The Best VPNs With Port Forwarding 2025
Our top picks for VPNs that support port forwarding include Private Internet Access (PIA), Proton VPN, and PureVPN. Here's why.
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Last updated Mar 29, 2025
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Best Overall
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More affordable than most other VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN
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A virtual private network (VPN) masks your real IP address, but concealing your IP address under a fake one can make it difficult for incoming traffic to find your specific device when so many other devices use the same IP address. Enter port forwarding. Private Internet Access (PIA), Proton VPN, and PureVPN are our top choices for VPNs with port forwarding.
Based on our testing, we think PIA is the best overall because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections (meaning you can cover all your devices) and a budget-friendly price point for a premium VPN service.
This article looks at these top options and their pros and cons for port forwarding.
In this article
The best VPNs with port forwardingPrivate Internet Access: Best overall
Proton VPN: Best for premium privacy
PureVPN: Best for beginners
FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs with port forwarding
The best VPNs with port forwarding
Port forwarding enables remote access to devices outside your network (like security cameras or gaming consoles), lets you host servers on a private network (like for gaming), and allows VPN users to connect to their home network from any location.
In a nutshell, port forwarding lets incoming traffic find you while still using a VPN IP address. Your privacy is secure, and you can continue to enjoy the internet from outside of your home network.
Not all VPNs offer port forwarding, and a lot of premium VPNs don’t support it due to security risks. Insecure port forwarding can lead to issues like IP addresses getting blacklisted, hosting providers canceling, and law enforcement involvement.
Our top picks for VPNs with port forwarding are:
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Best overall
- Proton VPN: Best for premium privacy
- PureVPN: Best for beginners
Top 3 VPN services with port forwarding compared
 Our Pick
|
 |
 | |
| Star rating | |||
| Starting price | $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | $4.49/mo (billed every two years) | $2.14/mo (billed every two years) |
| Free version | |||
| Max # devices | Unlimited | 10 | 10 |
| Servers | Unlisted servers in 91 countries | 12,000+ servers servers in 117 countries | 6,000+ servers servers in 65+ countries |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Learn more | Get PIA | Get Proton VPN | Get PureVPN
|
How we test and rate VPNs
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
When choosing the best VPN services for port forwarding, we evaluated a few extra factors to determine which ones were top-tier:
- Port forwarding support: Beyond a set-up guide, we checked if VPNs offered forums, community, or 24/7 customer service to help support port forwarding.
- Pricing: Affordability is usually a primary factor when choosing a VPN. That's why we prioritized VPNs that included port forwarding in their plans instead of as an add-on.
- Privacy and security: We also verified that VPNs use private and secure protocols and successfully mask your IP address.
- Device compatibility and ease of use: We checked if port forwarding was available on select operating systems and if it was easy to use.
Private Internet Access: Best overall
Private Internet Access
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More affordable than most other VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN
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Fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
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Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
Who it’s best for
PIA is an affordable option for dynamic port forwarding. It's compatible with multiple operating systems and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. It's our top pick for port forwarding, and we'd recommend it for anyone interested in a VPN for privacy and port forwarding at a good price point.
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What we liked
Devices: Port forwarding with PIA is compatible with all devices, and it's one of the few VPN providers that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. You can use the app to change settings and connect to a server that offers port forwarding. Once connected, you'll get assigned a dynamic port number.
Robust security features: PIA also has other features that make it a valuable VPN choice, including:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Advanced kill switch
- DNS leak protection
- Multi-hop
- Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- P2P support for torrenting
What we didn’t like
Undisclosed servers: PIA doesn't reveal how many servers are available, which makes it a bit more challenging to compare to other VPNs. Port forwarding isn't an option for U.S. locations, so you will need to connect to an international server if you are located in the U.S.
PIA specs
| Price range | $2.19–$11.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 91 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get PIA |
Proton VPN: Best for premium privacy
Proton VPN
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Stream from anywhere with 11,300+ high-speed servers
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VPN Accelerator tech improves speeds by up to 400%
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Block ads, trackers, and malicious scripts
Who it’s best for
Proton VPN is a great option if you want to port forward while still having access to premium security features. However, it's a more technical option to set up if you are using macOS. Windows and Linux users will have an easier time enabling port forwarding. It's as easy as enabling port forwarding within the app and then connecting to one of the P2P servers.
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What we liked
Enhanced privacy: Proton VPN is also ideal if you prioritize premium privacy, with features like:
- Independently verified no-logs policy
- Open-source apps for transparency
- Built-in Tor support
- Proton Mail to sign up for an account
Torrenting support: Proton VPN offers port forwarding and torrenting via its paid plans and is a good choice if you don't want your internet connection to slow down significantly. Like PIA, Proton VPN offers port forwarding and torrenting support.
What we didn’t like
Not great for Mac: Most macOS users will need advanced technical knowledge to set up port forwarding on Proton VPN. It may change in the future, but for now, Windows and Linux are the only operating systems that can set up port forwarding within the client app.
Proton VPN specs
| Price range | $4.49–$9.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
| Number of servers | 12,000+ servers in 117 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN |
PureVPN: Best for beginners
PureVPN
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Vast global network of 6,000+ optimized VPN servers in 65+ countries with smart server selection for the fastest connection
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Turn any network private, protect apps separately, privately share files, and more with an ultra-fast 20Gbps connection
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Fly past location restrictions and VPN blockers on up to 10 devices
Who it’s best for
PureVPN is best for beginners who want to use a VPN but aren't comfortable with all the bells and whistles premium VPN providers boast. If you're a gamer, port forwarding with PureVPN allows you to easily create dedicated servers, run different types of services, and more without restrictions.
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What we liked
User-friendly help guides: PureVPN is great for beginners because it offers a robust catalog of tutorials and online guides in its Learning Center.
Compatibility: PureVPN really stands out for its broad compatibility. PureVPN has port forwarding that's compatible with multiple devices, including a range of smart devices like gaming consoles, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, and a bunch of smart TVs.
What we didn’t like
Pay for port forwarding: Port forwarding is an add-on feature, which makes it a more expensive option. You can save money by choosing a VPN with port forwarding, like PIA or Proton VPN.
PureVPN specs
| Price range | $2.14-$19.95/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
| Number of servers | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries |
| Number of connected devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec/IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | No |
| Learn more | Get PureVPN |
FAQs
How does port forwarding work with a VPN?
When you use a VPN, you share an IP address with other people. However, this can make it difficult for incoming traffic to send something to your specific device. Port forwarding gives incoming traffic a way to reach you without exposing your real IP address.
Should I use a VPN with port forwarding?
Yes. Port forwarding can open a path for hackers to access your network. To protect yourself, you should use a VPN to mask your IP address while port forwarding. You should definitely use a VPN when torrenting.
Does NordVPN offer port forwarding?
No, NordVPN doesn't offer port forwarding. Good NordVPN alternatives for port forwarding include Private Internet Access, Proton VPN, and PureVPN.
Does OpenVPN support port forwarding?
Yes, OpenVPN does support port forwarding. You can also use the WireGuard protocol for port forwarding. Learn more in our WireGuard vs. OpenVPN review.
Bottom line: The best VPNs with port forwarding
We think Private Internet Access is the best VPN for port forwarding based on its affordability and ease of use. It's also compatible with many different devices and boasts unlimited simultaneous connections, which you won't find with most VPN services.
While Proton VPN has premium security features, macOS users may need advanced support to manually set up port forwarding. PureVPN is great for beginners, but port forwarding is an add-on feature.
3 best VPNs with port forwarding 2025
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
|
|
$2.19/mo (billed every two years) | Best overall | Get PIA |
|
|
$4.49/mo (billed every two years) | Best for premium privacy | Get Proton VPN |
|
|
$2.14/mo (billed every two years) | Best for beginners | Get PureVPN |
Private Internet Access
-
More affordable than most other VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN
-
Fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
-
Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
Author Details
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Sara J. Nguyen is a freelance writer specializing in cybersecurity. She aims to help people protect their data while enjoying technology. She has written about online privacy and tech for over 5 years for several organizations. When she's not writing about the latest cybersecurity trends, you can find her on LinkedIn.
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