Best VPNs for Torrenting Reddit
Wondering which is the best VPN for torrenting Reddit? This piece shares everything you need to know about VPNs for torrenting and which providers are favorites among Reddit users.
For starters, torrenting is a method for transferring data from one device to another on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Unlike conventional downloading, torrenting is omnidirectional in that data moves in many directions. In simple terms, torrenting means you are not just downloading data but also uploading part of the data back to the P2P network.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Torrenting?
While torrenting can help you download huge files faster, several risks are involved, risks that can be mitigated using a VPN. So, why exactly should you use a VPN? Below are reasons you need a VPN to safely and securely download torrents.
Why Trust Reddit?
In this review, we have focused on the top-rated VPNs by Reddit users. So, why trust Reddit, a social news aggregation platform? Well, the answer is simple: Reddit has a community of experts on online security and privacy matters. Below are some reasons we trust Reddit when it comes to candid discussions on the best VPNs for torrenting.
Best VPNs for Torrenting According to Reddit
Now, onto the main business of the day, which are the best VPNs for torrenting based on the views and opinions of Redditors? Well, here is the list.
| Feature | |||||
| Compatibility | PC, mobile, routers, PlayStation, Xbox, streaming devices | PC, mobile, routers, PlayStation, Xbox, streaming devices | PC, mobile, routers, PlayStation, Xbox, streaming devices | PC, mobile, routers, PlayStation, Xbox, streaming devices | PC, mobile, routers, PlayStation, Xbox, streaming devices |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 6 devices | Up to 5 devices | Up to 10 devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM, with a 4096-bit DH key | AES 256-bit keys, RSA-4096 DH key | AES 256-bit keys, RSA-4096 DH key | AES 256-bit keys, RSA-4096 DH key | AES 256-bit keys, RSA-4096 DH key |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx | PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec, and Lightway | PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, IKEv2, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec | IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard | IPSec/IKEv2 and WireGuard |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | British Virgin Islands | British Virgin Islands | Netherlands | US |
| Log Policy | No Log VPN | No Log VPN | No Log VPN | No Log VPN | No Log VPN |
| Servers | 5,500 in 60+ countries | 3,000+ servers in over 94 countries | 6,500 servers located in 78 countries | 3,200+ servers in over 65 countries | 750+ servers in over 37 countries |
| Price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
1. NordVPN
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While there are dozens of VPN brands recommended by Reddit users, NordVPN is the ultimate choice among most of the platform’s users. The brand, established in 2012, is owned by Nord Security, the same company behind several other security products, including NordPass, NordLocker, and NordPass Business. NordVPN is known for its robust features that facilitate safe and secure torrenting.
As one of the top VPN providers, NordVPN is compatible with all devices. You can use it to torrent on your PC or mobile devices. Besides, it works with routers, PlayStation, Xbox, streaming devices, etc.
The only shortcoming is that it supports a maximum of 6 devices simultaneously despite being one of the most expensive VPNs.
When it comes to security, NordVPN uses the latest military-grade encryption, AES-256-GCM, with a 4096-bit DH key. This is the most secure encryption technology and is impenetrable. As for tunneling methods, it supports 3 protocols, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx. OpenVPN guarantees security, while NordLynx has been optimized to offer airtight security and fast speeds. Other extras worth mentioning include DNS, IPv6, and IP Leak Protection, Network Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, SOCKS5 proxy, CyberSec, Nordvpn Multihop, and Double VPN, features that improve the torrenting experience.
Regarding confidentiality, we are glad NordVPN is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly country that respects its citizen’s privacy. In addition, the company has a 100% no-log policy, so any information that can be used to profile you or detect torrenting activity is not stored.
At the core of NordVPN is a robust server network that boasts top-of-the-line hardware for reliability. There are over 5,500 servers spread across the globe in 60+ countries. These highly specialized servers guarantee fast speeds and are optimized for P2P sharing and torrenting. There are also obfuscated servers, Double VPN Servers, and Onion over VPN servers.
Regarding speeds, NordVPN also excels. Even though there were speed losses, they are minimal compared to most other VPNs. We tested it on a 100Mbps connection, and on the nearest servers, speeds dropped to 88Mbps when torrenting, while on the furthest servers, the speed losses came down to 78Mbps.
NordVPN is not just for torrenting; there are plenty of other things it can do. It boasts fast speeds and low pings for smooth gaming. Gamers can also use it to access geo-restricted gaming content and discounts. It is also suitable for streaming as it unblocks most streaming sites with geo-locked content, such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- Trusted torrenting VPN brand
- A vast network of P2P-friendly servers
- Nordlynx protocol for fast speeds
- Good mix of security features
- 100% privacy & confidentiality
- SOCKS5 Proxy and Onion over VPN servers
- Port Forwarding is not available
- Expensive and supports a max of 6 devices
2. ExpressVPN
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ExpressVPN is the second best VPN for torrenting on Reddit. Established in 2009, the company is owned by Kape Technologies, a venture that owns several other top VPNs, including CyberGhost, ZenMate, and Private Internet Access (PIA). A lot of Reddit users describe it as a reliable VPN for torrenting. It is actually one of the few VPNs with Port Forwarding, though the feature can only be accessed via the router and not servers.
As one of the leading VPN brands for torrenting, it is compatible with a range of devices. You can use it to download torrents on PCs and mobile devices. Besides PCs and mobile, ExpressVPN works with routers, Smart TVs, Fire Sticks, PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox, and so on.
Unfortunately, it limits simultaneous connections to 5 devices. You can, however, secure more devices via a router that is already connected.
As for security, ExpressVPN is solid. It deploys AES 256-bit keys for encryption, and security is further beefed up by RSA-4096 handshake and SHA-512 authentication. Another standout feature is the protocols supported. ExpressVPN implements 8 protocols, including WireGuard and LightWay. WireGuard offers fast speeds, while LightWay is the company’s proprietary protocol optimized for fast speeds and security. ExpressVPN is also well endowed when it comes to security extras. It has been engineered with DNS and IP Leak Protection, Threat Manager, Private DNS, Split Tunneling, and a Network Kill Switch.
Regarding confidentiality, ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a privacy-friendly country, so you can be sure your data is safe. Besides, it has a no-log policy, so none of your personally identifiable information is collected or stored.
ExpressVPN has a robust network infrastructure comprising over 3,000 servers in more than 94 countries. There are P2P-friendly servers custom-tailored to offer safe and secure torrenting. ExpressVPN also has virtual server locations and ultrafast servers that are being upgraded from 1Gbps to 10Gbps servers. Already, over 70% of ExpressVPN’s global bandwidth is running on these ultrafast servers. Also worth mentioning is that ExpressVPN has invested in RAM-only servers, which wipe out all data with every reboot.
One feature that makes ExpressVPN a worthy VPN for torrenting is the fast speeds. It also incurs speed losses, just like all VPNs, but the speed loss is acceptable. We tested it on a 100Mbps connection, and on the closest servers, speeds dropped to 84Mbps, while on the furthest servers, the speed came down to 70Mbps.
Just like NordVPN, ExpressVPN is versatile. Besides torrenting and P2P sharing, it guarantees online security and privacy. It is also a reliable VPN for gaming as it can shield gamers from DDoS attacks and other threats. Gamers can also rely on it to access geo-blocked gaming content and discounts. Last, ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming, so you can always catch your favorite TV show on Netflix, even if it is unavailable in your region.
- Reputable VPN for torrenting
- A vast network of P2P optimized servers
- Works with 8 VPN protocols
- Lightway protocol for enhanced speeds
- Port Forwarding available
- State-of-the-art security and privacy
- Maximum of 5 simultaneous connections
- Expensive subscription costs
3. PureVPN
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PureVPN, one of the oldest VPNs around, is also an excellent VPN for torrenting. Started in 2007, the brand boasts over 3 million users and is trusted by many for safe and secure torrenting. One of the outstanding features is Port Forwarding, which is available at additional costs.
Like other top-rated VPNs, PureVPN is compatible with a range of devices. You can use it to download torrents on your PC or mobile device. It also works with routers, so you can protect all other devices connected on that protected router. PureVPN also works with gaming consoles, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, alongside Smart TVs, TV Sticks, Fire Sticks, and other streaming devices.
As for security, this VPN also leverages Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption reinforced with an RSA-4096 key. Another area it excels is the supported VPN protocols. PureVPN supports 8 tunneling methods, including PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, IKEv2, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec. WireGuard offers fast speeds making it the best for torrenting and P2P sharing. Other features include DNS, WebRTC and IPv6 Leak Protection, Split Tunneling, Network Kill Switch, and Dedicated IPs.
On confidentiality, PureVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction that observes online privacy. Another good feature that enhances confidentiality is the strict no-log policy. The VPN doesn’t collect any personally identifiable information that could identify you when torrenting.
PureVPN is outstanding when it comes to its server network. The company operates over 6,500 servers located in 78 countries around the globe. The servers boast state-of-the-art hardware for reliability. Interestingly, there are P2P-friendly servers that allow for safe and secure torrenting. You don’t have to worry about IP bans and bandwidth throttling.
The main focus of Redditors is speed. We are glad it is fast enough to facilitate fast downloads on P2P-friendly servers. We tested speeds on a 100Mbps connection. On the nearest servers, speeds dropped to 80Mbps, while on the furthest servers, the connection speeds dropped to 66Mbps.
Like the other VPNs listed above, PureVPN is versatile. Besides torrenting and P2P sharing, it guarantees online security and privacy. Gamers can also rely on it to keep DDoS attacks at bay and access geo-blocked gaming content, for example, maps and heroes. They can also use it to access gaming discounts not available in their region. PureVPN is also effective in unblocking streaming sites, though not as effective as the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
- Reliable VPN for torrenting
- Implements 7 VPN protocols
- A vast network of P2P-friendly servers
- Latest 256-bit AES encryption
- Allows Port Forwarding
- Good selection of security extras
- Port Forwarding is at additional costs
- Compromised privacy and confidentiality
4. Surfshark
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- Facilitates safe and secure torrenting
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Uses RAM-only P2P-friendly servers
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Decent connection speeds
- Excellent choice of PUBG servers locations
- No Port Forwarding
- Supports 3 protocols
Surfshark, a household name in the VPNs industry, is also trusted by a section of Reddit users. Established in 2008, the award-winning VPN can reliably facilitate torrenting without running any risks. It has a good mix of security features that mask your IP and hide your torrenting activity from ISPs.
Surfshark is a versatile VPN that works with a range of devices, including PCs and mobile devices. So, whether you download torrents on your laptop or smartphone, it has got you covered. In addition, Sursfhark works with routers, Smart TVs, Apple TVs, Fire Sticks, PlayStation, Xbox, and so on. One of the best features of Surfshark is the fact that it allows for unlimited connections. You can use it on as many devices as you wish.
Surfshark is one of the most secure VPNs, according to Reddit. The VPN deploys state-of-the-art AES 256-GCM encryption, backed up by SHA-256 hash authentication and RSA-4096 key as the exchange. Unfortunately, it supports just 3 protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard. WireGuard is, of course, the best protocol for torrenting as it is secure and fast. Other security extras that can enhance safety and security when torrenting include DNS/Leak Protection, Network Kill Switch, CleanWeb, Ads Trackers, Malware Blocker, Camouflage Mode, and Phishing Blockers.
The server network is also robust, so users are guaranteed reliability when downloading torrents. The provider has over 3,200 servers strategically located in all regions. There are specialized servers for torrenting. These are RAM-only high-speed 1Gbps servers alongside 10Gbps servers for blazingly fast speeds.
Surfshark may not be the best VPN in terms of speed, but this shouldn’t be a reason not to buy Surfshark if you have a faster connection. We started a torrenting session on a 100Mbps connection. On the nearest servers, the speeds dropped to 64Mbps, while the furthest servers yielded an average of 39Mbps.
Besides torrenting and P2P sharing, Surfshark offers uptight online security and privacy. It is also a good VPN for gaming as it protects gamers from DDoS attacks and other threats. Gamers can also use it to access geo-blocked content and gaming discounts. Surfshark too, unblocks some streaming sites, so it’s a worthy purchase if you are into movies and TV shows.
5. AtlasVPN
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AtlasVPN is also a provider that should be on your wishlist. This is from its recommendation by some Reddit users who frequent VPN threads and subreddits. Many users assert that from their experience with AtlasVPN, it is reliable for torrenting and P2P sharing. What’s more? There is a free version of AtlasVPN, so it is the perfect match if you are looking for the best free VPN for torrenting.
AtlasVPN is an all-rounder that works with all devices you may want to protect. It is compatible with PCs and mobile devices, so you can use it to safely download torrents from either platform. It also works with routers, Smart TVs, Apple TVs, Fire Sticks, and gaming consoles, just to mention a few. Regarding the allowed simultaneous connections, you can connect unlimited devices.
On security, AtlasVPN is well endowed. It tags along with the latest military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, which is impenetrable even when you perform a brute force attack. One of the shortcomings is that it only supports a few protocols; IPSec/IKEv2 and WireGuard. But as far as torrenting is concerned, you are good to go as WireGuard is secure and fast enough to facilitate torrenting. Other features include a Network Kill Switch, DNS/IPv6/WebRTC Leak Protection, Data Breach Monitor, 2FA Login Procedure, SafeSwap, and SafeBrowse.
One shortcoming of AtlasVPN is that it is based in the United States, Delaware, which is under the United States Federal Laws. The United States is a member of the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes. But the good thing is that it has a strict no-log policy.
Unfortunately, AtlasVPN, a fairly new VPN, has a small server network of around 750 servers. However, it’s worth noting that these are state-of-the-art servers optimized for P2P sharing and offer fast speeds so you can download torrents hassle-free.
On performance, there is still room for improvement as speeds are not so good. On the nearest servers, a 100Mbps connection dropped to 58Mbps when torrenting, while the furthest servers yielded 40Mbps. This, however, is not a major concern if you have high-speed internet.
In addition to torrenting and P2P sharing, this VPN is suitable for gaming. It can shield consoles against DDoS attacks, and gamers can camouflage using it to access geo-blocked content and discounts on video games. AtlasVPN can also be used as a VPN for streaming though it doesn’t reliably unblock all streaming sites.
- There’s a free AtlasVPN version
- No limit on the number of connections
- Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption
- Decent speeds on WireGuard
- Double VPN for added security
- Expensive short-term plans
- Malfunctioning kill switch
How to Navigate Reddit Threads
While Reddit is a good place to be in the loop of all happenings in the VPN industry, it’s not to be trusted entirely. Some threads are used to directly promote specific VPN brands. So, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff?
One thing you should strive to avoid is fake Reddit accounts. If the account is new, that’s a red flag. Another red flag is if the user focuses on a single brand. There could be some ulterior motive – to promote or to soil a brand’s reputation. Reddit users who post affiliate links or discount codes should also not be taken seriously.
Top-Rated Reddit VPN Subreddits
Below is a list of subreddits you can rely on for VPN insights:
- r/VPN (reviews and general discussions of VPN services)
- r/VPNReviews (user-submitted reviews of VPN brands)
- r/NetflixByProxy (VPNs for unblocking Netflix)
- r/VPNTorrents (free and paid VPNs for torrenting)
- r/privacy (privacy-related subreddits)
What Makes a Good VPN for Torrenting According to Reddit Users?
Now, the big question is, how did we come up with a list of the best VPNs for torrenting? Well, our main source was what Reddit users say. We analyzed their opinion based on the essential factors considered when buying the best torrenting VPN. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Reputation
What do Reddit users say about a particular VPN provider? A brand’s reputation was a key determinant in our rankings. We went through hundreds of threads to learn about a brand’s background. Are there any positive reviews of the VPN? What about negative reviews? Even though some of the VPNs in this review have some negative reviews here and there, they are ranked highly by most Reddit users.
2. Compatibility
Next, we wanted to know which devices they were compatible with. Most Reddit users recommend all-rounders that work with all devices, from PCs and mobile devices to routers, gaming consoles, streaming devices, you name it. Besides the compatible devices, the maximum number of simultaneous connections was also a consideration for many Redditors. Most prefer VPNs that allow unlimited connections or those that support the highest number of simultaneous connections.
3. Security
Third, security is a big concern for Reddit users. The recommended brands are those with AES 256-bit key, military-grade encryption that is virtually impenetrable. The number of VPN protocols is also a consideration, with the aim of many Redditors being VPNs that support the highest number of tunneling methods and, importantly, the most secure protocols, especially OpenVPN. Other extras Redditors are looking for include DNS and IP Leak Protection, Network Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, Port Forwarding, Malware Blockers, and Ad Blockers, just to mention a few.
4. Confidentiality
When it comes to confidentiality, all users seem to recommend VPNs located in privacy-friendly jurisdictions that are not part of surveillance organizations such as 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes, and 14-Eyes. Another important aspect is the logging policy. Definitely, all VPN users want a VPN with a strict no-log policy. Furthermore, RAM-only servers are also prioritized as they wipe out all data when they reboot.
5. Server Network
The server network of a provider is also a crucial factor that Reddit users focus on. The experts recommend VPNs with a vast server network for reliability. Notably, there should be servers specialized for torrenting. They are popularly known as P2P-friendly servers.
6. Speeds
As you may be aware, on a VPN connection, your speed drops, but the drop varies from one provider to another. Now that you are into torrenting and P2P sharing, you definitely want to go for a VPN with minimal speed losses for fast data transfer. We analyzed multiple threads that touch on speeds to determine which brands are known for fast speeds and which are slow.
7. Usability
The usability of a VPN is also a concern for many Reddit users. Most prefer VPNs that are easy to get started, with no complex setup and configuration. Customer support was also an issue, with 24/7 Live Chat being the most sought-after support channel.
8. Pricing
Last, the subscription costs of a provider were considered. Most users based their argument on price vs. value. Even though there are free VPNs, Reddit users shun them. Instead, they recommend paid VPNs. But we thought it was a good idea to recommend free and paid VPNs so you can make a choice. Free trials and moneyback guarantees are also considerations in our quest to find the best VPN, according to Reddit.
How to Use a VPN for Torrenting
Now that you know how to spot a worthy VPN, the elephant in the room is how you use a VPN when torrenting. Below are the steps and some crucial tips.
- Step 1: First, identify the VPN provider you want to go with. Luckily, we have done the heavy lifting for you by digging deep to know which are the best VPNs for torrenting according to Reddit.
- Step 2: If it’s a free VPN, register an account, but for paid VPNs, you must create an account and purchase a subscription.
- Step 3: In the third step, download the VPN client software, and install it.
- Step 4: Log in to your account from the client software and connect to a P2P-friendly server.
After connecting to a P2P server, you are ready to roll. But just before that, make sure to enable the Network Kill Switch so that whenever the VPN connection drops, the internet connection drops immediately, so your torrenting activity won’t leak. It’s also worth checking whether the VPN leaks DNS requests or IP addresses just to be safe. You can also opt for Split Tunneling if you want to route only your torrenting traffic via the VPN.
Free vs. Paid VPNs for Torrenting
Today, there are dozens of free VPNs for torrenting. The likes of AtlasVPN offer users a freemium version of the VPN. But are free VPNs worth it?
Well, according to most Reddit users, the answer is no. Free VPNs are known for crappy services, including vulnerable security infrastructure, slow speeds, and bandwidth limits. Most leak your IP address making torrenting a big hassle. Perhaps the biggest worry is the fact that dozens of free VPNs are after your data while others come with annoying in-app advertisements.
Worthy Mentions
The above are the best VPNs for torrenting, and Reddit users recommend them. Other worthy mentions include CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access (PIA), which are known for excellent security and decent speeds.
1. What is the best VPN for pirating Reddit?
2. Can an ISP tell if you are torrenting?
3. Do VPNs really work for torrenting?
4. Do all VPNs allow seeding?
5. Why don’t most VPNs have Port Forwarding?
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks, a review of the best VPN for torrenting, according to Reddit users. NordVPN is the ultimate VPN for torrenting, courtesy of high speeds and airtight security. ExpressVPN is also a worthy contender for the top spot as it also has a good mix of security and speed. For those looking for an affordable VPN for torrenting, PureVPN and Surfshark are the best deals, while for those looking for the best free VPN for torrenting, AtlasVPN is the best choice.