Torrenting, although a taboo subject, can benefit users in a number of ways. As it’s a decentralised form of file sharing, it’s a safer alternative for backing up and syncing data. Torrenting is also faster than server-client downloads/uploads, making it the perfect solution for sharing large files.
Despite these advantages, there’s still significant risks that come with torrenting. Whenever you torrent, you’re exposed to malware-ridden files which can wreak havoc on your device. Your IP address is also on display with its P2P (peer-to-peer) activity vulnerable to being tracked by cybercriminals. Additionally, if your ISP detects that you’re torrenting then it may throttle your bandwidth which drastically slows down your internet speeds, making downloading, or backing up any content near-impossible.
To prevent targeted bandwidth throttling, avoid malware, and remain anonymous when torrenting, you need a VPN. With a VPN, your traffic is secured in an encrypted tunnel which blocks cybercriminals from intercepting it. VPNs also hide your online activities so not even your ISP can see that you’re torrenting. It’s safe to say that VPNs are an absolute necessity when it comes to torrenting. So, keep reading to find out the best VPNs for torrenting in 2022!
The best VPNs for torrenting quick guide
- NordVPN – Best overall choice
- ProtonVPN – Robust security
- Surfshark – Budget-friendly
Try out NordVPN* for torrenting now!
Why you need a VPN for torrenting
Torrenting without a VPN is incredibly unsafe and can put you at risk of infecting your device with malware, being tracked by cybercriminals, and having your bandwidth throttled by your ISP. Let’s break down these risks –
Whenever you torrent something, your P2P connection reveals a lot of data that can be used maliciously by cybercriminals. When using a VPN, your traffic is secured in an encrypted tunnel and your identity is concealed so you can torrent anonymously.
Additionally, if you successfully torrent a file, this file could be packed with malware which will quickly spread on your device and cause all sorts of issues. Once the malware infects your device, it can cause irreversible damage and can be used to further spy on you, steal your financial information, or open up a door for even more viruses. Most reputable VPNs come loaded with a built-in ad blocker that can identify malware-infected files and delete them before they have a chance to cause any damage.
Finally, bandwidth throttling is when an ISP (internet service provider) deliberately slows down a user’s internet connection to reduce congestion. ISPs will generally target users who are participating in what it considers as a bandwidth-heavy activity. This includes online gaming, streaming, and, yes, torrenting. If your ISP detects that you’re torrenting then it could throttle your bandwidth leaving you with subpar connection speeds.
If you use a VPN, then your online activity is concealed even from your ISP so they cannot tell whether you are torrenting or not and therefore cannot target you for bandwidth throttling. This can ensure that you always have fast and consistent speeds when torrenting. So, to us, using a VPN for torrenting is an absolute necessity for staying safe, private, and anonymous. Learn more top uses of VPNs in 2022 here!
Our top recommended VPNs for torrenting in 2022
The best VPNs for torrenting will have excellent connection speeds and top-notch security. Additional security features that will be useful include a kill switch, ad blocking technology, and split tunnelling support. Most importantly, your VPN should have a no-logs policy to protect your privacy. After considering this and other factors including the provider’s price, device compatibility, and server network size, here are our top recommended best VPNs for torrenting –
- NordVPN
NordVPN is our top choice VPN for torrenting and this is due to the provider’s superb security features and its unbeatable connection speeds. With NordVPN, you can torrent faster than ever without any interruptions from your ISP. The VPN also ensures that you remain protected against cybercriminals with its military-grade AES-256 encryption.
Aside from this encryption standard, NordVPN offers plenty of additional security features. There’s a kill switch that will automatically disconnect you from the internet completely if it detects an interruption in your VPN connection. Additionally, NordVPN uses obfuscated servers that can bypass VPN-blocking firewalls whilst concealing your VPN usage from your ISP. If you want only to reroute your VPN traffic, then you can make use of NordVPN’s split tunnelling support.
As we’ve mentioned, torrenting can leave you vulnerable to hackers by unknowingly downloading malware-infected files. With NordVPN, you can reduce this risk with the VPN’s Threat Protection feature. This feature will help you identify and delete malware-ridden files by scanning them as they’re downloading. Threat Protection has included ad blocking technology which is incredibly useful for torrenting as torrent websites are usually packed with ads.
Of course, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy which has been independently audited to support the provider’s claims. Since NordVPN is based in Panama, the VPN is not bound by any data retention laws, meaning that they will never be required by law to hand over user data. For even more anonymity when using this VPN, you can pay for your subscription through cryptocurrency.
With over 5400 servers in 60 countries, you’ll definitely have a nearby server to connect to and use when torrenting. NordVPN has no bandwidth caps so you can download as much content as you want. You can use this VPN on up to 6 devices simultaneously by downloading its app/client which is available on all Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux devices.
Try out NordVPN* for torrenting for free for 30-days with their money-back guarantee!
- ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is another capable provider that is ideal for torrenting and other activities which require fast connection speeds and robust security. If you’re especially concerned with staying safe and anonymous when torrenting, then ProtonVPN is likely best suited to you.
On top of its military-grade AES-256 encryption, ProtonVPN goes above and beyond to ensure its users’ online security. The VPN uses only the most secure VPN protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Users also have a kill switch, built-in Tor support, and DNS leak prevention. For faster browsing speeds and a reduced risk of malware, users can enable ProtonVPN’s built-in ad blocker, NetShield. This DNS filtering feature will block all ads before they load and prevent website trackers from following users.
ProtonVPN has over 1600 high-speed servers in 63 countries and all of which are protected by full disk encryption to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, ProtonVPN’s Secure Core architecture allows the provider to defend against other network-based attacks by routing user traffic through multiple servers.
Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN is protected by strong privacy laws and stays outside of both US and EU jurisdiction. As this VPN is open source, its code can be examined by anyone at any time on GitHub. ProtonVPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited, proving their ethics and transparency.
ProtonVPN has P2P support and puts no caps on bandwidth usage. This VPN’s interface is intuitive and easy to use. The client/app can be used on up to 10 devices simultaneously and is available for download on any Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux device.
Try out ProtonVPN* for torrenting for free with their limited unpaid plan!
- Surfshark
Surfshark is another fantastic VPN for torrenting and its cost-effective plan means you can stay safe and anonymous online even when on a tight budget. Despite its affordability, Surfshark still has highly competitive connection speeds, a wide server network, and dependable security features.
With a whopping 3200 servers across 65 countries, no matter where you are, Surfshark has got you covered. These servers are ultra-fast, so you can quickly download large files anytime. Surfshark also uses military-grade AES-256 encryption to secure user traffic and uses secure VPN protocols such as Wireguard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.
Surfshark also has a camouflage mode to hide your VPN usage from your ISP in addition to a NoBorders mode that ensures that even users in restrictive regions can protect themselves with a VPN. This VPN also provides a kill switch, private DNS with leak protection, and ad blocking technology. This built-in ad-blocker, CleanWeb, will block all ads on browsers and apps to protect you from malware and phishing attempts. This, like all ad blockers, will speed up your browser speeds and even save you mobile data.
Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark benefits from the country’s no-logs-friendly legal jurisdiction and has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The provider also uses RAM-only servers that are completely wiped when turned off.
Surfshark has no bandwidth caps so users can torrent as much content as they need. Users are also permitted unlimited simultaneous connections so they can secure and torrent from all their devices. The Surfshark client/app is available to download on any Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, or Linux device.
Try out Surfshark* for torrenting for free for 30-days with their money-back guarantee!