Have you heard the horror stories about people getting busted for torrenting? It can actually happen, even if you are using a quality torrenting app like uTorrent. The best way to protect yourself from this kind of disaster is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with uTorrent. VPNs can provide anonymity and security that uTorrent by itself cannot.
Unfortunately, not all VPNs are created equal, and you'll want to avoid the bad apples. So today, we'll show you which VPNs are the best VPNs for torrenting based on our testing.
Key points on using a VPN for uTorrent
- Premium VPNs offer enhanced security, speed, and reliability for uTorrent.
- Free VPNs can be risky due to limited bandwidth, slow speeds, and potential data sharing with third parties.
- Based on our test results, the best VPN for uTorrent is NordVPN, and it comes with a 74% off coupon here.
- Setting up a secure connection requires selecting the appropriate VPN server location and adjusting advanced security settings such as enabling a kill switch and ad blocking.
Ultimate uTorrent VPNs: The Top Picks
When it comes to VPNs that work with uTorrent, some services stand out for their superior speed, security, and usability. The options for best VPN for uTorrent in 2024 are:
NordVPN
ExpressVPN
Surfshark
IPVanish
Now let's examine each of these VPN providers in more detail below.
NordVPN: The King of the Hill
Website | NordVPN.com |
Based in | Panama |
Logs | No logs (audited) |
Price | $2.99/mo. |
Support | 24/7 live chat |
Refund | 30 days |
Deal | 74% Off Coupon |
Standing tall in the world of VPNs, NordVPN has carved out a niche for itself as a leading uTorrent VPN. So, what makes NordVPN the king of the torrenting VPN world? Its lightning-fast speed, coupled with P2P-optimized servers, gives it a head start. But that’s not all.
NordVPN offers a range of basic and advanced security features that can keep your real IP address hidden from internet snoops, and make it impossible for outsiders to see what you are doing online.
Below is a screenshot of the NordVPN app we tested for this uTorrent VPN guide. You can see we are connected to one of NordVPN's P2P servers in Switzerland.
One of NordVPN’s best features is its no-logs policy. Thanks to multiple outside audits of the VPN, we know that NordVPN keeps no records of your browsing history, IP address, DNS queries, or any other related information. This information, along with the results of our own testing led to NordVPN being ranked as one of the best no-logs VPNs.
NordVPN also boasts a VPN kill switch feature which ensures that all internet activities cease if the connection to the VPN server drops. This keeps your data and IP address safe if the connection drops while downloading torrents.
All this makes NordVPN an excellent choice for uTorrent client users looking for more security without taking a big performance hit or breaking their budget. You can see below that we are easily able to torrent through a NordVPN server in Panama, while torrenting through the uTorrent client.
However, this is not all NordVPN has to offer. It boasts a large number of advanced security features and intriguing characteristics, including:
- Being one of the best VPNs with WireGuard, a high-speed VPN protocol embedded within the NordLynx protocol.
- Excellent Netflix performance when configured according to our NordVPN Netflix guide.
- Enhanced security thanks to the NordVPN Threat Protection Ad Blocking system.
- A variety of specialized VPN servers: Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and Obfuscated servers. It is also a great VPN for Dedicated IP connections.
As you can imagine, NordVPN is an excellent all-around VPN that consistently ranks well in our testing. Even better, if you use our discount coupon below, you can get NordVPN for such a low price that it is on our list of the best cheap VPNs.
NordVPN's Holiday Deal is live:
Get 74% Off NordVPN with 2-year subscriptions plus 3 extra months:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 30 day money-back guarantee.)
Want even more information? Check out our updated NordVPN review, or this guide to NordVPN for uTorrent.
Surfshark: Unlimited Simultaneous Connections and More
Website | Surfshark.com |
Based in | The Netherlands |
Logs | No logs (audited) |
Price | $1.99/mo. |
Support | 24/7 live chat |
Refund | 30 days |
Deal | 87% Off Coupon |
Surfshark has a fascinating combination of characteristics. It offers high-speed access to the internet, compatibility with any torrent client, and a suite of advanced features similar to those of NordVPN. At the same time, it offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth for your torrent client and anything else you want to be connected to the internet. Yet they also have low, low prices, and join NordVPN on our list of the best cheap VPNs!
Surfshark’s commitment to user privacy is evident in its audited no-log policy, ensuring that your data remains confidential. It also offers a kill switch to cut off your connection when the VPN connection is interrupted, preventing your actual IP address from being exposed.
In terms of performance, our testing has found Surfshark is among the fastest VPNs on the market. For example, it came out on top in the CyberGhost vs Surfshark comparison. The fastest protocol to use with Surfshark is WireGuard, available on mobile and desktop devices. In terms of speeds, Surfshark is on par with ProtonVPN and NordVPN.
In short, Surfshark is an incredible example of the fact that high performance doesn't necessarily require high prices. With an unlimited number of simultaneous connections allowed, Surfshark is also a great option if you need a VPN for multiple devices.
Surfshark VPN Coupon:
Get 87% off Surfshark VPN plus an additional 4 months extra with the coupon below:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 30 day money-back guarantee)
Thinking about using this VPN for uTorrent? Get more info in our current Surfshark VPN review, or try our guide to using Surfshark for uTorrent.
ExpressVPN: Security, Reliability, and Simplicity
Website | ExpressVPN.com |
Based in | British Virgin Islands |
Logs | No logs (audited) |
Price | $6.67/mo. |
Support | 24/7 live chat |
Refund | 30 days |
Deal | 49% Off Coupon |
Another strong option for uTorrent users ExpressVPN, renowned for its excellent security and reliability. ExpressVPN easily provides access to the uTorrent platform in regions where it is restricted. It can unlock access to locations across the digital landscape, letting you torrent where you wish with peace of mind.
ExpressVPN’s Network Lock kill switch acts as a guardian, automatically blocking internet access if the connection to the server is disrupted. This prevents any potential IP exposure. Moreover, its independently audited no-log policy guarantees that your online activities remain untraceable.
ExpressVPN also boasts relatively high speeds. While not as fast as Surfshark or NordVPN, ExpressVPN is faster than the majority of VPNs, which results in good torrent file download speeds. Like the other torrenting VPN services profiled here, ExpressVPN is also one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer and other geo-blocked services.
If you compare ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, you will notice that ExpressVPN does not have a lot of the advanced features that NordVPN does. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If your idea of the best torrenting VPN is a VPN that gets the job done with as little input from you as possible, ExpressVPN could be the best VPN for you.
Hungry to learn more about ExpressVPN? Here's a recent ExpressVPN review, and here's a guide to using ExpressVPN for uTorrent.
IPVanish: Rounding out the List
Website | IPVanish.com |
Based in | USA |
Logs | No logs (audited) |
Price | $2.19/mo. |
Support | Email and Chat |
Refund | 30 days |
Deal | 83% Off Coupon |
IPVanish, like a chameleon, blends into the VPN landscape with its expansive server network, robust security features, and unlimited connections. It boasts a large network of servers located across the globe. This gives VPN users and torrenters the flexibility to choose the optimal server location to connect to, ensuring good performance while also hiding your IP address.
IPVanish performed well in our tests, with consistently fast speeds and reliable VPN apps that are easy to use. The IPVanish Windows app is below.
Just like ExpressVPN and Surfshark, IPVanish offers high-performance VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. In recent speed tests in our VPN testing lab, IPVanish set a new record of 829 Mbps on our 1,000 Mbps connection. As you can imagine, being the fastest VPN is a plus when you are downloading files of all types.
IPVanish also has the other key features you want if you are going to download torrents. That means a dependable kill switch, IP & DNS leak protection, and an audited no-log policy. Beyond these, it supports VPN split tunneling, which allows you to separate your torrenting activity from other internet activity for greater safety.
IPVanish is a sturdy and dependable VPN solution for uTorrent users. While IPVanish is not the cheapest VPN, it can be a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their uTorrent experience.
Want more information? Check out our complete IPVanish review or our guide to using IPVanish for torrenting.
Free vs Paid VPNs: Why Premium Wins for uTorrent
As we’ve seen, premium VPNs offer superior security, faster speeds, and more reliable connections. But how do free VPNs compare? Can they compete in the uTorrent universe, or do they fall short?
The Pitfalls of No-Cost VPNs
Free VPNs might seem like an appealing option, but they often come with their own set of limitations and risks. For instance, they typically have limited bandwidth and slow speeds, which can feel like running a marathon with a heavy backpack. The adventure of torrenting with a free VPN can quickly turn into a slow, frustrating journey. They may even have daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much VPN traffic they support. Imagine getting halfway through a torrenting session and discovering you can't finish the download until next week due to data download limits.
Furthermore, some free VPNs may not have robust security protocols and could potentially share user data with third parties. This is akin to a superhero revealing their secret identity, compromising their mission. Thus, while free VPNs might seem like a good deal at first glance, they often lack the speed, security, and reliability offered by their premium counterparts. If you are still interested in finding the best free VPN, you might want to check out our guide to the best free-trial VPNs.
The Advantages of Premium VPN Subscriptions
Compared to free VPNs, premium VPNs provide faster speeds, enhanced security, and more dependable connections, making them the superheroes of the uTorrent world. They ensure your IP address remains hidden, and your torrenting activities stay private, all while providing a smooth and fast torrenting experience.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your VPN with uTorrent
Having discussed the standouts in the VPN world and their unique features, we’ll now illustrate how to optimize your uTorrent experience by properly setting up a VPN. This involves selecting the appropriate server location and adjusting advanced security settings.
Selecting the Right Server Location for Torrent Traffic
Selecting the right VPN server locations for torrent traffic is a crucial step for achieving optimal performance and avoiding any potential legal issues. The exact location of a VPN's server affects the speed of your internet connection. The greater the distance between your location and the location of the server, the slower the connection. So choosing the server closest to you is generally the best idea.
However, when torrenting, there is another thing to take into consideration. Some countries are better VPN locations than others from the perspective of torrenters. That's because some countries protect online privacy better than others. Some countries are members of surveillance alliances that have been known to spy on each other's citizens to evade pesky domestic privacy laws. Here are some countries that are good choices for torrenting privately and safely:
Switzerland
Iceland
Panama
Romania
Configuring Advanced Security Settings
Configuring advanced security settings in your VPN is important for using uTorrent safely. This includes enabling the kill switch feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your IP address from being exposed.
In addition, ensure that your VPN has DNS leak protection enabled. This prevents your ISP or other third parties from viewing your DNS requests, potentially identifying your online activities. With these settings in place, your VPN is equipped to provide a secure and optimal torrenting experience.
You can read more about setting up your VPN for specific use cases in the guides below:
Enhancing Your uTorrent Experience with VPN Extras
While the settings discussed above will protect you well, some additional features can help too. Let's take a quick look at split tunneling and private DNS as ways to improve your uTorrent experience.
Split tunneling allows you to selectively route torrent traffic through the uTorrent VPN tunnel while allowing other internet traffic to pass through the regular, unencrypted connection. This ensures that your connection to torrenting sites is hidden, potentially bypassing ISP throttling or geo-restrictions. The traffic routed outside the tunnel will not be encrypted, but could be faster.
Private DNS keeps your DNS queries hidden from busybodies. The VPN encrypts your DNS queries and passes them through the VPN tunnel to a DNS service controlled by the VPN, keeping them hidden from your ISP and other prying eyes. All the VPNs we recommend in this article have private DNS.
Summary
Within the vast number of VPNs on the market, only a handful have the combination of security, speed, reliability, and compatibility to work well with uTorrent. In this article, we have presented you with four premium VPNs you can count on to get the job done: NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and IPVanish.
The best overall VPN for uTorrent remains NordVPN. With extremely fast speeds, reliable connections, secure apps, and advanced features, it clearly stands out from the pack.
While free VPNs may seem appealing, the superior speed, security, and reliability offered by premium VPNs make them the true champions for people using uTorrent. With the right VPN setup, your uTorrent experience can be more private and secure than ever, without sacrificing speed or putting a big dent in your bank account.
Install one of these four VPNs now, before you fire up uTorrent again.
Related Torrenting Articles:
- Best VPN for Torrenting
- How to Use a VPN for Torrenting
- Best VPNs for qBittorrent
- NordVPN for qBittorrent
- Surfshark VPN for qBittorrent
- NordVPN for Torrenting
- Surfshark for Torrenting
- ExpressVPN for Torrenting
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions about the VPNs you can use with uTorrent:
Should I use a VPN when using uTorrent?
For added security and privacy, we highly recommend you use a VPN when torrenting. Even if you never download anything you shouldn't, keeping your identity hidden while torrenting is a smart defensive move.
Do VPNs really work for Torrenting?
Yes, VPNs can work for Torrenting. A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic, hide your IP address, and prevent your ISP from seeing your activity. Your personal data is also encrypted so no one can track what you're up to. Using a VPN when torrenting is a great way to protect your privacy.
Is NordVPN good for Torrenting?
NordVPN is an excellent option for downloading and seeding torrents due to its consistently fast speeds, advanced security features, and overall quality.
What are the drawbacks of using free VPNs for uTorrent?
Free VPNs are not suitable for uTorrent due to their limited bandwidth and slow speeds, thus rendering them ineffective for downloading. Some free VPNs have also been found to log and sell records of your online activities. And a few have even been found to install malware on your devices! Using free VPNs for uTorrent is a high-risk decision.
This guide to the best VPNs for uTorrent was last updated on March 29, 2024.
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