The easiest way to use ExpressVPN with BitTorrent is to set up the VPN’s PC app to protect your torrent download activities.
You can go further by binding your ExpressVPN IP address to BitTorrent, but that’s not as secure as enabling the ExpressVPN kill switch.
Furthermore, torrent seeding enthusiasts should set up ExpressVPN on their routers to protect their torrent download and upload sessions.
I’ll flesh out the different ExpressVPN-BitTorrent setup methods in the rest of this guide to ensure optimum privacy and security from your ISP and copyright trolls.
How to Setup ExpressVPN With BitTorrent?
I’ve outlined how to protect your torrent activity on BitTorrent using ExpressVPN on PCs and how to set up the router option too. Let’s dive in.
How to Configure ExpressVPN for BitTorrent on PC?
The PC setup guide is the easiest, most straightforward, and equally secure way to use your VPN with the torrent client. Here’s how to set it up:
- Get an ExpressVPN subscription with these discount offers.
- Download the ExpressVPN app for your PC. ExpressVPN has Mac and Windows apps, the same as BitTorrent. I’ll download the ExpressVPN Windows PC app for this demonstration.
- Launch the app and log in with your account credentials. You might also be required to provide an activation code (sent to your email address).
- Once logged in, choose a preferred connection protocol. I recommend Lightway – UDP for the best speeds and security while downloading torrents. Go through Menu > Options > Protocol > Lightway – UDP.
- Enable the ExpressVPN kill switch. Go through Menu > Options > General > check boxes under “Network Lock.”
- Connect to a preferred server location. I recommend choosing the ExpressVPN “Smart Location” as it’s usually the best-performing location for your network type.
- Once connected, use an IP checker tool to confirm that your internet traffic now passes through the VPN. I used the ExpressVPN IP checker for this example.
- Launch your BitTorrent client.
- Go to a preferred torrent website in your browser, preferably in incognito/private browsing mode. I’ll use The Pirate Bay for this example.
- Search for your preferred torrent. I’ll look up a non-copyrighted movie.
- Click the Magnet icon near the file you want to download. This should trigger BitTorrent.
- Click “Open BitTorrent” in the prompt that appears. You can also check the box to automatically trigger BitTorrent on future downloads.
- On the BitTorrent screen, click “OK.”
- Your BitTorrent download should now start under ExpressVPN’s protection.
Otherwise, such activities may leak to your ISP, and they'll know you've been using the torrenting client/accessing torrent websites.
Likewise, shut down BitTorrent and exit the torrent website BEFORE you turn ExpressVPN off.
How to Configure ExpressVPN for BitTorrent on Router?
Setting up ExpressVPN for BitTorrent via your router ensures you can use its port forwarding. Besides providing faster download speeds, port forwarding is notable for allowing torrent seeding.
Here’s how to get it setup:
- Get an ExpressVPN subscription. Remember to use these discount offers.
- Install ExpressVPN on your router. I’ve included a short video below for NetGear router users, and the process is pretty close for other supported router models.
- Connect your PC to the resulting Wi-Fi connection.
- Check for IP/DNS leaks. You can go to www.ipleak.net on your PC, and you should expect to see the VPN-assigned IP address.
- Repeat steps 10-15 from above to download torrents securely with ExpressVPN.
If you also want to enjoy ExpressVPN’s port forwarding on your router for faster BitTorrent downloads and seeding, follow the steps below:
- Sign into your router again with ExpressVPN installed and running.
- Click Advanced > Port Forwarding.
- Click “Add New Rule.”
- Choose a device description (it could be anything) and the device you want to access remotely.
- Fill “Internal Port” and “External Port” with the port number of the device/server you want to access. This number should be between 1 and 65,535.
- Click “Save.”
You should now be able to access external servers remotely to enjoy faster BitTorrent downloads.
How to Bind ExpressVPN IP Address to BitTorrent?
qBitTorrent, another torrenting client that ExpressVPN is compatible with, is your best bet to bind IP addresses. However, there’s a workaround to bind your IP address to BitTorrent too.
Follow the steps below to get it done:
- Get an ExpressVPN plan (grab these discounts).
- Download its PC app and log in with your account credentials.
- Connect to a preferred ExpressVPN server. I’ll connect to the Switzerland server for this example.
- Use an IP checker tool to check your ExpressVPN IP address. I’ll use the ExpressVPN IP checker. Go through the menu icon > Help & Support > IP Address Checker.
- Copy the ExpressVPN IP address and save it somewhere.
- Launch your BitTorrent application.
- Click Options > Preferences.
- Click “Advanced.”
- Search for “net.bind_ip,” without the quotation marks, in the “Filter” box.
- Click “net.bind_ip” and enter your ExpressVPN IP address in the “Value” box. Then click “Set.”
- Search for “net.outgoing_ip” via the Filter box.
- Click the result and enter your ExpressVPN IP address again in the “Value” box. Click “Set,” then “OK” when you’re done.
- You can now resume/start your torrent download via BitTorrent.
Thus, it’s best to enable the VPN kill switch instead.
How to Test ExpressVPN's BitTorrent Protection?
Want to confirm that ExpressVPN is genuinely keeping your government, ISP, network admins, and copyright trolls from seeing your torrenting activity?
Here’s a simple test you can perform.
- Connect to an ExpressVPN server.
- Visit www.doileak.com.
- Select “Torrent IP Leak Test,” then click “Begin test.”
- Click “Yes, my VPN is on.”
- Click “Magnet Link” in front of all four test files to add them to your BitTorrent client.
- Then, check “All four files are running in my torrent client” and click “Show Results.”
- You should get a “Not Detected” verdict. This means that your torrent traffic has been hidden by ExpressVPN.
What Makes ExpressVPN an Ideal BitTorrent VPN?
ExpressVPN isn’t just a run-of-the-mill VPN service provider for BitTorrent.
Instead, it packs many torrenting-focused features that make it ideal for this client, as explained below.
Extensive Server Spread
ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers in 94 countries, ensuring BitTorrent users can find a nearby server for the best downloading experience.
The best part is that all ExpressVPN’s servers are P2P-optimized.
Thus, you don’t have to sift through the servers to find the best ones for P2P traffic, unlike with some of its rivals like NordVPN and Surfshark.
Fast Download Speeds
ExpressVPN delivers fast BitTorrent download speeds, even on slightly slower networks.
For instance, an ExpressVPN server averaged about 35Mbps on a 45 Mbps network test, a mere 22% network drop. Considering the VPN encryption load, which usually causes a massive connection speed drop, ExpressVPN’s numbers are impressive.
I also tested it on a 25Mbps network, scoring roughly 22Mbps, a 12% drop.
So, with an even better connection, you won’t feel the presence of ExpressVPN.
AES 256-bit Encryption
Or for the less tech-savvy, ExpressVPN tunnels your torrenting data on BitTorrent such that your ISP, network admins, copyright trolls, or anyone else can’t see what you’re doing online.
So, you’re not at risk of getting nasty copyright notices or cease-and-desist letters from your ISP.
On top of that, ExpressVPN offers automatic obfuscation on all servers and protocols. This disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, ensuring
- You don’t set off VPN usage alarms at your ISP’s
- Network firewalls don’t block your VPN traffic
- Your internet activity doesn’t raise suspicion on account of using a VPN
Unlike other VPNs that suffer slow speeds under obfuscation, ExpressVPN maintains blazing-fast speeds.
Multi-Platform Compatibility
You can get BitTorrent for your Windows and Mac computers or Android smartphones. Luckily, there are ExpressVPN apps for these devices too. So, you can set up ExpressVPN on your preferred torrenting unit.
The best part is that ExpressVPN allows five simultaneous device connections from ONE account.
Torrent Client Compatibility
Above everything else, ExpressVPN is highly compatible with BitTorrent.
So, it’ll protect all your torrent download ports and plug any IP/DNS leak that could have deanonymized you during the process.
ExpressVPN even supports port forwarding (but only on the router app) if you want to seed torrents via BitTorrent.
What’s the Best ExpressVPN Server for BitTorrent?
The best ExpressVPN server for BitTorrent is the closest P2P server to your location. Thankfully, all ExpressVPN’s servers are P2P-optimized, making the choice easier.
Likewise, choosing nearby servers ensures your internet traffic stays within a reasonable distance between your device and the VPN server.
This means lower internet latency and better download speeds than choosing a faraway VPN server.
What Are the Best ExpressVPN Alternatives for BitTorrent?
There’s hardly another VPN that provides the all-around BitTorrent privacy, security, and compatibility which ExpressVPN offers. However, the VPN is missing a few minor features which could be significant considerations for you.
Here are the best alternatives to fill the gaps.
NordVPN – SOCKS5 Proxy and Threat Protection
NordVPN lacks port forwarding, but it offers SOCKS5 proxies for faster torrent downloads without the VPN’s encryption. You’d still have to give up torrent seeding.
However, NordVPN offers Threat Protection – an ad and malware blocker.
This is handy on torrent websites known for intrusive ads and malware.
However, it’s worth noting that I see fewer ads on torrent websites while connected to ExpressVPN too. But without a dedicated ad blocker like NordVPN, it’s limited in what it can do.
The best part is that NordVPN is more affordable and allows six simultaneous device connections.
PIA – PC Port Forwarding + Ad Blocker
Private Internet Access (PIA) allows you to forward ports on almost ALL its VPN servers, and you can do that from your PC too. You don’t have to endure the ExpressVPN router setup procedure to use this feature.
If that interests you, know that PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, beating ExpressVPN’s five. So, you can share with more BitTorrent users to stay secure while you all download and seed files.
Finally, Private Internet Access has a dedicated ad blocker called MACE to keep those torrent website ads and BitTorrent-side ads at bay!
PrivateVPN – SOCKS5 Proxy + Dynamic Dedicated IPs
PrivateVPN has fewer servers and locations than ExpressVPN. However, it makes up for that with the SOCKS5 proxy servers, which ensure faster downloads.
Note that these SOCKS5 proxies don’t get VPN encryption protection.
But forwarded ports on ExpressVPN don’t either, so it’s a draw.
Another trick PrivateVPN has up its sleeves is its dynamic, dedicated IP addresses.
These are fresh, unused IP addresses you can connect to for
- Even better privacy since you’ll be the first and only person to use the address
- Better speeds since you won’t be sharing the server bandwidth with anyone else
Most VPNs offering dedicated IPs charge for them, but it’s free (included in the affordable pricing) with PrivateVPN.
Fast Downloads, Top-Shelf Security!
You don’t have to sacrifice speed, privacy, or security when downloading torrents via BitTorrent. Set up ExpressVPN for the torrenting client, and you’ll be safe from ISP harassment and copyright troll letters.
Don’t forget to enable the ExpressVPN kill switch and startup/close the torrent programs correctly, and you’re good to go.
Also, these ExpressVPN deals will save you a pretty penny on your first subscription.
