Best VPNs for torrenting in 2025 with P2P support

Torrenting is a simple and popular way to share files like videos, music, and images. When you use a VPN, your connection is encrypted, making it impossible for your ISP to see what you’re doing online.

Torrenting with a VPN is completely safe – as long as you trust the P2P network you’re using. That said, I tested over 28 providers to find the most trustworthy torrenting VPNs in 2025. NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN emerge as top choices for torrenting, particularly in regions where such activity is restricted. These VPNs offer advanced security features like kill switches to prevent IP leaks, strong encryption, and RAM-only servers that enhance anonymity.

It’s important to note that it’s technically still possible to get caught torrenting with a VPN, however, it’s much harder than if you’re not using one at all. Torrenting without a VPN exposes your real IP address and traffic to your ISP, copyright holders, and third-party trackers. A VPN shields your activity by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP, giving you anonymity and peace of mind while you download.

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Top 5 best torrenting VPNs: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best VPN for torrenting with P2P-configured servers
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Fastest P2P VPN with robust privacy features
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Freemium torrent VPN with port forwarding
   8.6
4. IPVanish

   Secure torrenting VPN that keeps your data safe
   8.4
5. TotalVPN

   Cheapest VPN for torrenting with no-log policy
   8.2

Why should you use a VPN when torrenting?

If you're torrenting, I strongly recommend using a VPN to protect your privacy and keep your online activity secure. Torrenting involves sharing files with others, which means your traffic is visible to everyone connected to the same network. Without a VPN, your real IP address can be exposed to other peers, hackers, your ISP, and even copyright monitoring groups, putting your identity at risk. A VPN encrypts your data, hides your IP address, and blocks third parties from tracking your downloads, ensuring your torrenting remains private and anonymous.

One of the biggest risks when torrenting is ISP throttling. If your ISP can detect your P2P activity, they may slow down your internet speed to discourage bandwidth-heavy downloads. A reliable VPN for torrenting prevents this by encrypting your traffic, so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing, keeping your speeds fast and uninterrupted.

Unfortunately, not all VPNs are built for torrenting. Torrenting without proper precaution can be risky – if you download copyrighted files, you could face fines or legal trouble depending on your country. In many regions, copyright infringement is taken seriously, and ISPs and copyright holders may quickly take legal action. To make sure you're torrenting safely and anonymously, here are a few key features to look for in a VPN for torrenting:

• P2P servers and speed. Look for VPNs with P2P-optimized servers, which deliver faster downloads and fewer interruptions compared to standard servers that don’t support torrent traffic.
• Robust encryption and privacy features. Your VPN should use AES-256 encryption and offer extra tools like IP masking, or multi-hop routing to keep your identity fully protected.
• Kill switch and DNS leak protection. A kill switch instantly cuts your internet if the VPN drops, preventing accidental data exposure. DNS leak protection further prevents your real IP from leaking through DNS requests during file-sharing.
• No-logging policy. No-logging VPN providers ensure that your torrenting activity or browsing habits are never recorded or stored, ensuring complete privacy.
• Split tunneling. Using this feature, you can route torrenting traffic through the VPN while keeping other apps on your regular internet connection, giving you more flexibility and control over your online activities.

After testing 28+ providers, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and IPVanish stood out as the best VPNs for torrenting. Each offers P2P-optimized servers, strong encryption, high speeds, and robust security features that kept my torrenting activities anonymous, private, and uninterrupted.

Best VPNs for torrenting: a detailed overview

1. NordVPN – best torrenting VPN with P2P servers
2. Surfshark – cheap VPN for torrenting on unlimited devices
3. Proton VPN – most private VPN for anonymous torrenting
4. IPVanish – best VPN for torrenting with full user control
5. TotalVPN – cheapest VPN for torrenting

Torrenting with a VPN is completely safe, as long as you know and trust the P2P network you're connected to. A reliable torrenting VPN should allow P2P traffic, offer fast speeds, have no data caps, and provide a large server network to guarantee seamless, secure downloads. The following list was updated in 2025 after testing new VPN releases, checking server performance, and removing outdated providers. After extensive research, I've selected the top 5 VPNs that offer the best balance of privacy, speed, and torrenting support, so you can download large files without concern.

Top 1. NordVPN – the best VPN for torrenting privately in 2025

NordVPN is the best torrenting VPN, offering P2P-optimized servers in over 40 countries, blazing-fast download speeds, and strong security features like a no-logs policy, kill switch, and advanced leak protection. While these specially optimized servers deliver the fastest and most reliable torrenting experience, NordVPN supports P2P traffic on all 7400+ RAM-only servers across 118+ countries. This means you can torrent safely and privately from virtually anywhere in the world.

NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs for torrenting. During my testing, I kept my torrenting fully anonymous with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP and DNS leak protection. NordVPN's strict no-logs policy, independently audited five times, ensures that no user data is ever stored. Plus, its obfuscated servers help bypass firewalls in countries like China or Russia, so you can torrent safely, even under heavy restrictions.

NordVPN stands out as the best and fastest VPN for torrenting, thanks to its NordLynx protocol. In my testing, I downloaded a 5.27GiB Ubuntu 24 client in just 2 minutes 30 seconds on a dedicated P2P server in Mexico – a torrent-friendly country, with speeds peaking at 68MiB/s and averaging 39.2MiB/s. While all NordVPN's servers support P2P traffic, the optimized ones deliver the best speeds for seamless torrenting.

You can subscribe to NordVPN for only $3.39/month with a discount coupon. There’s also a 7-day free trial available via the Google Play Store and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the best torrenting VPN completely risk-free.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark – best torrenting VPN for multiple devices

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for torrenting, offering excellent privacy protection at an affordable price. It uses AES-256 and ChaCha20, enforces a strict no-logs policy, and supports unlimited device connections, making it ideal for secure, private torrenting across all your devices. With these features in place, you can torrent safely using Surfshark, no matter where you are.

Surfshark offers P2P-optimized servers across its 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, making it easy to unblock and access your favorite torrenting sites securely. With its Bypasser tool (split tunneling), you can route VPN traffic only for torrenting while keeping your regular browsing unaffected.

Surfshark is a secure torrenting VPN thanks to AES-256 encryption, a built-in kill switch, and advanced leak protection. In my tests, it kept all torrenting activity fully hidden from my ISP and third-party observers. Surfshark also benefits from being based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the Nine Eyes alliance, ensuring your data stays private and protected.

I was impressed by Surfshark’s independently audited no-logs policy, paired with RAM-only servers, which guarantee no user data is ever stored. Moreover, the Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode worked flawlessly for extra privacy, allowing me to torrent safely even in restrictive countries like China, where VPN usage is often blocked.

Surfshark supports the WireGuard protocol, which is ideal for secure and high-speed torrenting. I tested it on a P2P-optimized server in Germany and downloaded a 5.27GiB Ubuntu 24 client in just 2 minutes 20 seconds. The download speed peaked at 67MiB/s, with an average of 39.5MiB/s – fast and efficient. That said, for best performance, I recommend connecting to the servers closest to your location to get the best speeds. Plus, Surfshark’s Software Defined Networking (SDN) feature, introduced with the Nexus update, ensured smooth and reliable connectivity throughout the torrenting process.

You can get Surfshark for only $1.99/month. Other pricing options might be available with a Surfshark coupon as well. You can test Surfshark out with the 7-day free trial (via the Google Play or Apple App Store) or subscribe risk-free, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

Top 3. Proton VPN – P2P VPN with a global server fleet

Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPNs for torrenting, offering robust privacy and P2P file-sharing protection. Its dedicated P2P servers, secure encryption, and strict no-logs policy make it a top choice for users who want a private and secure torrenting VPN.

Proton VPN’s has over 140 specialty servers optimized for P2P file sharing, making it a strong choice for secure and fast torrenting. While Proton VPN doesn’t promote copyright infringement, it does allow P2P traffic on select servers within its 9900+ server network across 117+ countries.

In my testing, Proton VPN proved to be one of the safest VPNs for torrenting, thanks to its robust security features. Every subscription includes a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and IP and DNS leak protection, all of which kept my torrenting activity private and secure. Additionally, Securitum independently audited Proton VPN’s strict no-logs policy, and all Proton VPN’s apps are open-source for full transparency. On top of that, I was impressed by Proton VPN’s Secure Core feature, which routed my traffic through two VPN servers for double encryption, offering an extra layer of security for my torrenting sessions.

Proton VPN offers dedicated high-speed P2P servers, giving you fast and secure torrent downloads. I tested it using the WireGuard protocol while connected to a P2P server in Lithuania, and downloaded a 5.27GiB Ubuntu 24 client in just 2 minutes, with peak speeds reaching 120MiB/s and an average of 53.0MiB/s. Proton VPN’s support for WireGuard and its proprietary VPN Accelerator – which can boost speeds by up to 400% – makes it a reliable choice for fast, efficient torrenting.

Proton VPN offers excellent value for torrenting at just $2.99/month, with support for up to 10 simultaneous connections. If you want to save even more, you can use a Proton VPN coupon to reduce the cost. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you have plenty of time to test whether it fits your torrenting needs. If you're not ready to commit yet, you can try the 7-day free trial to explore its features.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Top 4. IPVanish – feature-rich VPN for secure torrenting

IPVanish is a reliable VPN for torrenting, combining strong privacy features with consistent performance across P2P-friendly regions. With no connection limits and fast speeds, it’s a well-rounded torrenting VPN for everyday users.

Every one of IPVanish’s 2400+ servers in 109+ countries supports P2P, so you will not need to search for specific torrent-friendly locations. Plus, with the built-in SOCKS5 proxy support, you can connect to more peers and improve download speeds in your favorite torrenting apps.

IPVanish is safe for torrenting, offering the essential privacy tools needed to keep your downloads anonymous. It offers AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection to prevent your real identity from being exposed. For faster torrent speeds and extra control, the service comes with a SOCKS5 proxy. Most importantly, IPVanish follows a strict no-logs policy, which is essential for maintaining privacy, especially on its US-based servers.

While testing the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol on IPVanish’s P2P server in Sweden, I downloaded a 5.27GiB Ubuntu 24 client in just 2 minutes and 35 seconds, with peak speeds hitting 65MiB/s and an average of 36.0MiB/s. Besides IKEv2, IPVanish also supports the WireGuard protocol, which delivered smooth, fast, and secure file-sharing during my sessions. With 2400+ servers across 109+ countries, it consistently offered stable performance for torrenting.

IPVanish costs just $2.19/month with a long-term plan, and you can save even more by using an IPVanish coupon. If you are still on the fence, the VPN offers a 7-day free trial for mobile users and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free before committing.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

Top 5. TotalVPN – cheapest VPN for torrenting

TotalVPN is the cheapest VPN for torrenting, with plans starting at $1.59/month. It offers solid privacy protection and keeps your internet activities anonymous, whether you’re downloading or seeding files on P2P networks.

TotalVPN doesn’t have specialized P2P servers, but it allows P2P traffic on all of its non-US servers, which means you can still use it for torrenting. It works with popular torrent clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent, though download speeds can vary depending on the server location.

TotalVPN is a solid choice for anonymous torrenting, offering essential features like IP and DNS leak protection, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch to keep your activity private. While it's based in the UK, a member of the Five Eyes alliance, its zero-logs policy stance helps offset potential privacy concerns. On top of that, the VPN comes bundled with the TotalAV antivirus, providing extra layers of security with phishing and scam protection, real-time virus scanning, and malware blocking.

TotalVPN’s server network includes 50+ servers in 35 countries, and while it’s smaller than some competitors, it still delivered solid download speeds in my tests. Using the IKEv2 protocol while connected to a server in Poland (non-P2P), I downloaded a 5.27GiB Ubuntu 24 client in just 2 minutes, with peak speeds hitting 87MiB/s and an average of 44.1MiB/s. While these speeds are impressive, they’re not quite on par with dedicated P2P servers.

TotalVPN offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test its torrenting performance without risk. It’s a budget-friendly VPN with a risk-free trial, making it easy to see if it fits your needs before committing.

For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

Best VPNs for torrenting anonymously: comparison

How I tested torrent VPNs

I tested each VPN against key criteria to find the best options for torrenting. All tests were done on a Windows 11 device with the kill switch enabled and connected to the closest available P2P servers. My goal was to evaluate compatibility, performance, and ease of use across different platforms. That said, here are the key criteria for choosing a torrenting VPN:

• P2P servers and locations. I prioritized VPNs with P2P-optimized servers that, unlike standard servers, support peer-to-peer file sharing, and offer faster, more reliable torrenting.. In my view, a good torrenting VPN should offer at least 50 P2P servers, with 100+ being ideal. In my research, NordVPN and Proton VPN provide more than 105 P2P-specialized servers.
• Privacy features and policy. A reliable torrenting VPN should prevent anyone from tracking your activity or identifying you by your IP address. That said, I prioritized VPNs that offered 256-bit AES encryption, IP and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to maintain anonymity. Additionally, I carefully reviewed the VPN’s privacy policy to make sure they didn’t log any identifiable data, like browsing history, IP addresses, or DNS requests.

The table below compares each VPN’s privacy features and no-logs policy for torrenting:

• Performance. A good VPN can improve torrenting speeds by bypassing ISP throttling and providing more stable connections, although encryption may cause slight slowdowns. To assess performance, I tested download speeds, ran leak tests, and downloaded a standardized torrent file. In the end, Proton VPN offered the fastest P2P performance, outperforming competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark. Therefore, for the best results, I recommend using the WireGuard or NordLynx protocol, which offer the best balance of speed and security.
• Value. The cheapest VPN for torrenting is TotalVPN, starting at just $1.59 per month, however, it lacks dedicated P2P servers. Surfshark also offers great deals, starting from $1.99/month, and delivering solid speeds and P2P support. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, NordVPN and Proton VPN both cost around $2.99/month, offering faster performance, more security tools, and support for WireGuard.

Use NordVPN for torrenting

Best VPN location for torrenting

Countries like Switzerland, Romania, and the Netherlands are ideal for P2P traffic due to their favorable legal environments and strong privacy protections. VPN providers can support torrenting in these countries without compromising user privacy or security. Here are some of the best VPN countries for torrenting:

1. Switzerland. Downloading copyrighted content for personal use is legal, as long as it’s not for profit. However, uploading torrents of copyrighted content is illegal, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind when torrenting.
2. Mexico. Torrenting is not officially regulated, and P2P file-sharing isn’t closely monitored. It’s a practical option for users seeking privacy, and US residents can torrent without fear of legal repercussions.
3. Spain. Torrenting is generally legal as long as you aren't downloading or sharing copyrighted content. For personal use, you’re free to enjoy torrents without worrying about legal consequences.
4. Canada. There are relatively soft torrenting laws, so users can share almost anything, including copyrighted material, as long as it’s not for commercial gain. That means torrenting for personal use is typically safe, but sharing content for profit can lead to legal consequences.
5. Poland. Downloading torrents for personal, non-commercial use is legal and generally not prosecuted. However, selling or distributing copyrighted content for profit is illegal, so it's important to stick to personal, non-commercial use when torrenting.
6. Netherlands. Despite a 2017 regulation change, downloading files for personal use is still legal. However, sharing or distributing those files for profit is prohibited.
7. Romania. Known for its torrent-friendly legal environment, the country generally takes a more lenient approach to P2P file sharing. There are no strict laws against downloading or sharing files for personal use, making it a popular option for torrent users..

You should also be aware of locations where torrenting is strictly forbidden or countries where VPNs are banned. The authorities shut down torrenting sites in these locations, and those who attempt to share files via P2P can receive fines.

Pro tip: To check if your VPN is working while torrenting, use a site like checkmyip.torrentprivacy.com or search for a “torrent VPN test.” Add their test magnet link to your client and check the IP that shows up. If the IP shown matches your VPN, you’re protected.

Countries where torrenting is illegal

Torrenting with VPNs is generally legal but only applies in regions where torrenting is not expressly banned. In some grey areas, torrenting legality hinges on shared content, with open-source and public-domain files posing no legal risk. However, sharing copyrighted material or software through P2P connections is strictly illegal in most countries.

On the other hand, certain countries like Sweden, Russia, and the United Kingdom consider all forms of torrenting criminal offenses. In Sweden, torrenting can result in significant fines and prison sentences of up to two years. The consequences are even more severe in the United Kingdom, where torrent users can face imprisonment for up to a decade.

Torrenting without a VPN can expose you to high fines and legal trouble. For instance, in the United States, P2P sharing is considered a civil offense, and you could face fines for each file shared, with penalties ranging from $200 to $150,000. In Germany, the consequences are also severe, with fines for illegal file sharing ranging from 500 to 1,500 euros.

Torrent with NordVPN

Torrents not downloading with VPN: troubleshooting tips

Torrenting with a VPN is straightforward, but you may encounter download problems. Despite using the best VPNs for torrenting, problems can still occur. In my tests, I ran into some common problems, like connections dropping or downloads stalling. However, most of these can be fixed with a few adjustments. If your torrent isn't downloading while using a VPN, here are a few troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

1. Restart the VPN and the torrent client. If your downloads are slow or not working at all, one of the easiest fixes is to restart both the VPN and your torrent client. This simple step can resolve many co​​mmon issues, such as connection timeouts or throttle. If you still have issues, try disconnecting and reconnecting to a different server to ensure your connection is stable.
2. Choose the right VPN server for P2P traffic. If you want to torrent, you'll need a P2P-compatible server, so it's important to make sure your connection is optimized for P2P traffic. Not all VPN servers support torrenting, so check your VPN provider's list of P2P servers and ensure you’re connected to one.
3. Switch VPN protocols. Sometimes, the default VPN protocol affects your connection speed and stability. If you're experiencing slow downloads or connection drops, try switching to a different protocol. WireGuard (or NordLynx, if you’re using NordVPN) is generally the fastest and most reliable for torrenting. Also, OpenVPN UDP is a good alternative if you need more stability.
4. Check for IP or DNS leaks. If your DNS or IP leaks, you may be exposed to your real identity and location while torrenting. Run a DNS leak test to ensure your VPN correctly hides your IP. If you discover any leaks, enable private DNS within your VPN settings or disable WebRTC in your browser to prevent leaks.
5. Disable IPv6 and adjust firewall settings. IPv6 can sometimes bypass your VPN connection, exposing your real IP address. To prevent this, disable IPv6 on your device or router. Additionally, firewalls and antivirus programs can sometimes interfere with VPN connections, so make sure they do not interfere with your torrent client or VPN. If necessary, temporarily disable these programs or adjust their settings to allow VPN traffic.

Although these are the most common issues, you may encounter others unique to your setup. If troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, contact your VPN provider or torrent client support for further assistance.

Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?

Most free VPNs are not ideal for torrenting. They often block P2P traffic or limit speeds, data, and server choices. Some even log your activity, putting your privacy at risk. That’s why using a free VPN for torrenting can be unreliable and unsafe.

After testing several options, I found the best free VPN for torrenting is NordVPN. While it doesn’t offer a permanently free plan, you can use NordVPN risk-free for 30 days thanks to its money-back guarantee. During this time, you get full-speed P2P support, unlimited data, and top-tier security.

Proton VPN is another popular free VPN, but it doesn’t allow torrenting on its free servers - only on paid plans. For safe and effective file sharing, I recommend using a premium VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark, both of which support torrenting and offer trial periods to test the service before committing.

Try NordVPN risk-free today

Torrenting with VPN: the bottom line

Using a VPN for torrenting is essential. It keeps your IP hidden, encrypts your traffic, and protects you from ISP throttling, copyright threats, and snooping peers. Without one, your activity is fully exposed – and that could lead to legal trouble or security risks.

As of 2025 May, NordVPN remains the best VPN for torrenting. It stands out with dedicated P2P servers, Panama-based privacy protection, and top-tier security features like AES-256 encryption and DNS leak protection. Thanks to the NordLynx protocol, you also get consistently fast torrenting speeds without sacrificing anonymity. Whether you’re torrenting occasionally or daily, NordVPN strikes the right balance between privacy, performance, and peace of mind.

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FAQ

Do you need a VPN for torrenting?

Using a VPN for torrenting is highly recommended to stay safe, anonymous, and avoid legal trouble. While torrenting itself isn’t illegal, downloading copyrighted files without permission can lead to serious consequences. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects you by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your real IP address.

Is Proton VPN good for torrenting?

Yes, Proton VPN is good for torrenting, but only on the paid plan. The Plus plan gives you access to dedicated P2P servers with strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy to keep your torrenting anonymous. The free-tier has slower speeds and isn’t optimized for P2P.

What is the best VPN for torrenting?

The best VPNs for torrenting are NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and IPVanish. These providers use strong encryption, support P2P activity, and offer no-logs protection with fast speeds – everything you need for secure, anonymous, and efficient torrent downloads.

What is torrenting VPN?

A torrenting VPN is a virtual private network that protects your online activity by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address. This makes it harder for your ISP or third parties to track your downloads or throttle your connection.

Can I be caught torrenting with a VPN?

While no VPN offers 100% protection, torrenting with a trusted no-logs VPN makes it extremely difficult to get caught. A VPN uses encryption to stop your ISP from viewing your download activities. While your ISP can still tell you're connected to a VPN, the encryption prevents them from seeing what files you're downloading or tracking your online traffic in detail.

Is torrenting safe with a VPN?

Yes, torrenting with a VPN is completely safe. It hides your real IP, secures your connection with encryption, and ensures your downloads stay private. This shields your activity from ISPs, trackers, and other third parties.

What happens if you torrent without a VPN?

If you don’t use a VPN for torrenting, anyone sharing the same torrent can see your IP address. Your ISP can also track your downloads, throttle your speeds, or send copyright warnings depending on local laws.

What does P2P VPN mean?

P2P VPN refers to a VPN that supports peer-to-peer file sharing, like those used for torrenting. These VPNs offer servers that allow P2P traffic, encrypt your data, and don’t block or restrict file-sharing activity.