๐ Introduction
Welcome to our ultimate guide to the best torrent VPNs of 2016. If you’re someone who loves to download and share files online, you’re probably aware of the risks associated with torrenting. From copyright infringement to hackers and malware, the dangers are real. But with the help of a good VPN, you can protect yourself and enjoy torrenting safely and anonymously.
However, with so many VPN providers out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for torrenting. That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ve done the research and compiled a comprehensive list of the best VPNs for torrenting in 2016. We’ll also go over the advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN for torrents, and answer some frequently asked questions. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
๐ Best Torrent VPN 2016: The Top Contenders
When selecting the VPNs for this list, we took into consideration factors such as speed, security, privacy, and overall performance while torrenting. Here are the top contenders:
VPN Provider |
Features |
Price |
---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
Fast speeds, no logs policy, military-grade encryption, 24/7 support |
$12.95/month |
NordVPN |
Strict no logs policy, double encryption, kill switch, 24/7 support |
$11.95/month |
Private Internet Access (PIA) |
No logs policy, fast speeds, SOCKS5 proxy, 10 simultaneous connections |
$9.95/month |
IPVanish |
No logs policy, fast speeds, zero traffic logs, unlimited bandwidth |
$10/month |
CyberGhost |
No logs policy, automatic kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection |
$12.99/month |
๐ 1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for its blazing-fast speeds, which make it an ideal VPN for torrenting. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, you can easily find a server that’s optimized for P2P file sharing. ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning your online activity is never recorded.
One of the standout features of ExpressVPN is its military-grade encryption. This means your data is protected from prying eyes, even if you’re using public Wi-Fi. And with 24/7 live chat support, you can always get help if you need it.
On the downside, ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than some other VPN providers. However, if you’re looking for the best VPN for torrenting and are willing to pay a premium, ExpressVPN is definitely worth considering.
๐ 2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another top contender when it comes to torrent VPNs. With over 5,000 servers in 59 countries, you’ll have plenty of options for fast and secure torrenting. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, double encryption, and a kill switch that will automatically disconnect you from the internet if your VPN connection drops.
In addition, NordVPN offers 24/7 support and allows up to 6 simultaneous connections. However, some users have reported slower speeds with NordVPN, especially when connecting to servers that are far away from their physical location.
๐ 3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is another popular choice for torrent VPNs. PIA has a no-logs policy, fast speeds, and a SOCKS5 proxy that can be used for torrenting. It also allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it a great option for families or small businesses.
However, PIA’s user interface can be a bit confusing for beginners, and some users have reported occasional connection drops. It’s also worth noting that PIA is based in the United States, which could be a concern for some users who want to avoid government surveillance.
๐ 4. IPVanish
IPVanish is a reliable VPN provider that offers fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth, making it a great option for torrenting. It has a no-logs policy, and zero traffic logs, meaning your online activity is never recorded. IPVanish also offers 24/7 support and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
However, IPVanish is based in the United States, which could be a concern for some users. It also doesn’t have as many servers as some other VPN providers, meaning you may experience slower speeds if you’re connecting to a server that’s far away from your location.
๐ 5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN provider that offers a no-logs policy and automatic kill switch, making it a great choice for torrenting. It also has DNS and IP leak protection, ensuring your online activity remains private.
However, some users have reported slower speeds with CyberGhost, and it doesn’t allow as many simultaneous connections as some other VPN providers. It’s also a bit more expensive than some other options on this list.
๐ Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a VPN for Torrenting
Now that we’ve gone over the best torrent VPNs of 2016, let’s discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN for torrenting.
๐ Advantages
1. Increased Privacy and Security
When you use a VPN for torrenting, your online activity is encrypted and your IP address is masked. This means no one can see what you’re downloading, and it’s much harder for hackers or government agencies to track your activity.
2. Bypass ISP Throttling
Some internet service providers (ISPs) will throttle your internet connection if they detect you’re using a lot of bandwidth for torrenting. By using a VPN, you can bypass this throttling and enjoy faster download speeds.
3. Access to Geo-Restricted Content
With a VPN, you can connect to servers in different countries and access geo-restricted content that may not be available in your region. This is especially useful for streaming services like Netflix, which have different content libraries in different countries.
๐ Disadvantages
1. Slower Connection Speeds
Because your internet traffic is being routed through a VPN server, you may experience slower connection speeds while torrenting. This can be especially true if you’re connecting to a server that’s far away from your physical location.
2. Extra Cost
Using a VPN for torrenting usually requires a subscription, which can be an additional expense on top of your internet service provider bill.
3. Finding the Right VPN can be Challenging
As we’ve discussed, not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to torrenting. It can be challenging to find a VPN that’s fast, secure, and reliable for torrenting.
๐ Frequently Asked Questions
๐ FAQ 1: Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?
While there are free VPN options available, we generally do not recommend using them for torrenting. Free VPNs often have data limits, slower speeds, and fewer security features than paid VPNs. Additionally, some free VPNs have been known to sell user data to third parties, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy.
๐ FAQ 2: Do I need a VPN if I only download legal torrents?
Even if you’re only downloading legal torrents, using a VPN can still be beneficial. It can protect your online activity from ISPs, hackers, and other prying eyes. It can also help you bypass any throttling policies your ISP may have.
๐ FAQ 3: Can I torrent on any server with a VPN?
It’s important to use a VPN server that’s optimized for P2P file sharing. Not all VPN servers allow torrenting, and using a non-P2P server could result in slower speeds or even a ban from the VPN provider.
๐ FAQ 4: Will a VPN protect me from copyright infringement if I download illegal torrents?
No, a VPN will not protect you from copyright infringement if you download illegal torrents. While using a VPN can hide your online activity from your ISP, it doesn’t make your activity completely anonymous. If you’re caught downloading copyrighted material, you could still face legal consequences.
๐ FAQ 5: How do I set up a VPN for torrenting?
The exact steps to set up a VPN for torrenting will depend on the VPN provider you choose. However, in general, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription, download the VPN software, connect to a P2P-optimized server, and start torrenting.
๐ FAQ 6: Can I use a VPN with uTorrent?
Yes, most VPNs are compatible with uTorrent. Some VPNs even have dedicated apps or plugins for uTorrent. However, it’s important to make sure you’re using a P2P-optimized server and that your VPN is properly configured for torrenting.
๐ FAQ 7: Do VPNs work with BitTorrent?
Yes, VPNs are compatible with BitTorrent. However, it’s important to make sure you’re using a P2P-optimized server and that your VPN is properly configured for torrenting.
๐ Conclusion
So there you have it, our ultimate guide to the best torrent VPNs of 2016. Remember, if you’re someone who loves to download and share files online, using a VPN is a must. It can protect your online activity and help you bypass any throttling policies your ISP may have.
We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the right VPN for your torrenting needs. Remember to always do your research and choose a VPN provider that’s fast, secure, and reliable. Happy torrenting!
๐ Closing/Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes only. Neither the author nor the website owner promotes the illegal downloading or sharing of copyrighted material. Always use a VPN for torrenting responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing (2016). However, VPN providers may have updated their features or policies since then. Always check with the VPN provider for the most up-to-date information.