10 Best Torrent Clients That Work in 2023 — Safe, Fast & Free
- Best Torrent Downloaders That Work Right Now
- Quick Comparison Table: Best Torrent Downloader Features
- Tips on Choosing the Best Torrent Clients
- Warning! The Risks of Using a Torrent Client
- Best VPNs To Use With Your Torrent Client — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)
- ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds for Fast Downloads on Your Torrent Client
- CyberGhost — P2P-Optimized Servers for Reliable Torrenting
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Security Features To Tailor Your Connection for Torrenting
- Quick Comparison Table: Torrent Downloader VPN Features
- Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Torrent Clients
- Quick Guide: How to Use a VPN With Your Torrent Client in 3 Easy Steps
- FAQs on the Best Torrent Clients
- Get the Best VPN for Torrent Clients
Torrent clients have different features and characteristics; some are safer options than others. It can become overwhelming to know which is the best option for you.
To help you choose, I shortlisted the 10 best free torrent clients that are secure, fast, and reliable. Whether you’re after a straightforward interface or a full range of customization options, you’ll find the best client for you.
However, these apps don't conceal your IP address and torrenting can expose your data to cybercriminals. You could also get into trouble for accidentally downloading copyrighted material. This is why using a VPN along with a P2P app is recommended. VPNs encrypt your data and mask your IP address while torrenting.
My favorite is ExpressVPN because of its fast network of torrenting-friendly servers, top-notch security, and unlimited bandwidth to quickly download and upload files without worrying about hackers. The best part is that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can torrent with it risk-free. If you’re not happy, it’s easy to get a refund.
Try ExpressVPN With Torrent Clients >>
Important. Torrenting itself is not illegal in most countries, but downloading files that are protected under copyright is. My team and I strongly discourage engaging in unlawful torrenting activities. Always respect and comply with the rules and regulations regarding copyright in your country.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best Torrent Clients in 2023
- uTorrent — Best overall torrent downloader with low memory usage to efficiently download and upload files on low-spec devices without any issue.
- BitTorrent — Drag and drop feature enhances the ease of downloading torrents.
- Deluge — Advanced users benefit from an array of great customization options.
- qBittorrent — Transparent with its coding so you can see exactly how it's built.
- Vuze — Built-in search engine makes it easy to find the content you need
And 5 more great P2P clients | Best VPNs to use with torrent downloaders
Best Torrent Downloaders That Work Right Now
1. uTorrent — Lightweight Client Prevents Slowdowns While Torrenting
- Year founded: 2005
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux
- Price: Free or $19.95/year (Pro plan)
- Pros: Lightweight app, plenty of customizable features, and simple interface
- Cons: Contains ads and bundled software
You might've heard about μTorrent, sometimes called micro torrent. It's number one on my list because it doesn't hog your device's resources — minimizing the impact on your device's performance. So, even if your PC or phone isn't high-spec, it'll still run smoothly. I gave it a spin on my MacBook and had it up and running in less than 30 seconds. I was downloading torrents in no time flat.
The app offers a simple and organized interface, making it great for beginners. But, what I liked most about it is its wide range of customization options. I could schedule downloads to prioritize files, set bandwidth limits, verify seeds, manage the client remotely, and find torrents with its built-in search engine. Also, I was able to install third-party plug-ins and stream torrents while they were being downloaded, thanks to their media player.
You’ll need to download uTorrent Web for Mac Catalina or later versions, as it isn’t compatible with the classic uTorrent client. Download it from the official uTorrent website to ensure you get a safe and legitimate software version.
Unfortunately, both the traditional and updated versions of uTorrent come with ads and bundled software. But there's the option to exclude intrusive apps during installation — when installing additional software, uncheck the checkboxes that are selected by default, like "I agree to install... ". You can block ads by using a VPN with a built-in ad blocker like CyberGhost.
2. BitTorrent — Drag and Drop Feature Makes It Easy to Torrent
- Year founded: 2001
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and web version
- Price: Free or $19.95/year (Pro plan)
- Pros: Small file size, plenty of customizable features, and simple configuration
- Cons: Contains ads and bundled software
BitTorrent is a well-established torrent client that's available in 70+ different languages. I could make my interface as simple or complex as I wanted to. I particularly liked its drag-and-drop functionality, making downloading torrents much easier. Also, it consumes less than 20% CPU at all times, meaning it won't slow your device down. BitTorrent bears a striking resemblance to uTorrent, this is probably because they're owned by the same company — Rainberry Inc.
Its range of features is impressive. Most notably, it comes with a built-in bandwidth booster that lets you set limits on upload and download speeds. Other features include being able to schedule torrents, support magnet links, queue torrents, and remotely manage paired devices.
For advanced users, it allows IP filtering for added security. It lets you control the IP traffic that runs through your network so you can torrent safely.
Like uTorrent, its free version contains ads and bundled software. However, you can decline the bundled packages, upgrade to the Pro plan, or use an ad blocker to overcome these problems.
3. Deluge — Highly Customizable Torrent Client With Plenty of Plug-Ins
- Year founded: 2006
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox
- Price: Free
- Pros: Supports lots of plug-ins, open-source software, and no ads or bundled software
- Cons: Takes time to learn how to use it properly
Deluge’s large number of third-party plug-ins lets you create a highly personalized experience. In my tests, I integrated the NetWatcher plug-in to apply restrictions, like having only 1 IP address online or whitelisting certain IPs. You can further customize the client by adding unique features to boost speeds and security, such as bandwidth adjustments or alphabetical downloading. Other features include encryption, torrent stats, proxy settings, and the ability to discover local peers for faster downloads.
It’s an open-source client that’s both lightweight and easy to use. You can use it as a standalone app or through a client-server, which means you can run it in the background or control it remotely. Notably, it works well on old devices since it only uses a small fraction of CPU resources. As soon as I added a torrent file, it began downloading right away.
It doesn’t come with ads or bundled software, and its built-in encryption offers a degree of protection. However, using this encryption feature isn't enough to protect you against cyber threats. As such, pairing Deluge with a reliable VPN significantly bolsters your privacy when torrenting.
4. qBittorrent — Open Source Torrent Client That's Ad-Free
- Year founded: 2006
- Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, OS/2, and FreeBSD
- Price: Free
- Pros: Open-source software, no ads or bundled software, and user-friendly interface
- Cons: Doesn't work on iOS and Android devices
qBittorent is an open-source client that is free of ads and malware. You can see exactly how it's built, meaning you don't have to worry about dangerous code such as embedded malware or trackers. Its interface isn’t complex, so it can serve most needs without consuming many resources. It’s also updated frequently to prevent any bugs or glitches.
I found its customizable features to be handy, too. It enables RSS feed support, extensions, sequential downloading, torrent creation, media playback, IP filtering, bandwidth scheduling, SOCKS5 connections, UI lock, and more. These features help you download torrents faster and manage them better. Another neat touch is that it has a built-in search engine. Plus, it supports integration with external search engines that can help you find torrents directly within the app.
But even with all these features, your activity will still be visible to unwanted users. I recommend using qBittorrent with a top-tier VPN to maintain your privacy. You can even configure it to exclusively use the VPN connection for all its network traffic. Unfortunately, it doesn't support iOS and Android devices. But this shouldn’t be a problem as it offers customizable apps for Windows, Linux, and Mac.
5. Vuze — Built-In Search Engine Saves You the Hassle of Visiting P2P Sites
- Year founded: 2017
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Price: Free or $3.99/year (Vuze Plus)
- Pros: Clean interface, powerful search engine, and customizable features
- Cons: Contains a lot of ads and is resource-heavy
Vuze, formerly known as Azureus, gains an edge with its powerful search engine that makes it effortlessly to find precise torrent files. By entering simple tags and titles, I found the exact torrent files I wanted within seconds. There's also the option to change your user proficiency to either "intermediate" or "advanced," should you want increased functionality.
You can also enhance its performance by installing plug-ins. It provides bandwidth scheduling, IP filtering, media playback, magnet link support, and the ability to manage torrents from your mobile. Vuze goes beyond the standard torrent client functionalities by incorporating a chat function, built-in forums, and Wiki.
Unfortunately, it has ads, bundled apps, and uses a lot of resources on your device. You shouldn’t use it if you have an older computer because it’ll make it much slower. It's geared toward power users, so consider it if you’re seeking a powerful torrent client. Upgrading to a Vuze Plus unlocks additional features and helps mitigate the problem of bothersome ads.
6. Transmission — Clean Interface to Quickly Find Your Favorite Torrents
- Year founded: 2005
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Price: Free
- Pros: Optimized for Mac, easy to use, and an appealing user interface
- Cons: Lacks an integrated search engine
Transmission offers a balance of simplicity and functionality. It keeps its interface uncluttered by encapsulating all the sophisticated features. Plus, it takes up as little resources as it does screen space and runs smoothly in the background. I downloaded it on my PC in under a minute and customized it effortlessly without needing external guidance. It comes as no surprise that Ubuntu chose it as its default BitTorrent client.
The client can also automatically download files from folders and RSS feeds, eliminating the need for manual control. This feature allows you to effortlessly obtain content from your preferred sources as soon as it becomes available. Plus, it doesn’t come with bundled software, ensuring a streamlined user experience.
Among its array of features, the downloader offers encryption for enhanced security and remote management for convenient control. It also supports magnet links, web seeds, and the ability to find more peers or block them. You can even set global and per torrent speed limits too. The only issue is that it lacks a built-in search engine.
7. BitComet — Expedite Torrents Downloads With Advanced Seeding Technology
- Year founded: 2003
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, and Android
- Price: Free
- Pros: Regular updates, files previews, and intelligent disk caching
- Cons: Very basic and annoying user interface
BitComet harnesses the power of Long-Term Seeding technology to significantly boost your torrenting speed. This advanced technique expedites the download process by sourcing data from peers who possess the complete torrent file. I liked how it maintained short download times during my tests. You can even overcome ISPs throttling your speed by using BitComet with a VPN.
It also offers an intelligent disk caching feature that further accelerates downloads by minimizing the hard drive's read and write operations. This not only enhances download speeds but also preserves the life of your hard drive by reducing wear and tear.
Beyond that, it’s equipped with an impressive array of handy features. You'll appreciate its support for DHT networks and HTTP, the convenience of magnet links, and the capacity to preview files while they're being downloaded. However, I found it to be too basic and less intuitive than other clients. It didn't help that it looked really old, either.
8. Tixati — Completely Ad-Free To Download and Upload Torrents Without Interruptions
- Year founded: 2009
- Compatible with: Windows and Linux
- Price: Free
- Pros: Simple UI, No spyware or adware, and bandwidth management
- Cons: Not compatible with macOS
Tixati is a full-featured, ad-free torrent client with everything you need. Its toolkit encompasses torrent prioritization, magnet links, IP filtering, drag-and-drop capabilities, and event scheduling. It also has its own peer selection system, so I could select local peers to increase my download speeds. Plus, it has no unnecessary installations, ensuring optimal functionality right from the get-go.
This software is completely open-source, offering transparency and inviting users to delve into its construction if they wish. It also prioritizes your security through the implementation of encrypted connections. Plus, its website is a treasure trove of comprehensive resource guides that you can refer to at any moment.
It stands out from other torrent clients with its unique layout, featuring tabs positioned along the top instead of the conventional left-aligned menu. It also provides the flexibility to customize the interface to align with your personal preferences. Unfortunately, my biggest issue with it is that no versions of it are available for macOS.
9. BitLord — Chromecast Feature To Watch Videos on Your Big Screen
- Year founded: 2004
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, and Android
- Price: Free
- Pros: Built-in search engine, password protector, and easy to share files
- Cons: Outdated UI and lack of updates
BitLord comes with a built-in media player but also lets you view movies, and TV shows you download on a big screen. I really liked how its Chromecast feature worked well for me — it let me stream several movies without buffering. What’s more, it auto-generates subtitles for you and organizes your content into a convenient playlist.
Like Vuze, it comes with a built-in search engine that takes your torrent exploration to new heights. Other features include a password protector, download organizer, speed limits, and bandwidth management.
But be careful when you install it as it sometimes contains unnecessary software. Plus, it took a long time to download, and I found its user interface old, not regularly updated, and clunky.
10. WebTorrent — Built-In Player to Stream Torrents as They Download
- Year founded: 2013
- Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS
- Price: Free
- Pros: Polished AI, watch media while downloading, and open-source software
- Cons: Too focused on streaming media with limited customization options
WebTorrent sets itself apart with a dedicated emphasis on streaming capabilities, allowing you to indulge in media consumption while downloading files. Not only could I play the file, but I could control the volume, adjust playback speeds, add subtitles, and more. I found its interface to be visually pleasing, too, and its lightweight nature ensures optimal performance without burdening system resources.
It enhances your viewing by offering an ad-free user experience. Plus, it provides a wide range of suggested torrents for immediate download and streaming upon opening the app. Downloading files is also a breeze – just paste the magnet URL or torrent file, and the download process will commence right away.
The client also offers the convenience of a built-in torrent creator, empowering you to effortlessly generate torrents from individual files or entire folders. But its downside is that it’s more focused on streaming than torrenting. Plus, its limited customization options restrict you from creating your own personalized version.
Quick Comparison Table: Best Torrent Downloader Features
The table below shows a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide which torrent app is best for you. Take a look at how these options compare with each other.
Size | Compatibility | Customization | Plans | |
uTorrent | Super lightweight | Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux | Excellent | Free and Pro Plans |
BitTorrent | Very lightweight | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and web version | Excellent | Free and Pro Plans |
Deluge | Very lightweigh | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox | Excellent | Free only |
qBittorrent | Lightweight | Windows, Linux, macOS, OS/2, and FreeBSD | Good | Free only |
Vuze | Lightweight | Windows, macOS, and Linux | Good | Free and Pro Plans |
Transmission | Medium | Windows, macOS, and Linux | Good | Free only |
Tixati | Heavy | Windows and Linux | Good | Free only |
BitLord | Heavy | Windows, macOS, and Android | Poor | Free only |
WebTorrent | Very lightweight | Windows, macOS, and Linux | Poor | Free only |
Try ExpressVPN for Torrenting >>
Tips on Choosing the Best Torrent Clients
When embarking on the quest for the best torrent app, it is crucial to take into account a range of essential features:
- Resource usage. Some torrent clients are lightweight and consume fewer resources, while others can be pretty heavy on your system. If your device has limited processing power or memory, you'll want a client that's efficient and doesn't slow down your machine.
- Interface and usability. A clean, intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface is crucial. Some clients are packed with advanced features but it can be overwhelming for beginners. Choose a client that suits your skill level and comfort with technology.
- Added features. Different clients come with various features. Some support things like magnet links, peer exchange, web seeding, or scheduling options. Consider what features are important to you and choose a client that offers those.
- Ad intrusiveness. Many free torrent clients come with ads. Some ads can be intrusive and annoying, while others are barely noticeable. Look for reviews or user experiences that mention the ad situation for the client.
- Security. Ensure the client has good security features, such as encryption and a kill switch. Remember, torrenting can expose your IP address to others, so security is crucial.
- Device compatibility. A client that works across multiple operating systems allows you to manage torrents seamlessly across different platforms.
Try ExpressVPN for Torrenting >>
Warning! The Risks of Using a Torrent Client
Torrent clients can be a breeding ground for malware and spyware, so you need to use them cautiously. Several torrent apps have infected whole devices with malware in the past, but luckily this isn't common these days. You can be assured that all the torrent clients in this article are tried-and-tested and safe to use.
A similar risk is when you download a torrent file that's infected with malware or viruses. Even the best torrent downloaders can't protect you from this threat, so I recommend only downloading verified torrents from trusted and well-known torrent sites.
Torrenting often requires substantial amounts of bandwidth, particularly for large files. This could slow down your internet speed considerably, especially if you have bandwidth caps on your internet plan. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can throttle or limit your internet speed if they detect torrenting activity, leading to slower download and upload speeds.
A torrent app's biggest risk is to do with privacy. Whenever you download or share a torrent, others downloading or sharing the same file can see your IP address. This allows them to track you, uncover your identity and location, and target you with malicious attacks.
The best way to protect yourself is to use a reliable VPN to hide your real IP address while torrenting. By concealing your IP address, your ISP also can't slow you down.
Torrent Safely With ExpressVPN >>
Best VPNs To Use With Your Torrent Client — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds for Fast Downloads on Your Torrent Client
Tested July 2023 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | The fastest P2P VPN I tested for downloading and uploading large files |
Security & Privacy | Automatically hides VPN use to avoid network and firewall restriction |
Server Network | All 3,000 servers in 94 countries support P2P traffic |
Works with | uTorrent, BitTorrent, Deluge, BitComet, BiglyBT, qBittorent, and more |
Out of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN has the fastest speeds for torrenting. Using its proprietary Lightway protocol, I averaged 114.4Mbps while testing servers across Ukraine, Germany, and France. This is great, considering my speed was 121.3Mbps without a VPN connection, which allowed me to download multiple files without delays on uTorrent. It also doesn’t cap bandwidth, so you can torrent without restrictions.
You can safely use your torrent client thanks to ExpressVPN’s robust security features. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, which would take supercomputers thousands of years to crack. Perfect Forward Secrecy enhances your online privacy by regularly changing your encryption keys. On top of that, its kill switch (Network Lock) cuts your internet connection if your VPN unexpectedly drops, for example, when switching servers. IPleak.net showed no leaks while testing ExpressVPN, meaning its DNS/IP leak protection works well.
Its proven no-logs policy prevents it from recording and storing your data (including torrenting activity). Plus, its headquarters are in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly country with no data retention laws. This means ExpressVPN isn’t obliged to retain or hand over users' data, not even when requested by a government.
Unfortunately, it lacks an ad blocker. But it makes up for this with the Threat Manager feature, which stops your device from communicating with suspicious third parties during torrenting sessions. You can also use it with several ad blockers recommended on the ExpressVPN website.
A reliable 30-day money-back guarantee also supports all subscriptions. If you're not 100% happy with the VPN, getting a refund is easy. I canceled my subscription via the 24/7 live chat feature and had my money back on my credit card after 3 business days.
Useful Features
- RAM-only servers. These servers provide an additional layer of privacy by wiping clean your online history with every reboot. This leaves no trace of your torrenting activity.
- Easy to use apps. ExpressVPN's intuitive apps maintain a consistent interface across various devices. That means you can establish a secure connection and start torrenting on your preferred device in no time.
- Split tunneling. With it, you can direct only your torrenting traffic through the VPN, allowing other non-torrenting apps to utilize your regular internet connection.
- Accepts cryptocurrency payment. The VPN prioritizes your financial privacy by accepting payments via Bitcoin. This helps you avoid any records of your VPN subscription on traditional banking statements or credit card bills.
- Simultaneous device connections. You can torrent on up to 8 devices at the same time. Or install ExpressVPN on your router and use any WiFi-enabled device.
Try ExpressVPN for Torrenting >>
2. CyberGhost — P2P-Optimized Servers for Reliable Torrenting
Best Feature | Specialty torrenting servers to quickly secure your connection |
Security & Privacy | A kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection prevents accidental data exposure |
Server Network | 9,371 servers in 91 countries to avoid server overcrowding slowing you down |
Works With | uTorrent, BitTorrent, Deluge, BitComet, BiglyBT, qBittorent, and more |
CyberGhost’s huge network includes 70+ P2P-friendly servers for smooth file sharing. These servers are optimized for speed and stability, allowing shorter download times and a reliable connection. I connected to a US server within seconds — simply expand the app view and choose For torrenting or For downloading, depending on your device.
While slightly slower than ExpressVPN, I recorded fast speed while testing CyberGhost servers. The ones I tested in the US, France, and Germany dropped my download rate by only 8.5% (from 122.5Mbps to 112.1Mbps). With results like these, I maintained shorter download times on Deluge. The VPN also doesn’t cap your bandwidth, so you can torrent without limitations.
CyberGhost’s Content Blocker blocks all intrusive and potentially harmful ads, providing a clean and clutter-free interface. The VPN also uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure your data while using a torrent client. It also offers a range of industry-leading protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. You can even take advantage of its split tunneling feature to reroute only P2P activities via the VPN.
The only downside is that the short-term plans are expensive and offer a limited refund period. However, longer-term subscriptions are affordable at only $2.19/month. The generous 45-day money-back guarantee lets you torrent with CyberGhost for free. I tested this claim myself via the 24/7 live chat. After providing a reason for canceling, my request was approved, and my bank account was reimbursed after 4 days.
Useful Features
- Privacy friendly. CyberGhost prioritizes your online privacy by utilizing RAM-based servers and adhering to a strict no-logs policy. It’s also based outside the data-sharing pact of the 5/914 Eyes Alliances. This combination ensures that your torrenting data remains confidential and inaccessible to third parties.
- WiFi protection. When enabled, this feature automatically secures your internet connection whenever you connect to a public WiFi network, so you're always protected when torrenting.
- 7 device connections. The VPN lets you torrent on various devices simultaneously.
Try CyberGhost for Torrenting >>
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Security Features To Tailor Your Connection for Torrenting
Best Feature | Choice of encryption level and security protocol to tailor your connection |
Security & Privacy | Keeps your torrenting activity private with a customizable kill switch |
Server Network | 29,650 P2P-friendly servers are available in 84 countries |
Works With | uTorrent, BitTorrent, Deluge, BitComet, BiglyBT, qBittorent, and more |
PIA lets you configure your encryption level and security protocol to best suit your torrenting needs. I prefer AES 128-bit encryption with the OpenVPN protocol since it gives me the best balance of speed and security. But, the lightweight WireGuard protocol is also available — it uses state-of-the-art cryptography and less code, making it faster without sacrificing your online safety.
Like ExpressVPN, the split tunneling feature makes it easy to direct only torrent traffic through the VPN while other online activities continue at your regular internet speed. Plus, PIA's interface shows server latency, making it easy to select the fastest one. In my tests, I picked a server with the lowest latency, and my average download speed dropped to 100.6Mbps from a base connection of 121.4Mbps. I could download a copyright-free 1.5 GB file in under 8 minutes.
One small issue is that the VPN is based in the US, with strict data-sharing laws. However, the PIA uses RAM-based servers and adheres to a strict no-logs policy, a commitment that has been upheld in court. This means that your torrenting activity remains anonymous and is never shared with third parties.
All plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try PIA risk-free. I had no trouble getting a refund. Over 24/7 live chat, I easily canceled my subscription, and my credit card was reimbursed within 7 days.
Useful Features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections. With one subscription, you can cover all your devices and torrent simultaneously without restriction since there's no bandwidth limit.
- MACE ad blocker. When torrenting, this feature provides an additional layer of security by blocking malicious ads, trackers, and malware.
- SOCKS5 proxy and port forwarding. You can significantly enhance your torrenting speed by enabling either of these features. However, it's important to note that you'll not be protected by encryption.
Quick Comparison Table: Torrent Downloader VPN Features
Although you can use my recommended VPNs with any torrent client, they possess distinct attributes that differentiate them from one another. Explore how these VPNs compare in the following key aspects:
Try ExpressVPN for Torrenting >>
Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Torrent Clients
All the VPNs on my list provide the necessary features to optimize your torrenting experience on your preferred torrent clients. I recommend you use the below checklist to choose a VPN that best aligns with your needs:
- Support P2P activity. A VPN that offers torrenting-optimized servers and doesn’t cap bandwidth lets you download and share large files without limitations.
- Advanced security features. Enhance your privacy on any torrent client by choosing a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
- Fast speed. Choose a VPN with a worldwide high-speed server network to download and upload files uninterrupted. Ideally, a VPN shouldn't lower your speeds by more than 20% to maintain good torrent download time.
- Easy to use. You should be able to install and use the VPN with your torrent client right away, so a user-friendly app and intuitive interface is a must. 24/7 online support and the ability to use the service simultaneously on multiple devices are also great advantages.
- Cross-platform compatibility. Maintain your privacy on your favorite devices while you torrent by choosing a VPN that supports multiple operating systems.
- Reliable money-back guarantee. A trustworthy refund policy lets you test the VPN’s performance with confidence and get your money back if you’re unsatisfied.
Try ExpressVPN for Torrenting >>
Quick Guide: How to Use a VPN With Your Torrent Client in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its fast speeds, P2P-friendly servers across the globe, and advanced security features. Plus, testing it is risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a nearby server. This helps minimize speed drops while torrenting.
- Start torrenting. Launch your torrent client and securely download or upload files.
FAQs on the Best Torrent Clients
Is it legal and safe to use a torrent client?
Yes, torrenting downloaders are legal to use in most countries. You'll be safe as long as you use a VPN with your torrent downloader and download the app from a trusted source. It becomes unlawful when you use a torrent client to download copyrighted files. But even if you’re downloading legal files, other users can still see your personal info in the client itself. A premium VPN will keep your torrenting activity anonymous by concealing your IP address. Plus, a VPN protects you from trackers and other potential threats that can be present in some torrent files or apps.
Which torrent client is the fastest?
uTorrent was the fastest torrent client during my tests. But many factors determine the speeds of a P2P app, including your internet connection, the health of the torrent and the number of seeders and peers. You'll want to try out a few torrenting clients to determine the fastest one for you.
But if you want fast speeds while torrenting, using a VPN with your torrent client might be a good idea. It’ll prevent bandwidth throttling by hiding your IP address so that you can download torrents faster. This works because your ISP won’t be able to cap your speed since it won’t see you performing high-bandwidth activities.
What are the best torrent clients for iOS and Android?
The best torrent clients for iOS and Android are uTorrent, BitTorrent, and qBittorent. All of these clients are renowned for their lightweight nature and come with stellar features that enhance the user experience. Just note that you can’t download and install torrent software on iOS, so you’ll need to use the web-based version for these clients.
Are there any torrent clients with built-in VPNs?
Not that we could find during our tests, but some torrent apps have built-in encryption that provides an extra layer of privacy. uTorrent, Vuze, and qBittorent are notable examples of torrent clients with this capability. However, keep in mind that the level of encryption they offer isn’t close to that of a VPN, so your data may be at risk.
Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?
Free VPNs for torrenting are unreliable and risky. These free services often lack comprehensive security and privacy features, leaving you vulnerable to viruses, hacking, surveillance, or data leaks. A premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee is a more reliable alternative to stay safe when torrenting, as it offers advanced protection.
Besides, most free services typically cap bandwidth, throttle speeds, and have limited server locations, making it necessary to upgrade for full functionality. Some even have a reputation for embedding malware on their installers, which can wreak havoc on your devices. Others are known for logging and selling user data to third parties like advertisers.
Do I really need to optimize my torrent client’s settings?
The default settings of popular torrent clients are often set to work well for most users. However, depending on your specific internet connection and preferences, you may benefit from making some adjustments.
Here are a few reasons why you might consider optimizing your torrent client's settings:
- Internet Speed. If you have a high-speed internet connection, you may need to adjust your torrent client's maximum upload and download speeds to maximize your available bandwidth.
- Bandwidth Allocation. Some torrent clients allow you to allocate bandwidth differently for various torrents or specific files within a torrent. You can prioritize certain downloads to complete faster while limiting the impact on other activities on your network.
- Connections. Adjusting the number of maximum connections and connections per torrent can impact the speed and stability of your downloads. It's worth experimenting with these settings to find the optimal balance for your specific network.
- Encryption and Protocol. Enabling encryption and choosing the appropriate protocol (like TCP or uTP) can help improve privacy and performance, depending on your circumstances.
It's important to note that improper settings or aggressive adjustments may negatively affect your download speed or the performance of your network. Making gradual changes and monitoring their impact before making further adjustments is recommended.
Get the Best VPN for Torrent Clients
Even the most popular torrent apps come with risks. After extensive testing, we found the safest torrent client that can enhance your torrenting experience (and they're completely free). They're easy to use and have varying customization options, making them ideal for all experience levels. However, to keep your torrenting activity anonymous, you need a premium VPN like those on my list.
My top choice for secure torrenting is ExpressVPN because its fast speeds and military-grade encryption keep you safe online without slowdowns. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If you're not happy with it, claiming a full refund is straightforward.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Torrent Clients...
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