BitTorrent and VPNs have long been used hand-in-hand. A good VPN is a necessity 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 puts an emphasis on user privacy and goes the extra mile to protect your data, including your browsing and downloading traffic. We also made sure to include services that pack in useful features like split-tunneling and dedicated P2P servers. Proton VPN is our Editors’ Choice winner, but it isn’t the only one we recommend. Check out the best VPNs for torrenting below to determine which one is best for you.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- Best free VPN subscription yet
- Numerous advanced privacy tools
- Strong customer privacy stance
- Large server network
- Slick, accessible client
- Excellent upload speed scores
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.
Not only does Proton VPN take privacy seriously, but it also offers split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and VPN access to the Tor anonymization network. 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 depth of features also makes it a good choice for anyone who wants to up their online privacy.
Simultaneous VPN Connections
10
Server Locations
117 countries
Free Version Data Limit
Unlimited
Learn More
Proton VPN Review
Best Premium Features
NordVPN
- Support for multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Bevy of available features and add-ons
- Good speed results
- Built-in antivirus tools
- Excellent design
- Friendly onboarding wizard
- Expensive
- Threat Protection Pro lacks full antivirus capabilities
- Deceptive annual renewal pricing
NordVPN offers a large selection of P2P-supported servers and takes a rock-solid stance on privacy. It also has plenty of features that make torrenting easier, such as split tunneling, a kill switch, and Tor over VPN.
NordVPN is a good choice for fast torrenting and for people who care about more than just download speeds. It’s one of the very few VPNs to offer split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and access to the Tor anonymization network over VPN. If you can afford the hefty monthly fee, NordVPN offers an attractive combination of fast download speeds, bonus features, and flexibility.
Simultaneous VPN Connections
6
Server Locations
118 countries
Free Version Data Limit
No Free Version
Learn More
NordVPN Review
Best for Unlimited Connections
Surfshark VPN
- Excellent server coverage and performance
- Impressive suite of security features
- Well-defined privacy policy
- Quarterly transparency reports
- Affordable long-term plans
- High monthly cost
- Average server network size
Surfshark allows P2P file sharing on all servers and has an easy-to-understand privacy policy that outlines exactly how it handles user data. It also has a strong set of features, including multi-hop connections and an option to receive new IP addresses at set intervals.
Surfshark VPN has a high monthly fee, but it still makes for a decent value proposition since it places no limit on your number of allowed simultaneous connections. Large families or anyone with numerous devices should look here.
Simultaneous VPN Connections
Unlimited
Server Locations
100 Countries
Free Version Data Limit
No Free Version
Learn More
Surfshark VPN Review
Best for Torrenting Outside the US
ExpressVPN
- Large, diverse, widely distributed fleet of servers
- Fast speed test results
- Strong privacy and security practices
- Support for post-quantum encryption protocols
- Expensive monthly and annual plans
- No multi-hop connections
- Ad blocking is spotty
- Ownership with a sketchy past
ExpressVPN’s large global server network means you’ll be more likely to get a speedy local connection for torrenting. Its Lightway protocol, which prioritizes speed and privacy, also makes it a great choice.
With numerous server locations, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for torrent users living or traveling outside the US. Anyone keen on spoofing their location (perhaps to listen to the BBC iPlayer) should also be well served.
Simultaneous VPN Connections
8
Server Locations
105 Countries
Free Version Data Limit
No Free Version
Learn More
ExpressVPN Review
Best Privacy Conscious Users
Windscribe VPN
- Industry-leading company transparency and communication
- Large number of payment options
- Best free plan of any VPN we’ve tested
- Helpful AI support bot
- Open Netflix access in all regions benchmarked
- Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and devices
- Anonymous signup allowed
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.
Those looking for a VPN dedicated to user privacy would be hard-pressed to find a company more devoted to the cause than Windscribe.
Simultaneous VPN Connections
Unlimited
Server Locations
69 Countries
Free Version Data Limit
10GB Per Month
Learn More
Windscribe VPN Review
Best for Affordable Privacy
Mullvad VPN
- Affordable
- Requires no email or account information
- Radically transparency
- Open Netflix access in all regions tested
- Awkward desktop interface
- No transparency report or warrant canary
- Servers in a small range of countries
Mullvad VPN has a long history of putting privacy first. Mullvad VPN supports P2P traffic on all of its servers, and it only charges a flat fee of 5 euros, making it an easy purchase for most people.
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 provides recurring subscriptions to store even less customer information. That does make it a bit of an unusual user experience, but if you want the most privacy for very little money, Mullvad is for you.
Simultaneous VPN Connections
5
Server Locations
38 Countries
Free Version Data Limit
No Free Version
Learn More
Mullvad VPN Review
Best for Open Web Supporters
Mozilla VPN
- Helps support nonprofit Mozilla
- Powered by privacy hawk Mullvad VPN
- Simple, classy design
- Multi-hop and split tunneling
- Few server locations
- Gathers some user information
- Expensive compared with Mullvad VPN
Mozilla VPN is part of a team that has long focused on privacy and security. The service includes all of the features you’d want to see in a VPN, and your money also goes toward supporting the storied nonprofit.
Mozilla VPN uses the same infrastructure as Mullvad VPN but costs more and requires an account to use it—something Mullvad VPN does not. However, Mozilla VPN has a better design and a more familiar billing system. If those features, as well as supporting a nonprofit, are important to you, Mozilla VPN is the way to go.
Simultaneous VPN Connections
5
Server Locations
37 Countries
Free Version Data Limit
No Free Version
Learn More
Mozilla VPN Review
Best for Flexible Pricing
IVPN
- Flexible, affordable pricing
- Powerful multi-hop system
- Privacy is baked into its account system
- Strong stance on transparency
- Offers few server locations
- Multi-hop and account ID features might confuse some
IVPN is all about flexible pricing, both in terms of cost and length of contract. It also has two important features no other VPNs other than Mullvad VPN can claim. First, it uses a privacy-protecting account number system that requires very little personal information. Second, it accepts cash payments sent to its HQ. IVPN also offers a unique system that lets you choose any entry and exit point for a multi-hop connection.
IVPN will appeal to the person who is keen to reveal as little about themselves as possible and wants a VPN company that will do the same. Some of its advanced features are sure to entice anyone who wants tight control of their network security, and its speeds are impressive.
Simultaneous VPN Connections
7
Server Locations
32 Countries
Free Version Data Limit
No Free Version
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The Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2025
Do I Need a VPN for Torrenting?
It’s a good idea to have a VPN if you’re going to do a lot of torrenting. ISPs can track what you download when you use a torrent client if you don’t secure that traffic. If the ISP decides your activity runs afoul of 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 you live somewhere with more aggressive enforcement, then a VPN is a must to avoid termination of your internet service or, on rare occasions, 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. We 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. You need to expand your security toolkit to stay safe. A VPN needs to be part of a layered approach to security 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.
Given the consequences involved, we’ve curated a list of options that go above and beyond 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 we ensure the services we recommend have undergone third-party audits and have faced real-world inquiries for user data by authorities. Of course, we only chose ones that had nothing to hand over. All services on this list have been extensively reviewed, and you can read more about how we test VPNs 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 about user activity could potentially be forced to hand information over to law enforcement, even if that data is stored securely. In our reviews, we always detail what information a particular VPN collects and how the company interacts with law enforcement requests for information. We pay particular attention to services that release transparency reports that detail the number of requests it received and how it responded. 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.
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 be sure to check the terms of service before you make a purchase. While all of our picks here allow torrenting, some, like NordVPN, only let you do so on certain servers. Note that almost every service that allows torrenting also explicitly forbids breaking copyright law.
Some VPNs have tools that are 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.
A stable connection is important when torrenting. If your connection to the VPN’s network drops, your data could be exposed to your ISP. We recommend enabling a kill switch if your VPN has one. It will cut off all traffic in the event of a network hiccup or failure, so it’s not exposed. 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 invariably have a negative impact on your traffic. You can expect a decrease in download and upload speeds, as well as an increase in latency. Because a VPN works by encrypting your traffic and sending it through an additional server, that adds time and distance, which usually means a decrease in performance. For torrents, it can mean a longer wait before you get the completed file, though the main factor will be the number of seeders on a given file.
Recommended by Our Editors
A VPN won’t do anything to fix or 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 reasons are why we don’t recommend picking a VPN based on performance scores alone. Our experience will not be reflective of every user. That said, we do put every option through a series of speed tests to get a general idea of what to expect. For more on how we evaluate performance, you can read our rundown of the fastest VPNs. The chart below displays the results of every service we have tested.
Our top picks for torrenting don’t focus too heavily on performance. Every VPN we list at least meets our expectations, but there are too many variables involved with torrenting to place a lot of emphasis on speeds. We focused more on privacy, features, and torrenting support.
Do VPN Locations Matter for Torrenting?
Somewhat. Location spoofing isn’t particularly important for P2P traffic. Assess each server location to make sure it is close enough to offer decent performance, and double-check 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’ll simply not 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.
Chris Stobing contributed to this article.
