The good news is that PureVPN supports port forwarding. The bad news is that you must fork out an additional $0.99/month to use the feature.
But this isn’t a hard pill to swallow, considering the provider’s affordable subscription fees.
Plus, you get access to the VPN’s security features, including AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and WireGuard support.
Continue reading to see how PureVPN’s port forwarding can cater to your needs.
How to Get PureVPN's Port Forwarding Feature?
The best way to get PureVPN’s port forwarding add-on is by adding it to your basket at checkout when purchasing the VPN service. Alternatively, you can purchase the tool as a standalone add-on later if you already have a PureVPN account.
I’ll walk you through the steps:
- Choose a PureVPN plan.
- Scroll down and check “Port Forwarding” to add it to your subscription.
- Enter your payment details.
- Create a PureVPN account using your credentials.
- Access port forwarding support via your account.
If you already have an active PureVPN account, you must:
- Log in to your PureVPN online account using your subscription credentials.
- Click “Port Forwarding,” found on the side menu.
- Select your PureVPN username from the drop-down menu.
- Select “Click here to buy.”
- Choose your preferred payment term (save more with the quarterly option at $2.97/quarter).
- Check the “Port Forwarding” purchase box.
- Choose your preferred payment method and enter payment details.
- Click “PAY NOW.”
How to Set up Port Forwarding on PureVPN?
- Purchase a PureVPN plan and port forwarding subscription (see steps above).
- Log in to your PureVPN account using your credentials.
- Install the correct app on your device. PureVPN supports PCs and mobile devices.
- Launch your app and connect to a server.
- Configure ports and apply settings in your PureVPN online account. Select “Open all ports” to allow access to access all your ports remotely. Select “Block all ports” if you don’t want any active ports.
- Alternatively, select “Block all ports but enable following” to open specific ports on a VPN connection. Click “Apply Settings.”
Now you can enjoy faster download and upload speeds and access your home or office devices from anywhere.
Is PureVPN a Good VPN for Port Forwarding?
My stance is that PureVPN’s a good VPN.
Apart from port forwarding and Fort Knox security, it offers useful features like unlimited bandwidth and dedicated IPs (also at an additional cost of $0.99 pm).
Plus, you get
- An audited no-logs guarantee that protects your data, ensuring no personal details or online activities fall on prying eyes.
- P2P file-sharing on several of the provider’s 96+ global locations. So, you can benefit from stable VPN connections while gaming or torrenting.
- An automatic kill switch, which ensures you’re protected if the VPN connection drops.
- Fast unblocking and content streaming on media platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.
- Split tunneling – a nifty tool that allows you to route selected traffic through the VPN-encrypted tunnel. This way, you don’t lose access to your local network and devices connected to that network.
- Multiple device support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Huawei, and some routers.
All of the above is packaged into an easy-to-use app.
Can PureVPN's Port Forwarding Improve Torrent Speeds?
PureVPN’s port forwarding can improve torrent speeds when set up correctly with your preferred torrent client!
I ran a few tests to put my money where my mouth is.
PureVPN Speed Tests With and Without Port Forwarding
My first step was capturing my base speed, so I had something to compare my VPN connection with.
Here are my results before connecting to a PureVPN server:
My download rating was 39.52 Mbps with an upload speed of 7.94 Mbps.
Next, I connected to my local server (South Africa) on PureVPN without using port forwarding.
My download speed dropped to 33.83 Mbps, and my upload speed went down to 5.71 Mbps.
This was expected since all VPNs slow a connection to some effect.
Now for the interesting part.
I connected to a specific port and ran the Ookla speed test again.
The download speed drop was less significant this time, with a return of 37.57 Mbps.
Surprisingly, my upload base speed increased from 7.94 Mbps to 8.51 Mbps (supporting the fact that port forwarding supports torrent seeding).
This table summarizes the gist of it:
| Connection Type | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 39.52 Mbps | 7.94 Mbps |
| PureVPN server without port forwarding | 33.83 Mbps | 5.71 Mbps |
| PureVPN server with port forwarding | 37.57 Mbps | 8.51 Mbps |
What Are the Best Free Port Forwarding VPN Alternatives?
While PureVPN’s one of the most affordable VPNs on the market (even with port forwarding as an add-on), some providers offer the service for free (but the price may have been worked into the subscription fee).
These VPNs include
- PrivateVPN. This VPN provider offers static and dynamic port forwarding, making it a versatile option that caters to several port forwarding needs.
- ExpressVPN. If you’re looking for a VPN with lightning-fast speeds combined with port forwarding, ExpressVPN’s a go-to. Note that this service is only available on the provider’s router app.
- Private Internet Access. PIA’s advantage’s that it offers P2P support on all its 35,000+ servers. The port forwarding feature’s also easily accessible in its user-friendly apps.
- TorGuard. An excellent option for experienced torrenters who want to maintain a good seed-to-leech ratio. The port forwarding functionality here is complex, though, and I only recommend this VPN to tech-savvy users.
The VPNs above also offer similar high-quality security standards and specialty features like kill switches and unlimited bandwidth.
FAQs
Is Port Forwarding Necessary to Torrent With PureVPN?
Port forwarding isn’t necessary to torrent with PureVPN. In fact, some VPN providers caution against it because of security risks.
However, if you want to seed torrents, port forwarding is essential.
It’s also a key to unlocking faster download and upload speeds when routing traffic through an encrypted tunnel.
Is PureVPN's Port Forwarding Safe?
PureVPN’s port forwarding is safe to a degree.
The VPN-encrypted tunnel helps with online anonymity, and PureVPN’s no-logs policy caters to privacy. However, port forwarding inherently gives others outside your network more access to your devices.
This direct access can provide opportunities for malicious activity if your port connection falls into the wrong hands.
Final Words
PureVPN gets my thumbs up for offering thorough port forwarding services.
I’m also happy with its accompanying features, like split tunneling and simultaneous support on up to 10 devices.
Try it now, or you can peruse our guides for more port forwarding information.
I recommend further reading on the Best VPNs With Port-Forwarding to get started.
