BitTorrent and VPNs have long been used hand-in-hand. A good VPN is essential for safe torrenting. Internet service providers (ISPs) monitor peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic, and many have blanket bans on torrenting, even if you aren't engaging in illegal activity. Regardless of what you use it for, every VPN on this list prioritizes user privacy and goes the extra mile to protect your data, including your browsing and downloading traffic. My recommendations also include useful features such as split-tunneling and dedicated P2P servers. Proton VPN is our Editors' Choice winner, but it is far from the only option I recommend. Compare the best VPNs for torrenting below to find the one that suits you best.
Overview
-
Jump To Details
![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
-
Jump To Details
![NordVPN]()
Best Premium FeaturesNordVPN
-
Jump To Details
![Surfshark VPN]()
Best for Unlimited ConnectionsSurfshark VPN
-
Jump To Details
![ExpressVPN]()
Best for Torrenting Outside the USExpressVPN
-
Jump To Details
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Privacy Conscious UsersWindscribe VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Mullvad VPN]()
Best for Affordable PrivacyMullvad VPN
-
Jump To Details
![IVPN]()
Best for Flexible PricingIVPN
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
-
Credit: Proton
![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
Pros & Cons
Proton VPN's stance on privacy is unyielding. It makes all inquiries it receives from authorities public. The company goes out of its way to list every order it has complied with and how many times that compliance has resulted in the handover of user data, which is none.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Proton’s app packs a ton of features into a minimalist dashboard. NetShield is a built-in ad and tracker blocker that we found to be quite effective on text-based sites. Each plan allows for 10 simultaneous device connections. Proton has servers tailored for streaming, peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic, TOR access, and multi-hop SecureCore connections. These torrenting servers are purpose-built for torrenting and add an additional layer of obfuscation, ensuring your activities are protected from prying eyes.
Privacy and security: The people behind Proton take privacy seriously with an unyielding commitment to transparency and accountability that you don’t often see in the VPN space. All apps are open-source, so you never have to question if there’s a hidden vulnerability that could compromise your data. Annual audits and frequent transparency reports show that Proton is maintaining its standards year after year.
Speed and performance: Proton’s premium servers place the service in the middle of the pack, with a 20.11% decrease in download speeds, a 43.21% decrease in upload speeds, and a 351.26% increase in latency.
Streaming: We had no issues streaming Netflix with Proton. Proton’s premium servers worked flawlessly, granting us access to every regional catalog we tested.
User experience and ease of use: Proton is streamlined and easy to use for both beginners and experienced users. Features are easily accessible and clearly labeled on mobile. It’s easy to tell when you’re connected to a server, and you can access advanced options with just a couple of taps.
Who It's For
Users who want a free VPN: Not only does Proton VPN take privacy seriously, but it also offers split tunneling and multi-hop connections. It costs less than many competitors, has respectable speeds, and has the best free plans on the market. Those looking for a free VPN should start here, but Proton VPN's extensive features also make it a good choice for anyone who wants to enhance their online privacy.
Users who want additional features: Proton is packed with advanced features like multi-hop, split tunneling, and Net Shield. Additionally, all of Proton’s extra security tools, such as its password manager and encrypted email service, offer generous free versions.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit US, Netherlands, Japan Free Version Data Limit Unlimited Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit 1 Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 129 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Learn More Proton VPN Review -
-
Credit: NordVPN
![NordVPN]()
Best Premium FeaturesNordVPN
Pros & Cons
NordVPN offers a large selection of P2P-supported servers and takes a rock-solid stance on privacy. It also features several enhancements that simplify torrenting, including split tunneling, a kill switch, and Tor over VPN.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: You can take advantage of NordLynx, which is a fast, open-source, and reliable protocol. Nord is packed with advanced features like split tunneling and multi-hop connections. Additionally, Nord’s Threat Protection Pro keeps you safe from malware and blocks nasty trackers that tend to show up on torrenting sites.
Privacy and security: Nord maintains transparent privacy standards with third-party audits and a frequently updated transparency report. NordLynx uses open-source technology, so you can take a look at what makes the service tick. Nord doesn’t keep logs, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified in multiple security audits by VerSprite, Cure53, Deloitte, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).
Speed and performance: Nord has consistently delivered excellent performance in our tests. It reduced our download speeds by just 5.20%, upload speeds by 5.78%, and increased our latency by 58.14%. Just keep in mind that your experience may vary depending on your proximity to a Nord server.
Streaming: Streaming with Nord was streamlined. We didn’t experience any buffering or stuttering with videos. Additionally, Nord managed to unblock every regional Netflix library we tested.
User experience and ease of use: Nord’s mobile apps are simple and easy to use, though you may find them a bit basic if you’re coming from the more configurable desktop dashboard. All advanced settings are tucked away neatly behind various tabs.
Who It's For
Users who want advanced features: NordVPN is a good choice for fast torrenting and for people who prioritize more than just download speeds. It's one of the very few VPNs to offer split tunneling and multi-hop connections. If you can afford the hefty monthly fee, NordVPN offers an attractive combination of fast download speeds, bonus features, and flexibility.
Experienced users who need premium security: Experienced VPN users will get the most out of a NordVPN subscription. Features like the company's unique Meshnet offering are interesting and expansive, but they may be confusing to anyone unfamiliar with VPN use.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 118 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 6 Supported Protocols on Android NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec Supported Protocols on macOS NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 Learn More NordVPN Review -
-
Credit: Surfshark
![Surfshark VPN]()
Best for Unlimited ConnectionsSurfshark VPN
Pros & Cons
Surfshark allows P2P file sharing on all servers and has a straightforward privacy policy that clearly outlines how it handles user data. It also features a strong set of capabilities, including multi-hop connections and the option to receive new IP addresses at regular intervals.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Surfshark's network has good global coverage with presence in 100 countries. Advanced connection options, such as multi-hop and post-quantum encryption, make it easy to tailor your security preferences. Surfshark aims to be a one-app security solution. You can configure an antivirus, ad blocker, and additional identity protection tools all in one place.
Privacy and security: Privacy policies can be confusing and dense. Surfshark takes a beginner-friendly approach and has an in-depth but digestible policy that explains how the company handles data. The service has verified these claims with frequent third-party audits and quarterly transparency reports.
Speed and performance: Surfshark's performance was impressive. We only saw a 3.25% decrease in download speeds, a 6.07% decrease in upload speeds, and an 83.92% increase in latency.
Streaming: Netflix access was no problem for Surfshark. It accessed every regional catalog we tested without running into blocks. We did not experience stuttering or slow load times even when connected to distant locations.
User experience and ease of use: We found the desktop version of Surfshark to be pretty slick and streamlined. The mobile version can be a tad cluttered, but both versions are easy enough to get the hang of.
Who It's For
Multi-device households: Surfshark VPN has a high monthly fee, but it still offers a decent value proposition, as it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Large families or anyone with numerous devices should look here.
Users who want a one-app solution: The biggest selling point for Surfshark is its ecosystem of privacy tools. It's a good choice for those who may not want a handful of subscriptions to different services. With Surfshark, you can configure an array of tools all from a single control hub under one account.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 100 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Learn More Surfshark VPN Review -
-
Credit: ExpressVPN
![ExpressVPN]()
Best for Torrenting Outside the USExpressVPN
Pros & Cons
ExpressVPN's extensive global server network means you're more likely to get a speedy local connection for torrenting. Its Lightway protocol, which prioritizes speed and privacy, also makes it a great choice.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is known for its reliability and is backed by post-quantum encryption, making it suited for privacy-sensitive tasks like torrenting. You can also use split tunneling to have other apps bypass the VPN's encryption.
Privacy and security: ExpressVPN is transparent about its data practices. The service does log aggregate data on user usage, but the company claims none of this information can be tied back to user accounts. Biannual transparency reports reinforce this claim, as do the 22 independent security audits Express has undergone.
Speed and performance: ExpressVPN decreased download speeds by 18.55%, upload speeds by 7.45%, and increased latency by 95.62%. These scores place it ahead of most services.
Streaming: Netflix access was seamless with ExpressVPN. We put it up against five regional catalogs in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It performed well, giving us unrestricted access to every single one.
User experience and ease of use: ExpressVPN has a slick, easy-to-use interface. Its single-button connection screen makes it a breeze to connect, and the settings menu offers plenty of advanced features for those who want to fine-tune their connection.
Who It's For
Frequent travelers: With numerous server locations, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for torrent users living or traveling outside the US. Anyone keen on spoofing their location should also be well served.
Bing watchers: ExpressVPN is for those who want fast, reliable streaming. The VPN's specialized Lightway protocol makes it an excellent option for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 105 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10-14 Supported Protocols on Android Lightway Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP Learn More ExpressVPN Review -
-
Credit: Windscribe
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Privacy Conscious UsersWindscribe VPN
Pros & Cons
Windscribe VPN has a lot going for it: a stellar privacy record, excessive transparency, a snappy app, and more. But what makes it ideal for torrenting is the company's exemplary approach to personal data protection. This guarantees that even if an ISP comes knocking about your torrenting traffic, Windscribe won't have any identifying logs to hand over in the first place.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Windscribe allows for unlimited simultaneous device connections and grants access to a sizable physical server network. The VPN offers advanced features such as split tunneling and double-hop (also known as multi-hop) server connections. The company's unrelenting stance on privacy makes it particularly well-suited for sensitive tasks such as torrenting.
Privacy and security: Windscribe doesn't log your data, and its fast and anonymous signup process allows you to use the VPN app without giving up a lot of data about yourself. Next, you can pay for the app using various payment methods, including cryptocurrency. On Windscribe's website, you'll find the company's ethics statement and a transparency report detailing every law enforcement request it receives.
Speed and performance: Windscribe's performance was solid. Download speed test scores decreased by only 10.66%, upload speed test scores decreased by 13.20%, and latency increased by 67.01%.
Streaming: We were able to watch Netflix without any restrictions while connected to Windscribe’s network. We could access the entire library when connected to five Windscribe servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US.
User experience and ease of use: Minimalists will appreciate Windscribe's Android app interface. It’s simple and straightforward to use, without skimping on advanced settings. You can use the one-button dashboard to get connected quickly, or you can dive into a detailed settings menu full of tutorials and useful links.
Who It's For
Users who value privacy: Those looking for a VPN dedicated to user privacy would be hard-pressed to find a company more devoted to the cause than Windscribe.
Users who want to stay anonymous: Windscribe has a completely anonymous signup process that doesn't require an email address to get started. You can also make payments in crypto to avoid your identity being tied to the account whatsoever.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Free Version Data Limit 10GB Per Month Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 69 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Learn More Windscribe VPN Review -
-
![Mullvad VPN]()
Best for Affordable PrivacyMullvad VPN
Pros & Cons
Mullvad VPN has a long history of prioritizing privacy. Mullvad VPN supports P2P traffic on all its servers and charges a flat fee of 5 euros, making it an affordable option for most people.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Mullvad has a lot of great features at the affordable price of just five euros. It has a robust ad and tracker blocker that performed well on text-based sites during our tests. It has handy advanced features like multi-hop, split tunneling, and access to a customer-only privacy-based search engine called Leta. Each subscription supports five simultaneous device connections.
Privacy and security: You can use Mullvad without attaching any personal information to an account. The privacy policy outlines all of the ins and outs of how the company handles data. Mullvad is a no-logs VPN that does not retain user data, and the company takes a stance against affiliate marketing by not engaging in it or any paid sponsorships to promote its service. The VPN’s policy measures were put to the test in 2023 when it was searched by the Swiss police, which found no data and handed none over.
Speed and performance: Mullvad performed well in our latest bout of speed tests. It reduced our download speeds by 10.57%, upload speeds by 4.23%, and increased our latency by only 15.90%. Just keep in mind that we don’t recommend choosing a VPN based solely on speed scores. Our tests are a snapshot of a single location at a single time. Your experience will likely vary based on your proximity to a VPN server, among other factors.
Streaming: We test every VPN we review against five regional Netflix catalogs: the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Mullvad successfully granted open access to all catalogs without issue.
User experience and ease of use: Mullvad’s Android interface is simple but fully featured. It's easy to set up a connection and scroll through the server list. Advanced options are a couple of clicks away, making it a breeze to configure the VPN to your liking. It’s not as flashy as its higher-priced competitors, but we appreciated its simplicity and ease of use.
Who It's For
Users who want a basic VPN: Mullvad VPN will appeal to people seeking basic VPN coverage at a good price without having to fork over sensitive personal information. It has a simple, easy-to-use interface, making it a great pick for those who want a bare-bones VPN.
Users who want affordable privacy: Mullvad VPN goes to extraordinary lengths to protect customer privacy. You don't need to create an account or even a password—you identify yourself with an account number, and Mullvad will even let you pay your bill with cash sent to its headquarters. The company also no longer offers recurring subscriptions, storing even less customer information.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 50 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 5 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, WireGuard Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More Mullvad VPN Review -
-
Credit: IVPN
![IVPN]()
Best for Flexible PricingIVPN
Pros & Cons
IVPN uses an account system that protects your privacy from the start. We like how crisp the service's minimalist design looks on Android. The app also offers many helpful features, including app-level split tunneling and a kill switch.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: IVPN supports seven simultaneous device connections and offers advanced features such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and multi-hop. AniTracker does what the name implies and blocks unwanted trackers and ads while you browse the web. IVPN’s multi-hop implementation stands out by allowing you to build custom paths rather than choose from pre-made options. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to opt for the slightly more expensive Pro plan to access advanced options like multi-hop.
Privacy and security: You don’t have to provide any personal information to use IVPN. Each account is tied to a unique identifier instead of a traditional username or password. You can even send cash directly to IVPN to pay for your account if you don’t want a credit card or any other payment method tied to your subscription. Beyond payment options, IVPN has an in-depth privacy policy, doesn’t keep any logs, and undergoes frequent third-party audits from Cure53 to verify its policies.
Speed and performance: IVPN performed below average in our latest round of speed tests. It slowed our download and upload speeds by 80.24% and 85.01%, respectively. Latency increased by 155.81%.
Streaming: We test every VPN to see if it can access five regional Netflix catalogs: the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia. IVPN performed well and gave us unrestricted access to each region’s library without any issues.
User experience and ease of use: IVPN has a simple, straightforward interface. Despite its simplicity, it has plenty of configuration options so that you can tailor your connection to your specific needs. All operating systems share a similar design and experience, which makes it easy to switch between devices and platforms.
Who It's For
Users who want a simple, private VPN: IVPN will appeal to individuals who are keen to reveal as little about themselves as possible and want a VPN company that will do the same. Some of its advanced features are sure to entice anyone seeking tight control over their network security, and its speeds are impressive.
Users who want flexible pricing: IVPN offers a unique subscription model that lets you pay by the week, month, or year. If you just need a VPN for a few days, IVPN is one of the few services that can accommodate that subscription length.
Specs & Configurations
Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Server Locations 32 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 7 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More IVPN Review -
Compare Specs
Our Pick | ||||||||||
Rating |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best Overall | Best Premium Features | Best for Unlimited Connections | Best for Torrenting Outside the US | Best Privacy Conscious Users | Best for Affordable Privacy | Best for Flexible Pricing | Best Overall | Best Premium Features | Best for Unlimited Connections |
Blocks Ads | ||||||||||
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 | 6 | Unlimited | 10-14 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | 10 | 6 | Unlimited |
500+ Servers | ||||||||||
Server Locations | 129 countries | 118 countries | 100 Countries | 105 Countries | 69 Countries | 50 Countries | 32 Countries | 129 countries | 118 countries | 100 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | ||||||||||
Free Version | ||||||||||
Free Version Data Limit | Unlimited | No Free Version | No Free Version | No Free Version | 10GB Per Month | No Free Version | No Free Version | Unlimited | No Free Version | No Free Version |
Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2026
Do I Need a VPN for Torrenting?
Whether you need a VPN for torrenting depends on your location. Countries like Mexico, Spain, and Switzerland have no laws against torrenting for personal use. Meanwhile, countries like the US and the UK have been known to crack down and fine or even jail frequent offenders. Almost every country places some sort of restriction on distributing torrents, so make sure you’re well aware of your local laws before engaging in any P2P activity.
A VPN is a good idea if you don’t want your ISP to know what you’re torrenting, even if it is legal. If the ISP decides your activity violates their policies, the first step is usually a warning, and that letter or email will often include the names of the files you downloaded. This can result in an awkward conversation if you share a network with a friend, parent, or spouse who isn't in the loop.
If you've already been warned or live in an area with more aggressive enforcement, a VPN is essential to avoid having your internet service terminated or, in rare cases, a lawsuit. Even harmless P2P traffic of copyright-free content can get you in hot water with overbearing ISPs, as some have a blanket policy forbidding any and all torrent activity. Using a VPN lets you circumvent these blocks and gives you your privacy (and choice) back.
Regardless of your stance on the issue, your local laws still apply. I don’t recommend or condone using a VPN for illegal activity. Be sure to research what laws apply to you and familiarize yourself with your ISP’s terms and conditions.
What a VPN won’t do is prevent a malicious file from hitching a ride on a torrent and infecting your device. P2P sites are rife with malware, fake download buttons, and ads. To stay safe, you need to expand your security toolkit. A VPN should be part of a layered security approach and can't replace other critical security tools, such as good antivirus software, a password manager, an ad blocker, and multi-factor authentication.
Will a VPN Hide My Torrenting From My ISP or the Police?
Yes, when used correctly, a reputable VPN will prevent your data from being leaked to your ISP and authorities. It also makes it more difficult for other third parties to track and monitor your activity. That's a good thing, not only if you have dubious torrenting habits but also because it generally protects your privacy. However, keep in mind that data breaches can occur even with the best services. Ensure you’re placing your trust in a reputable company with a proven track record of safeguarding user data.
Given the consequences involved, I have curated a list of options that exceed expectations in terms of privacy. It’s not enough to just have a no-logs policy. No company is immune to data breaches, leaks, or hacks. That includes VPNs. While such occurrences are rare, you’re ultimately placing your trust in a single entity to safeguard your data. That’s why I ensure the services I recommend have undergone third-party audits and have faced real-world inquiries from authorities regarding user data. Of course, I only chose ones that had nothing to hand over. All services on this list have been thoroughly reviewed, and you can learn more about my VPN testing process here.
A VPN should store as little information as possible. The less a company retains then the less it can hand over in the event of a server seizure. A service that keeps logs of user activity could potentially be compelled to hand over information to law enforcement, even if that data is stored securely. In my reviews, I always detail the information a particular VPN collects and how the company handles law enforcement requests for information. I pay particular attention to services that release transparency reports detailing the number of requests they receive and how they respond. Many are required to respond to authorities. However, if a VPN truly doesn’t keep any user data, then it will have nothing to hand over.
Recommended by Our Editors
Can I Use BitTorrent on My VPN?
You can with the services on this list, but there may be restrictions. Not every VPN allows torrenting, so check the terms of service before you make a purchase. While all of my picks here allow torrenting, some, such as NordVPN, only permit it on specific servers. Note that almost every service that allows torrenting also explicitly forbids breaking copyright law.
Some VPNs offer tools particularly useful for torrenting. One feature, split tunneling, lets you designate the traffic that uses your encrypted connection. You can use it to route your torrenting activity through the VPN, freeing up the rest of your bandwidth for other purposes.
A stable connection is important when torrenting. If your connection to the VPN’s network drops, your data could be exposed to your ISP. I recommend enabling a kill switch if your VPN has one. It will block all traffic in the event of a network hiccup or failure, keeping your data protected. Don’t worry; you can always resume your download once connectivity is restored.
Will a VPN Affect My Torrenting Speeds?
Yes, using a VPN will inevitably affect your traffic. You can expect a decrease in download and upload speeds, along with an increase in latency. Because a VPN encrypts your traffic and sends it through an additional server, this adds time and distance, which usually results in decreased performance. For torrents, it can mean a longer wait before you receive the completed file, though the main factor will be the number of seeders for that file.
A VPN probably won’t improve your connection if it's already on the slower end. Your experience will also vary based on your region, user congestion, and the proximity of the nearest server. Those are the reasons I don’t recommend choosing a VPN solely based on performance scores. My experience will not reflect every user's experience. I do put every option through a series of speed tests to get a general idea of what to expect. For more on how I evaluate performance, you can read my rundown of the fastest VPNs. The chart below displays the results of every service I have tested.
My top picks for torrenting don’t prioritize performance too much. Every VPN I list at least meets expectations, but there are too many variables involved with torrenting to place a lot of emphasis on speeds. I focused more on privacy, features, and support for torrenting.
Do VPN Locations Matter for Torrenting?
Somewhat. Location spoofing isn’t particularly important for P2P traffic. Assess each server location to ensure it is close enough to provide decent performance, and verify that it allows torrent traffic.
A VPN Can Encrypt Your Torrent Traffic
Torrenting without a VPN isn’t worth the risk. It’s not like watching Netflix, where you won't have access to your favorite regional shows without it. Failure to encrypt your traffic can result in threatening letters and termination of your internet service. Even the most expensive VPN is cheaper than dealing with potential legal claims from an angry copyright holder. Whether you decide to spring for a premium account, a cheap VPN, or you just want to dip your toe in with a free VPN, there's a service to meet every need and budget.