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Torrenting is often a hot topic in the digital privacy space. While it offers a convenient way to share files, vulnerabilities make a secure network essential. If you're in the market for a virtual private network (VPN) tailored to your torrenting needs, you're in luck: Proton VPN is the best free VPN overall. PrivadoVPN and Windscribe are also remarkable for their speed, secure VPN server options, and pricing.
But be warned: Not all free VPNs for torrenting are created equal. Some can compromise your privacy, so we'll touch upon the drawbacks of most free VPN services and explain why Proton VPN is the best freemium VPN available.
Whether you're a novice to the VPN landscape or simply looking for a refresher, our comprehensive guide can help you choose the best free VPNs for torrenting.
Before we delve into our curated list of exceptional VPNs, it's essential to address a crucial question: How can you determine if a free VPN is safe for torrenting? First and foremost, seek transparency. A reputable free VPN will offer a clear privacy policy that spells out exactly how it manages your data.
Another pivotal factor is a no-logs policy, which ensures your online activities remain anonymous and untraceable. Equally crucial is robust encryption — AES 256-bit encryption is the gold standard in the industry.
Additionally, a variety of server locations isn't just nice — it's essential for bypassing geo-blocks and ensuring a smooth torrenting experience. Lastly, never underestimate the power of user reviews. Public sentiment can be a treasure trove of information, offering unfiltered insights into a VPN's overall performance and reliability.
| VPN |  Best Overall
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| Star rating | |||
| Starting price | Starts at $4.49/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $1.48/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $1.00/mo per location |
| Free version | Yes – Unlimited | Yes – 10 GB/30 days | Yes – 10 GB/mo |
| Download speed difference (U.S. server) | 0.56% faster | 33.60% slower | 21.05% slower |
| Torrenting support | |||
| Streaming support | |||
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN Read Our Proton VPN Review |
Get PrivadoVPN Read Our PrivadoVPN Review |
Get Windscribe Read Our Windscribe Review |
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.
Stream from anywhere with 11,300+ high-speed servers
VPN Accelerator tech improves speeds by up to 400%
Block ads, trackers, and malicious scripts
Proton VPN is the ideal choice for users who prioritize privacy and security. Whether torrenting, streaming, or browsing, this VPN offers robust encryption, a kill switch, and a staunch no-logs policy. The availability of a free tier with unlimited bandwidth for free users is a significant advantage for those who may be budget-conscious but unwilling to compromise on security features.
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Lots of features: Proton VPN has a smorgasbord of features that cater to security-conscious users, including a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind. One of its biggest advantages is supporting P2P server activities like torrenting, backed by strong encryption. It also offers a whopping 12,000+ servers, albeit with a limited 100+ free servers.
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Unlimited data: It ensures you're not throttled during your online activities, and its support for up to 10 devices adds to its versatility. Advanced users will appreciate features like Connection Profiles and the Quick Country Selector, while the modern interface makes it user-friendly for VPN newbies.
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Limitations: The free version restricts you to just one connected device and a limited number of servers. This could be a hindrance for those who wish to use multiple devices.
Price: Although the pricing starts at a reasonable $4.49/mo (billed every two years), some users may find the higher-tier plans a bit steep, especially compared to competitors offering similar features.
| Price range | $4.49–$9.99/mo |
| Free version | Yes – Unlimited |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Number of servers | 12,000+ servers in 117 countries (100+ for free version) |
| Number of connected devices | 10 (1 for free version) |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| Encryption | AES 256 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Streaming support | Yes – Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN Read Our Proton VPN Review |
Affordable pricing and a free plan option
Fast speeds and unblocks Netflix
PrivadoVPN is a quality freemium service that offers a free tier of its premium VPN, which works well with streaming services. We were impressed with PrivadoVPN's ability to unblock streaming. If you want to watch your favorite movies and TV shows anytime, PrivadoVPN can help.
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Easy: We were impressed with how easy it was to use PrivadoVPN. The interface is aesthetically pleasing, and the navigation wasn't a problem at all. We had no issue connecting to servers, finding the best servers for our needs, or using the VPN agent on a variety of operating systems. It was just as smooth on Windows as it was on iOS.
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Privacy conscious: PrivadoVPN is based in privacy-conscious Switzerland. Unlike other VPNs that may be based in a Fourteen Eyes country, Switzerland is more privacy-focused for users. It has a strict no-logs policy, meaning none of your activity will be recorded. Switzerland's strict privacy laws ensure your data is secure.
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Lackluster extras: We love it when a VPN includes additional features like ad blockers, but PrivadoVPN's left us saying "meh." We felt the same way about the parental controls included. If you're looking for additional features like these, PrivadoVPN may not be the right choice.
Low server count: We hope that PrivadoVPN continues to add servers, as we believe the current server count is a bit low. If you get the right server, this isn't a problem, but it leaves us with fewer options than other VPNs.
| Price range | $1.48–$10.99/mo |
| Free version | Yes – 10 GB/30 days |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 50 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, SOCKS5 |
| Encryption | 256-Bit-AES |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Streaming support | Yes – Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more |
| Learn more | Get PrivadoVPN Read Our PrivadoVPN Review |
Unlimited device connections
Has a customizable plan if you only need access to servers in specific countries
Windscribe is the go-to VPN for those with multiple devices to secure. It includes unlimited connectivity for a variety of internet-connected devices and can be installed quickly.
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Unlimited connections: Windscribe offers an unlimited number of connected devices. It has server locations in 69 countries. Additionally, it supports a range of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth, and WebSocket Stealth, which tailor the VPN to your specific needs — whether you're streaming or torrenting.
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Security: The no-logs policy provides reassurance for those concerned about their privacy. One of the most attractive features of Windscribe is its 10 GB free tier, which is sufficient for moderate streaming and torrenting needs.
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Pricing: Starting at $5.75/mo (billed annually), this may be a bit steep for some users compared to other VPN providers offering similar features. This isn’t a problem if you’re content with the free plan, but we like to keep our options open.
Speeds: While the service performs well, we noticed that speeds can sometimes dip significantly when connected to servers far from the user's location. In our tests, we witnessed a massive 41% decrease in download speed and a 168% increase in latency when connecting to Sydney from the U.S.
| Price range | $1.00–$9.00/mo |
| Free version | Yes – 10 GB/mo |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 69+ countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth, WebSocket Stealth |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Streaming support | Yes – Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and more |
| Learn more | Get Windscribe Read Our Windscribe Review |
While our top three selections are well-suited for various needs, other quality VPNs deserve mention. While these didn't make the top tier due to certain limitations or missing features, they still offer commendable services that might be the right fit for specific use cases.
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Reasonable pricing, plus generous free tier
Independently reviewed no-logs policy
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Unlimited devices with paid subscription
Strict no-logs policy
Minimal local IP data leaks
In most cases, it's not safe to use a free VPN for torrenting. Here's the unsettling reality: Most free VPN services have limitations that can compromise your safety and privacy.
Some free VPNs have been caught selling user data to third-party companies or are actually malware. Additionally, hackers may search through torrent clients, so it is important to have your IP address hidden. From a usability perspective, free services often have speed caps, data limitations, and fewer server options, which can affect your torrenting experience.
Torrenting without a VPN can reveal your IP address and identity to internet service providers (ISPs). If you're serious about your online privacy, we strongly recommend considering paid VPN alternatives or upgrading to a Proton VPN premium plan. These VPNs offer superior security and faster download speeds, making them the ideal choice for torrenting. Additionally, they don’t have the limitations or risks associated with free VPN services. While it may require a small investment, the peace of mind you get in return is invaluable.
So, while the allure of free VPNs for torrenting can be strong, remember: You get what you pay for. Opting for a low-cost, paid service or leveraging a free trial can offer a vastly superior and safer experience.
The legality of using a VPN for torrenting varies by jurisdiction. Generally speaking, VPNs are legal in most countries, but torrenting copyrighted material is illegal. VPNs can help you maintain anonymity and protect your data from prying eyes, but they don't give you a free pass to violate laws.
For more insights, check out our article explaining when and where VPNs are legal.
Speed can be hit or miss with free VPNs. While some free VPN services may offer decent speeds for torrenting, most will likely be slower than their premium counterparts. Slow speeds can be frustrating when downloading large files. Always refer to reliable reviews and speed test results for current information.
While some reliable free VPNs exist for torrenting, many services should be avoided due to security risks, invasive advertising, and questionable data logging policies. Be particularly wary of VPN services that don't offer transparent information about their privacy policies or those that have been flagged for leaking data (DNS leaks).
Always research before trusting a free VPN service, and when in doubt, consider opting for a trusted, low-cost option.
For secure and efficient torrenting, look no further than Proton VPN, which is the best overall free VPN. It's a sanctuary for the privacy-focused, offering high-end security features, including AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy. Its expansive server list and specialized features, such as Connection Profiles, make it versatile and highly customizable, ensuring that both novices and VPN veterans can maximize their online experience.
PrivadoVPN, a streaming powerhouse, will allow you access to your favorite content from anywhere. Whether you're traveling and connecting to sketchy hotel Wi-Fi or just want to watch your favorite show at the gym, PrivadoVPN has you covered.
Windscribe strikes a harmonious balance between entertainment and torrenting. What sets Windscribe apart is its generous 10 GB free tier, offering a good amount of data for moderate streaming and torrenting needs.
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
|
Starts at $4.49/mo (billed every two years) | Best overall | Get Proton VPN |
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Starts at $1.48/mo (billed every two years) | Best for free streaming | Get PrivadoVPN |
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Starts at $1.00/mo per location | Best for multiple devices | Get Windscribe |
Affordable pricing and a free plan option
Fast speeds and unblocks Netflix
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