forwarding When Torrenting?
Port forwarding isn’t necessary when torrenting.
However, it can positively impact your torrent speeds by a considerable margin by connecting you to more peers.
For this reason, I recommend finding a VPN that supports port forwarding.
That way, you can enjoy port forwarding while torrenting in a secure environment.
What’s the Fastest VPN for Torrenting?
The fastest VPN for torrenting is ExpressVPN.
All of its servers are P2P-friendly and offer automatic obfuscation with any protocol.
This includes the provider’s proprietary protocol, Lightway, that offers lightning-fast speeds and robust security.
Furthermore, during my P2P tests, ExpressVPN (and Lightway) placed first, with an average download speed of 22.7 MiB/s and a max of 29.6 MiB/s.
What’s the Best Torrenting VPN for Beginners?
The best torrenting VPN for beginners is ExpressVPN.
Its apps are user-friendly, and obfuscation is automatically applied to all servers and protocols, so you don’t have to enable the setting yourself.
But the settings you do want to enable (like Network Lock) are easy to locate.
On top of that, ExpressVPN offers the fastest torrent speeds, so you’ll get the best of all worlds.
What’s the Best Torrenting VPN for Android?
The best torrenting VPN for Android is NordVPN.
Its Android app is filled with the necessary settings to stay safe while torrenting, including the NordLynx protocol, split tunneling, Threat Protection, and a kill switch.
Plus, it’s easy to navigate and offers super-fast torrent speeds.
Which Countries Block Torrent Sites?
One torrent site might be blocked in one country while another is blocked in a different country, so it depends on the country and site.
However, here’s a list of some countries known to block access to torrent sites:
- China
- The UAE
- The US
- The UK
- Many European countries (Portugal, Italy, Russia, etc.)
- Australia
- South Africa
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Saudi Arabia
What’s the Best Torrent Client to Use With a VPN?
I recommend qBittorrent, as it’s open-source, secure, and, unlike many other popular torrent clients (like uTorrent), free of charge and ads.
qBittorrent also offers numerous settings to help you enhance your security, like IP binding, which forces qBittorrent to only route traffic through your VPN.
I recommend using qBittorrent with NordVPN, as NordVPN offers an app kill switch that blocks qBittorrent’s access to the internet if your VPN connection drops.
Conclusion
There you have it – five reliable VPNs for torrenting with must-have features, fast speeds, and P2P support on every server.
My top recommendation is still NordVPN, thanks to its two kill switches, SOCKS5 proxy support, super-fast torrent speeds, and verified no-logs policy.
And let’s not forget that P2P works on all its standard servers!
Ready to start torrenting?
