Maximize Your Torrenting Experience with a VPN

If you're unfamiliar with torrenting, it refers to a popular method of downloading and sharing files through a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, such as BitTorrent. In torrenting, uploaders are referred to as "seeders,” and downloaders are referred to as “leechers.” Many users who actively torrent don’t use a VPN and are unaware that they are exposing their online activity and identity.

This makes them vulnerable to legal risks, such as violating copyright infringement laws. Additionally, they are also susceptible to privacy and security risks, such as exposing their IP address, which makes them open to attacks, and downloading malware.

Luckily, these risks can be mitigated by torrenting with a virtual private network (VPN). Keep in mind that torrenting itself is not illegal, but downloading copyrighted material via torrents is against the law in many countries.

Continue reading for tips on how to use a torrent with a VPN, how to choose a VPN provider, the benefits of using a VPN, how to protect your privacy while torrenting, and the overall safety of torrents.

How to use a VPN for torrenting

Torrenting with a VPN is relatively easy and a great way to start protecting your privacy. A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic, which makes it difficult for your internet service provider (ISP) to track your activity. It will also hide your IP address from torrent swarms.

Keep in mind that using a VPN is not a foolproof method of ensuring complete privacy and security online, but it can provide some privacy benefits.

Setting up a VPN can vary slightly for different VPN providers. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Choose a VPN. Choose a VPN service that suits your needs and offers high levels of privacy and strong encryption. Not all VPNs are created equal, and some are better suited for torrenting than others. We'll discuss this further in the next section.
2. Sign up for the VPN. Once you've chosen a VPN, you'll need to sign up for an account. Most VPNs offer both free and paid options, with the paid options often providing better features and speeds.
3. Download and install the VPN. Next, you'll need to download and install the VPN client on your device. The VPN provider will typically have instructions on how to do this, and it's usually a straightforward process.
4. Connect to a VPN server. Once you've installed the VPN, you can connect to a server located near you for better speeds or any available server located around the world. By connecting to a server, you will establish a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server.
5. Start torrenting. With the VPN connected, you can open your selected torrent client (e.g., BitTorrent, uTorrent, qBitTorrent) or visit the torrent site and start downloading and uploading files. All your online activity will be encrypted and routed through the VPN, which provides you with an extra layer of security.

How to pick a VPN for torrenting

When it comes to picking the right VPN for your torrenting needs, it’s important to look for certain features and benefits, such as fast speeds, a large network of servers, P2P support, and strong encryption. Here is a list of what to look for when picking a VPN for torrenting:

• Fast speeds: It’s important to select a VPN provider that offers high-speed servers, specifically for torrenting, as you’ll want to be able to download and upload large files quickly. A fast VPN connection is crucial for a seamless torrenting experience because a slow connection can be frustrating.
• Server Network: For torrenting, you need a VPN with a large network of servers in different countries. This allows you to select a server closest to your location for optimal download speeds and access to a broader torrent selection.
• P2P support: Make sure the VPN you choose allows P2P file sharing and has specific servers for torrenting. When you download from more than one source, P2P support can keep you from being kicked off. It also helps bypass firewalls or internet censorship.
• Strong encryption: The VPN should use strong encryption protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Wireguard. Although OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec are strong encryption protocols, Wireguard is superior to them due to its fast speed and state-of-the-art cryptography. This will protect the user’s privacy and security, and prevent any traffic from being read in plaintext, which makes it unreadable to any attacker who sniff or intercept it.
• No-logging policy: Look for a VPN provider that has a strict no-logging policy. Although a VPN can hide your online activity from your ISP, police and federal authorities can still contact your ISP and your VPN provider to request logs of your internet activity. Thus, it’s advisable to research a VPN provider’s privacy policy before selecting one.
• Kill switch: A kill switch is a crucial security feature that disconnects your device from the internet in case the VPN connection drops. This prevents your IP address from being leaked and your torrenting activities from being revealed.
• Accepts Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency payment methods: A VPN provider that accepts anonymous payment methods can help protect your identity if you’re worried about being tracked and want to protect your privacy and anonymity.
• Split tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to choose which internet traffic is routed through a VPN and which is not. This allows the user to encrypt only their torrent traffic, whereas other internet activities such as web browsing or email are not affected. It can result in faster internet connection and reduced load on the VPN servers.
• Multi-device compatibility and support: Make sure you get your money's worth by choosing a VPN that's compatible with your devices. Most VPNs have apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac, but it may be harder to find one that's compatible with Linux. At the same time, look for a VPN that offers multiple simultaneous connections so you don't have to log off any time someone else needs to use the VPN.

Best VPNs for torrenting

Looking for a safe and secure way to torrent? Look no further than one of these top-rated VPNs for torrenting. Our recommended list for the best VPNs for torrenting offers fast speeds, strong encryption, and wide server coverage, so you can easily and securely download your favorite media without getting tracked or monitored. Each of them also accepts cryptocurrency payment options.

Here are our top picks for the best VPNs for torrenting.

• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is one of the best torrenting VPNs due to its fast speeds, 256-bit AES encryption, and strict no-logging policy. It offers a kill switch, split tunneling, and has servers in 94 countries.
• NordVPN: NordVPN offers robust privacy and security features, as well as servers in over 60 countries. It offers split tunneling, unlimited bandwidth, a kill switch, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access (also called PIA) is a multi-hop VPN with up to five layers of encryption using AES-256, a strong encryption protocol. It also offers a no-logging policy, arguably has the best performing kill switch, and offers affordable prices.
• CyberGhost: CyberGhost is a good value VPN for torrent users that focuses heavily on security and privacy. It has a no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch for added protection.
• Surfshark: Surfshark is a reliable, secure VPN service that specifically caters to torrent users. It offers fast connection speeds, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. Additionally, the VPN has a kill switch and DNS leak protection, so your identity and data remain secure.

Reasons to use a VPN for torrenting

Torrenting is a popular method of downloading and sharing files, media, and software. Even so, many people who use this network expose their IP address without secure encryption, which leaves them vulnerable to online threats.

Because a VPN adds an extra layer of security by encrypting data between the user and the server, it is highly recommended to use one when torrenting. It can also protect users from cybercriminals who attempt to intercept their internet traffic and allow them to bypass certain online restrictions, such as geo-blocking.

Is torrenting safe?

Torrenting can be safe as long as users take the right steps when downloading torrents. First and foremost, they should always use a VPN to protect their privacy and improve their security. Users should also use antivirus and anti-malware software and be very careful not to violate any copyright infringement laws in their jurisdiction, if there are any.

Furthermore, users should only get torrents from reputable sources in order to avoid inadvertently downloading malware such as the WebHelper virus. Additionally, they should always scan their files with antivirus software. We recommend this list of the best antivirus software.

Is torrenting legal?

Torrenting is legal in many countries; however, the legality of torrenting depends on the type of content that is being downloaded. Generally speaking, downloading and sharing copyrighted material is illegal. However, some countries allow users to download content for personal use. Mexico, for example, is a torrent-friendly country. It is important for users to familiarize themselves with local laws before torrenting.

Tips to stay safe while torrenting

Here are five tips to ensure users stay safe while torrenting:

1. Always use a VPN for torrenting. A VPN is essential to ensure users remain safe and anonymous while torrenting.
2. Don’t download illegal content. To avoid legal repercussions, users should only download content that is not copyrighted.
3. Get torrents from reputable sources. Users should make sure to get their torrents from trusted sources.
4. Scan downloaded files with an antivirus. Users should always scan their downloaded files with an antivirus program before opening them.
5. Don’t share your IP address. Users should never share their IP address because this can make them vulnerable to potential hacks.

Torrenting FAQ

Bottom line

Torrenting can be a safe and legal way to download and share content as long as the user takes the necessary precautions and follows the laws in their jurisdiction. However, it’s important to take caution because there are privacy and security risks that come with torrenting, such as copyright infringement laws, exposing your IP address, downloading malware, and potential surveillance from your ISP.

As a result, users should always use a VPN when torrenting for more security and to protect their privacy. It’s strongly recommended to research reputable VPN providers and their privacy laws. You should also install and update strong antivirus software to protect your device from malware.

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra

• Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
• Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
• 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Mars Groves

About the Author

Mars is a California-based cybersecurity professional and writer currently pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity. With interests ranging from OSINT to ethical hacking and threat intelligence, Mars leverages his two years of writing experience to produce informative content on topics such as Internet guides and VPNs.