Torrenting remains a popular way to share files via peer-to-peer (P2P) networks in 2025, but it’s not without risks. Your ISP can throttle speeds, monitor your activity, or even send copyright notices, while malicious torrents expose you to malware. A reliable VPN encrypts your traffic, hides your IP address, and prevents these issues—essential for safe torrenting with clients like uTorrent, qBittorrent, or Deluge.
Based on extensive 2025 testing (speeds via Ookla on 1 Gbps base, leak tests on dnsleaktest.com, and P2P compatibility), we prioritized VPNs with full P2P support, port forwarding for faster seeding, audited no-logs policies, and minimal speed loss (<20%). Free VPNs? Mostly avoid them—they cap data or log activity. Our top picks: NordVPN for overall excellence, Proton VPN for free unlimited, and more.
Quick Comparison: Top VPNs for Torrenting
| VPN | Speed Loss (Tests) | P2P Servers (Countries) | Port Forwarding | No-Logs Audit | Price (2-Year Plan) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 3% (950+ Mbps peak) | All (6,400+ in 111) | No | Yes (Deloitte 2025) | $3.09/mo | Fastest downloads & security |
| Surfshark | 12% (950+ Mbps peak) | All (3,200+ in 100) | No | Yes (Cure53) | $2.19/mo | Unlimited devices & value |
| ExpressVPN | 16% (4K viable) | All (3,000+ in 105) | No (router app) | Yes (PwC) | $4.99/mo | Beginners & streaming torrents |
| Proton VPN | 20% (HD smooth) | 110+ | Yes | Yes (Securitum) | Free / $3.59/mo | Free unlimited data |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | 25% (HD viable) | All (29,000+ in 91) | Yes | Yes (Deloitte) | $2.03/mo | Customizable & ad-blocking |
| CyberGhost | 22% (gaming-ready) | Dedicated (11,500+ in 100) | No | Yes (Deloitte) | $2.19/mo | Easy profiles for P2P |
Speeds tested October 2025 on 1 Gbps base; all passed IP/DNS leaks. Prices USD; 30-45 day refunds available.
1. NordVPN: Best Overall for Secure, Blazing-Fast Torrenting
NordVPN leads with P2P on every server, including optimized ones for max speeds—ideal for large Linux ISOs or 4K media packs. NordLynx (WireGuard-based) lost just 3% in tests (950 Mbps peak), and Double VPN adds extra encryption for paranoid users. Audited no-logs (Deloitte 2025) means no data for ISPs.
Pros: Onion over VPN for anonymity; Threat Protection blocks malware in torrents; 10 devices.
Cons: No port forwarding (not a dealbreaker for most).
Torrent Tip: Use split-tunneling to route only qBittorrent via VPN—keeps browsing fast.
2. Surfshark: Best Budget Pick for Unlimited Devices
Surfshark shines for households or multi-torrent setups, supporting P2P everywhere with unlimited connections. At 12% speed loss (950 Mbps peaks), it’s great for seeding; CleanWeb blocks ads/trackers in magnet links. No-logs audited (Cure53).
Pros: MultiHop for double encryption; affordable at $2.19/mo; works on routers for whole-home P2P.
Cons: No port forwarding.
Torrent Tip: Camouflage Mode hides VPN use from ISPs throttling torrents.
3. ExpressVPN: Easiest for Beginners with Premium Speeds
ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all servers, with Lightway protocol delivering 16% loss—perfect for quick, hassle-free downloads. Intuitive apps auto-connect to low-ping servers; audited no-logs (PwC) and kill switch prevent leaks.
Pros: 8 devices; MediaStreamer for smart TVs; 24/7 chat support.
Cons: Pricier; no native port forwarding (use router setup).
Torrent Tip: ShuffleIP rotates addresses to avoid torrent trackers spotting patterns.
4. Proton VPN: Best Free Option with Unlimited Data
Proton VPN’s free plan supports unlimited P2P torrenting (no data caps), with premium adding port forwarding on 110+ countries’ servers. 20% speed loss but excels in uploads (4% drop)—top for seeding. Swiss-based, audited no-logs (Securitum).
Pros: Free tier viable; Stealth protocol evades VPN blocks; open-source.
Cons: Free limited to 3 servers (paid unlocks more).
Torrent Tip: Enable NetShield to scan torrents for malware on the fly.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Best for Advanced Users & Customization
PIA enables P2P on all 29,000+ servers, with port forwarding and customizable encryption (AES-128/256) for speed tweaks. 25% loss but MACE ad-blocker stops malicious ads in torrent sites. Court-proven no-logs (Deloitte).
Pros: Unlimited devices; SOCKS5 proxy for extra speed; unlimited tweaks.
Cons: Interface dated.
Torrent Tip: ShadowSocks obfuscation hides P2P from strict ISPs.
6. CyberGhost: Best for Optimized Streaming & Gaming Torrents
CyberGhost’s dedicated P2P servers (11,500+ total) include gaming-optimized ones for low-ping torrenting. 22% loss; profiles auto-select torrent-friendly servers. Audited no-logs (Deloitte).
Pros: 7 devices; 45-day refund; Content Blocker for safe downloads.
Cons: No port forwarding.
Torrent Tip: Use “For Torrenting” profile for instant setup.
Step-by-Step: How to Use a VPN for Torrenting Safely
- Choose & Subscribe: Pick from above (e.g., NordVPN 2-year for $3.09/mo). Use 30-day refund to test.
- Download & Install: Get the app for your OS; enable kill switch and obfuscation.
- Configure Torrent Client: In qBittorrent/uTorrent, bind to VPN interface (e.g., via split-tunneling). Enable port forwarding if available.
- Connect & Torrent: Select a P2P-optimized server (e.g., nearby for speed). Start downloading—verify no leaks at ipleak.net.
- Optimize: Use WireGuard protocol; test speeds with a 1GB torrent file.
Pro Tip: Always scan files with antivirus (e.g., Malwarebytes). Torrent legally—public domain only.
Why These VPNs? Our 2025 Testing Criteria
We evaluated 50+ VPNs for:
- P2P Support: Full/all servers, no blocks.
- Speeds: <20% loss on 1 Gbps; port forwarding for seeding.
- Security: AES-256, kill switch, no leaks, audited no-logs.
- Privacy: Jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances; transparency reports.
- Extras: Malware blocking, unlimited data/devices.
NordVPN topped for balance; avoid VPNs like IPVanish (logs issues) or freebies (data caps).
Final Thoughts: Torrent Smart in 2025
For most, NordVPN’s speed and security make it unbeatable—start with their trial. Budget? Surfshark. Free? Proton. Remember: VPNs enable safe torrenting, but legality matters—stick to open-source or legal content.
Questions on setup? Drop in comments. Stay anonymous!