Best For Fast Speed Connections

4.6

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On Atlas VPN's website

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Atlas VPN

• Budget-friendly
• Fast and reliable for streaming
• Doesn’t bypass all streaming services

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Best For Streaming Netflix

4.1

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On Windscribe's website

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Windscribe

• Unlimited device connections
• Has a customizable plan if you only need access to servers in specific countries
• No 24/7 live chat option

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Best For Security-Conscious Users

4.9

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On Proton VPN's website

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Proton VPN

• Easy to use
• A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

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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. The three frontrunners we'll discuss today, Atlas VPN, Windscribe, and Proton VPN, are remarkable for their speed, secure VPN server options, and pricing. One even offers a compelling free tier. 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 also recommend low-cost, paid alternatives.

Whether you're a novice to the VPN landscape or just looking for a refresher, our comprehensive guide can help you decide on the best free VPNs for torrenting.

Free VPNs and torrenting

When it comes to torrenting, a VPN can act as your virtual cloak, providing that extra layer of VPN encryption to hide your IP address and activity. But let's get this straight: While the term "free VPN" may sound like music to your ears, it often comes with pitfalls that can turn that tune into a cacophony of potential threats.

Here's the unsettling reality—most free VPN services have limitations that can compromise your safety and privacy. These services may have speed caps, data limitations, or fewer server options, affecting your torrenting activity. More worryingly, some free VPNs have been caught red-handed selling user data to third-party companies or were malware in disguise. Additionally, hackers may search through torrent clients, so it is important to have your IP address hidden. Considering that anonymity is one of the main reasons to employ a VPN in the first place, this is a significant concern. Meanwhile, 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. While it may require a small investment, the peace of mind you get in return is invaluable. These VPNs offer superior security and faster download speeds, making them the ideal choice for torrenting. For some of the best VPN services in this category, refer to our list of the best paid VPNs for torrenting. Top paid contenders include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.

Many premium VPN providers offer free trials for those not quite ready to commit financially. These are often feature rich and don’t have the limitations or risks that are associated with free VPN services. This could serve as your test drive phase, where you can torrent with a VPN and evaluate if upgrading to a paid plan is worth it.

So, while the allure of free VPNs for torrenting can be strong, remember: Sometimes 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 best low-cost and free VPNs for torrenting 2023

Before we delve into our curated list of exceptional VPNs, it's imperative to address a vital question: How can you discern 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, offering a fortress-like layer of security.

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.

• Atlas VPN: Best for speed 
• Windscribe: Best for streaming Netflix
• ProtonVPN: Best for security-conscious users

Top 3 low-cost and free VPN services for torrenting compared

VPN	Atlas VPN	Windscribe	Proton VPN
Starting price	Starts at $1.64	Starts at $5.75/mo	Starts at $4.99/mo
Free version	Yes – 5 GB/mo	Yes – 10 GB/mo	Yes – Unlimited
Free trial
Torrenting support
Streaming support
Learn more	Get Atlas VPN Read Atlas VPN Review	Read Windscribe Review	Read Proton VPN Review

Atlas VPN: Best for speed

4.6

Limited-time offer: 86% off 2-year VPN plan + 6 months extra

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On Atlas VPN's website

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Atlas VPN

• Budget-friendly
• Fast and reliable for streaming
• Doesn’t bypass all streaming services

Who it’s best for

Atlas VPN is a standout choice for individuals who prioritize speed but don’t want to break the bank. Whether you’re a torrenting pro or a streaming aficionado, you'll appreciate Atlas VPN's fast simultaneous connections, facilitated by its WireGuard and IPSec/IKEv2 protocols. With a highly competitive price range and a free tier that offers 5 GB a month, it's an excellent fit for budget-conscious users who aren't willing to compromise on quality.

What we liked

Atlas VPN impresses with its blend of speed and affordability, enhanced by a 30-day money-back guarantee perfect for skeptical users to try risk-free. One of its standout features is its wide network of servers—1,000 in 49 countries—which enables users to dodge geo-blocks effortlessly. Its WireGuard and IPSec/IKEv2 protocols further boost its speed, making it perfect for torrenting.

With support for unlimited connected devices, you can have all your gadgets secured under one plan. The icing on the cake? Atlas VPN supports streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, among others, making it a versatile choice for both entertainment and security.

What we didn’t like

Atlas VPN is not without its drawbacks. While it offers a free version with 5 GB of monthly data, this may not suffice for those who engage in heavy torrenting. Additionally, while its connection speeds are generally excellent, some users have reported inconsistencies when connecting to servers, regardless of geographical location. These minor hitches could potentially disrupt an otherwise smooth torrenting experience.

Atlas VPN specs

Windscribe: Best for streaming Netflix

4.1

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On Windscribe's website

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Windscribe

• Unlimited device connections
• Has a customizable plan if you only need access to servers in specific countries
• No 24/7 live chat option

Who it’s best for

Windscribe is the go-to VPN for streaming aficionados, especially those who love to binge-watch Netflix. The service excels at bypassing even the trickiest geo-restrictions. It offers an array of protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, as well as split tunneling, to ensure a smooth and secure streaming experience. For those concerned about cost, Windscribe offers a robust free tier with a 10 GB monthly data cap, making it a viable option for users who need to download bigger torrent files.

What we liked

Windscribe is a force to reckon with when it comes to streaming and offers an unlimited number of connected devices. It boasts 111 server locations in 64 countries, making it capable of bypassing geo-blocks effortlessly. Additionally, it supports an array of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth, and WebSocket Stealth, which tailor the VPN to your specific needs—be it streaming or torrenting.

Furthermore, the no-logs policy is reassuring for those concerned about privacy. One of the most attractive points about Windscribe is its 10 GB free tier, which can suffice for moderate streaming and torrenting needs.

What we didn’t like

Despite its fantastic streaming capability, Windscribe doesn’t offer a free trial for users to test out its full suite of privacy features. Moreover, its pricing, starting at $5.75/mo, could 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.

Lastly, 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.

Windscribe specs

Proton VPN: Best for security-conscious users

4.9

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On Proton VPN's website

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Proton VPN

• Easy to use
• A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Who it’s best for

Proton VPN is the ideal choice for users who place a premium on 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.

What we liked

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 servers activities like torrenting, backed by strong encryption. It also offers a whopping 1,600+ servers, albeit with a limited 60+ free servers.

Unlimited data 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.

What we didn’t like

Though Proton VPN excels in many aspects, there are some downsides. While generous with unlimited bandwidth, 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. Additionally, although the pricing starts at a reasonable $4.99/mo, some users may find the higher-tier plans a bit steep, especially compared to competitors offering similar features.

Proton VPN specs

Honorable mentions

While our top three selections — Atlas VPN, Windscribe, and ProtonVPN — are well suited for various needs, several 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.

• Privado VPN: Known for its strong commitment to user privacy, Privado VPN also offers robust encryption. However, it falls short in server availability and speed compared to our top picks. Ideal for those who prioritize anonymity.
  
  Get Privado VPN | Read Our Privado VPN Review
  
• Hide.me: Offers solid security features, including AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy. However, the free version limits you to a smaller server network and doesn't quite match the performance levels of our top selections.
  
  Read Our Hide.me Review
  
• TunnelBear: Features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it a great entry point for VPN beginners. However, its free version imposes a restrictive monthly data allowance of 500 MB, making it less practical for frequent torrenting.
  
  Read Our TunnelBear Review

Best free VPNs for torrenting FAQs

Bottom line: The best free torrenting VPNs 

For secure and efficient torrenting, look no further than Atlas VPN, Windscribe, and Proton VPN — three providers that excel in different yet complementary ways. Atlas VPN is a gem for speed demons, boasting protocols like WireGuard, which optimize for fast VPN connections. This makes it a superior choice for those who engage in heavy file sharing or who can't stand buffering.

Windscribe strikes a harmonious balance between entertainment and torrenting, featuring 111 server locations that can unblock geo-restrictions and provide uninterrupted streaming on platforms like Netflix. What sets Windscribe apart is its generous 10 GB free tier, offering a good amount of data for moderate streaming and torrenting needs.

Proton VPN is 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 like Connection Profiles make it versatile and highly customizable, ensuring that both novices and VPN veterans can maximize their online experience.

Although these three VPN apps are our frontrunners, honorable mentions like Privado VPN, Hide.me, and TunnelBear are not to be overlooked. They each offer dependable performance and unique features that cater to different user preferences and requirements but couldn't quite edge out our top picks regarding overall functionality and value.

3 best free VPNs for torrenting 2023

4.6

Limited-time offer: 86% off 2-year VPN plan + 6 months extra

Learn More

On Atlas VPN's website

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Atlas VPN

• Budget-friendly
• Fast and reliable for streaming
• Doesn’t bypass all streaming services

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.