The Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2023

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer protocol that lets you easily move big files across the internet by sharing the burden among downloaders. However, its reputation as piracy’s go-to tool has led a few VPNs to kibosh torrenting on their services. We look at the best VPN services that explicitly allow BitTorrenting and let you know which is best.

Read on for a list of our top VPNs for torrenting, followed by an in-depth explanation of what torrenting is and how torrenting and VPNS interact. Note that we’ve arranged the list below in descending order of the amount each affects download speeds.

Avast SecureLine VPN

Best Download Scores

Why We Picked It

In testing Avast SecureLine VPN, we found that download results were actually 6% faster with it on. Now, we don’t believe that these results are typical, but it’s probably fair to say that Avast SecureLine VPN has little to no impact on download speeds. It’s also not an all-around winner, though, and had a large impact on upload speeds and the largest increase to latency we’ve seen.

Who It’s For

Avast SecureLine VPN performed extremely well in our speed testing, but it lacks most of the features found among the best VPNs. It also eschews a monthly subscription option for a heftier (if competitive) upfront cost. While Avast SecureLine VPN’s download scores are sure to entice the speed-obsessed, other services on this list have a better all-around offering. If you’re already in the Avast ecosystem, however, it might fit into your life quite well. Unlike many VPN services, Avast SecureLine VPN has not released the results of a third-party audit.

PROS

• Excellent download speeds
• Good distribution of server locations
• Transparent privacy policies

CONS

• No additional privacy features
• Hasn’t released third-party audit
• Few server locations

Mozilla VPN

Best for Nonprofit Supporters

Why We Picked It

We found that Mozilla VPN reduced download results by just 1.1% and had strong scores for uploads and latency as well. The service includes all of the features you’d want to see in a VPN, and the money goes toward supporting a storied nonprofit. 

Who It’s For

Mozilla VPN uses the same infrastructure as Mullvad VPN, but does cost more and requires that you create 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 things and supporting a nonprofit are important to you, Mozilla VPN is the way to go.

PROS

• Helps support nonprofit Mozilla
• Powered by privacy hawk Mullvad
• Simple, snazzy design
• Multi-hop and split tunneling
• Excellent Speedtest scores

CONS

• Few server locations
• Expensive, limited compared with Mullvad

Why We Picked It

Proton VPN has received our highest rating for a VPN because it’s an excellent product, and it’s one that has little impact on your downloads. We found that Proton VPN reduced download results by 2.9% and had good results for latency and uploads as well.

Who It’s For

This service is one of the few VPNs that includes split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and VPN access to the Tor anonymization network. It also costs less than many competitors, places a strong emphasis on security and privacy, and has the best free VPN offering we’ve yet seen. Anyone 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.

PROS

• Best free subscription
• Numerous advanced privacy tools
• Strong customer privacy stance
• Slick, accessible client
• Excellent Speedtest scores

CONS

• Awkward Chrome OS implementation
• Complicated pricing structure

NordVPN

Best Speed Scores

Why We Picked It

NordVPN didn’t have the best download results in testing—it reduced download results by 3.4%. But that’s still very good, and most importantly, it had the best upload results as well as the fourth-best latency results. No other VPN we’ve tested can boast that.

Who It’s For

NordVPN is the best all around for performance, and it is also 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 a wealth of features and flexibility.

PROS

• Multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
• Numerous server locations
• Uses WireGuard VPN technology
• Unique Meshnet features

CONS

• Expensive
• Poor malware-blocking results
• Occasionally cramped interface

Surfshark VPN

Best for Large Families

Why We Picked It

In our testing, we found that Surfshark VPN reduced download results by 8.5%, but also had good upload results as well as particularly strong latency results. Surfshark VPN also boasts a strong set of features including multi-hop connections and an option to receive new IP addresses at set intervals.

Who It’s For

Surfshark VPN has a hefty monthly fee, but makes a good value proposition because it places no limit on the number of simultaneous connections. Large families or anyone with numerous devices should look here.

PROS

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Large global server presence
• Multi-hop and split tunneling tools
• Intriguing potential in Surfshark Nexus

CONS

• High monthly price
• Privacy policy needs clarification
• Confusing long-term subscription pricing

Private Internet Access VPN

Best Customization Features

Why We Picked It

Private Internet Access VPN notched respectable scores in our testing. We found that it reduced download results by 10.9% while boasting good upload and especially good latency results. 

Who It’s For

The most unique facet of Private Internet Access VPN is customization. The client app is built of tiles that you can add or remove, letting you craft the perfect interface. Private Internet Access VPN also has deep network settings.

PROS

• Split tunneling and multi-hop
• 10 simultaneous connections
• Numerous server locations
• Good Speedtest scores
• Completed third-party audit

CONS

• Expensive
• No free version

CyberGhost VPN

Best for World Travelers

Why We Picked It

CyberGhost VPN’s most notable feature is that it has more VPN servers than any other service we’ve seen. That doesn’t necessarily translate to better service, but CyberGhost VPN only reduced download results by 13.3%. 

Who It’s For

With numerous servers all over the world, CyberGhost VPN is a good choice for road warriors who need to have a strong selection of servers wherever they go. 

PROS

• Large, well-distributed server fleet
• Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
• Several add-ons, including antivirus
• Outstanding speed test scores
• Newly completed third-party audit

CONS

• Expensive
• Confusing privacy policies

Mullvad VPN

Best for Privacy

Why We Picked It

This service has a long history of being fanatical about privacy, but it also did well in our speed testing. We found that Mullvad VPN reduced download results by 15.5%. It also had remarkably good upload results, but its latency results were lackluster. Mullvad VPN is unusual among VPNs in that it only charges a flat 5-euro fee, making it an easy purchase for most people.

Who It’s For

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 in order 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.

PROS

• Requires no email or account information
• Extremely affordable
• Radically transparent
• Some advanced features, including multi-hop and port forwarding

CONS

• Awkward desktop interface
• Servers in a small range of countries
• Pay-as-you-go system may confuse some customers

StrongVPN

Best for Fire TV Users

Why We Picked It

In our testing, we found that StrongVPN reduced download results by 15.6%. It also had good upload results, but its latency results left something to be desired. Unlike most VPN services, StrongVPN has apps for Amazon Fire TV and ChromeOS.

Who It’s For

StrongVPN impressed us with its speed results, but the rest is a mixed bag. The service is expensive, but it also allows up to 12 simultaneous connections—nearly three times the average. We were also impressed with its server distribution, which covers regions ignored by many other VPN services. Anyone with numerous devices or anyone who needs to access VPN servers in specific parts of the world might find what they need here. Unlike many VPN services, StrongVPN has not released the results of a third-party audit.

(Editor’s Note: StrongVPN is owned by PCMag’s publisher Ziff Davis.)

PROS

• Good server distribution
• Uses the latest VPN technology
• Excellent Speedtest scores
• Supports many devices simultaneously

CONS

• Expensive for what’s offered
• Few additional privacy tools
• Awkward, dated interface

TunnelBear VPN

Best for First-Time VPN Users

Why We Picked It

TunnelBear VPN has long been among our top VPN picks. For one thing, it has a whimsical interface that’s easy to use and bursts with color and charm. For another, it has remained a stalwart champion of customer privacy and corporate transparency. It also performed well in our speed testing, reducing download results by 17.3%. Its latency and upload results were decidedly average.

Who It’s For

TunnelBear VPN’s simplicity and humor make it a great choice for first-time VPN buyers. No one will be intimidated by this VPN service. It also offers a limited free version, meaning you can try it out without having to spend any money. Recently, the company removed restrictions on the number of simultaneous connections, making it a great choice for families or any household with many devices.

PROS

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Excellent privacy policies
• Annual independent audits
• Friendly, approachable design
• Bears

CONS

• No multi-hop connections
• Split tunneling not available on all platforms

Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2023

What Is Torrenting?

BitTorrent (the technology that allows one to “torrent”) has an unsavory reputation, one that is both unfair and well deserved. At its best, BitTorrent addresses the logjam created when too many people try to download large files from a single source at once—be they bootlegged TV shows, hot music tracks, DRM-free books, or terabytes of cat photos.

BitTorrent turns a file’s popularity into a benefit instead of a bottleneck by having each of the downloaders distribute pieces of the file to every other downloader. The whole system is designed to be decentralized, with no main server to choke under the burden of traffic. It’s a brilliant idea but its decentralized nature also makes it perfect for illegally sharing copyrighted content online, too.

Given its reputation, some ISPs and network managers block BitTorrent traffic altogether. To circumvent these barricades, and to protect your privacy when torrenting, using a VPN is sensible. The catch is, not every VPN service allows BitTorrent on its servers.

The Best VPN Services for 2022

Using a VPN may help improve your privacy by preventing your ISP from monitoring your traffic and making it harder for advertisers to track you online. But when it comes to security, we often say that it’s better to think of tools like VPNs as something that increases the amount of work required for someone to successfully attack you. If someone is willing to invest the time and money in targeting you specifically, such as a record label or law enforcement, they will eventually get what they’re after.

A VPN needs to be part of a layered approach to security and can’t take the place of critical tools, such as good antivirus software, a password manager, and multi-factor authentication that’s enabled wherever possible.  

Do I Really Need a VPN for Torrenting?

We often receive emails asking about the interplay between VPNs and BitTorrent. Some of them have included admissions of piracy, and they even offer justifications for it. One reader bemoaned the difficulty in finding legal avenues for material that is not available for sale in a given locale. We sympathize. The state of the public domain has been woefully neglected, keeping countless works entangled in complicated (but lucrative) distribution deals.

But no matter how just the reasoning, the law (however problematic) is the law. ISPs and other tech companies are sometimes compelled to answer when rights holders come with a list of offenses carried out on their infrastructure.

If you are going to use BitTorrent for whatever reason, good luck to you. If you are going to use a VPN, more power to you. But be sure that you take the time to read the VPN’s terms of service before you start. Be aware of the local laws and possible penalties, too—whatever your willingness to obey them. We’re not legal experts, but “I didn’t know the law,” or “I don’t agree with the law,” probably won’t hold up as defenses in a court.

Regardless of how you feel about BitTorrent, the people who own the network you use to connect to the internet or even your ISP may block torrenting altogether. A VPN can help you circumvent those prohibitions by making it harder for people to detect torrenting traffic. Keep in mind, however, that some people and organizations may not take kindly to you breaking their rules.

Will a VPN Hide My Torrenting From My ISP or the Police?

The short answer is that, yes, a VPN can shield your online activities from your ISP. It should also make it harder for someone on the web to identify particular traffic as belonging to you. That’s a good thing, not only if you have legally iffy torrenting habits, but also because it protects your privacy in general.

That said, there are always exceptions. Time and time again, user error and efforts by law enforcement have undermined the protection offered by services like Tor or VPNs. Timing attacks, for example, can correlate packet traffic at a VPN server with activity on your own network, thus linking you to online activities.

In some cases, the problem may be the VPN itself. If the VPN company keeps copious logs about user activity (specifically, the identity of the user, which server they connected to, and when) that could potentially be obtained by law enforcement. We believe that, ideally, VPNs should store as little information as possible, including logs. In our reviews, we always ask VPN services what information they collect and how they interact with law enforcement requests for information. Keep in mind that every company that wants to stay in business will have to comply with a legal request from law enforcement at some point.

Can I Use BitTorrent on My VPN?

Most VPN services are completely fine with you using BitTorrent or P2P services while using their products. None of our top-rated VPN services prohibit file sharing.

Even the services that allow torrenting often have restrictions. Some, for example, may require that you only use BitTorrent when connected to specific VPN servers. For example, NordVPN labels the servers on which torrenting is acceptable. Note that pretty much every VPN service that allows torrenting also explicitly forbids breaking copyright law or otherwise abusing the service.

Some VPNs have tools that are particularly useful for torrenting. Some VPNs let you designate what traffic travels through the VPN connection with split tunneling, so you could have only your torrenting use the VPN and free up the rest of your bandwidth for other activities. New technologies, such as WireGuard, may provide better speeds than older VPN protocols. Our VPN reviews cover the available features in depth, so you’ll find something that works for you.

How Will a VPN Affect My Torrenting Speeds?

When you use a VPN, your web traffic usually travels through more fiber and machines. You should expect slower upload and download speeds and higher latency regardless of the VPN you choose. For large torrents, it can mean a longer wait before you get the completed file.

In our latest round of testing, we record the median from 10 tests with and without a VPN running, and then find a percent change between the two. The greater the change, the more impact the VPN has on your internet connection speeds. For measuring speeds, we use the Ookla Speedtest tool(Opens in a new window). 

(Editor’s Note: Ookla is owned by PCMag’s publisher Ziff Davis.)

As noted above, Avast SecureLine actually racked up better download speed results with the VPN running than with the VPN off. Although we did replicate these results, we do not believe they are typical and that you shouldn’t expect it to do the same for you. Moreover, the rest of its scores leave a lot to be desired. For example, it increased latency by more than 2,000%. 

You can see all the latest results from our testing in the chart below. We’ve changed our testing procedures because of COVID-19 and will continue updating the chart throughout the year with new results.

Networks are finicky things, and we don’t claim our work to be the be-all and end-all of VPN speed testing. Instead, we offer a snapshot of how a particular service performed on a specific day. We also don’t think that speed should be the only metric used to evaluate a VPN, but it’s clearly one that’s of concern to BitTorrent users.

To make this list, we looked at the best download scores across the services we’ve tested thus far. The VPN services in the chart at the top of this story are the ten services that had the least impact on download speed test results. As mentioned earlier, we’ve arranged them in descending order, meaning the VPN at the top had the least impact on download speeds. We looked primarily at download performance for this roundup, so be aware that some of these services may have lackluster upload or latency results even if they had excellent download results.

Previously, TorGuard VPN was on this list of noble torrenting VPNs. While the company allows torrenting outside the US, a legal settlement now requires the company to block torrents on US servers. We may return TorGuard VPN to the list in the future if this changes.

VPN Reliability and Accessibility Issues

VPNs can sometimes make a normal browsing experience somewhat hiccupy. Suddenly losing connectivity while the VPN resets is mildly annoying in day-to-day life, but such interruptions could slow down or even halt a large BitTorrent download.

If you plan on using a VPN while torrenting, consider the ramifications of the Kill Switch. This feature, found in most VPN services, prevents apps from sending data via the internet when the VPN is disconnected. The idea is that it prevents any information from being transmitted in the clear. The avid BitTorrent downloader needs to decide if they want total and complete protection or would rather not have their download interrupted.

Do VPN Locations Matter?

While VPN services have servers all over the world, each company’s headquarters do have to be based somewhere on the planet. And that somewhere might have data retention laws that require the VPN company to collect and maintain user data for a set time.

Understanding what kind of information a VPN service collects, and how long it is maintained, can be hard to figure out. To get the answer, you may have to wade through unending FAQ pages and opaque terms of service written in arcane legalese. If the VPN company you’re considering can’t clearly explain what information it gathers and how long it will be kept, it’s probably not a great service.

When we review VPNs, we make a point to ask service representatives about what efforts they take to secure customers’ privacy. We also read those hefty terms of service (you’re welcome). You can read through our full reviews to see their answers.

Note that national and international law, as it relates to data storage and whether that data can be turned over to law enforcement, is complicated and constantly changing. A good service today might choose or be compelled to alter its policies tomorrow, so pay attention to any updates to the terms of service.

Use a VPN to Encrypt Your Torrent Traffic

Perhaps you’ll decide that all this effort isn’t worth it just to secure your BitTorrent downloads. But a VPN is still an easy way to potentially improve your online privacy. Whether you decide to spring for a premium account, you’re looking for a cheap VPN, or you want to dip your toe in with a free VPN, there’s a service to meet every need and budget.

Looking for more information about Torrenting and how to get started? You can read our story on how to use BitTorrent.

(Editors’ Note: While they may not both appear in this story, IPVanish and StrongVPN are owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag’s parent company.)