Best Free VPNs for Torrenting in 2025

At a Glance

While the first thing you may think of when hearing P2P file sharing or BitTorrenting may be illegally sharing movies, music, and games, the technology can also be used to share files legally. Many businesses, organizations, and others on the web use P2P technology to legally share files.

Unfortunately, since many folks think of pirating files when they hear P2P or torrenting, many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will automatically throttle or block your internet connection if they detect that you’re sharing files, no matter what type of files you’re sharing.

Can a VPN Hide My Torrenting?

Luckily, by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can hide your torrenting activities from the prying eyes of your ISP (and yes, from the eyes of movie and record lawyers, although we don’t recommend using a VPN for any illegal activity, such as torrenting copyrighted files). A VPN also hides your real IP address from other torrenters.

While third parties may be able to detect that you’re connected to a VPN (although some VPNs offer ways to hide your VPN activity), they won’t be able to detect that you’re sharing files, streaming from “unapproved” sites, or performing any other online activity that you care to engage in.

You can also use a VPN to acquire a fresh IP address for your device, located somewhere else internationally, making it appear as if you are connecting to the internet from that part of the world. This grants you access to geo-blocked resources like streaming services and gaming arenas that would normally be unavailable in your region.

There are numerous VPN providers that allow file sharing while connected to their global networks. Among these providers are “free” VPNs.

We’re all human, meaning anything that is “free” is attractive. We all enjoy taking advantage of a freebie now and then. However, free VPNs aren’t really free, and in fact can cost you in ways you might not expect.

A bit later in this article, I’ll discuss what these free VPN “gotchas” are. For now, I hope you’ll take my word when I say an actual free VPN is not a good deal.

In this article, we’ll discuss free VPNs that offer no-cost, if quite limited, VPN service. I’ll also tell you how you can get free VPN service from a reliable paid VPN provider, which will come in handy for users who are looking for short-term VPN protection.

In the following sections, I share information about the top six VPNs for use with P2P file torrenting and how to give their features a try for free.

SEE ALSO: Best VPN for uTorrent and Best VPN for the Pirate Bay

How to Use a VPN With Torrenting

To protect your torrenting activity with a VPN, do the following.

Simple steps on how to use a VPN with torrenting:

1. Subscribe to your VPN provider of choice (NordVPN is my top recommendation).
2. Install the provider’s app(s) on your favorite device(s).
3. Log in to the VPN.
4. Select a VPN server and connect to it. (Some VPN providers only allow P2P activity on certain servers.)
5. Enjoy your newly protected torrenting.

WANT TO TRY A RELIABLE VPN RISK-FREE? Each of the VPNs on this list offers no-risk money-back guarantees that allow you to use them with no restrictions for at least a month. (Note: You will have to pay upfront for these VPNs.) These guarantees provide at least 30 days to try any of the VPN providers with no risk whatsoever, as you can ask for a refund any time before the money-back trial period runs out.

Best “Free” VPNs for Torrenting

The six providers listed below offered the best risk-free VPN service for torrenting.

Here is the “sharing is caring” summary. (Full reviews can be found a little further down.)

Best “free” VPNs for torrenting:

1. NordVPN: #1 torrenting VPN. This top-ranked VPN provider offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, while allowing P2P file sharing on many of its servers. Top-notch online security and privacy protections help keep your torrenting undercover, while the provider’s fast speeds provide a great way to download and share files.
2. Surfshark: Best budget-priced torrenting VPN. This provider boasts a fast-growing global server network, and every one of the provider’s servers is P2P-friendly. The provider’s fast connections offer excellent online security and privacy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection for file sharing. This high-priced, yet premium VPN provider allows P2P traffic, and its blazingly-fast connections provide a secure and private way to share fires. There’s excellent app support for popular devices and a large server network. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
4. CyberGhost: Great VPN for rookie users. This easy-to-use VPN provider offers access to P2P-optimized servers around the globe, making it an attractive option for rookie VPN users looking to protect their P2P activity from prying eyes. Offers an extensive 45-day money-back guarantee.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable protection for file sharing. This well-known VPN provider provides comprehensive encrypted protection for file sharing.
6. PrivateVPN: Allows torrenting on its entire server network. This provider’s well-encrypted, fast connections are great for file sharing. PrivateVPN allows torrenting on all of its global server network.

I evaluated and ranked the VPNs on this list using the following criteria:

• Risk-free money-back guarantee
• Allows torrenting
• App support
• Security and privacy protections
• Fast, no-data-cap connections
• Global server network
• Customer support offerings

Check out the testing methodology section further down this article for more information about the criteria I used.

Here are the top six “free” VPNs to use with torrenting.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN is tops on this list thanks to its P2P-optimized servers, fast connections, and optimal online protections. The provider’s 30-day money-back guarantee provides ample time to sample the VPN’s wares.

The provider’s app support is admirable, providing options for most P2P-capable platforms, including Windows, macOS (with Apple Silicon support), Android, Linux, and others. Also offers app support for iOS, Android TV, and Raspberry Pi devices. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, and support is available for numerous router makes and models.

Just because you’re busily torrenting on your PC doesn’t mean you can’t protect your other online activities at the same time. Up to six devices can concurrently connect to the provider’s servers on a single set of login credentials.

All NordVPN connections are protected with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, as well as an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Malware and ad blocking is available, as is an obfuscated server option that disguises your VPN traffic as normal browser activity.

A strict no-server-logs-ever policy and Bitcoin payment option help protect your privacy.

NordVPN also protects your privacy with two extra features. It’s owned-and-operated server farms keep outside contractors away from your personal info. Meanwhile, the provider runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, saving no data of any kind to a physical hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is completely wiped from a NordVPN server whenever it is restarted, shut down, or unplugged.

The provider delivers fast downloads thanks to its well-above-average connection speeds. It offers more than enough bandwidth for all of your favorite online activities, including file sharing, streaming, and gaming. No need to deal with bandwidth throttling or data caps with this provider.

NordVPN’s global server coverage boasts 5,400+ servers in 60+ countries. While NordVPN limits P2P traffic to a select number of servers, you can connect to any server and NordVPN will route your connection to VPN servers in Canada or the Netherlands when it detects P2P traffic.

Always-available customer support includes email support, 24/7 live chat, and a searchable support database.

THE BEST “FREE” TORRENTING VPN:NordVPN provides top-notch VPN protection for all of your P2P torrenting activities. Strong encryption protects the VPN service provider’s speedy connections. Top-notch app support and comprehensive customer support add to the value. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark covers its customers with a 30-day money-back guarantee for its bargain-priced service options.

The provider offers app support for Android, iOS, macOS (native M1/M2 support), Amazon Fire, Linux, and Windows platforms. Depending on the version of Chromebook you own, the provider’s Android app may also work. Surfshark offers Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions and is also compatible with numerous router makes and models.

Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance makes it impossible to run out of VPN protection for all of your connected devices.

Surfshark boasts top-notch connection protection featuring government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. A MultiHop option routes your internet connection through a pair of VPN servers to provide added encryption and anonymity.

A no-server-logs-ever policy and cryptocurrency payment option have things covered in the privacy column.

Surfshark has also joined the ranks of VPN providers that run their servers solely from volatile RAM, writing no data to a physical hard drive or SSD. This means all data is securely wiped when a server is rebooted or turned off. The provider says it wipes its servers “occasionally.”

P2P users will appreciate the provider’s fast download speeds. Unlimited bandwidth is available, and there are no data caps to worry about.

Surfshark offers a large and still growing server network that currently boasts over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries around the globe.

Customer support is always around to help thanks to a 24/7 live chat option, a searchable support library, FAQ section, and a contact form.

BEST FOR BUDGET-MINDED P2P’ERS:Surfshark’s bargain-basement pricing makes it an attractive VPN option for file sharers on a budget. The provider’s fast download speeds, top-notch online security and privacy protections, and unlimited simultaneous connections allowance add up to offer great value. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all of its servers and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its subscription plans.

Chromebook, Android, macOS (with Apple Silicon support), iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Windows apps all make an appearance on the ExpressVPN compatibility list. The provider’s apps and its Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions boast a “Smart Location” feature that connects you quickly to the best-performing VPN server in your region.

Extensive router compatibility is also available if the provider’s somewhat limiting five concurrent connections allowance isn’t sufficient for your needs. The provider offers pre-configured routers and a custom Aircove router that’s ready to go out of the box.

ExpressVPN uses government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak, and automatic kill switch protection to keep your file sharing and other online activities incognito. A strict no-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option help protect your privacy.

Plus, the provider’s “TrustedServer” technology runs all VPN server operations only from RAM, never writing data to a real hard drive. This means that all information is wiped from the server upon each reboot or shutdown.

ExpressVPN’s connections are quite P2P-friendly, as they are blazingly fast. The provider scored the fastest download speeds in my most recent testing. Unlimited bandwidth and no data caps mean there are no limits to your online usage.

ExpressVPN boasts an impressive global server network of 3,000+ servers located in 94+ countries. Torrenting is allowed on every one of those servers.

Customer support is always available thanks to the provider’s 24/7 live chat option, email support, trouble ticket tracking system, and searchable support library.

RELIABLE “FREE” VPN FOR TORRENTING:ExpressVPN offers somewhat expensive but reliable VPN protection for your file sharing activities. The provider’s easy-to-use apps and browser extensions, fast connections, strong encryption, and top-notch privacy protections make it worth taking a look at, despite its higher price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its one-year, two-year and three-year subscriptions, but only 14 days to ask for a refund if you opt for a monthly subscription.

If you’re a VPN rookie or if you just like to keep things simple, CyberGhost bears a closer look. CyberGhost’s apps are easy to install and use, and they’re available for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows device platforms.

CyberGhost also offers free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. However, they only provide access to eight servers in four countries. None of those are P2P-optimized.

While the provider allows up to seven devices to connect to its servers on a single account, it also offers excellent router support if you need more connections.

All CyberGhost connections are protected by military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, as well as IP/DNS leak prevention. Ad and malware blocking are also available, as is the ability to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages if available.

A no-log-collection policy and Bitcoin payment option for subscription payments have things covered on the privacy end of things.

CyberGhost connections are fast. The provider’s download speeds can easily handle all of your file sharing, as well as streaming and other popular online pastimes. No data caps or bandwidth restrictions to worry about with this provider.

CyberGhost boasts a massive global server network, with more than 9,000 servers located in 90+ countries around the globe. More than 60 of those countries have downloading-optimized servers located there.

Around-the-clock support options include 24/7 live chat, a searchable support repository, and a trouble ticket tracking system.

BEST VPN FOR ROOKIE VPN USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use app offerings, along with its free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, make it a valid option for first-time VPN users. Fast, well-protected connections provide fast downloads in 60+ countries. A no-risk, 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides comprehensive online protection and enhancement for BitTorrent users.

The provider has 3,300+ servers, located in 80+ countries around the globe, which provides reliable access to geo-controlled content in many areas around the world.

PIA protects its customers’ connections with a tunnel of government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Ad and tracker blocking are also available, as are malware protection and blocking of malicious sites.

PIA servers save no user logs and the provider accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment, keeping your payment information incognito. Use a disposable email address to sign up for additional payment privacy.

While PIA’s download speeds are not as impressive as the others on this list, the provider’s protected connection speeds can easily handle your favorite online activities, including file sharing. (All of this depends on your usual ISP-provided connection speeds, of course.)

The provider offers native app support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS device platforms. Browser extensions are also available for the Chrome, Firefox, and Opera platforms, as is router support.

PIA’s support team offers a live support chat option, a trouble ticket form, and a searchable support library.

Up to 10 devices can be concurrently connected to PIA servers on a single account.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR FILE SHARING:Private Internet Access provides well-protected internet connection to keep your file sharing and other online activities undercover. The provider’s connection speeds, while not blazingly fast, can easily handle most online activities. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN makes this list of six due to its fast, well-protected connections.

Admittedly, the provider’s 200+ servers don’t add up to a large number of servers. However, they are well spread among 60 countries, offering decent (if thin) global server coverage. P2P activity is allowed on all of the provider’s servers.

PrivateVPN uses military-grade encryption and a kill switch option to protect its customers’ connections. A Stealth VPN option to hide your VPN usage is also available.

Your privacy is well protected, as PrivateVPN servers save no user logs whatsoever. Plus, your payment info is kept incognito, thanks to a Bitcoin payment option.

PrivateVPN’s connection speeds are some of the slowest on this list. However, its connections are well up to the needs of most P2P users.

This provider’s customer support falls a bit short, as while live chat support is available, it’s not available 24 hours a day. Its Support FAQ is not searchable, but a “Contact Us” form is available.

PrivateVPN’s app support is also a bit lacking, as it makes apps available only for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS platforms, and doesn’t offer any browser extensions. The service is compatible with select routers, allowing you to protect all of your other devices.

Up to 10 devices can access the service at once on the same account.

GOOD VPN OPTION FOR P2P USERS:PrivateVPN offers plenty of advanced options for hiding P2P usage. While the provider does an excellent job of keeping your online activities incognito, its customer support and app support are a bit lacking. 30-day money-back guarantee included.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Torrenting

Since ISPs like to throttle or block users who engage in file sharing, it makes sense to use a VPN while sharing files. However, not all VPNs allow torrenting on their servers, so it’s critical to determine whether a VPN provides the optimal features for P2P file sharing.

The categories below should be carefully considered when deciding which VPN providers offer the best torrenting-related features:

• Allows torrenting: Make sure your VPN of choice supports file sharing or that they support it on more than a tiny number of servers. Otherwise, you’re not getting all you could out of the VPN. Each VPN on this list allows and protects P2P file sharing.
• Connection speed: Slow connection speeds can be frustrating for any online activity but especially when you’re sharing files. The faster you can download and share files, the better. All of the VPNs on my list offer fast connections.
• Server network: A provider’s global server network is an important consideration for many online activities. Also, look for a large number of servers in each country, as that helps prevent an individual server from being hit with too many users, likely slowing the server’s performance.
• Value: Always be sure that a VPN’s asking price is not out of line with the features and functionality they offer. The price of all of the VPNs on my list offer good value for money.
• Ease of use: It is imperative that a VPN offer easy-to-use apps for the platform(s) you use to share files. All of the VPNs on this list offer intuitive apps for popular torrenting-capable devices.
• Security and privacy: At the very least, a VPN should protect its users’ connections with 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak prevention. A VPN should also never save any logs connected to your online activities.
• Streaming: Streaming video is one of the most popular online activities today. The VPNs I included on my list offer reliable access to many popular streaming sites and services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others, even Popcorn Time.

My research does not end here. The list above is just a small portion of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach allows me to better understand these VPN providers and their service offerings. This enables me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

Is Torrenting Illegal?

File sharing in itself is not illegal. In fact, many businesses and organizations use peer-to-peer file sharing technology to share documents and other files among their employees.

However, torrenting is illegal when users are sharing copyrighted content, such as music, video, and apps.

The illegal sharing of copyrighted content is the reason why many Internet Service Providers block P2P activity, even if the user in question is sharing files legally.

That’s why using a VPN with uTorrent and other torrenting apps is so strongly recommended.

Is a Truly Free VPN a Good Option for Torrenting?

So-called “free” VPNs have hidden costs and drawbacks.

First off, free VPNs aren’t really private. Many free VPNs pay the bills by tracking and recording their users’ online activities and then selling that information to advertisers and other nosy parties.

Plus, some free providers have been found to be inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions. (And those cookies keep right on tracking your online activities, even after you disconnect from the VPN’s network.)

Free VPNs are also quite inconvenient to use.

To begin with, you may find you’re faced with a bit of a wait before being allowed to connect to a free VPN’s server network. Then, once you’re allowed to connect, you’ll either have a tiny selection of servers to connect to, or you’ll find that you’re automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Once you’re finally connected, you’ll find that your connection speeds have slowed greatly, and you’ll have to deal with daily or monthly data caps.

As you can see, truly “free” VPNs have plenty of hidden costs and drawbacks. I have found that it is worth it to pay a few bucks a month for quality VPN service.

Free Torrenting VPN FAQs

Conclusion

Torrenters who are considering trusting their P2P file sharing security to a “free” VPN provider are strongly advised to consider the hidden costs of “free” services.

All of the VPNs on this list offer risk-free money-back guarantees, ensuring plenty of time to try all of these VPNs.

A quality paid VPN provider protects your online activities from being monitored and recorded by outsiders, never saves logs, and never tracks your usage. Quality VPNs also have large global server networks and provide fast download speeds.

P2P’ers are urged to consider all that NordVPN offers. The VPN service provider boasts fast and well-protected connections from its large global server network, and offers apps for most popular device platforms.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.