If you frequently torrent, using a VPN service probably isn't a bad idea. While BitTorrent itself is a legal, effective peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol, it's become virtually synonymous with downloading and distributing copyrighted media. While we don't condone illegal downloading, protecting your privacy is a separate consideration: since BitTorrent shares files directly between users, both your ISP and other people accessing the same files can see your public IP address. Routing your connection through a VPN means your IP and the contents of your web traffic stay hidden. That said, since no VPN service can guarantee complete anonymity, choosing a provider ultimately comes down to who you trust the most with your data.
Our recommendations focus on the best VPNs for downloading and seeding torrents. Speed and price matter, but so do privacy and keeping your client encrypted. Ideally, a good VPN for torrenting should offer:
- P2P support and unlimited data for large downloads
- A functional kill switch to block traffic if the VPN connection drops
- Clear privacy and no-logging policies, backed by a verifiable audit history
- The option for port forwarding, to let your torrent client accept connections from more peers
You might be wondering if it's possible to use a free VPN to torrent securely. While technically possible, your options are pretty slim, and the downsides can be huge. Have a look at our article for a rundown of the risks involved, and check out our roundups of the best cheap VPNs and the best VPNs for privacy for more recommendations.
Since 2025, we've published reviews for over 20 different VPN services. These reviews followed months of research, test development, and collaboration among our engineers, testers, writers, photographers, and editors. Our process for each review involves extensive work behind the scenes, including rigorous checks and balances, to deliver the most accurate and useful test results so you can make the right purchasing decisions for your needs.
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Best VPN For Torrenting
Torrent9.3Speed7.4Policies & Practices9.4Security8.6Simultaneous Devices:9.9Data Limit:N/ADestinations:9.2See all our test resultsPort Forwarding:YesWindscribe is the best VPN for torrenting we've tested, thanks to its principled stance on customer privacy and useful tools for downloading and seeding. The company's privacy and no-logging policies are clear, comprehensive, and supported by a spotless history of independent audits. The Pro plan includes unlimited data and simultaneous connections, so large downloads won't eat into a monthly allowance, plus port forwarding so other peers can connect directly to your torrent client. This can help you reach more peers when downloading and keep your files accessible when seeding. You can use the VPN without providing an email address, and the app's built-in kill switch is effective at stopping outbound traffic in the event of a sudden disconnect. Windscribe also comes with integrated ad blocking and obfuscation tools. If you're on Windows, you can set a split tunneling rule so only your torrent client uses the VPN, which is handy if a game or streaming service works better over your regular connection.
The main inconvenience comes down to Windscribe's ephemeral port forwarding feature, if you opt to use it: you request a temporary port through the website, and repeat the process every seven days to keep using it. If you want a permanent IP for torrenting, you'll have to pay an extra $24 USD annually. If you don't need port forwarding, Windscribe's custom Build-a-Plan option is a cheaper alternative: two paid servers and unlimited data cost just $3 USD per month, with torrenting support in eligible locations. Windscribe accepts standard payment options like credit cards and PayPal, as well as privacy-friendly alternatives like cryptocurrency and cash by mail.
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Best VPN For Torrenting With More Locations
Torrent9.1Speed7.0Policies & Practices6.3Security8.6Simultaneous Devices:9.1Data Limit:N/ADestinations:9.6See all our test resultsPort Forwarding:YesProton VPN is the next-best VPN for torrenting if you're looking for a larger selection of server locations than our top pick. Like Windscribe, this VPN effectively keeps your IP address hidden while you use it, supports port forwarding, and has a functional kill switch that cuts off your traffic if the tunnel drops. With support for up to 10 device connections and servers across more than 100 countries, it's easy to pick a server close to home so your internet stays fast. You get split tunneling to control which apps get routed through the VPN, along with ad blocking and obfuscation features to hide your VPN traffic. Proton takes a slightly different approach to port forwarding than Windscribe: it lets you manage it directly through the app (though you'll still need to update your torrent client when the assigned port number changes).
The downside is that its privacy policies and business practices aren't as clear-cut as Windscribe's, and its wall of fine print does little to hide the fact that the VPN collects more user data than strictly necessary to function. Proton costs slightly more than Windscribe Pro if you pay monthly, but its discounted one-year and two-year subscriptions can work out cheaper per month. It's worth considering if its approach to port forwarding and extra locations suits you better; otherwise, Windscribe remains our top pick. Proton supports standard payment methods, but you can also pay with Bitcoin or mail in cash for greater privacy.
Notable Mentions
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NordVPN:
NordVPN is one of the most recognizable VPN services on the market, with loads of extra features like password management, cloud storage, and file sharing between your devices. It doesn't include port forwarding unless you pay extra, and the company's privacy policy is riddled with legalese indicating it may collect your personal information, so we recommend sticking with Windscribe.
See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 08, 2026:
We've refreshed this article with additional information on port forwarding and pricing per recommendation. We've also reworked the intro to highlight what features matter most for torrenting.
Jul 21, 2026:
We've replaced Mullvad with Windscribe as our main pick because it supports port forwarding. We confirmed all other picks are still relevant and available.
Jun 30, 2026:
We've added Windscribe as an alternative to our top pick, Mullvad. We've also checked the rest of our picks to ensure they still represent the best options available.
Apr 24, 2026:
We've updated this article to reflect that Windscribe now supports an optional hashed login. We've reviewed and verified that our current recommendations remain the best picks, but have added Windscribe as a Notable Mention.
Feb 17, 2026:
We haven't changed any of our recommendations, but we've updated the text throughout the article for better clarity and conciseness.
All Reviews
Our picks above are the best VPNs for torrenting that we've tested so far. We consider a VPN's privacy policies, performance, features, and overall security when deciding what to recommend. We also factor in price and broader feedback within the community.
When choosing a VPN, consider what you need it for and understand its limitations. Depending on your threat level, using one all the time is probably unnecessary. Modern websites, browsers, and devices have ample built-in security measures to protect you from the most common threats. But no matter which service you choose, we recommend enabling its kill switch and binding your torrent client to the VPN for added security.
Want to learn more about today's industry standards for securing data on the internet? Be sure to check out our articles on AES-256 encryption and Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA).
With that in mind, here's the list of all our VPN reviews.