How to Torrent Safely and Privately — Updated Guide (2023)

Torrenting can be dangerous — every time you download or upload a file using an unprotected internet connection, you're taking a risk. Without proper protection, you could expose yourself to various online threats (including malware and hackers) and third-party interference.

Using a reliable VPN is the easiest way to stay safe and anonymous when torrenting. It encrypts and anonymizes your connection, which protects your privacy by keeping your online activities hidden from unauthorized access by hackers and other third parties.

My favorite VPN for safe torrenting is ExpressVPN. Its no-logs policy, diskless servers, and fast speeds make it a must-have tool for torrenting. You can try ExpressVPN's torrent-friendly features risk-free because it‘s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Torrent Safely and Anonymously >>

Important: While torrenting is not necessarily illegal in most countries, it is illegal to torrent copyrighted content. The vpnMentor team does not condone any illegal torrenting activities. I recommend that you review the rules and regulations regarding torrenting in your country before downloading anything. Be sure to only download files that are not protected by copyright.

Why You Need a VPN for Torrenting

Whenever you torrent a file, you’re vulnerable to hackers, malware, and third-party snooping. A reliable VPN shields you against these cyber threats by sending all your traffic through one of its secure servers. Here’s why you should use a VPN for torrenting:

• Protect your data. When you use a torrent client to download files, your IP address and location are visible to anyone connected to the same file. A VPN keeps you safe by masking your IP address. Hackers won’t be able to target your device, only the VPN server.
• Prevents ISP throttling. Most ISPs will throttle your speeds if they discover that you’re torrenting. You can avoid this by using a VPN as it encrypts your data, stopping your ISP from seeing your torrenting activity.
• Bypass blocks on restrictive networks. If you’re at school, office, or a censorship-heavy country, you may not be able to access torrenting websites. Even if you can, these networks may have a NAT firewall that prevents you from downloading or seeding files. A VPN with obfuscation technology and port forwarding can help you to torrent on restricted networks.
• Keeps you safe from “copyright trolls”. These are people or companies who collect the IP addresses of torrenters and report them to ISPs, even if the torrentor isn’t breaking any laws. However, because a VPN replaces your IP address with that of a secure server, you can minimize the risk of this happening to you.

Torrent Safely With ExpressVPN >>

How to Protect Yourself When Torrenting in 2023 — The Ultimate Guide

Step 1: Get a reputable VPN

Using a reliable and trusted VPN is the best way to torrent safely and anonymously. It redirects your data through one of its private servers, making it look anonymous to other users.

Step 2: Connect to a VPN server

Choose a server close to you for the best speeds if you have no location preferences. Forgetting to start the VPN can fully expose your IP address because the torrent client may start seeding/downloading as soon as you open it. You can also set some VPNs to auto-start before torrenting by using a split tunneling feature.

Step 3: Get a reliable torrent client

You need a reliable torrent client to download a torrent safely and successfully. Because torrents consist of data from different locations, these files can sometimes be injected with malware. While any torrent client will manage and merge those files into one easy download, the best clients will make it clear which torrents have been verified as safe and reliable.

When choosing a torrent client, you want one that is easy to use, lightweight, and customizable. It should enable a decent degree of customization and functionality, plus provide safety settings to keep you protected. These are the torrent clients I recommend:

• uTorrent. The most popular torrent client with a clean and simple interface. It also allows you to customize its features, although it does come with ads.
• BitTorrent. It has a user-friendly interface with a drag-and-drop feature, making it ideal for beginners. But like uTorrent, it has ads.
• Deluge. An open-source client that is compatible with many extensions. However, it’s not the easiest to use.
• qBittorrent. Allows plenty of customization and is free of ads. Unfortunately, it doesn’t enable extensions.
• Vuze. Not the most lightweight torrent client, but it compensates for it by offering a vast selection of tools and plugins.

  You can customize your torrent client to match your needs

Step 4: Configure your VPN and torrent client

Properly configuring your VPN and the torrent client eliminates any privacy and safety risks while torrenting. I recommend using a VPN that comes with plenty of configurable security settings, such as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost.

The most important setting on your torrent client is IP binding. This allows you to approve connections from specific IP addresses while blocking all others, meaning you can set it to only torrent files when you’re connected to your VPN. This isn’t available on every torrent client, so make sure you use one that supports IP binding.

Configuring your VPN and the torrent client protects you from any third-party interference

Step 5: Download a safe, non-copyrighted torrent

Downloading a safe torrent is crucial because, sometimes, hackers can seed (or distribute) files filled with malware. Therefore, make sure you only download torrents that have been verified for safety.

Some VPNs (like NordVPN) will scan the files you download and will notify you if it contains malicious code, but this isn’t a common feature. For the best protection when torrenting, I recommend using a reputable antivirus program alongside your VPN to protect you against malware.

Some reliable torrent sites include:

• The Pirate Bay
• YTS
• 1337x
• RARBG
• Limetorrents

Torrent Safely With ExpressVPN >>

Additional Tips to Help You Torrent Safely & Anonymously

In addition to the steps above, you can take these extra measures to ensure a greater level of safety and anonymity:

Take caution not to download copyrighted torrents and get in trouble with the law

• Look out for a high seeder/leecher number. A seeder shares a full copy of a file with other users while a leecher downloads those files. A torrent with many seeders and leechers is more likely to be safer and faster because of its regular activity.
• Read reviews and comments. Be sure to check out comments, as they will warn you of any dangerous torrents. But don’t rely on this alone, as hackers sometimes leave fake comments to lure suspects.
• Use a private torrent site. Try using private torrent sites because these work on an invite-only basis, and carefully moderate their torrents. They act as a community where users only share files between members.
• Download files into a sandboxed environment. This is a secure way to check files for malware without endangering your device. It can be created using a program like Sandboxie or a virtual machine, which acts as a separate operating system.

Best VPNs to Download Torrents Safely and Anonymously

1. ExpressVPN — Zero-Logs Policy to Keep Your Torrenting Activity Private

ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy ensuring that no torrenting activity is stored or shared. This was verified by Cure53 and KPMG, both of which promise ExpressVPN is as secure as it claims. It’s also headquartered in the British Virgin Islands (outside the data sharing pact of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances), so it's under no obligation to share data with any government body.

Plus, it doesn’t collect your network activity in the first place. Its RAM-only TrustedServer network wipes your data when the servers are rebooted. It also has a kill switch called Network Lock, which makes sure none of your data leaks if your VPN disconnects. In short, hackers and snoops can’t uncover your data on any part of ExpressVPN’s network.

I like how easy it is to configure ExpressVPN’s kill switch

Thanks to its Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN is also one of the fastest VPNs I tested. The Lightway protocol is lightweight and is designed to provide secure and low-latency connections. During my tests, my speeds dropped by a mere 6%, which is great for downloading large torrents in minutes.

One drawback is subscriptions are expensive, starting at $6.67/month. However, you can get up to 49% off with ExpressVPN's regular deals and discounts. Long-term subscriptions also offer 3 free months, which helps you to save money in the long run. All pans are also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try its features without any risk.

Useful Features

• Smart location. If you don’t have a server preference, the Smart Location feature automatically connects you to the best-performing server based on distance, latency, and speed.
• Router compatible. You can set up ExpressVPN on your router and torrent on all your devices simultaneously. Its native router app is easy to install, too.
• Split tunneling. ExpressVPN lets you secure your torrenting traffic while routing all other data through your regular ISP connection. This means you can access services like online banking while protecting your P2P network connection.
• Threat Manager. This security feature monitors and blocks potential threats like malicious domains, ads, and trackers. Because ads pointing to malicious websites or malware can be rife on torrent sites and clients, this feature helps keep you safe.
• 24/7 live chat support. You can get help anytime you need it.

Torrent Safely With ExpressVPN >>

2. CyberGhost — P2P-Optimized Servers for Easy and Reliable Torrenting

CyberGhost offers optimized servers for torrenting, so you can download files smoothly and without interruption. I tried several of these servers and could download large files with no noticeable speed drop — I only lost 7% off my base speed testing nearby servers. The torrenting servers are easy to find, too, so you can start torrenting safely in just a few clicks.

You can favorite your most used torrenting-optimized server, so you don’t have to search each time

Robust security and privacy features also ensure that you can torrent safely and anonymously. It uses AES-256-bit encryption, which is nearly impossible to penetrate for even the most sophisticated hacker. Additionally, it also has a strict no-logs policy, so none of your data is logged or stored. All of this keeps your data completely secure against third parties.

CyberGhost has its own ad-blocker (Content Blocker) for Windows and Android, which is great for torrenting. When I tested it on my Windows laptop, I noticed that it blocked most ads on some torrent sites and clients I was using. This ensures that you can enjoy torrenting without annoying (or malicious!) ads and popups.

Short-term plans aren’t cheap, but long-term plans start at $2.19/month. Plus, since it’s backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost for free to see if it works for you. When I asked for a refund through 24/7 live chat, I got my money back to my bank account in 5 days.

Useful Features

• IP/DNS leak protection. This feature ensures that your IP address and DNS requests do not leak outside the encrypted tunnel, keeping you safe from prying eyes while torrenting.
• Router compatibility. Like ExpressVPN, you can install CyberGhost on your router and use it to torrent content on as many devices as you like. This means you can protect your smart TV if you use P2P streaming services to watch non-copyrighted content.
• Straightforward interface. You can easily find and connect to your preferred server even without any tech experience. You’ll be able to see how far away each server is from you before you connect, helping you to optimize your torrenting speeds.

Torrent Safely With CyberGhost >>

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Settings to Prioritize Speed or Security While Torrenting

You can tweak Private Internet Access’s (PIA) security settings depending on what you’re torrenting. If you want to use OpenVPN, you can select which encryption protocol you use. This will either speed up your torrent or provide extra security. During my tests, I found AES 128-bit offered faster download speeds.

You can only choose the encryption level with the OpenVPN protocol

You can also use WireGuard, a lighter and newer protocol that is largely considered more secure. It's also superior to OpenVPN in speed, so you'll likely find this helps cut your download time. It's just a shame that only a few routers support the WireGuard protocol.

I was initially skeptical of PIA as it’s based in the US, which is home to the 5 Eyes Alliance. However, its independently verified no-logs policy proves it doesn’t store user data. So, I felt confident that despite the US’s data retention laws, PIA wouldn’t collect anything that it would be required to hand over if requested.

You can save money with PIA when you choose the longer subscription options that start at $2.03/month. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test PIA out risk-free and get a refund if unsatisfied. After asking for a refund through the 24/7 chat support, I got a PayPal refund within a week.

Useful Features

• Unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect all of your household’s devices, allowing everyone to torrent, stream, or game without compromising the safety of your home network.
• MACE ad blocker. This feature blocks domains used for ads, trackers, and malware, all of which can be rife on torrent sites and clients.
• Pre-configured settings. Without changing any settings, PIA is ready to torrent. But it's quick to change settings as they're clearly labeled. So, you can configure your connection without wasting time hunting down different options.

Torrent Safely With PIA >>

4. NordVPN — Fast Speeds to Download Large Torrents Quickly

NordVPN’s servers offer consistently fast speeds for torrenting — even on connections thousands of miles away. I tested dozens of local servers in Europe, and my download speeds maintained an average drop of 8%. This allowed me to download a 2 GB file in under 2 minutes. This is largely thanks to the speedy NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard.

I was impressed my speed dropped by only 8% when connected to a nearby NordVPN server

Thanks to its robust encryption and security protocols, your data remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized parties. So, even if there is a hacker or snoop on a P2P network, they won’t be able to find out where you are or compromise your security.

Regrettably, the startup time for the app on my Windows laptop exceeded a minute. On the brighter side, after it had loaded, I was able to establish a connection to a server and commence torrenting within mere seconds.

You can get a long-term NordVPN plan for $3.49/month. Plus, you can try it out using its 30-day money-back guarantee to see if it works well for you. I asked for a refund, which was hassle-free — my credit card was reimbursed 7 days after requesting a refund via 24/7 live chat.

Useful Features

• Threat Protection. This feature scans every file you download for malware. I recommend using this with a traditional antivirus tool to protect your devices while you torrent.
• No-logs policy. NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently verified three times, so you can be sure it doesn’t store your torrenting activity or any other data.
• User-friendly. Its straightforward interface and interactive map make using NordVPN easy, even if you're a beginner.

Torrent Safely With NordVPN >>

5. Surfshark — Improve Your Torrenting Experience By Blocking Ads

Surfshark’s ad blocker, CleanWeb, automatically detects and blocks ads and malicious websites. Given that ads hosted on torrenting services can often contain malware or redirect to malicious websites and scams, this will help you to stay safe. When I tested CleanWeb, it blocked almost all ads on the torrenting client and sites I used.

You can also enable Surfshark’s kill switch from the VPN settings window

You can connect unlimited devices simultaneously, which is great for large households. I connected my MacBook Pro, Android tablet, smartphone, and old Windows laptop while torrenting and streaming shows at the same time. I noticed no interruptions or speed drops as I added each device.

I did, however, experience slower speeds than any of the other VPNs on this list. Local servers performed well; most only dropped my speeds by around 9%. However, servers in the US decreased my speeds by over 20%. Stick to local servers for torrenting where you can, as long-distance connections add up to an hour to large downloads.

Long-term subscriptions are very affordable at $2.30/month. Like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, you can also try Surfshark risk-free before committing, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Bypasser. You can choose what apps and websites to route through the VPN. This way, you can torrent safely while using your other apps with your normal connection.
• Camouflage mode. Surfshark's Camouflage mode feature hides the fact that you're using a VPN, making it harder for your ISP or snoops to detect your torrenting activity.

Torrent Safely With Surfshark >>

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Torrenting

The following criteria were utilized in my search for the most suitable VPN for torrenting. Any VPN included in my list will suffice for safe and anonymous torrenting. Nevertheless, if you wish to conduct your own evaluations of these VPNs, you can employ the same criteria as a guide.

• P2P support. I made sure that every VPN on this list allows P2P (peer-to-peer) traffic. I’ve also prioritized those that offer servers optimized for torrenting.
• Audited and proven no-logs policy. A VPN with a trustworthy no-logs policy doesn’t collect, store, or share your online activity or personal information with anyone. I’ve only included VPNs that offer this.
• Strong security features. To protect your sensitive information while torrenting, I’ve only considered VPNs that offer AES 256-bit encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and a kill switch.
• Fast download speeds. I focused on VPNs with fast download speeds and unlimited bandwidth, as this will ensure that you can torrent large files quickly and without interruption.
• Global server network. I’ve only included VPNs with a large network of servers in multiple countries, as this means you can easily connect to a server in a country with lenient torrenting laws.
• Reliable money-back guarantee. I’ve prioritized VPNs that include at least a 30-day refund period, so you can try it out without risk.

Torrent Safely With ExpressVPN >>

FAQs on How to Torrent in 2023

Is torrenting legal?

Yes, but you should check the laws in your country. In all cases, it’s illegal to torrent copyrighted content. Even when you’re downloading non-copyrighted content, some users will use your IP address to report you to your ISP or try to blackmail you. A reliable VPN can help you stay protected from so-called “copyright trolls” as it hides your IP address and encrypts your connection to your chosen P2P network.

Is torrenting safe with a VPN?

Yes – torrenting with a VPN is the safest way to download files. That’s because a premium VPN will encrypt your data and hide your IP address, keeping you safe against malicious third parties and snoops while you torrent. A VPN prevents anyone from uncovering your identity, targeting you with attacks, and spying on your activity.

How do I download torrents without being tracked?

Using a VPN is the best way to download torrents without being tracked. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity, including your torrent downloads. Simply launch your VPN and connect to a server. To ensure maximum privacy, you should choose a VPN provider that has a no-logs policy and is located in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.

Do I need to hide my IP address when torrenting?

Yes, it's recommended you hide your IP address when torrenting. The best way to do this is to use a VPN for torrenting. Its ability to mask your real IP will keep you safe from numerous online threats, such as cyberattacks, and let you download torrents anonymously. It’ll stop your ISP from throttling your bandwidth, which gives you faster speeds.

Will I get caught torrenting if I use a VPN?

That depends. Using a VPN while torrenting prevents your ISP and snoops from finding out that you’re torrenting. However, while a VPN can help protect your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a remote server, your ISP or government agency can still potentially identify that you are using a VPN.

You should always make sure the content you want to download isn’t protected by copyright. Engaging in illegal torrenting activity can also result in legal consequences, even if you use a VPN. So, it is important to use a VPN for legal purposes only and to follow your country's laws regarding online activity.

How does P2P file sharing work?

P2P file sharing works by creating a virtual network that allows multiple users to share files with each other. But P2P file sharing reveals your IP address to other parties, who can use it to target you with attacks. Therefore, you’ll need a reliable VPN to hide your IP address and stay anonymous while torrenting.

When you request a file download from a P2P network, every computer works together to upload it onto your device. Once all the different parts are uploaded, then the full download is complete. The benefit is that you can download files much faster than downloading them from one server.

Can I use a free VPN to torrent safely?

Yes, but it's not recommended because a free VPN can compromise your privacy, security, and speeds. Many free VPN providers may log your online activity and sell it to third parties, exposing you to privacy risks. To ensure a safe and secure torrenting experience, it's best to choose a reputable premium VPN that offers fast download speeds, strong security features, and a no-logs policy.

Additionally, free VPNs typically have strict limitations on P2P traffic, or they may not allow it at all. While paid VPNs have an up-front cost, they provide superior security features that are worth the investment.

Torrent Safely and Anonymously in Minutes

Using a reliable VPN is the easiest way to torrent safely and anonymously. With a premium VPN, you can significantly mitigate online risks and torrent without worry.

I highly recommend ExpressVPN for torrenting. With its no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and great speeds, it can help you torrent securely and smoothly. Plus, its 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try out its features and ensure that it meets your needs without any risk.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for torrenting…