Torrenting has become increasingly popular, but with this popularity comes the need for security and privacy. NordVPN is a top contender for ensuring a safe and efficient torrenting experience. So, what makes this VPN provider stand out from the rest and how well does it perform with torrenting?
In this article, you’ll discover the advantages of torrenting with NordVPN and how to set up and optimize the VPN for the best torrenting experience possible. We’ll also explore alternative VPNs to consider.
Key points for using NordVPN for torrenting
- NordVPN is an ideal choice for torrenting due to its strong security, extremely fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and vast server network with DNS and IP leak protection.
- Setting up NordVPN involves downloading the app, connecting to a P2P server, and following general guidelines.
- Regular tests should be performed to ensure optimal speed and security whenever you torrent and share files.
- To get the best deal on NordVPN, use this coupon for 69% off >
Now let’s examine why NordVPN is the best VPN for torrenting on the market today.
About NordVPN
NordVPN is a premium VPN service that typically ranks at the top of most best VPN lists you find online. It is a private, secure, and fully-featured VPN that is strategically based in Panama. This table highlights some of the key facts.
Website | NordVPN.com |
Based in | Panama |
Logs | No logs (audited) |
Price | $3.09/mo. |
Support | 24/7 live chat |
Refund | 30 days |
Deal | 69% Off Coupon |
So now let’s get to the question on everyone’s mind.
Why Use NordVPN for Torrenting?
We have tested NordVPN extensively over the years, and you can see the latest test results in the NordVPN review. It stands out as an excellent choice for torrenting due to its robust security features, fast speeds, and extensive server network. When you use NordVPN, you can download torrents anonymously while securely establishing P2P connections.
NordVPN also provides robust DNS leak and IP leak protection on all servers, guaranteeing a very high level of privacy and security. You can test this for yourself using our VPN test guide.
NordVPN has a powerful collection of security features. It provides AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and one of the best VPN ad blockers, with the NordVPN Threat Protection feature. NordVPN also enforces a strict no-logs policy that has been audited multiple times by qualified third parties. This ensures that your connection times, bandwidth usage, and online activities related to torrent files are not recorded.
The kill switch feature is particularly important for torrenting, as it automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your true IP address from being exposed to the torrent network. See our VPN kill switch article for more information.
NordVPN’s P2P servers offer rapid speeds and dependable performance for torrenting. When we test NordVPN’s torrenting speeds, there is only a small decrease in speed from the base connection when connected to a P2P server. Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer the best speeds for torrenting, based on our tests.
The proprietary NordLynx protocol, based on the WireGuard VPN protocol, contributes to enhanced speeds and reliable performance while keeping your real IP address protected. NordVPN employs the NordLynx protocol and P2P-optimized servers to guarantee quick torrent download speeds.
Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN are among the best VPNs with WireGuard, but NordVPN has a clear advantage with speeds and security features over most competitors. You can also see this, for example, in the NordVPN vs CyberGhost comparison.
With the latest NordVPN speed tests, we were able to hit download speeds exceeding 750 Mbps:
Elements such as these may impact NordVPN torrenting speeds:
Your internet speed
Internet traffic
Server load
VPN encryption
WiFi network speed
ISP throttling
Seeders and peers
Network congestion
We have recommendations for optimizing VPN speeds in our fastest VPN guide.
VPN Server Network
NordVPN servers offer the following features:
- Over 6,000 NordVPN server locations in 61+ countries
- P2P servers optimized for fast, safe torrenting
- Over 4,000 P2P optimized servers across 47 countries
- 1700 servers in the US (see best VPNs for USA guide)
- 500+ servers in the UK (See the best VPNs for UK guide)
The VPN is compatible with a range of torrent clients, such as Deluge, qBittorrent, uTorrent, BitLord, and Azureus Vuze, ensuring smooth VPN traffic for users.
As you will see, NordVPN is a great VPN service for torrenting. But it is much more than just that. It is one of the best general-purpose VPNs available, as shown by its appearance in many of our “best VPN” guides, including:
And several others. This is one of the few VPN services that can do it all! To learn more about the capabilities of this excellent service, read our complete NordVPN review.
Setting Up NordVPN for Torrenting
To begin using NordVPN for torrenting, you need to download and install the app, connect to a P2P (torrenting) server, and set up your torrent client. The following instructions will walk you through the process. You can also refer to our, How to Use a VPN for Torrenting guide for more information.
To download and install NordVPN, follow these steps:
- Visit nordvpn.com and use this 69% off coupon for the best deal possible.
Select either “Get NordVPN” or “Choose Your Plan”
Complete the payment process
Download the NordVPN app for your device
Follow the installation process, which is straightforward and compatible with various operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as Android and iOS devices.
Once you have the NordVPN app installed, log in to your account and navigate to the server list. Click More connection options. You will see several server types to choose from. Hover the cursor over the P2P type. Click to let NordVPN choose the best server for you, or click the three-dot menu to the right to open a dialog box where you can choose a P2P server manually, as you can see in our screenshot below.
Based on our tests, we found that you can use any NordVPN server for torrenting. While the P2P servers offered fast torrenting speeds and great reliability, we also discovered that most other servers in the NordVPN network were consistently fast.
Now simply connect to the NordVPN torrenting server. Be sure the VPN is active before you start torrenting to ensure that your IP address does not get exposed.
Configure Your Torrent Client for NordVPN
With your connection to a P2P server in NordVPN, it is now time to set up your torrent client to ensure secure and efficient torrenting. NordVPN is compatible with leading torrent clients including:
Deluge
qBittorrent
uTorrent
BitLord
and more
Depending on your torrent client, the configuration process may vary. However, the general idea is to route your torrent traffic through the VPN connection, ensuring that your real IP address is protected from exposure. For additional security, you can use IP Binding to ensure that your torrent client only works through the VPN server. See our guide on how to use a VPN for torrenting for instructions on how to do this in uTorrent.
In some cases, you might want to use NordVPN’s SOCKS5 Proxy with your torrent client for an additional layer of security. The SOCKS5 Proxy allows you to route your torrent traffic through a proxy server, hiding your address and encrypting your torrent traffic. We see proxy options with NordVPN and IPVanish.
Bear in mind that using a proxy server might occasionally slow down download speeds. Therefore, it is necessary to test your VPN speed and modify your settings as needed.
Optimizing NordVPN Settings for Torrenting
To maximize your NordVPN torrenting experience, optimizing your settings is necessary. This includes choosing the right protocol, enabling NordVPN’s kill switch, and perhaps using obfuscated servers for added security. By fine-tuning these settings, you can ensure a smooth and secure experience while torrenting.
Choosing the right VPN protocol for torrenting is important. NordVPN recommends you use either the OpenVPN or NordLynx protocol for torrenting. OpenVPN is a popular VPN protocol that operates over both TCP and UDP, providing users with the option to select the protocol that best suits their connection. See our OpenVPN vs WireGuard comparison to see how these compare.
On the other hand, NordLynx is built on the WireGuard protocol, offering faster download speeds and enhanced security. However, it’s important to note that NordLynx is not compatible with NordVPN’s obfuscation, so users seeking extra privacy and security might want to stick with the OpenVPN protocol.
Enabling NordVPN’s kill switch is another way to defend against IP leaks during torrenting sessions. If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch will automatically disconnect your internet connection, preventing your true IP address from being exposed to the torrent network.
Go to the settings section of the NordVPN app. Navigate to the Kill switch tab and turn on the Internet Kill Switch option to activate it.
Using obfuscated servers in NordVPN while torrenting can provide you with increased security and privacy. Obfuscation helps conceal your VPN use from your ISP (Internet Service Provider), providing increased anonymity in locations where VPNs are monitored or banned.
Obfuscation can also help you circumvent VPN blocks, guaranteeing continual torrenting even in restricted environments. This is useful if you need a reliable VPN for UAE or a VPN for Russia – both are countries that block VPNs. If you are using a VPN in France, however, you would not need obfuscation.
Testing NordVPN Torrenting Performance
Before you start torrenting with NordVPN, you may want to test its speed and security. This will help you ensure that you’re getting the best possible torrenting experience while maintaining your privacy and security.
Speed Tests
To measure NordVPN’s torrenting speeds, you can perform speed tests using tools like speedtest.net or similar platforms. First, run a speed test without the VPN active to establish your base connection speed.
Next, follow these steps to test your download and upload speeds while connected to NordVPN’s dedicated P2P (torrenting) servers:
Connect to one of NordVPN’s dedicated P2P servers.
Run a speed test to measure your download and upload speeds.
Compare the results to determine how your speeds are affected by the connection.
Keep in mind that several factors can influence VPN speeds during torrenting. If the results are unsatisfactory, try using a different server. In general, using the P2P server closest to your physical location will give the best results.
Security Tests
A crucial aspect of torrenting with NordVPN is ensuring that your privacy and security remain uncompromised. To verify this, conduct security tests like DNS leak tests to check for potential vulnerabilities. See this guide to VPN testing for help.
NordVPN safeguards against DNS leaks by routing all DNS requests through its own DNS servers within the encrypted VPN tunnel. By regularly performing security tests and monitoring your VPN connection, you can maintain a secure torrenting experience.
Common Torrenting Issues with NordVPN and Solutions
Even though NordVPN is a great option for torrenting, some issues might still arise, like slow downloads or difficulties connecting to NordVPN’s servers. Some possible remedies include changing VPN protocols, connecting to a different server, or restarting your devices.
If you continue to experience issues with NordVPN, you might want to consider alternative VPNs for torrenting, such as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, or Surfshark.
Note: One P2P feature that some VPNs provide is port forwarding. NordVPN does not support port forwarding. If this feature is important to you, please check out our guide to the best VPNs with port forwarding.
Alternative VPNs for Torrenting
If you’re exploring other VPNs for torrenting, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are promising options. Offering comparable security and performance for P2P file sharing, these VPNs are viable alternatives to NordVPN.
ExpressVPN is known for its strong encryption, secure VPN protocols, and P2P-friendly VPN servers. See our ExpressVPN vs NordVPN guide for a head-to-head comparison of the two services.
IPVanish is a recently revitalized VPN that recorded one of the fastest download speeds ever seen in our test facility. We saw it perform surprisingly well in our IPVanish vs ExpressVPN guide.
Surfshark is a quality service that still manages to rank as one of the best cheap VPNs and supports P2P file sharing across all of its servers. Ultimately, the choice of VPN for torrenting depends on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve simplified the process of choosing between them in our guide to the best VPNs for torrenting.
Legal Aspects of Torrenting with NordVPN
While torrenting with NordVPN can offer a secure and private experience, be aware that downloading and sharing copyrighted material without permission is illegal in most of the world. So torrent safely!
Summary on Using NordVPN for Torrenting
In conclusion, NordVPN is a top choice for torrenting due to its robust security features, fast speeds, and extensive server network. By setting up and optimizing NordVPN for torrenting, you can enjoy a secure and efficient file-sharing experience.
NordVPN’s Cyber Deal is live:
Get 69% Off NordVPN two-year subscriptions plus 3 months extra:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 30 day money-back guarantee.)
If for some reason NordVPN doesn’t do the job for you, or you simply want to explore alternatives, here are some good options to explore:
Surfshark for Torrenting
ExpressVPN for Torrenting
IPVanish for Torrenting
And don’t forget that you can see head-to-head comparisons of your options in the guide to the best VPNs for torrenting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN good for Torrenting?
Yes, NordVPN is a good choice for torrenting with its advanced security features, fast and reliable connection, and P2P-friendly servers. Furthermore, it offers split tunneling, multi-hop VPN connections, and access to the Tor network over VPN, making it a great all-around choice for any privacy-conscious torrenting user.
Can I get caught Torrenting with a VPN?
Using a VPN to torrent provides robust protection, as it encrypts your traffic, hides your IP address, and prevents your ISP from seeing what you’re downloading. Therefore, if you use a VPN properly, there is virtually no risk of getting caught torrenting.
Is it worth getting a VPN for Torrenting?
Using a VPN for torrenting is highly recommended, as it encrypts data between the user and the server, protecting them from cybercriminals and allowing them to bypass online restrictions. It also provides an extra layer of security, making it a must-have for those using P2P file sharing.
Can I use NordVPN with popular torrent clients like uTorrent?
Yes, NordVPN is compatible with popular torrent clients such as uTorrent, so you can use it with confidence.
This guide to torrenting with NordVPN was last updated on February 27, 2024.
Leave a Reply