While torrenting is an extremely efficient and fast way to download large files, doing it safely and securely can be problematic. Unfortunately, torrenting has become somewhat synonymous with internet piracy; and internet service providers (ISPs) and government authorities are all over it.
Thankfully, this doesn’t have to spell the end of torrenting for you. In fact, you can keep torrenting safely and anonymously - and even improve the overall experience - by using a VPN.
But how do you choose a torrent VPN? And which are the best ones around? Read on.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Torrenting
There are a few key factors worth considering when searching for a torrent-friendly VPN. First and foremost it’s important to check the provider’s policy on torrenting. Typically you’ll come across 3 scenarios: some companies explicitly state they allow torrenting (and even provide tips and best practices), some companies don’t state a policy one way or the other, and some, though they’re in the minority, will have a written, no-torrenting policy. If the website doesn’t explicitly address it, you’ll often find the answer in the FAQs or website’s knowledge base.
Another key factor to look for is the company’s logging policy. Most of the more reliable companies have strict no-logging policies, though some will have what are known as connection logs, which, while not ideal, are relatively harmless. Activity logs (sometimes known as usage logs) are the logs you want to avoid—these record data such as your traffic, downloaded files, and location.
A VPN’s encryption protocol, speeds, number of servers, and safeguards such as kill switches are other important details that can help you when choosing a VPN that’s best for torrenting.
The Best VPNs For Torrenting
Now that you know what to look out for in a torrent VPN, here’s our list of the top 5 VPNs on the market today and why we think they’re the best.
1. ExpressVPN
- Kill-switch to secure your anonymity
- Easy-to-use apps
- 100% anonymous
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs you can use for torrenting. Based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no usage logging or data retention requirements, it boasts a firm no logging policy as well as more than 15,000 completely anonymous IP addresses.
You’ll also get access to more than 120 lightning-fast servers in 78 countries, as well as advanced features such as port forwarding and a kill-switch to secure your anonymity should the VPN connection drop for some reason.
2. NordVPN
-
Strict no logging policy
-
One of the strongest encryption levels
-
Servers in 61 countries
Based in Panama, NordVPN has a strict no logging policy and one of the strongest encryption levels around - a whopping 2048-bit, SSL-based encryption via OpenVPN. It also allows you to use Tor over VPN, which allows for a further layer of security and anonymity. NordVPN’s super-fast servers cover every continent except Antarctica. You’ll also get an automatic kill-switch that instantly shuts down your torrenting activity should your VPN connection hit a snag.
3. CyberGhost
-
Safe public WiFi connection
-
Surf the internet at blazing speeds
-
Fast access to Netflix
CyberGhost offers one of the most complete VPN services that puts your privacy at the forefront. Some of the privacy features it offers is an automatic kill switch to prevent unencrypted traffic sent your way, DNS and IP leak protection, a strict no-longs policy, military-grade encryption, and multiple secure protocols. CyberGhost believes that you have a right to digital privacy and does all it can to deliver.
4. PureVPN
-
Streamlined settings for optimum performance
-
Apps for desktop and mobile
-
7-day money-back guarantee
PureVPN is an excellent choice for torrenting because of its torrent-specific features. Not only does it expressly support torrenting, it also has a Peer-to-Peer file-sharing mode. This has streamlined settings for optimum speed, performance and privacy while torrenting. Of course, using PureVPN means you’ll have access to more than 500 servers across the globe, as well as 80,000 completely anonymous IP addresses.
5. Hotspot Shield
- Network traffic encryption
-
Fast speeds
-
256-bit encryption
HotSpot Shield focuses on offering private and secure web browsing to all customers, no matter where they are in the world. Some of the ways it protects your browsing and privacy is through encryption, hiding your IP address, and enables anonymous web browsing. Those using a VPN for torrenting can rest assured that Hotspot Shield will secure their online privacy.
Why Torrenting and Logging Policies Matter
When you’re looking for a VPN for torrenting, it’s important to pay attention to the company’s policies. Many companies state up-front that they allow torrenting, while others are not as explicit. Often you can find the company’s attitudes towards torrenting in the FAQ or knowledge base section of the website. But unless they explicitly state they do not allow torrenting, it’s usually worth giving it a trial run if the provider otherwise meets your criteria.
Logging policies are usually much more advertised. That doesn’t mean they’re always clear, though. Strict no-logging policies are your best bet; that means the company keeps no logs whatsoever on your information, activity, frequency, etc.
For companies that do keep logs, there are a few different kinds. Connection logs are not ideal but not inherently dangerous; these are general logs that store some general information about your email, source IP, or connection times. Activity (or usage) logs are what you want to avoid, as they store information such as your downloaded files, traffic habits, and other details that could potentially cause you trouble. Most reputable VPN providers promise strict no-logging policies, or else keep minimal connection logs. However, it’s always a good idea to read the website’s privacy policy and get a clear picture of what will and won’t be logged.
Here’s a helpful comparison chart of popular VPNs and how they approach the subject of torrents and logging.
Is Torrenting Legal?
Torrenting itself is perfectly legal. And there is nothing at all wrong or illegal in sharing files with other users via torrents, either. The problem only arises if you use torrents to share (such as with Peer-to-Peer sharing) and download copyrighted files - movies, music and software, for instance - without getting the copyright owner’s permission.
To put it in context, the creators of software such as OpenOffice and VLC player have made their products available to the general public free of charge. This means downloading them via a torrenting site is completely legitimate. On the other hand, the owners of The Beatles’ discography have made it available only if you purchase it, so downloading it for free via a torrenting site is against the law.
Unfortunately, because it’s used to break the law in this way, torrenting has gained a bad reputation. Many ISPs monitor torrenting websites; and some may throttle your connection or block you altogether if you try to log on to them - even if your intentions are completely legitimate. This is why using a VPN for torrenting is such a great idea.
A VPN encrypts your data transfers and hides your IP address, replacing it with an anonymous one. This makes it impossible for your ISP to know what you’re doing online. What’s more, by connecting to a VPN server, you’ll be able to bypass both speed and content restrictions imposed by your location and your ISP. As a result, you’ll be able to access more content and download it much faster, improving your overall experience.
What You Should Look For In a VPN for Torrenting
There are 3 main things you should look out for if you plan on using a VPN for torrenting: privacy, server availability and speed. Let’s consider each in turn.
-
Privacy
When you’re torrenting, privacy is paramount. Ideally, a VPN for torrenting will have the following privacy features:
-
A firm no logging policy, which ensures it doesn’t keep any information on your internet usage and activity;
-
Strong encryption - ideally 256-bit using OpenVPN, the most popular and secure internet security protocol; and
-
Numerous anonymous IP addresses.
Of course, the best VPNs for torrenting will have even more advanced features. Some even have a kill switch, which drops your connection should the VPN come across issues that could compromise your privacy.
-
Server availability
The more servers a VPN service has, the better, for two reasons. Firstly, having a large number of servers ensures you can always find a server with a reasonably low load, even during peak times. This, in turn, means you can carry on with your downloads throughout the day, without having to worry about running into performance issues.
Secondly, the more servers a VPN has in different countries, the easier it is to unblock geographically restricted content. As a plus, you can also take your VPN with you when you travel, safe in the knowledge that you’ll always find a fast server nearby.
-
Speed
Of course, if you’re downloading files, speed is paramount. Look for VPNs with no bandwidth restrictions, no speed caps, and premium servers that are continually monitored to ensure optimal performance.
Some VPNs also have special add-ons designed to boost your internet connection speed, as well as other features tailored specifically for torrenting. Port forwarding, for instance, allows you to open special pathways - called ports - specifically for torrent traffic, further improving your internet speed.
Now that you know it’s safe and legal, aren’t you ready to get started? Check out our in-depth reviews of VPN services to learn more and pick your favorite.
