To find out whether it’s fit for P2P activities, I tested NordVPN myself. I analyzed the VPN’s security and privacy features and also took a look at its server network and speeds. Lastly, I tested its device and torrent client compatibility. Overall, I rate this VPN highly. It has a large server network with torrent-optimized servers and fast connections for easy downloads. Testing it is easy too – you can try NordVPN for free with its 30 day money-back guarantee. However, there are some areas where the service is outshone by other torrenting VPNs. Read on to find out the full results of my tests and some of my alternative recommendations. Try NordVPN for Torrenting
Is NordVPN Good for Torrenting?
I tested NordVPN in the 4 categories that are vital for torrenting. Overall, NordVPN performs well for P2P activity, with some room for improvement compared to alternative VPNs. Here are the full results:
Dedicated P2P Support
NordVPN has over 4000 P2P servers (while writing this). They’re optimized for high-bandwidth activities, to provide reliable connections and consistent speeds for large downloads. At the time of writing there are over 1700 P2P servers in the US alone, and 500+ in the UK. In total, the P2P network covers 47 countries, including: The VPN conveniently groups all of its torrenting servers in the app. All I had to do was click on the P2P option in the Specialty Servers list, and NordVPN automatically connected me to the fastest torrent-friendly server for my region. To select a specific location, just click on the three dots to see a drop-down list of countries. I had no problems using the service on various torrenting clients, including Deluge, qBittorrent, uTorrent, BitLord, and Azureus Vuze. The split tunneling feature is particularly useful. It lets you specify which apps should use the VPN connection and which should use your regular IP address. I connected to my torrent client via the VPN for safe downloads but used my banking app as normal. NordVPN can also unblock geo-restricted torrenting sites. During testing, I easily accessed my RARBG, RuTracker, and The Pirate Bay accounts in the US using the Poland server. However, one big downside is that NordVPN doesn’t support port forwarding. Port forwarding allows data packets to be sent directly to your device, which is crucial for uploading and seeding. This means you can’t seed with the VPN. Seeding is a pretty important part of torrenting, especially if you’re trying to get a good enough ratio to join a private tracker. So it’s disappointing that this functionality isn’t supported. Try Torrenting With NordVPN
Powerful Security and Privacy
The VPN encrypts your traffic with AES 256-CBC encryption (the strongest available) and a 2048-bit strength SSL key. This makes it very hard for your ISP (or anyone else) to track your online activity. The service also masks your IPv6/DNS/WebRTC information, protecting you from cyber threats on P2P networks. I ran leak tests on 8 servers and my real address was hidden from my swarm each time. There’s a kill switch that cuts off your internet if the VPN connection drops (though this didn’t happen during my tests). It prevents your traffic from defaulting to your ISP and exposing your torrent activity. NordVPN also has obfuscated servers that prevent ISPs from throttling P2P traffic. To enable this feature, simply switch to the OpenVPN protocol in the Settings menu. The Threat Protection feature is great for torrenting as well. Formerly known as CyberSec, it safeguards your device from malicious or fake torrenting sites that are designed to steal your data or get you to download malware. It also blocks dodgy ads on torrent trackers and clients. I also use the auto-connect setting to launch the VPN whenever I join a new WiFi network. It means I don’t have to remember to enable NordVPN when torrenting on public hotspots. The VPN uses private DNS servers and has a strict zero logs policy, so your data isn’t collected or sold. My only concern was this entry in the small print: However, NordVPN’s logging policy has been independently audited twice. PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Switzerland (PwC) confirmed that the VPN doesn’t keep any information that can link you to your activity while connected to the VPN. So, even if the service does receive a legal request for your data, it won’t have anything to hand over. NordVPN is also based in privacy-friendly Panama, which means it isn’t subject to the strict data retention laws enacted by some other countries. Panama is outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances too, so it’s not part of this international pact to monitor and share internet users’ data.
Great Speeds
Connected to NordVPN’s P2P servers, I measured 111Mbps which is just a 7% drop from my 120Mbps base connection. For reference, you only need 25Mbps to stream 4K content without interruptions. As a result, it took me less than 13 minutes to torrent a hefty 10GB file, which is impressively fast. In wider testing, NordVPN’s speeds were more than suitable for streaming. The VPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol also gives you a speed boost. It’s built on the superfast WireGuard protocol, making it great for fast downloads. However, NordLynx isn’t compatible with the VPN’s obfuscated servers, so it depends on whether you want the best speeds or the best security while torrenting.
Robust Device Compatibility
You can install NordVPN on most popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Chromebook. There’s also the opinion to set it up on your router to cover devices that don’t support VPN connections natively. Try NordVPN Risk-Free Today
What Are the Best NordVPN Settings for Torrenting?
uTorrent
Deluge
qBittorrent
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Best Alternative VPNs for Torrenting — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Robust Security Features to Safely Download Content on P2P Networks
ExpressVPN safeguards your online privacy on P2P networks with military-grade encryption. The Network Lock feature (kill switch) cuts off your internet connection in case the VPN connection drops. This is useful as it prevents your real IP from leaking to peers during torrenting. I tested ExpressVPN’s leak protection and it didn’t reveal my IP/DNS addresses. The service is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands — outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances. The VPN is also equipped with TrustedServer technology (RAM-based servers) that erases your online activities with every reboot. Plus, the audited zero logs policy ensures your information and online activity aren’t recorded. All these features prevent your data from being stored or shared. Thanks to its fast speeds, ExpressVPN is well-suited for torrenting. I connected to its US, UK, and Australia servers, and my speeds averaged out at 112Mbps. The Quick Connect feature automatically found me a speedy server to start torrenting right away and I had no delays using Popcorn Time. The service’s Lightway security protocol also provides a good balance of speed and security. All of the VPN’s servers are P2P friendly, so you can torrent anywhere. The network has 3,000 servers overall, meaning you won’t bump into subscriber overload that reduces speeds. Plus, the VPN supports port forwarding so you can seed as much as you like. It’s also great at bypassing geoblocks. I had no issues unblocking The Pirate Bay using the Mexico server. My only gripe is that the plans are expensive, starting at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN often runs generous deals and promotions. I saved 49% and got 3 extra months of service for free by subscribing to the yearly plan. If you don’t like the VPN, getting a refund is simple. I requested my money back using the 24/7 live chat (you can also use email) and my PayPal account was reimbursed just 2 days later.
Useful Features
Split tunneling. ExpressVPN lets you select the traffic you want to pass through the VPN connection. For example, you can safely torrent on your VPN connection and watch your local Netflix library with your usual IP. Server obfuscation. Every server on ExpressVPN’s network is obfuscated. This prevents torrent trackers from seeing you’re using a VPN, protects you from ISP throttling when you torrent, and helps you bypass strict firewalls. Smart Location. This feature connects you to the fastest server for your region. Since all ExpressVPN servers support P2P traffic, it can help you find the best connection for torrenting. 5 simultaneous connections. You can use the VPN to torrent on your desktop while streaming on your smartphone or smart TV at the same time. Unlimited bandwidth. You can download as much as you like without hitting data caps. 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service, it’s easy to get your money back.
Try ExpressVPN for Torrenting
2. CyberGhost — Torrent-Optimized Servers for Smooth P2P Downloads
This VPN makes torrenting easy with its P2P-optimized servers. These servers are designed for torrent activity and regularly maintained by the service provider to ensure they are secure. When testing CyberGhost, it took me a couple of minutes to download a 1.4GB (copyright-free) file. You can find the torrenting servers conveniently grouped under the For torrenting tab. CyberGhost’s download speeds are great too. I connected to the US and UK servers, both of which gave me a 92Mbps average download speed. Plus, unlimited bandwidth lets you download torrents without data restrictions. Like NordVPN though, CyberGhost doesn’t support port forwarding, so it can’t be used for seeding. The VPN supports multiple security protocols, including IKEv2 and OpenVPN. Additionally, AES 256-bit encryption makes your online traffic unreadable to third parties. There’s also Perfect Forward Secrecy that changes your encryption key every 15 minutes to prevent ISP data inspections. All this helps you safely torrent on public trackers. Your IP/DNS/WebRTC data is safeguarded thanks to leak protection. The service also has RAM-based servers and a strict no-logs policy. I found the Smart Rules helpful as they let me opt to launch the VPN automatically every time I open my torrent client. There are also NoSpy servers that are designed for maximum privacy, but they’re locked behind additional fees.
Useful Features
Router compatibility. You can install CyberGhost on your router, which lets you torrent on all your favorite devices. Automatic WiFi protection. This feature launches the VPN on any unknown network, letting you torrent safely on unsecured public hotspots. Dedicated IPs. You can buy dedicated IP addresses, which no one else can use, making it easy to access private torrent websites. WireGuard protocol. This protocol provides a balance of speed and security, making it ideal for fast and safe torrenting. 45-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost’s shorter plans only offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, long-term plans let you test the VPN for 45 days.
Try CyberGhost for Torrenting
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — MACE Ad Blocker to Prevent Annoying Pop-Ups When You Torrent
PIA’s MACE ad blocker protects your online data from trackers and beacons when you torrent. It does this by changing your online identifier with a fake one, preventing snooping. During my tests, PIA’s MACE successfully removed ads in Deluge, uTorrent, and Transmission. The feature is activated by default, so you don’t have to configure it either. Plus, the service has RAM-based servers and a reliable no-logs policy to keep your data from prying eyes. The VPN also lets you customize your security settings to torrent faster. If you need higher speeds, just set your data protection to AES 128-bit encryption. This level of encryption is still reliable and delivers a noticeable boost to download speeds. But if security is a priority, just switch it back to AES 256-bit encryption. You can do the same with protocols; WireGuard for speed or OpenVPN for extra security. Plus, port forwarding and SOCKS5 are both supported. There are servers in 84 countries to access P2P content anywhere (the Poland server gave me access to The Pirate Bay). Likewise, I had no issues getting files from RARBG with the Switzerland connection. You can test PIA with other torrenting websites using the 30 day money-back guarantee if you have a specific tracker in mind.
Useful Features
Dedicated IP address. PIA lets you use an IP address exclusively, helping you avoid VPN blocks on torrenting websites. Discount options. Get up to $2.03/month off your subscription by picking a long-term subscription. 24/7 customer support. Get professional advice when you need it through prompt and helpful live chat and email support. Quickly find a fast server. Servers are organized by latency, so you can easily pick one that will allow you to torrent without delays.
Try PIA for Torrenting
Is NordVPN safe for torrenting?
Yes, it protects you on P2P networks. The VPN provides a kill switch and AES 256-bit encryption, making it hard for hackers to track you down when you torrent. There’s also IP/DNS protection and RAM-based servers that protect your data from leaking. Additionally, the service has other great features that make it great for torrenting. This includes dedicated P2P servers, a fast proprietary security protocol, and a vast server network.
What’s the best NordVPN server for torrenting?
NordVPN’s P2P-optimized servers are the best for torrenting. Even though the VPN’s non-P2P servers don’t have any bandwidth limitations and allow P2P traffic, they aren’t optimized for big downloads. NordVPN’s P2P-optimized servers are specially designed to transfer large amounts of data. After all, these servers were specifically designed to prevent P2P throttling and accommodate high-bandwidth activities.
Do NordVPN servers use obfuscation?
Yes, but you need to configure your connection first. The apps are set to use the NordLynx protocol by default but NordVPN’s obfuscation feature only works with OpenVPN — so you need to select this protocol. Here’s how to do it:
Access the Settings Then click on the Connection option. Change your VPN protocol. In the VPN Protocol field, select OpenVPN UDP from the dropdown menu.
Then head back to NordVPN’s server list menu and select Obfuscated servers. You can use them to download torrents on geo-restricted websites or hide that you’re using a VPN on private tracers (obfuscation makes VPN traffic look like regular traffic). If you’re unsatisfied with the speeds, you can switch back to P2P-optimized servers.
Does NordVPN keep logs while torrenting?
No, NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs. The service has a strict zero logs policy and RAM-based servers that prevent the company from collecting and storing your data. In addition, the VPN’s logging policy has been independently audited and verified.
What should I do if NordVPN is slow or not working for torrenting?
There are a few things you can try if NordVPN is not working with torrents. If none of these solutions help, you can also try using an alternative VPN that has been proven to work with torrenting software.
Connect to a new server. Sometimes the server you’re using might be overloaded with subscribers. You can check the percentage load by looking at the server list in the app. Try connecting to a P2P server or SOCKS5 to see if it improves your speeds. Switch your security protocol. In rare instances, your OS might conflict with the VPN’s tunneling settings. Try using the NordLynx protocol for the best speeds. Perform VPN diagnostics. NordVPN offers an in-app self-diagnostics system. Go to the Settings menu, then General, and click on Run diagnostics. After, just run all the available tests to see if your connection has improved or been fixed. Check your internet connection. Head over to speedtest.net and see if your base internet speeds are lower than expected. If lower, try using an ethernet cable instead of WiFi to get rid of any external interference. Disconnect unused devices. A single NordVPN subscription lets you connect up to 6 devices simultaneously. If you aren’t using some devices, disconnect them to increase bandwidth and speeds. Contact your VPN vendor. If all the above-mentioned tricks don’t work, just contact NordVPN’s customer support and ask for a solution.
Are all VPNs good for torrenting?
Not every VPN is suitable for torrenting. Torrenting is a bandwidth-intensive activity that requires a specialized server infrastructure and fast speeds. When searching for a torrenting VPN, look for top services like ExpressVPN with a P2P-friendly server network. This gives you the best chance of maintaining a reliable connection for torrenting. Additionally, look for VPNs that have plenty of failsafe mechanisms, such as a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. This protects your IP address from accidental exposure to other seeds in a swarm.
Should I use a free VPN for torrenting?
No, you shouldn’t. Most free VPNs or proxies lack vital security features, making them unsuitable for torrenting. They can also restrict bandwidth and cap your speeds so that torrenting large files is practically impossible. Plus, they usually have small server networks, which limits the torrent sites you can access. Instead, get a low-cost premium VPN that offers a trustworthy money-back guarantee. Some free VPNs have even been caught selling user information for a profit, while others hide malware in their app downloads. Besides, free VPNs constantly nudge you to upgrade to a paid plan anyway.
Get the Best VPNs for Safe Torrenting Today
NordVPN is a good VPN for torrenting. It has powerful online security features to keep your downloading activities private. The service also has a dedicated P2P server network and fast speeds, ideal for torrenting large files. However, its lack of support for port forwarding is a blow if you want to use your VPN to seed. For the fastest seeding, my top pick is ExpressVPN. This VPN supports seeding and has robust security and privacy features to protect you on P2P networks. It’s also faster than NordVPN, with a vast server network to unblock your favorite trackers anywhere. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can test ExpressVPN risk-free.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for torrenting
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