Features You Need in a Torrenting VPN

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If you’re not using a VPN while torrenting, you’re doing it wrong. With digital tracking and cyber criminals threatening our online experience, downloading torrent files safely and anonymously isn’t as cut and dry as it used to be. A torrenting VPN can give you the extra layer of security you need to successfully download your favorite content.

Torrent safely, privately, and anonymously with NordVPN.

Now, to have a safe, private, and anonymous torrenting experience, what features do you need from a VPN? There are hundreds of VPNs to choose from but we found NordVPN as your prime choice for torrenting. They built software that has all the must-have features for a torrenting VPN.

AlwaysVPN does not support illegal torrenting. Torrents should only be used for legal file sharing and downloading.

7 Features You Need in a Torrenting VPN

1. IP Masking

device hiding their location

When downloading torrent files, you’ll need a VPN that can successfully mask your IP address. This will enhance your online privacy by giving you a new IP address to hide your torrenting activity. You really have nothing to hide when you’re downloading legal torrent files. But at the slight chance that you accidentally download copyrighted material, you’ll want to make sure you’re protected. 

Without the ability to hide your IP address, you’re at risk of your internet provider tracking and possibly throttling your internet speeds when torrenting.

2. Traffic Encryption

VPN protocol diagram

Along with hiding your IP address, you’ll also want a secure VPN to encrypt your online activity, which includes your torrenting data. A premium VPN will offer multiple encryption protocols (e.g. OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2) so users can find the options that fit their protection needs. 

One of the primary reasons people seek a VPN provider is to route their data through an encrypted tunnel. This will arm you with the security you need to prevent cyber attacks from malicious individuals attempting to intercept your online data.

3. Fast Download Speeds

graphic of computer speed test

Downloading torrents can slow down your internet speeds, especially when they’re larger in size. Internet providers even slow down a user’s speeds intentionally to prevent congestion throughout their network. 

Be sure to find a VPN that offers optimal connection speeds for torrenting. A great way to find the best VPN is to take advantage of their free trial period and test their torrenting speeds by connecting to servers throughout their network.

4. Supports P2P Activity

graphic of copywrite

ISPs are known for throttling download speeds when they suspect a user is torrenting. Some VPN providers offer servers that are optimized for peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic, so you can avoid this. These servers are designed to encrypt some or all of your traffic by rerouting your data through its network first. If you truly want to remain anonymous while torrenting, you’ll need a VPN that supports P2P activity.

5. Kill Switch

VPN notice from DNS leak

A kill switch is key for torrenting enthusiasts. It acts as a safety net should you ever lose connection with your VPN. A kill switch works to stop any data transfer from your device to the internet if you lose connection to your VPN server. In a larger sense, it prevents your data from leaking and being exposed to online snoopers.

A premium torrenting VPN will offer a dependable kill switch you can rely on. If you want to secure your data, a VPN with a kill switch is a must-have.

6. Verified No-Logs Policy

no logs kept on file

Stay completely anonymous with a VPN that follows a verified no-logs policy. No-logs means your data isn’t recorded and stored. Essentially, when you’re surfing the internet, you’re unidentifiable. 

Be sure when you’re sifting through VPNs that you find one with a no-logs policy verified by independent auditors. This will confirm the credibility of a VPN’s no-logs policy so you can trust their software to keep your data private and secure.

7. Anonymous Payment Methods

graphic of person typing in password on smartphone

When you use a credit card or debit card, you leave a digital trail to you and your billing information (i.e name, phone number, billing address), which isn’t ideal if you’re after total privacy.

For torrenting, it’s ideal to find a VPN that accepts anonymous payment methods like cryptocurrencies, masked cards, prepaid cards, and payment apps. These will prevent an ISP or government agency from linking certain internet activity or transactions to your identity, which further reinforces your online anonymity.

NordVPN for Torrenting

Torrenting with NordVPN should put your mind at ease. They’re a well-known provider that supports legal P2P traffic and includes all 7 features you need on torrenting sites.

1

Masking Your IP Address

NordVPN will mask your IP address and secure all your online activity when connected to their network. For advanced protection, they even scan downloaded files and attachments for malware and send warnings when detected.

2

Encryption Protocols

NordVPN’s encryption protocols include IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx. Each works by tunneling your data through a secure VPN server to keep your activity private and secure.

3

Fast Speeds

You can depend on NordVPN for fast internet speeds when torrenting. This is especially true when you connect to servers in your local area.

4

Optimized P2P Servers

In regards to P2P support, NordVPN is a provider that stands high above the rest. They offer over 5,200 servers all optimized to support P2P traffic.

5

Kill Switch

NordVPN’s kill switch is one of the best we’ve tested as it continuously monitors a user’s VPN connection. It will automatically take action and block internet access if your connection drops or until your encryption tunnel is restored.

6

Zero-Logging

Zero-logging is taken very seriously by NordVPN. They do not store your online activity or share your data with any third parties. Their policy is also routinely audited by companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers AG—a Big 4 auditing firm—to validate their zero-logging claims and credibility.

7

Anonymous Payments

NordVPN has you covered with anonymous payments to cover your subscription. They accept cryptocurrency, prepaid cards, and PayPal as payment methods.

Enjoy Stress-Free Torrenting

You should know there are risks to downloading any files from the internet. That’s why it’s vital to use a VPN when you’re browsing through torrent libraries and downloading files. Having a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, will give you the protection and security you need to torrent safely, privately, and anonymously online.

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