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. Our recommendations also include useful features such as split-tunneling and dedicated P2P servers. Proton VPN is our Editors’ Choice winner, but it isn’t the only one we recommend. Compare the best VPNs for torrenting below to find the one that suits you best.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 3, 2025: With this update, our lineup of recommended VPNs for torrenting remains unchanged. The existing picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated three new VPNs for potential inclusion in this roundup.
- 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 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.
Simultaneous VPN Connections
10
Server Locations
117 countries
Free Version Data Limit
Unlimited
Learn More
Proton VPN Review
- 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 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.
Surfshark VPN has a high monthly fee, but it still offers a decent value proposition since it places no limit on the number of simultaneous connections allowed. 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
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Surfshark VPN Review
- 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 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.
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.
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
- Anonymous signup allowed
- Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and devices
- Helpful AI support bot
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
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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 prioritizing privacy. Mullvad VPN supports P2P traffic on all its servers, and it charges a flat fee of 5 euros, making it an affordable 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 offers recurring subscriptions, storing even less customer information. That does make it a somewhat unusual user experience, but if you want the most privacy for very little money, Mullvad is the ideal choice.
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 ideal choice.
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 offers flexible pricing, both in terms of cost and contract length. It also has two important features no other VPNs other than Mullvad VPN can claim. First, it utilizes a privacy-protecting account number system that requires minimal 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 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 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?
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 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 live in an area with more aggressive enforcement, a VPN is essential to avoid termination of your internet service 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. 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. 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, we’ve 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 we ensure the services we recommend have undergone third-party audits and have faced real-world inquiries from authorities regarding user data. Of course, we only chose ones that had nothing to hand over. All services on this list have been thoroughly reviewed, and you can learn more about our testing process for 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 of user activity could potentially be compelled to hand over information to law enforcement, even if that data is stored securely. In our reviews, we always detail the information a particular VPN collects and how the company handles law enforcement requests for information. We 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.
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 our 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 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 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. 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 your data remains protected. Don’t worry; you can always resume your download once connectivity is restored.
Recommended by Our Editors
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, along with an increase in latency. Because a VPN works by encrypting your traffic and sending it through an additional server, this adds time and distance, which usually results in a decrease in performance. For torrents, it can mean a longer wait before you receive the completed file, although the main factor will be the number of seeders for a given 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 reasons are why we don’t recommend choosing a VPN based solely on performance scores. Our experience will not be reflective of every user. 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 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.
