Do Not Download Torrent Without Vpn Real

Finding the best VPN for torrenting can be quite challenging simply because most VPN services suffer from various problems.

Do I really need a vpn? Big mistake doing so without a VPN. You see, a good amount of the companies have given up on sending DMCA notices, but HBO has not. Within the span of the last two weeks of the Game of Thrones season, I was hit with 6 DMCA notices from various HBO programs, including Games and Real Time. As a result, using uTorrent anonymously with a VPN is as easy as signing up for a VPN service, downloading the software, and clicking 'connect' (obviously open utorrent after the VPN is connected) A few things to keep in mind when choosing a VPN for uTorrent: A VPN that doesn't keep logs will make you even more anonymous; Some VPN's don't allow torrents.

How To Download Torrents Safely & Anonymously Without Getting Caught. If you want download Torrent Anonymously, a VPN is what you need. Your VPN Client will.

When it comes to finding a VPN for torrenting, these problems can be annoying and potentially dangerous:

• Many popular VPN services leak IP addresses and/or DNS requests. This can expose your identity to third parties, such as copyright trolls, media companies, and law firms, which often sue for damages.
• Most VPNs do not provide very good torrenting speeds. Slow and inconsistent torrenting speeds can be very frustrating when using a VPN.

Media companies are increasingly monitoring torrent traffic and collecting IP addresses from torrent swarms. Depending on where you live, you may receive copyright violation notices from your internet provider, or perhaps from a law firm demanding immediate payment for “damages” on behalf of a copyright holder.

While some torrent clients offer different encryption options, these will not protect you. This is because media companies run networks of monitoring nodes, which are able to join torrent swarms and collect IP addresses and connection data of the infringing parties. If your torrent client connects with one of these nodes and you’re not using a good VPN (that doesn’t leak!), your identity could be compromised.

If a VPN leaks one packet of data, it can expose your identity to third parties:

Now that we’ve covered the risks, let’s examine into the best VPNs for torrenting.

What is the best VPN for torrenting?

Based on the latest test results, the best VPN for torrenting is ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN offers superior download speeds as well as high-security applications that keep your data safe and do not leak. These apps also include a kill switch (Network Lock) that blocks all traffic if your VPN connection drops for any reason. ExpressVPN is also currently offering a coupon for three months free (through this link you’ll see the coupon applied on the checkout page).

In addition to ExpressVPN, there are also four other VPN services that made the “best VPN for torrenting” rankings. All five recommended VPNs in this guide allow torrenting on their servers and meet the following criteria:

1. Located in a good privacy jurisdiction (outside of 5/9/14 Eyes countries)
2. Passed all tests with no leaks found whatsoever (no IP address leaks or DNS leaks)
3. Established VPN with a good track record and history (no new/unknown VPN providers)
4. Supports the OpenVPN protocol and strong encryption standards
5. Fast and reliable speeds with the servers tested

Here are the best VPNs for torrenting in 2019:

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for torrenting in 2019

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for torrenting and P2P downloads with the best speeds and highest security standards (currently the #1 recommendation in the best VPN report). This British Virgin Islands-based provider has a great lineup of custom applications and it also performed very well in testing for the ExpressVPN review. ExpressVPN offers strong protections for customer data with a verified no logs policy, very secure applications, and safe offshore jurisdiction.

The biggest advantages of ExpressVPN is that it is extremely fast and verysecure. ExpressVPN is consistently among the fastest VPNs I’ve tested, on servers throughout the world. Here I’m testing an ExpressVPN server in Switzerland, giving me over 150 Mbps (on a 160 Mbps connection):

ExpressVPN’s apps also include advanced leak protection settings. This allows you to torrent for hours without worrying about IP address leaks or DNS leaks. The Network Lock feature will automatically block all traffic if the VPN connection is interrupted for any reason.

If you want a fast, secure, and user-friendly VPN service for torrenting, ExpressVPN is definitely worth considering, especially with the coupon below.

+ Pros

• User-friendly and very secure apps
• Exceptional speeds throughout the server network
• 30 day money-back guarantee
• Split tunneling feature (for Mac OS, Windows, and routers)
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• 24/7 live chat support

– Cons

• Slightly more expensive (but currently offering a 49% discount)

ExpressVPN Coupon
Sign up for the 12 month plan, and get 3 months FREE (49% Off)
(Discount is applied automatically.)

See the ExpressVPN torrenting page, or check out the ExpressVPN review for more details.

2. Perfect Privacy – Fast and secure VPN for torrenting (but expensive)

Perfect Privacy is another great VPN for torrenting offering secure, leak-proof apps along with excellent speeds. Their network is comprised entirely of dedicated, bare-metal servers that provide you with great performance, security, and full IPv6 support (you will get both an IPv4 and IPv6 address). Every server in their network also supports multi-hop VPN chains and port forwarding, which can be is useful for torrenting.

If you are serious about security and online anonymity, this Switzerland-based, no logs VPN service is tough to beat. Another great feature you get with Perfect Privacy is the TrackStop filter, which effectively blocks advertisements, tracking, and malware/phishing domains at the VPN server level.

The main drawback is the price, at about $8.95 per month. On a positive note, all subscriptions come with an unlimited number of connections, unlimited bandwidth, advanced features, and great performance. For additional test results, see the Perfect Privacy review.

+ Pros

• Multi-hop VPN chains, up to 4 servers (self-configurable)
• Zero logs with an unlimited number of connections
• Dedicated bare-metal servers with full IPv6 support
• Full obfuscation support (Stealth VPN)
• Customizable firewall and port-forwarding options
• TrackStop filter (advertisement, tracking, and malware blocker)

– Cons

• Higher price
• Does not work with some streaming sites (such as Netflix)

https://www.perfect-privacy.com

See the Perfect Privacy torrenting page here, or read the Perfect Privacy review for detailed test results.

3. VPNArea – Secure and reliable VPN for torrenting

Another solid choice when selecting a VPN for torrenting is VPNArea. This Bulgaria-based provider offers good VPN applications that did well in testing for the VPNArea review. VPNArea is a strict no logs service that offers some decent features, including ad blocking DNS servers, advanced leak protection, and very affordable prices.

Many of the servers in VPNArea’s network are optimized for torrenting and P2P downloads with high-bandwidth data channels. It is also one of the few VPNs that work with Netflix with dedicated streaming servers. VPNArea passed all privacy and security tests while also having good speeds and reliability.

Overall VPNArea is a solid privacy-focused VPN service that works well for torrenting and other uses.

+ Pros

• Great speed and reliability
• Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services
• Strong security features, with self-hosted DNS
• Ad blocking feature
• 30 day money-back guarantee
• Dedicated IP addresses available
• 24/7 live chat support

– Cons

• Limited number of Netflix streaming servers (but still works well)

https://vpnarea.com/

… or read the VPNArea review for detailed test results.

4. NordVPN – A cheap VPN for torrenting

Another great VPN service for torrenting is NordVPN. NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN provider with a strict no logs policy and a nice lineup of VPN apps. It performed well in testing for the NordVPN review and continues to offer one of the best values for your money with the 75% discount coupon. While there is some (minimal) variability with the network speeds, NordVPN still offers good overall performance for torrenting and P2P downloads.

If you’re a privacy-focused user, NordVPN has many features you may be interested in. These include double-hop VPN servers, Tor-over-VPN servers, and a well-designed ad-blocking feature that is built into the VPN apps. Whether you are using NordVPN for torrenting, accessing Netflix, or just basic internet browsing, it remains a great all-around choice at a very affordable price.

+ Pros

• User-friendly and reliable apps
• 30 day money-back guarantee
• Double-hop VPN servers; Tor-over-VPN servers
• 24/7 live chat support
• No logs
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Very competitive price at $2.99/month
• CyberSec ad-blocking feature

NordVPN 75% Off Coupon
Get 75% off NordVPN (drops the price down to only $2.99 per month)
(Discount is applied automatically.)

See the NordVPN torrenting page, or read the NordVPN review for detailed test results.

5. VPN.ac – Security-focused VPN, works well for torrenting

The final VPN for torrenting we’ll examine is VPN.ac, a security-focused provider based in Romania. VPN.ac was created by a team of network security professionals and they offer an excellent service that performed quite well in the VPN.ac review. VPN.ac’s server network is composed entirely of dedicated bare-metal servers that provide solid performance. (Check out their real-time bandwidth stats by selecting VPN Nodes Status at the top of the site.)

VPN.ac offers reliable applications with advanced leak protection features, double-hop VPN configurations, numerous encryption options and VPN protocols to choose from. They do not limit torrenting traffic in any way, while also providing designated servers that are optimized for high-speed P2P downloads.

The one drawback with VPN.ac is the connection logs, which are used for security and network optimization. On a positive note, however, these logs only include basic connection data (no browsing/activity info) and everything is automatically erased daily (further explained on their website).

+ Pros

• Dedicated bare-metal servers with self-hosted encrypted DNS
• Excellent speeds with plenty of available bandwidth
• Multi-hop (double VPN) server configurations (18)
• Obfuscation features with many different encryption options
• Secure proxy browser extensions

https://vpn.ac

Do Not Download Torrent Without Vpn Real Version

… or read the VPN.ac review for detailed test results.

Now that we have examined the best VPNs for torrenting, we’ll go over why it’s important to always use a VPN when torrenting to protect your identity.

Torrenting without a VPN and copyright violations

Some people may torrent without using a good VPN for months and not have problems, thereby “flying under the radar” and avoiding the consequences. Keep in mind, though, this is risky business.

Given the recent trends with copyright violations, torrenting without a good VPN is no longer worth the risk. After all, the consequences for copyright infringement can be very serious. Here’s one headline from the United States, for example:

Many countries throughout the world are ramping up copyright violations laws and enforcement actions, particularly in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Here are a few examples:

• United States – The US is home to the infamous Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). For repeat offenders, DMCA penalties for copyright violations include up to $1,000,000 in fines and 10 years in jail. Internet providers in the US are also cancelling service for repeated copyright violations (see the VPN for USA guide for details).
• United Kingdom – The Digital Economy Act was recently passed in the UK, which raises the maximum prison sentence for copyright infringement to 10 years (discussed more in the UK VPN guide).
• Australia – Many torrenting websites have already been blocked in Australia (but a torrent VPN will get around these restrictions). Now, industry lawyers will be targeting copyright infringers for damages with fines up to $2,000 per infringement (get a VPN for Australia).

Here’s a recent headline from Canada (this topic is also discussed in the VPN for Canada guide).

We see these trends throughout Europe as well, particularly in Austria, Denmark, and Germany.

So no matter where you are located, using a good VPN for torrenting and P2P downloads is now just basic digital self-defense.

Your torrent activity is being recorded and published

You should also know that without a VPN hiding your identity and IP address, you can be easily tracked, monitored, and recorded online.

Even worse, random groups are now creating giant databases of torrenting activity, which is linked up with IP address, available for anyone to see. One example is the website I Know What You Download, which publicly publishes all torrents under the user’s IP address, and logs this information, available for anyone to see:

Thanks to websites such as I Know What You Download, it is even easier for copyright attorneys and media companies to target users. If you are using a good VPN for torrenting, the most any media company could do is go after an overseas VPN provider, but they would not have any luck due to the offshore jurisdiction.

Is torrenting safe with a VPN?

If you are using a good VPN service that effectively secures your connection, then torrenting with a VPN is indeed safe. In fact, it is much safer than torrenting without a VPN service. Of course, we don’t recommend torrenting copyrighted material, but since this is often a grey area, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

A good torrent VPN service offers many advantages:

• Hides your real IP address and geographic location
• Adds an extra level of security by encrypting your internet connection (on all your devices)
• Prevents your internet service provider (ISP), corporations, governments, and other third parties from spying on your online activities
• Allows you to access blocked content that’s restricted to certain geographic locations
• Protects you when torrenting or streaming from unofficial sources

If you want blanket protection for all devices on your network, you may also want to consider using a VPN router. This allows you to protect everything on the network without having to install VPN software on each device.

What is the best free VPN for torrenting?

The problem with using a free VPN for torrenting is that free VPNs are notoriously dangerous.

As we covered in the free VPN guide, free VPNs are risky and usually collect the user’s data, which is then sold to third parties. Here are a few of the dangers when using a free VPN for torrenting:

• Data leaks – If you are torrenting with a free VPN you should know that your IP address is likely being leaked. One in-depth study found that 84% of free VPN apps will leak your IP address.
• Tracking – Free VPNs often included hidden tracking libraries. One example of this is Betternet.
• Malware – Many free VPNs include hidden malware to collect your data. This study found that nearly 40% of free VPNs tested positive for malware.
• Stolen bandwidth – Some free VPNs will even steal your bandwidth, which will then be resold to third parties (see Hola VPN, for example).
• Browser hijacking – The popular VPN service Hotspot Shield was called out for browser hijacking – using JavaScript codes and iFrames for tracking and advertising purposes.

The bottom line here is that using a free VPN for torrenting is not safe or secure. If you are tight on money, you can go with a lower-priced service, such as NordVPN, which is currently available for $2.99 per month with the NordVPN coupon. As an alternative to free VPNs, you can check out free trial VPN services.

VPN for torrenting conclusion

Most people are now using a VPN for torrenting simply to protect themselves against copyright infringement penalties. But aside from copyright issues, there are many other alarming trends, which further highlight the importance of a good VPN service:

• Internet service providers (ISPs) in many countries are now legally allowed to record your activities and hand this information over to third parties. These third parties may include advertising companies, corporate partners, and/or government authorities (surveillance).
• Many ISPs are cancelling internet service for repeated copyright violations (this is common in the US).
• Governments and ISPs are actively blocking torrent websites, such as The Pirate Bay and 1337x, throughout the world. This is common in Australia, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe.
• Websites are now publicly posting all torrent activity associated with your IP address, which can be viewed by anyone and used to prosecute and fine you for copyright violations.

The trend is clear. Be smart and use a good VPN whenever you go online.

As a brief recap, here are the best VPNs for torrenting in 2019:

Torrent VPN Comparison Table

$6.67
(49% discount)
(30 day refund)

expressvpn.com

Review
(Perfect Privacy)

$2.99
(7 day refund)

vpnarea.com

Review
(NordVPN)

$4.80
(7 day refund)

vpn.ac

What Is BitTorrent, Anyway?

BitTorrent has an unsavory reputation, one that is both unfair and yet also well deserved. At its best, BitTorrent addresses the bottleneck created when too many people try to download the same files from a single source at once—be they bootlegged tv shows, hot music tracks, DRM-free books, or photos of cats. BitTorrent turns a file's popularity into a benefit, instead of a bottleneck, by having each of the downloaders distribute pieces of the file to every other downloader. Furthermore, it's decentralized, with no main server to choke under the burden of traffic. There's no disputing that torrenting is a clever idea. While it can be used for legitimate purposes, its decentralized nature also makes it perfect for illegally sharing copyrighted content online, too.

BitTorrent's dubious distinction as the pirate's tool of choice has led to indiscriminate crackdowns from ISPs on the use of BitTorrent. With a virtual private network, or VPN, your traffic is encrypted and secured to ensure that no one can see what you're up to—even when you're torrenting. The catch is, not every VPN service allows BitTorrent on its servers.

What Is a VPN?

When you surf the web, your internet traffic isn't necessarily secure. Someone could be lurking on the same network as you, monitoring your activities. That's especially true when you're using a public Wi-Fi network. Clever attackers can even create bogus Wi-Fi networks that impersonate legit ones, tricking you into connecting and exposing your personal information.

Your ISP also has remarkable insight into what you do online, and has even been given the green light to sell anonymized user metadata. Thanks, Congress! But with a VPN, they won't be able to see what you're up to. That will come in handy when we get back to talking about torrenting.

Download Torrent Without Vpn

VPNs work by routing your web traffic through an encrypted tunnel between your computer and a server operated by the VPN company. Anyone snooping on your activities, even if they are the ones running the network, won't be able to see what you're up to. Even the ISPs will be blind. Advertisers and others on the web will have a harder time tracking your movements because your true IP address is hidden behind that of the VPN server and your traffic is mixed in with everyone else on that server.

Using a VPN goes a long way to improving your personal security, but it's not a bulletproof, magical solution. When it comes to security, we often say that it's better to think of tools like VPNs as raising the effort required to successfully attack you. If someone is willing to invest the time and money in targeting you specifically, they will eventually get what they're after. A VPN needs to be part of a layered approach to security and can't take the place of critical tools, such as good antivirus software.

Everything Is Free Now

We often receive emails asking about the interplay between VPNs and BitTorrent. Some of them have included admissions of piracy, and even justifications for it. One reader bemoaned the difficulty in finding legal avenues for material that is out of print or just hard to obtain or not available for sale in a given locale. We sympathize. The state of the public domain has been woefully neglected, and market forces and regional distribution deals often keep worthy art and materials out of the hands of those who want it, even if they are willing to pay for it. But no matter how just the reasoning, the law (however problematic) is the law. ISPs and, yes, other web companies, are often compelled to answer when rights holders come with a list of offenses carried out on their data infrastructure.

If you are going to use BitTorrent for whatever reason, good luck to you. If you are going to use a VPN, more power to you. But be sure that you take the time to read the VPN's terms of service before you start. And be aware of the local laws and possible penalties before you start, whatever your willingness to obey them. 'I didn't know the law,' or 'I don't agree with the law,' won't hold up as defenses in a court, so make sure you can live with any potential punishments should you choose to do something legally dubious.

Will a VPN Hide My Torrenting From My ISP or the Police?

The short answer is that, yes, a VPN can shield your online activities from your ISP. And that's a good thing, not only if you have legally iffy torrenting habits, but also because it protects your privacy in general. An online survey of 1,000 conducted by PCMag found that 25 percent of respondents named ISPs as the biggest threat to their online privacy. That's entirely correct.

As we said, however: no security tool is bulletproof. On paper, a VPN should prevent your ISP from seeing your traffic as it flows across the web. It should also make it much, much harder for someone on the outside to identify particular traffic as yours.

That said, there are always exceptions. Time and time again, user error and efforts by law enforcement have undermined the protection offered by services like Tor or VPNs. Timing attacks, for example, can correlate packet traffic at a VPN server with activity on your own network.

In some cases, the problem may be the VPN itself. If the VPN company keeps copious logs about user activity (specifically, the identity of the user, which server they connected to, when) that information could potentially be obtained by law enforcement.

Can I Use BitTorrent on My VPN?

Most VPN services are completely fine with you using BitTorrent or P2P services while using their products. All of our top-rated VPN services do not prohibit file sharing.

Even the services that do allow torrenting often have restrictions. Some, for example, may require that you only use BitTorrent when connected to specific VPN servers. NordVPN labels the servers where torrenting is acceptable. TorGuard VPN, on the other hand, does not make any distinction about user traffic, so you can torrent to your heart's content. Note that pretty much every VPN service that allows torrenting also explicitly forbids breaking copyright law, or otherwise abusing the service.

Some VPNs have tools that are particularly useful for torrenting. NordVPN is one of several companies that offer static IP addresses for purchase, which can desirable in some circumstances. TorGuard VPN has built its entire reputation around protecting torrenters. In addition to the usual VPN protection, TorGuard also offers static IP addresses and access to special high-bandwidth connections, for an additional fee.

See How We Test VPNs

What About Speeds?

When you use a VPN, your web traffic is usually traveling through more fiber and more machines. The practical upshot is that your connection speeds are affected by all that extra distance. For large torrents, this can mean a longer wait before you get the completed file.

A quick note about VPN testing: networks are finnicky things, and we don't claim our work to be the be-all and end-all of VPN speed testing. Instead, this is a snapshot of how a particular service performed on a specific day. We also don't think that speeds should be the only metric used to evaluate a VPN, but it's clearly of concern to BitTorrent users.

In my latest round of testing, I compared speed test results with and without a VPN running. I used the Ookla speed test tool, and present the results below. Note that these are in order of score, with the top score in each category marked with italicized red text.

Download Without Vpn

Right now, we consider HideIPVPN the fastest VPN among those we've tested. That said, speed shouldn't been the primary consideration when purchasing a VPN—even if you're planning on using your VPN exclusively for Torrenting.

VPN Reliability and Accessibility Issues

The extra stops and processes for your data and the distance introduced by VPNs can make a normal browsing experience somewhat hiccup-y. Suddenly losing connectivity while the VPN resets is mildly annoying in day-to-day life, but we could see how such interruptions could really slow down a large BitTorrent download.

If you plan on using a VPN while torrenting, consider the ramifications of the Kill Switch. This feature, found in most VPN services, prevents apps from sending data via the internet when the VPN is disconnected. The idea is that it prevents any information from being transmitted in the clear. The avid BitTorrent downloader needs to decide if they want total and complete protection, or would rather not have their download interrupted.

Do Not Download Torrent Without Vpn Really

Location, Location, Location

While VPN services have servers all over the world, each company's headquarters do have to be based somewhere on the planet. And that somewhere might have data retention laws that require the VPN company to either collect and maintain user data for a set period of time.

Understanding what kind of information a VPN service collects, and how long it is maintained, can be hard to figure out. To get the answer, you may have to wade through unending FAQ pages and opaque terms of service written in arcane legalese. If the VPN company you're considering can't clearly explain what information it gathers and how long it will be kept, it's probably not a great service.

When we review VPNs, we make a point to ask service representatives about what efforts they take to secure customers' privacy. You can read through our full reviews to see their answers. So far, the majority of services have shown that they take protecting user privacy very seriously.

Note that national and international law as it relates to data storage and whether that data can be turned over to law enforcement is complicated and constantly changing. A good service today might choose or be compelled to alter its policies tomorrow, so pay attention to any updates to the terms of service.

Encrypt Your Torrent Traffic

Torrenting Without A Vpn

Perhaps you'll decide that all this effort isn't worth it just to secure your BitTorrent downloads. But even so, you should keep in mind that a VPN is still the best way to keep your internet traffic private and secure. Whether you decide to spring for a premium account, you're looking for a cheap VPN, or you want to dip your toe in with a free VPN, it's about time you started living the encrypted lifestyle.

Editors' Note: IPVanish is owned by j2 Global, the parent company of PCMag's publisher, Ziff Davis.

Do Not Download Torrent Without Vpn Real Estate

Best VPNs for BitTorrent Featured in This Roundup:

• NordVPN Review

  
  MSRP: $11.95
  

  Pros: More than 5,200 servers in diverse locations worldwide. Unique, specialized servers. Six simultaneous connections. P2P allowed. Browser apps. Blocks ads, other web threats. Strong customer privacy stance.

  Cons: Expensive. Cannot purchase additional simultaneous connections.

  Bottom Line: NordVPN wraps a slick client around a strong collection of features for securing your online activities and an enormous network of servers. Earning a rare 5-star rating, it's our top pick for VPNs.

  Read Review

• Private Internet Access VPN Review

  
  MSRP: $6.95
  

  Pros: Affordable. Excellent app interface. Far above average number of available servers. Ad blocking. Supports P2P file sharing and BitTorrent. Multiplatform support. Strong stance on customer privacy.

  Cons: No free version. No specialized servers.

  Bottom Line: Private Internet Access offers a robust VPN service at an unbeatable price, and with an excellent new app interface. In terms of value, it cannot be beat.

  Read Review

• TunnelBear VPN Review

  
  MSRP: $9.99
  

  Pros: Affordable. Excellent privacy policies. Annual independent audits. Friendly, approachable design. Browser extensions, including stand-alone ad blocker. Good speed test results. Bears.

  Cons: Lack of geographic diversity in server locations.

  Bottom Line: If you're tired of edgy security products, let the strong-but-cute bears of TunnelBear VPN defend your web traffic. Easy to use and easily affordable, it's an Editors' Choice winner.

  Read Review

• CyberGhost VPN Review

  
  MSRP: $12.99
  

  Pros: Offers seven licenses with a subscription. Good server distribution. Strong privacy policy. Excellent and unique features.

  Cons: Expensive.

  Bottom Line: CyberGhost offers an excellent VPN product with strong, unique features not found elsewhere, along with a generous number of simultaneous connections. It's expensive, however.

  Read Review

• IPVanish VPN Review

  
  MSRP: $11.99
  

  Pros: 10 simultaneous connections. Good geographic diversity of servers. Allows BitTorrenting. Automatic IP address cycling.

  Cons: Unwelcoming interface. Limited global server presence.

  Bottom Line: VPN service IPVanish secures your web traffic from prying eyes. It packs powerful features veteran VPN users will appreciate, and presents a good value overall, although its interface may intimidate the less experienced.

  Read Review

• TorGuard VPN Review

  
  MSRP: $9.99
  

  Pros: Affordable. Numerous servers spread across the globe. Lets you easily add simultaneous connections. Many add-ons. Good speed test scores.

  Cons: Clunky client. No free subscription.

  Bottom Line: TorGuard VPN is the best bet for BitTorrent seeders and leechers looking to secure their web traffic. It's packed with features sure to appeal to security wonks, though its client is clunky.

  Read Review

• ExpressVPN Review

  
  MSRP: $12.95
  

  Pros: Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers. Strong privacy policy. Supports OpenVPN protocol across all platforms. Allows P2P and BitTorrent. Simple interface. Greatly improved performance.

  Cons: Expensive. Few simultaneous connections allowed.

  Bottom Line: ExpressVPN is a comprehensive VPN service with an impressive server fleet and excellent features. But, compared with the competition, it allows for fewer simultaneous connections, and it's more expensive.

  Read Review

• HideIPVPN Review

  
  MSRP: $9.99
  

  Pros: Best speed test scores. Simple interface. Allows P2P, BitTorrent activity on specific servers. Supports legacy and niche protocols.

  Cons: Tiny number of servers in just 11 countries. Offers fewer licenses than the competition. Confusing pricing structure.

  Bottom Line: HideIPVPN is the fastest VPN yet in our testing, but it has a tiny number of servers and offers fewer licenses than the competition.

  Read Review

• ProtonVPN Review

  
  MSRP: $10.00
  

  Pros: Excellent free version. Flexible, low-cost plans. Focus on physical security. Excellent privacy policies. Slick, accessible client. Multi-hop VPN to secure locations and Tor connections. P2P friendly. ProtonMail bundle available.

  Cons: Few servers and locations. Difficult to find fastest servers. Full access to servers and features only at highest pay level.

  Bottom Line: ProtonVPN doesn't have as many servers as much of the competition, but its focus on exacting security at an affordable price tag makes it a compelling choice. Plus, its free version is the best we've tested so far.

  Read Review

• Hide.me VPN Review

  
  MSRP: $9.99
  

  Pros: Simple design. Excellent privacy policy. Good speed test scores. BitTorrent friendly. Supports anonymous payments. Advanced features.

  Cons: Comparably few servers. No specialized servers. Unintuitive design. Some protocols limited to higher tiers.

  Bottom Line: VPN service Hide.me is affordable, has an excellent privacy policy, and offers solid technology. Its client app can be a pain to use, however, and some VPN protocols are limited to higher tiers.

  Read Review