5 Best VPNs for Safe & Anonymous Torrenting in 2025
Reading time: 18 min
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2025
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![Sayb Saad]()
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![Sarah Frazier]()
Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Content Manager
If you torrent without a VPN, your IP address is exposed to every peer in the swarm. Anyone from your ISP, copyright trolls, or shady third parties can trace downloads back to you. Even worse, your real identity can be uncovered with just a few data points.
Some VPNs promise privacy but leak your IP address or slow downloads to a crawl. Others block torrenting outright or store logs that can be used against you. If you’re here, you’re likely fed up with risky free VPNs or vague promises and want tools that actually work.
After hands-on testing, ExpressVPN came out on top for safe, anonymous torrenting in 2025. It offers airtight leak protection, blazing speeds on P2P servers, and a court-proven no-logs policy. You can try it risk-free with a 30*-day money-back guarantee. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Torrent safely with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2025
- ExpressVPN — Auto-obfuscates your torrenting traffic if you’re on a restricted network and provides lightning-fast speeds for fast downloads.
- CyberGhost — P2P-optimized servers are specifically designed for quick and safe torrenting, though connection times on distant servers can be slow.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — Port forwarding and proxy options boost swarm connections and seeding, though you can’t pick a custom port with port forwarding.
- NordVPN — Threat Protection scans torrent downloads to keep you safe, but it’ll remove Meshnet from its suite of features in 2025.
- Surfshark — Everlink ensures torrenting sessions don’t stall if your WiFi drops mid-download, but download speeds can dip a little on faraway servers.
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Why You Need a VPN for Torrenting
Torrenting isn’t unsafe by default; it’s the way you connect that exposes you. Without a VPN, others can see your IP address, your network administrator can log your activity, and weak clients can leak data you thought was hidden. A top VPN makes torrenting less risky without sacrificing speeds.
- Hide your IP address — A VPN masks your real IP so peers and snoopers in the swarm only see the VPN server’s address instead of your own.
- Encrypt your traffic — Strong encryption shields your torrent traffic from ISP monitoring, network admins, or malicious actors watching your connection.
- Bypass network blocks — Some networks throttle or block torrent traffic. VPN obfuscation makes your connection look like regular browsing, keeping speeds smooth.
- Prevent data leaks — VPNs with kill switches stop torrent traffic if the tunnel drops, while DNS protection ensures requests never leak outside.
- Protect on public WiFi — If you torrent on shared or public WiFi, VPN encryption prevents others on the network from spying or injecting malware.
- No-logs assurance — The best VPNs have proven no-logs policies, meaning there’s no data trail linking your torrenting activity back to you.
The Best VPNs for Torrenting (Tested in 2025)
1. ExpressVPN — All Servers Allow P2P with Auto-Obfuscation for Safe Torrenting
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, all supporting P2P traffic
- Lightway protocol provides fast speeds for large file downloads
- Built-in obfuscation conceals VPN traffic from detection
- Supports 14 simultaneous connections
- 30*-day money-back guarantee for first-time users
Unlike many VPNs that limit torrenting to a few servers, ExpressVPN supports P2P across its entire network. Simply connect to the nearest fast server and start downloading without worrying about restrictions. Its obfuscation technology also kicks in automatically on networks that try to block VPNs, which helps keep your torrent sessions private and uninterrupted.
ExpressVPN is blazing fast because of its Lightway protocol. It reconnects instantly if your network drops, which is handy when you’re seeding or downloading large files. Lightway also uses less processing power than OpenVPN, which helps sustain high speeds even on weaker hardware. Besides speeds, ExpressVPN includes:
- TrustedServer tech — every server runs on volatile memory only, wiping all data on reboot. This ensures torrenting sessions leave no trace behind.
- Split tunneling — lets you route only your torrent client through the VPN, while keeping regular browsing on your normal connection.
- Advanced leak protection — blocks IPv6 and DNS leaks, which prevents torrent peers or trackers from seeing your real details.
![Screenshot of ExpressVPN's IPv6 leak protection setting toggled on]()
- Network Lock — is ExpressVPN’s kill switch that halts traffic if the VPN connection drops, making sure torrents never slip outside?
The Smart Location feature automatically connects you to the fastest available server. This means you don’t waste time testing multiple servers, trying to get the best possible speed. Just click the connect button, and the app will find the best route for fast downloads and smooth seeding.
The one limitation is that ExpressVPN doesn’t support port forwarding. Port forwarding connects you directly to the peer swarm, which can boost P2P speeds. However, ExpressVPN is already super fast, so it really doesn’t need that speed boost. You can test it out yourself as it provides a 30*-day money-back guarantee.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, and more platforms
2025 Update! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month with a 2-year + 4 months purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — P2P-Optimized Servers Designed for Easy, Secure Torrenting
Key Features:
- 11,690+ servers in 100 countries with dedicated P2P optimization
- Excellent download speeds on P2P-optimized servers
- Smart Rules automatically connect when launching torrent clients
- Lets you torrent on up to 7 devices simultaneously
- Offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans
CyberGhost makes torrenting simple by offering servers optimized just for P2P traffic. These servers are clearly labeled in the app, so you know exactly where to connect. They’re tuned for file sharing, which means fewer slowdowns and a lower risk of being routed through servers that block torrents.
Beyond convenience, CyberGhost gives you tools that help keep your activity safe. It runs strong AES-256 encryption and adds a kill switch that blocks internet traffic if the VPN drops (though I tested 19 servers and none of them got unstable). In addition, CyberGhost has:
- Smart Rules automation — lets you set CyberGhost to auto-launch when you open your torrent client, so your IP is never exposed during the start of a session.
- Block Content tool — blocks trackers and malicious domains that are often hidden in torrent ads, lowering your risk of malware infections.
- NoSpy servers — located in Romania and fully run by CyberGhost staff, these servers allow torrenting and give extra confidence that no third party handles your data.
- Leak protection — prevents DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, making sure peers or trackers never catch your real IP while downloading or seeding.
In our tests, CyberGhost’s P2P servers were super fast with speed dips of no greater than 15% (even on distant locations like Australia) on WireGuard. Regular servers are pretty fast too, but slightly slower (and more congested at times). CyberGhost also supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, but I suggest sticking to WireGuard as it’s a much leaner protocol.
A small downside is that CyberGhost’s servers can sometimes take a few extra seconds to establish a tunnel, especially on distant locations. But that’s not a big deal — CyberGhost displays the load on each server, so you can pick the least overcrowded one at a glance. You can try it risk-free as it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
CyberGhost works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and routers
2025 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as per month with a 2-year purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — Port Forwarding and Proxy Tools for Extra Torrent Control
Key Features:
- 29,650+ servers in 91 countries, including all US states
- Good download and upload speeds on nearby and mid-range servers
- Built-in port forwarding support for excellent P2P performance
- Supports unlimited simultaneous connections
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA is one of the few VPNs that supports port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy use alongside full P2P coverage. Port forwarding opens a random port on supported servers, which lets peers connect to you more directly and can boost seeding efficiency. The SOCKS5 proxy, meanwhile, is a handy option for faster speeds if you don’t mind skipping encryption.
You also get flexibility with encryption settings and protocols. If you need speed, you can dial it down to AES-128, while AES-256 is there for maximum privacy. As for protocols, you can pick between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Plus, PIA gives you:
- Supports unlimited device connections — so you can run torrent clients on every device in your home, from desktops to smart TVs, without any connection caps slowing you down.
- MACE ad and tracker blocker — cuts off known malware domains, ads, and intrusive trackers at the DNS level before they can load on torrenting sites.
- Open-source clients — all PIA apps are open code and regularly updated, giving the public full visibility into how torrenting traffic is handled securely.
It also has one of the widest server spreads for torrenting. PIA has servers in all 50 US states and 91 countries, so you can always connect to a nearby location with good speeds. Having that many options also reduces congestion on busy servers, which keeps performance more stable during large torrent sessions.
The main drawback is that you can’t pick your own port when using port forwarding — PIA assigns it randomly each session, and US servers don’t support it. That can annoy advanced users who want more control. Still, with strong speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee, PIA is one of the most affordable month-on-month VPNs out there.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
PIA works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, and gaming consoles
2025 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as per month with a 2-year purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
4. NordVPN — Threat Protection Pro Blocks Bad Torrent Links Before They Land
Key Features:
- 8300+ servers in 165 countries with P2P specialty servers
- Super fast torrenting with NordLynx, its proprietary take on the WireGuard protocol
- Double VPN encrypts traffic twice for maximum security
- Torrent safely on up to 10 devices at once
- Has a 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro scans torrent downloads and blocks shady links before they hit your device. It runs on Windows and macOS, and works even when the VPN tunnel is off, so you’re always guarded. That’s huge if you’ve ever grabbed a torrent only to find it was stuffed with adware or worse.
For speed, NordLynx (its WireGuard take) keeps downloads moving fast without chewing up resources. You also get a list of specialty P2P servers tuned for file sharing, so traffic isn’t squeezed through random nodes. In our tests, these servers cut congestion and made long seeding sessions far smoother. Here’s what else makes it stand out:
- Obfuscated servers — hide VPN use on networks that try to block tunnels, letting your torrent client stay connected.
- Granular kill switch — apply it to your torrent app only, so other programs keep running even if the VPN connection drops.
- Auto-connect rules — set NordVPN to launch whenever you join a public WiFi, so you never seed unprotected.
I was sad to find out that NordVPN was discontinuing Meshnet, which lets you link devices into a private P2P-like network. It used to be great for sharing big files without using public swarms. While the loss stings, NordVPN’s P2P servers and Threat Protection cover torrenting needs well. You can try it out risk-free as it provides a 30-day refund policy.
NordVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and routers
2025 Update! You can subscribe to NordVPN for as low as per month with a 2-year + 3 months purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
5. Surfshark — Everlink Keeps Torrent Sessions Alive Through Dropouts
Key Features:
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries and supports torrenting on all servers
- Decent speeds on nearby servers
- NoBorders mode works on restrictive networks
- Supports unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Gives you a 30 refund window with its money-back guarantee
Torrenting can be fragile if your WiFi cuts for even a moment, but Surfshark’s Everlink keeps the VPN tunnel alive when the line hiccups. That means your IP doesn’t leak and your client doesn’t stall mid-swarm. Since it’s built into WireGuard by default, you don’t need to dig into settings — it just works.
What I really liked is Surfshark’s auto-reroute, which shifts your traffic to a P2P-optimized server if you start torrenting. As a result, our torrents remained fast and steady throughout our tests. The reroute happens in the background with no setup needed, so you always stay on a torrent-friendly path.
- Static IPs — helpful if you use private trackers or need reliable seeding, since a fixed address avoids the disruptions of shared IPs during long sessions.
- MultiHop servers — route your torrent traffic through two countries for extra privacy, though downloads run slower than on single-hop P2P nodes.
The one drawback we found is that speeds can dip by around 20% on distant servers, especially across continents. However, its close-by servers provide near-baseline speeds — and torrent clients naturally rely on nearby peers for faster swarms. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can see if performance meets your needs.
Surfshark works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and routers
Comparison Table: 2025’s Best VPNs for Torrenting
| P2P Support on All Servers | Stealth / Obfuscation | Speed Dip (Distant Servers) | Simultaneous Devices | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | ✔ | ✔ | 8% | 14 | 30* days |
| CyberGhost | ✘ | ✘ | 15% | 7 | 45 days |
| PIA | ✔ | ✘ | 16% | unlimited | 30 days |
| NordVPN | ✘ | ✔ | 12% | 10 | 30 days |
| Surfshark | ✔ | ✔ | 19% | unlimited | 30 days |
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
How to Torrent Safely With a VPN
- Install a reliable VPN — Pick an option like ExpressVPN with proven no-logs policies, strong encryption, and P2P support. Install it on your device and create an account.
![Screenshot of ExpressVPN's official website]()
- Configure security settings — Enable the kill switch to prevent IP leaks, turn on DNS leak protection, and choose a server in a torrent-friendly jurisdiction.
![Screenshot of ExpressVPN's general settings menu]()
- Launch your torrent client and start downloading — Connect to your VPN first, then open your torrent client. Verify your IP address has changed, then start downloading.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
How We Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Torrenting
Instead of just looking at raw specs, I tested how the VPNs actually held up during torrenting. From speed checks to leak tests, here are the exact things I measured to make sure each VPN keeps you safe while still downloading fast.
- P2P support — We checked if torrenting works on all servers or only special ones, since server coverage makes a big difference in finding fast peers.
- Speed and stability — We ran file downloads with WireGuard and OpenVPN across local and distant servers to see how much bandwidth you actually keep.
- Leak and kill switch tests — We used DNS and IP leak checks and forced disconnects to confirm no torrent traffic escapes if the VPN drops.
- Security extras — We looked at tools like ad blocking, malicious domain filters, and RAM-only servers that add another layer of torrent protection.
- Ease of use — We rated how simple it is to find P2P servers, set auto-rules for torrent apps, and keep multiple devices protected at the same time.
Warning! Avoid These VPNs for Torrenting
Hola VPN
Hola isn’t a real VPN at all — it’s a peer-to-peer proxy that routes traffic through other users’ devices. That means your bandwidth and IP can be used by strangers without your consent. There’s no encryption, torrenting is blocked or unsafe, and past reports showed user IPs were sold through Bright Data. For torrenting, that’s a deal-breaker.
Opera VPN (Free)
Opera’s so-called VPN is just a browser proxy, which means your torrent client isn’t covered at all. It lacks a kill switch, system-wide protection, or any encryption that torrenting requires. Tests confirm torrent downloads leak your real IP because the tunnel only covers browser tabs. It’s fine for browsing, but worthless for safe P2P.
Turbo VPN
Turbo VPN allows torrenting in name, but it’s plagued with serious issues. Security researchers have flagged malware in its apps, and its vague privacy policy leaves logging concerns unanswered. Speeds are inconsistent, and without WireGuard, it falls behind every major VPN. If you want safe, fast P2P, Turbo is a risk you shouldn’t take.
FAQs: VPNs and Torrenting
Is torrenting safe with a VPN?
Do I need port forwarding for torrenting?
WireGuard vs OpenVPN: which is better for torrenting?
What’s the best VPN location for torrenting?
Can you get in trouble for torrenting with a VPN?
Stay Safe While Torrenting With a VPN
Torrenting is harder than it used to be. Many sites get shut down, and even reliable ones face malware risks, fake files, and ISP throttling. You need a VPN that doesn’t just hide your IP but also keeps speeds fast and connections stable. Picking the right service can mean the difference between smooth, private downloads and constant frustration.
From all the VPNs tested, ExpressVPN stood out for its balance of speed, privacy, and ease of use. Its Lightway protocol delivers consistent performance for torrents without slowdowns. With a strict no-logs policy, automatic obfuscation, and strong leak protection, it keeps your activity private. You can try ExpressVPN confidently with its 30*-day money-back guarantee.
*Please note that ExpressVPN’s generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.
Summary — The Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2025
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
