Best VPNs for Torrenting 2026
Safe, Fast & Anonymous P2P.
NordVPN
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE CHOICE
When engaging in P2P file sharing, your IP address is visible to everyone in the swarm. To prevent ISPs from throttling your connection and to maintain anonymity, you require a VPN with robust encryption, a reliable kill switch, and high-speed servers optimised for large file transfers.
TOP VPNs FOR TORRENTING RANKED
NordVPN: The Performance King
NordVPN takes the top spot for torrenting due to its exceptional speed and P2P-optimised servers. It includes a SOCKS5 proxy which can be configured directly in clients like qBittorrent for faster speeds, although we recommend the full VPN tunnel for maximum security.
Why it works:
- NordLynx Protocol: Built on WireGuard for blazing fast download speeds.
- Threat Protection: Blocks malicious ads and malware domains often found on torrent sites.
- Kill Switch: Instantly cuts internet access if the VPN drops, preventing IP leaks.
Surfshark: The Value Choice
If you have multiple devices seeding or downloading, Surfshark is unbeatable. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections and supports P2P traffic on all its servers. Its CleanWeb feature is particularly useful for filtering out annoying pop-ups on tracker sites.
Why it works:
- Unlimited Devices: Secure your PC, phone, and tablet simultaneously.
- Whitelister: Split tunneling allows you to route only your torrent client through the VPN.
- NoLogs: Strictly audited policy ensures your download history remains private.
ExpressVPN: The Reliable Veteran
ExpressVPN offers stability and robust security. While it is pricier than the competition, its Lightway protocol provides a very stable connection for large files. It supports P2P traffic on every server in its network, meaning you never have to hunt for a "special" server.
Why it works:
- Port Forwarding (Router): Available if you set it up via their router app.
- Network Lock: Their version of a kill switch is highly reliable.
- TrustedServer: RAM-only servers ensure data is wiped upon every reboot.
Mullvad: The Privacy Purist
Mullvad is a favourite among privacy advocates. It requires no email address to sign up (you generate a random account number) and accepts cash or crypto. While it lacks some features like port forwarding, its commitment to anonymity is unmatched.
Why it works:
- Account Numbers: No personal data attached to your account whatsoever.
- Open Source: All apps are open source and auditable by anyone.
- WireGuard: Extremely fast connections suitable for downloading.
CyberGhost: The Easy Option
CyberGhost makes torrenting easy with a clearly labelled list of "For Torrenting" servers. This removes the guesswork, ensuring you are always connected to a location optimised for P2P traffic. It is user-friendly and great for beginners.
Why it works:
- Dedicated Profile: One-click connection to the best available P2P server.
- Automation: Can be set to launch automatically when you open your torrent client.
- Huge Network: Thousands of servers reduce the risk of overcrowding.
Torrenting VPNs Compared
| VPN Service | P2P Support | Key Feature | Verdict | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Specialised Servers | SOCKS5 Proxy | #1 Overall | |
| Surfshark | All Servers | Unlimited Devices | Best Value | |
| Mullvad | Allowed | Anonymous ID | Private | |
| ExpressVPN | All Servers | Lightway Protocol | Reliable | |
| CyberGhost | Dedicated List | Automation Rules | Easy Use | |
| IPVanish | All Servers | SOCKS5 Proxy | Fast | |
| Hide.me | Allowed | Free Tier | Stealth | |
| PureVPN | Add-on | Port Forwarding | Option | |
| PrivadoVPN | Free Plan | SOCKS5 | Freemium | |
| ZoogVPN | Selected | Cheap | Budget | |
| iTop VPN | Servers | Good UI | Basic |
Safety Risks: Why You Need Protection
The Reality: BitTorrent is a highly efficient protocol, but it is inherently not private. When you download a file, your IP address is broadcast to every other user sharing that file (the "swarm"). Copyright trolls and ISPs monitor these swarms to log IP addresses and send infringement notices or throttle connection speeds.
The Solution: A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in a different location. This replaces your real IP address with the VPN server's IP, making it impossible for peers in the swarm to identify you. Features like a Kill Switch are essential; they cut your internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring your true IP is never leaked.
Performance & Speed Factors
Torrenting is data-intensive, so performance is key. Here is what to look for:
- WireGuard Protocol: Modern VPNs use WireGuard (or variations like NordLynx/Lightway) which offers significantly faster speeds than older protocols like OpenVPN.
- SOCKS5 Proxy: Some providers (like NordVPN and IPVanish) offer a SOCKS5 proxy. This changes your IP but does not encrypt traffic, which can result in faster download speeds if encryption is not your primary concern.
- Split Tunneling: This feature allows you to route only your torrent client through the VPN while the rest of your browsing traffic uses your regular connection, optimising speed for other activities.
Setup Guide: Configuring for P2P
To ensure maximum safety and speed when torrenting, follow these steps:
- Activate Kill Switch: Go to your VPN settings and ensure the "Kill Switch" is enabled. This is your safety net.
- Bind IP (Advanced): In your torrent client (e.g., qBittorrent), bind the network interface to your VPN adapter. This prevents the client from downloading anything unless the VPN is active.
- Select P2P Server: If your VPN has dedicated P2P servers (like CyberGhost or NordVPN), connect to one of these for the best stability.
- Test for Leaks: Visit an IP leak test site to confirm your real IP address is hidden before you start downloading.
Legal Disclaimer & Safety
Please be aware of the laws regarding copyright in your jurisdiction:
- Copyright Laws: Downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal in many countries. FindCheapVPNs does not condone copyright infringement.
- Public Domain: Torrenting technology itself is legal and is widely used for distributing open-source software (like Linux distributions) and public domain content.
- Use Responsibly: We recommend using a VPN to protect your privacy and security, not to hide illegal activities. Always ensure you have the right to download the content you access.
FAQs for P2P Users
Is torrenting with a VPN safe?
Yes, provided you use a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and a functional kill switch. This ensures your real IP address is never exposed to the P2P swarm or your ISP, even if the connection drops momentarily.
Do I need SOCKS5 for torrenting?
It is not strictly necessary, but it can be beneficial. SOCKS5 proxies can be configured directly within your torrent client to mask your IP address, often providing faster speeds than a full VPN tunnel, though with less encryption.
Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?
We generally advise against it. Most free VPNs have data caps, slower speeds, and may ban P2P traffic altogether. Some may even log your data. Reliable options like PrivadoVPN or Hide.me offer limited free tiers that support P2P, but they are not suitable for heavy use.
