Torrenting without a VPN is like broadcasting your IP address to every peer in the swarm. Your ISP sees everything. Copyright trolls log your activity. One DMCA notice, and you're in trouble.
A good torrenting VPN needs more than just "allows P2P." It needs:
- Reliable kill switch — Blocks internet if VPN drops, preventing IP leaks
- No-logs policy — Nothing to hand over if subpoenaed
- P2P-optimized servers — Fast speeds for large file transfers
- Port forwarding (optional) — Essential for seeding and faster downloads
Legal Disclaimer
Torrenting itself is legal. Downloading copyrighted content without permission is not. A VPN protects your privacy but doesn't make illegal downloads legal. Use torrents responsibly for legal content like Linux distros, open-source software, and Creative Commons media.
Top 5 VPNs for Torrenting (2025)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
The only major VPN with port forwarding. Essential for seeding and maximizing download speeds.
NordVPN
Dedicated P2P servers optimized for torrenting. Fastest speeds we tested.
Mullvad
No email, no name, accepts cash. Maximum anonymity for torrenters.
ProtonVPN
Swiss jurisdiction + port forwarding on Plus plans. Great for privacy-conscious torrenters.
Surfshark
Unlimited devices at $1.99/mo. Good speeds, no port forwarding.
Why Port Forwarding Matters
When you torrent, you're both downloading (leeching) and uploading (seeding). Without an open port, other peers can't connect directly to you—they have to wait for you to connect to them.
❌ Without Port Forwarding
- • Download speeds capped at ~50% potential
- • Can't seed effectively (low ratio)
- • Connection issues with private trackers
- • May get banned from trackers for low ratio
✓ With Port Forwarding
- • Full download speeds
- • Effective seeding (maintain ratio)
- • Compatible with private trackers
- • More peers can connect to you
If you only leech (download): Port forwarding is nice but not essential. Any VPN on this list works.
If you seed (upload) or use private trackers: You need port forwarding. That means PIA or ProtonVPN Plus.
Torrenting VPN Comparison
| VPN | Port Forward | Kill Switch | No-Logs Proof | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIA | ✓ Yes | ✓ | Court-Tested 2x | $2.03/mo |
| ProtonVPN | ✓ Plus | ✓ | SOC 2 Audit | $3.59/mo |
| NordVPN | ✗ | ✓ | 5 Audits | $2.99/mo |
| Mullvad | ✗ (removed) | ✓ | Police Raid | €5/mo |
| Surfshark | ✗ | ✓ | Audit | $1.99/mo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my ISP see I'm torrenting with a VPN?
No. Your ISP can see you're connected to a VPN server, but not what you're doing. All your torrent traffic is encrypted. They can't see what files you're downloading or that you're using BitTorrent at all.
What happens if my VPN drops while torrenting?
Without a kill switch, your real IP gets exposed to the swarm—potentially triggering DMCA notices. That's why a kill switch is essential. You can also bind your torrent client directly to the VPN interface for extra protection.
Should I use a free VPN for torrenting?
No. Most free VPNs explicitly ban torrenting, have data caps too small for downloads, or log your activity. The few that allow P2P (like ProtonVPN Free) block torrenting on free servers. Pay $2-3/month for proper protection.
The Bottom Line
For seeders and private tracker users: PIA is the clear winner. Port forwarding is essential for maintaining ratio, and PIA is one of the only major VPNs that still offers it.
For leechers who prioritize speed: NordVPN's P2P servers are the fastest we tested.
For maximum anonymity: Mullvad requires no email, accepts cash, and proved they keep no logs when police raided them and found nothing.