Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2024 by Reddit — Both Free & Paid
Finding the right torrenting VPN that genuinely keeps you safe online can be a daunting task sometimes. One good place to look is Reddit, as most Redditors are often frank with their opinions. But it can be time-consuming to look through so many subreddits on torrenting.
I tested the most recommended torrenting VPNs on Reddit, focusing on security features, connection stability, and speed. Of the myriad options discussed on Reddit, ExpressVPN stands out as the best.
Notably, ExpressVPN has the best speeds and TrustedServer technology that prevents data recording. Other features that make it highly recommended among Redditors include its strong encryption, leak protection, and split-tunneling. You can try ExpressVPN with confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get ExpressVPN for safe torrenting
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Torrenting According to Reddit in 2024
- ExpressVPN — The best VPN for torrenting, according to Reddit, due to its Lightway protocol, TrustedServer technology, automatic kill switch, and military-grade encryption for top-tier security. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost — Boasts 50+ servers optimized for P2P file-sharing. However, its long-distance servers aren’t as fast.
- PIA — Has SOCKS5 proxy for faster torrent downloading speeds, but is based in the US, a 5-Eyes Alliance country.
- NordVPN — Offers verified no-logs policy to ensure your torrenting history remains hidden, but it has occasional speed inconsistency.
- Surfshark — Supports P2P traffic on all its servers, but it does not support port forwarding.
The Best VPNs for Torrenting According to Reddit (Tested in 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN For Torrenting According to Reddit Due to Its Speed and Security
Key Features:
- Over 3,000 servers across 105 countries globally.
- Lightway protocol for fast speeds during torrenting sessions.
- Ensures your anonymity with TrustedServer Technology, AES-256 encryption, zero-logs policy, and DNS leak protection.
- Allows up to 8 simultaneous device connection.
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for torrenting according to Reddit. Its Lightway protocol, combined with unlimited bandwidth and high-speed connections, ensures smooth file sharing and fast downloads. ExpressVPN also integrates split-tunneling and a strict no-logs policy to guarantee the confidentiality of torrenting activities.
Another factor that makes ExpressVPN a top-tier choice on Reddit is its robust security and privacy features, designed to ensure safe torrenting. Here are ExpressVPN’s key security and privacy features:
- 256-bit AES encryption — encrypts your data, shielding it from prying eyes during torrenting.
- Split tunneling — routes selected traffic through the VPN while letting other apps/sites access the internet directly.
- Strict no-logs policy — does not store or share any of your data with third parties.
- IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection — ensures your real IP isn’t accidentally exposed while torrenting.
- Automatic kill switch — halts your internet connection if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly while you’re torrenting.
ExpressVPN fully supports P2P file sharing on all of its servers. This allows for fast and convenient downloading and sharing of files with others across the globe. Another advantage of P2P support on all its servers is that you don’t have to manually scout for specific servers when you want to torrent.
With ExpressVPN, you can connect to 8 devices simultaneously. You can connect ExpressVPN to multiple devices, including Windows PC, Mac, Android, or even Linux. Its compatibility with these devices ensures that your torrenting remains secure across various platforms. Redditors also applauded ExpressVPN for its router support, which means you can protect every device connected to your network.
Redditors recommend ExpressVPN for its TrustedServer technology. Its servers run on RAM, meaning none of your data is written to hard drives. This, coupled with its strict no-logs policy, makes your torrenting activities remain confidential.
ExpressVPN’s price might initially seem like a setback as the VPN is on the expensive side. However, its 1-year + 3 months plan goes for just $6.67, offering significant savings, and lightening the impact on your wallet. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN for your torrenting needs with zero risks.
ExpressVPN works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, and devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, and more.
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Multiple Optimized Servers for P2P File-Sharing
Key Features:
- 11,800 servers in 100 countries.
- Offers WireGuard protocol for smooth torrenting.
- Military-grade encryption, strict no-logs policy, automatic kill switch, etc.
- You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously.
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost has optimized servers specifically designed to enhance your torrenting experience. Reddit users often recommend using these CyberGhost servers because they are configured to handle large data transfers. They are typically associated with P2P file-sharing to ensure stability and performance.
My research shows that CyberGhost is a popular choice among Redditors for torrenting because of the following security features:
- AES 256-bit encryption — guards your torrenting data against potential spies.
- NoSpy Servers — operates its own NoSpy data centers, giving you greater control over your privacy.
- No-logs policy — guarantees your torrenting activities aren’t stored or shared with anyone.
- Block Malicious Websites — blocks access to torrenting sites known for malware, phishing, and other threats.
- Anonymous browsing — makes your torrent sessions completely anonymous.
Another major reason why torrenters on Reddit believe that CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for torrenting is its support for multiple devices. CyberGhost provides easy-to-use apps for all major platforms, including Windows and Mac. So, whether you’re torrenting on a Windows PC or your mobile device, you’re assured a smooth experience.
When torrenting, fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth are critical, and CyberGhost delivers on both fronts efficiently. It uses the WireGuard protocol to ensure you won’t experience speed delays. This allows you to download large torrent files smoothly.
However, CyberGhost’s long-distance connections were not as fast as I expected. But while they may not match ExpressVPN speeds, CyberGhost’s speeds are sufficiently fast for accessing a wide range of torrent sites and even handling high-bandwidth tasks, such as UHD streaming.
Although CyberGhost isn’t the cheapest torrenting VPN on the market, it is more affordable than ExpressVPN. Also, you can opt for the 2-year + 2 months plan, which is longer and goes for just $2.19. And, if you’re hesitant about its efficacy for torrenting, it offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try CyberGhost with peace of mind.
CyberGhost works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and more.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.19 per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — Offers a SOCKS5 Proxy for Faster Torrent Downloading Speeds
Key Features:
- More than 35,000 servers in 91 countries for torrenting.
- SOCKS5 proxy for faster torrent downloading speeds.
- Audited no-logs policy, automatic kill switch, and MACE feature to block ads.
- Connect unlimited devices at the same time.
- A 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Private Internet Access stands out on VPN subreddits with its SOCKS5 proxy, which facilitates faster torrent download speeds. A SOCKS5 proxy enhances your torrenting speed by routing your BitTorrent client’s traffic separately. But keep in mind that a SOCKS5 proxy doesn’t offer the same privacy benefits as a full VPN connection, which is where PIA’s robust security features come in.
PIA offers the following security and privacy features for torrenting:
- AES-256 encryption — prevents third parties from knowing about your torrent activities.
- Strict no-logs policy — ensures your torrenting data is not stored, maintaining confidentiality.
- IP leak protection — keeps your real IP hidden during each torrenting session.
- Automatic kill switch — protects your identity if the VPN connection suddenly drops.
- MACE feature — blocks out unwanted ads and trackers from interrupting your torrenting.
With 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, PIA ensures that you can always find a server nearby for torrenting. In fact, PIA allows P2P file sharing across all its servers, so there is no need to look for specialized P2P servers for torrenting.
PIA’s port forwarding further optimizes your torrenting speeds. By configuring your BitTorrent client to utilize PIA’s port forwarding, your P2P file-sharing is enhanced by faster download speeds. The port forwarding feature is especially vital for sharing large torrent files. It ensures that your connections are secure, so you can safely utilize applications that require specific port configurations.
One potential hiccup is PIA’s base in the US, a member of the 5-Eyes Alliance. However, PIA maintains a strict no-logs policy, which means that it has no user data to share with authorities, even if they’re compelled to. Also, I didn’t see any Reddit user complain about data leaks while using PIA.
PIA is one of the most affordable monthly VPNs and offers one of the best prices on the market. However, I recommend you get the 2-year + 2 months plan for $2.19. Additionally, the 30-day money-back guarantee lets you confidently explore PIA’s torrenting capabilities. So you can purchase PIA risk-free and request a refund if you’re not satisfied with the service.
PIA works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, smart TVs, routers, and more.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.19 per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
4. NordVPN — Verified No-logs Policy to Ensure Your Torrenting Sessions Remain Hidden
Key Features:
- Has dedicated P2P servers in 6,300 across 111+ countries.
- Dedicated P2P servers and NordLynx protocol ensure fast torrenting speeds.
- Security features include a no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption.
- You can connect up to 10 devices at once.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN is great for torrenting due to its strict no-logs policy, which ensures that your data is never leaked to third parties. This has been thoroughly examined and verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, Switzerland. Your torrenting history and details are therefore non-existent. Redditors also emphasize NordVPN’s dedicated P2P servers, which are optimized for torrenting and available in over 40 countries.
According to most torrenting enthusiasts on Reddit, NordVPN offers the following additional security and privacy features, making it reliable for Torrenting:
- AES-256 encryption — secures your information and your torrent traffic from everyone.
- Strict no-logs policy — ensures your torrenting data is not stored anywhere.
- Double VPN — routes your traffic through two servers for an added layer of security.
- Onion Over VPN — lets you access the Onion Router network and hides your real IP.
- Automatic kill switch — shields your IP if the VPN connection drops while torrenting.
NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol amplifies torrenting speeds. It merges the best of WireGuard’s high-speed technology with NordVPN’s custom double NAT (Network Address Translation) system to ensure fast torrenting speeds while keeping all your activities private and secure. The double layer of NAT makes it more difficult for hackers to track your internet activity.
Redditors often emphasize the importance of DNS leak protection for torrenting, as it keeps your actual IP address hidden from potential prying eyes. With NordVPN’s DNS leak protection, only the VPN IP address assigned by NordVPN is visible to others while your actual IP remains hidden.
However, NordVPN is occasionally criticized for speed inconsistencies and lack of support for port forwarding. Some Redditors have reported occasional slowdowns. But this is very uncommon, and you don’t need to worry about slow speeds if you connect to nearby dedicated P2P servers.
NordVPN offers affordable prices on the market. You can get up 74%, which saves you more money. And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can confidently purchase your first plan. If you’re dissatisfied, you can claim a refund.
NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, routers, and more.
5. Surfshark — Supports P2P Traffic On All Its Servers
Key Features:
- Over 3,200 fast servers in 100 countries.
- No bandwidth restrictions, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted torrenting.
- Includes AES-256-bit encryption, a kill switch, double VPN, and obfuscation.
- Connect unlimited devices simultaneously.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
For Redditors who are avid torrenters, Surfshark’s support for P2P traffic on all servers is its most appealing feature. With its P2P support, Surfshark ensured my torrent downloads fast and smooth, no matter the file size. With no speed, bandwidth, or data limitations, I could access my favorite torrent sites without lag.
Redditors also applaud Surfshark’s strong security and privacy features, which are ideal for torrenting:
- AES-256-GCM encryption — keeps your torrent data inaccessible to trackers.
- NoBorders mode — masks your VPN traffic to look like regular internet activity.
- Camouflage mode — hides VPN use, making your torrenting activities undetectable.
- Private DNS & leak protection — shields your torrenting activities from exposure.
- MultiHop — double VPN service for connecting via two different VPN servers simultaneously.
With over 3,200 P2P-optimized servers in 100 countries, Surfshark ensures you have an optimal torrenting experience. Ensure you connect to the ones close to your actual location. However, Surfshark isn’t available in countries where torrenting is illegal. This way, it ensures that both you and the service remain compliant with local laws.
Reddit also often brings up Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology. This feature is more than a basic ad-blocker; You can use it to prevent malware or phishing attempts that might piggyback on torrent files. In essence, Surfshark gives you an ad-free and safe torrenting experience.
Surfshark does not support port forwarding on any of its servers. Although Redditors criticized the service for excluding this feature, Surfshark claims that it is for security reasons. Also, Surfshark offers split tunneling and emphasizes its strict no-logs policy, ensuring it doesn’t collect, store, or share your personal data with anyone, including the government.
If price is a concern to you, Surfshark offers up a 83% discount on its 2-year + 3 months plan, allowing you to save money. And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test Surfshark for torrenting risk-free and claim a refund if things don’t pan out as expected. When I tested this, Surfshark responded promptly and processed my refund request within 5 days.
Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, routers, and more.
Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Torrenting According to Reddit
| Port Forwarding | Global Servers Size | Best Plan and Price | Device Limit | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | ✔ | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 1-year + 3 months plan at $6.67 a month | 8 | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | ✘ | 11,800 servers in 100 countries | 2-year + 2 months plan at $2.19 a month | 7 | 45 days |
| Private Internet Access | ✔ | 35,000+ servers in 91 countries | 2-year + 2 months plan at $2.19 a month | Unlimited | 30 days |
| NordVPN | ✘ | 6,300+ servers in 111 countries | 2-year + 3 months plan at $3.09 a month | 10 | 30 days |
| Surfshark | ✘ | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 2-year + 3 months plan at $2.19 a month | Unlimited | 30 days |
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Torrenting
In addition to recommendations from Reddit, I tested the best VPNs in 2024 to find the best for torrenting. I specifically honed in on particular features crucial for ensuring maximum safety, speed, and performance. Here’s what I focused on:
- Port forwarding — this feature makes direct communication between peers easier, offering faster torrent download speeds and a stable connection.
- Top security and privacy features — I tested each VPN to confirm that it secures my torrenting sessions with strong encryption and prevents potential data leaks.
- No IP leaks — throughout my tests, I made sure that the VPNs masked my real IP, eliminating the risk of accidental exposure during torrenting.
- P2P support — I verified that all the recommended VPNs are optimized for P2P file sharing to ensure seamless torrenting sessions.
- Tunneling protocol — considering that advanced tunneling protocols are important for torrenting, I verified that the VPNs recommended by Redditors have protocols suitable for torrenting, such as OpenVPN or WireGuard.
- Fast speeds — I rigorously tested each VPN, ensuring the speeds are optimal for quick torrent file transfers without undue waiting times. This is because of the importance of speed for torrenting.
- Large networks — I scrutinized server locations, as an expansive network indicates more connection alternatives, mitigating server congestion and ensuring optimal torrenting speeds.
- Money-back guarantees — it’s essential to have a safety net. So, I made sure the VPNs gave me the freedom to try the service and see if it aligned with my torrenting needs.
Warning! Reddit Does Not Recommend These Torrenting VPNs
So far, I have focused on the VPNs that most Reddit users recommend for fast and safe torrenting. However, there are quite a few of them out there that Redditors also warn you of.
Hola VPN
Users often cite that this VPN isn’t a true VPN, as it works by sharing idle bandwidth from its users rather than offering dedicated servers. Others complain that it is riddled with malware.
Turbo VPN
Redditors mention its lack of transparency about server locations and its track record of inconsistent speeds. Its limited servers can also affect P2P connections.
Betternet
Known for its free tier, Betternet is frequently flagged on Reddit for its questionable privacy policy, which might mean it logs more user data than it claims.
Touch VPN
Many Reddittors have reported inconsistent speeds and unstable connections. For torrenting, a stable connection is essential.
Windscribe
While Windscribe does offer a decent free tier, some Redditors have pointed out concerns regarding its data cap for free users. The limited data can quickly be consumed during torrenting.
FAQs: Torrenting VPNs by Reddit
Can I use a free VPN for torrenting according to Reddit?
Yes, you can use a safe and reliable free VPN for torrenting. But keep in mind that Redditors generally advise that many free VPNs are not ideal for torrenting for various reasons, including speeds, security, and data limits. I wouldn’t recommend them either because you’re not fully protected from hackers.
Most free VPNs offer slower speeds, have strict data caps, and some may log user activity or show intrusive ads. For secure and efficient torrenting, investing in a reputable paid VPN is the most common recommendation on Reddit.
Is Reddit a trustworthy site for torrenting VPN recommendations?
Yes. You can find the best VPNs for torrenting based on Reddit recommendations. Reddit can be a valuable platform for gathering real-user experiences and opinions on torrenting VPNs, as Redditors are typically brutally honest and notice most downsides.
However, I always cross-reference information from Reddit with other reliable sources and official VPN websites. While many Redditors provide genuine insights, the platform can also have biased or promotional content.
Is it legal to use a VPN for torrenting?
Yes, using a VPN for torrenting is legal in many countries and recommended for privacy and security. However, while a VPN can keep your torrenting activity safe, it doesn’t make illegal activities legal.
In other words, what you torrent matters. Downloading or distributing copyrighted material without permission is illegal in most jurisdictions. Always ensure that your downloaded torrents comply with copyright laws and local regulations. Be sure to check the laws in your country regarding VPN use.
Get The Best VPN for Torrenting According to Reddit
Selecting the right VPN for torrenting in 2024 is crucial for safety, speed, and an overall seamless experience. Thankfully, Reddittors often offer valuable insights into the best options, so you can choose smartly. I have tested the VPNs Redditors recommend and those they don’t for torrenting.
Amongst all, ExpressVPN consistently stands out as the best due to its remarkable torrenting speeds and superior security. You can test ExpressVPN out completely risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee — if you don’t like it, you can request a full refund.
