How P2P VPNs Work and the Best Choices for Secure Torrenting
Editor's Pick March 2025
A P2P VPN (Peer-to-Peer Virtual Private Network) is an optimized VPN that can connect to dedicated P2P servers. Using a P2P VPN, users can anonymously connect to multiple hosts for peer-to-peer file sharing and torrenting. So, with this, you can stay away from cyber threats and simultaneously prevent internet service providers from monitoring activities. It’s a robust solution for torrent users to stay safe while downloading and uploading.
There are many premium and free P2P VPNs out there but finding the best one based on your needs can be quite challenging. In this article, we’ll explain all the necessary facts about P2P VPNs and introduce the best ones offering P2P connections.
Short on time? These are the best P2P VPNs:
- NordVPN – Best for P2P– NordVPN delivers top-tier security and privacy, keeping your data safe.
- ExpressVPN – It offers lightning-fast speeds and top-notch security.
- Surfshark – Optimized for P2p, a VPN that provides private browsing with unlimited devices.
- CyberGhost – Offers AES 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection.
- Windscribe – Windscribe gives you freedom online with fast servers, but limited P2P servers.
How Does P2P VPN Work to Keep You Safe and Private
A Peer-to-Peer VPN mostly functions in a similar way to regular VPNs. It encrypts the user’s internet traffic with various protocols such as AES-256 and routes it through a VPN tunnel to keep the user’s real IP hidden and secure. So the user will appear with a different IP address on the websites and as a result, web servers will have a hard time identifying the real location and IP address.
What is different is that P2P virtual private networks are equipped with dedicated P2P servers optimized for tasks such as torrenting. That’s why when using these VPNs, the users will experience a stable connection and high data transfer speeds. Some VPN servers have restricted access to file-sharing services due to the laws in different jurisdictions. Conversely, the dedicated P2P servers allow unrestricted access to these services including torrent websites.
In many countries, ISPs monitor P2P activities, and if they’re related to torrenting, they might limit the user’s bandwidth. So, using a VPN with strong encryption will make it very hard for ISPs to detect torrenting, and the user can have a safe and private experience without interruptions and slowdowns.
The Best P2P VPN Providers for Fast and Safe Connections
Many VPN providers support peer-to-peer networks and among them are a few providers that not only offer optimized P2P servers, they take security and privacy of connection very seriously. To find the best VPN for P2P connections, check out these reliable options:
NordVPN
- Optimized servers for unblocking Netflix
- Mind-boggling number of servers
- No IP/DNS leaks found
- Extra-secure Double VPN for data encryption
- Money back guarantee policy
- Not much
- Can’t specify City or Province in App
NordVPN is one of the most respected providers out there that offers many P2P servers optimized for fast, smooth, and safe P2P traffic. NordVPN provides access to more than 7000 ultra-fast VPN servers from 118 countries.
Except for a few servers in Europe, almost all of the servers are optimized for P2P connections. This VPN is equipped with strong encryption and security features such as a no-logs policy, a built-in kill switch option, and support for up to 10 devices at once with one plan.
Read our full NordVPN review.
ExpressVPN
- SPECIAL OFFER: 3 months free (49% off – link below)
- Fastest servers we have tested
- Torrenting/P2P allowed
- Keeps no logs of personal data
- Great support (24/7 chat)
- Priced slightly higher
Another popular option is ExpressVPN which offers Peer-to-peer connection support in more than 100 countries. ExpressVPN users have access to AES-256 encryption to keep their P2P traffic safe. In addition, with the Lightway Protocol, users can experience lightning-fast speed.
If you want the VPN for torrenting, you can benefit from the innovative technology of ExpressVPN named TrustedServer which makes sure no user data will be written to a hard drive. The provider offers the other usual features such as kill switch and tracker blockers to keep your connection extra safe.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Surfshark
- Unblock 15 international Netflix libraries, including the US and Japan
- Every server is a speciality server
- Clean, dead-simple app interface makes constant security a no-brainer
- Absolutely no logging of connection data, IP addresses, bandwidth used, or traffic
- Get help any time of day via email, phone, or live chat
- Overall, not much to complain about
- Young VPN still has plenty of room to grow in terms of advanced functionality
With more than 3200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark is a suitable VPN provider for secure P2P connections. Expect very few servers in specific countries such as Brazil, Ukraine, and Turkey, most of the servers support Peer-to-peer connection and allow users to run P2P software.
Surfshark provides advanced technology to keep the connection private such as split tunneling, double VPN, and kill switch. Moreover, with Obfuscated servers you can hide the fact that you are using a VPN.
Read our full Surfshark review.
CyberGhost
- Unblocks US Netflix in web browser
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) torrenting allowed
- No leaks detected
- Strict no-logging policy
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Can’t unblock some other streaming sites
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN provider that specifically mentions torrenting as one of many ways you can use its services. The provider offers thousands of servers in 125 locations and 100 countries.
Many of them are physically located within the borders of the specified country and are optimized for ultra-fast torrenting and P2P file sharing. The VPN benefits from AES 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
Windscribe
If you’re not ready to pay for a Peer-to-Peer VPN, then Windscribe is a reliable free option with limited data. Among many unprotected free options with basic security options, Windscribe provides advanced encryptions, a firewall system for enhanced privacy, and multiple secure protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 at no charge.
This provider offers split tunneling, packet size settings to improve performance, and no identifying logs. With that said, Windscribe Pro is available for $9.00 per month, suitable for people who want unlimited data, access to all locations, and more.
| P2P VPN Provider | P2P support | Security Features | Price (1-Month Plan) |
| NordVPN | Optimized P2P servers | Onion Over VPN, Threat Protection Pro, Split Tunneling, AES-256 Encryption, Kill Switch | €12.99 |
| ExpressVPN | P2P support for most servers | TrustedServer, Split Tunneling, Kill Switch, AES-256 Encryption
|
€12.63 |
| Surfshark | P2P support for most servers | Obfuscated Servers, Double VPN, Split Tunneling, AES-256 Encryption, Kill Switch | €15.45 |
| CyberGhost | Optimized P2P servers | DNS Leak Protection, Split Tunneling, Kill Switch, AES-256 Encryption | €11.99 |
| Windscribe | P2P support on select servers | Kill Switch, AES-256 encryption, Multiple Secure protocols | Free Windscribe Pro: $9 |
Should You Choose a Free or Paid P2P VPN
There are many VPN providers that offer P2P support for free, but most of them come with basic security, data limits, fewer server locations, and slower speeds. So if you only need P2P connections temporarily and you can deal with the limitations, using a free option is a logical choice. However, you should only use ones equipped with necessary security measures and no data logging, as your personal information can be at risk.
On the other hand, paid VPNs with P2P support are usually the best option for a reliable connection and unlimited access. Premium services offer dedicated P2P servers for optimal torrenting performance with strong encryption protocols.
They often come with a strict no-logs policy and additional security features such as split tunneling and a kill switch that will make sure your real IP address and personal information won’t be easily accessible to trackers and websites. Moreover, with premium VPNs, you’ll have access to a reliable customer support team that can answer your questions and fix your VPN connection problems.
Steps to Make Sure Your P2P Connection is Secure
After choosing a reputable VPN provider, to ensure your P2P VPN is providing the maximum security while torrenting and visiting various websites, we recommend following these steps:
Step 1: Use Optimized P2P Servers
Don’t forget to choose a VPN server that is optimized for P2P connections. These servers offer better security and speed for torrenting. If you connect to an unoptimized server, you’ll have a less secure connection and your torrent traffic can get blocked.
Step 2: Enable the Kill Switch feature
Most advanced VPN providers offer a Kill Switch for VPN connections. Kill Switch will automatically disconnect you from the internet when the VPN server suddenly shuts down. This ensures that your real IP address and sensitive information won’t be exposed while using P2P servers for torrenting.
Step 3: Enable Strong Encryption and Protocol
VPN services usually offer multiple encryption and protocols that are suitable for different applications. If you need a secure connection for peer-to-peer activities, we recommend using AES-256 encryption which is very strong and nearly impossible to hack. The most secure VPN protocols that will provide satisfying speed for downloading and uploading through torrents are WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec.
Step 4: Check for IP and DNS Leaks
Sometimes you can’t just trust the VPN provider and you have to test the connection yourself to make sure it’s secure. To do this, you can utilize websites designed to check for IP and DNS leaks. One of the best options is IPLeak.Net which allows you to see your current IP and DNS addresses. If your real IP and DNS are visible, then your VPN is not secure.
Step 5: Use a Secure Torrent Client
Torrent users should always pair their VPN with a trustworthy torrent client such as uTorrent, qBittorrent, or Deluge. Avoid less-known clients and the ones with built-in adware that tracks your online activities and displays personalized ads based on them.
Final Thoughts on P2P VPNs for Smooth Torrenting
Overall a P2P VPN can make torrenting and Peer-to-Peer file sharing a safe and pleasant experience. It can ensure your real IP and DNS won’t be accessible to trackers and websites. On top of that, it will keep the download and upload speed of torrenting at a satisfying level.
Of course, all of this depends on the VPN provider that you choose to use. In this situation, a premium P2P VPN with advanced encryption and no data logging is a logical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is torrenting with a P2P VPN legal?
Yes, the act of torrenting and using a P2P VPN for it is legal but downloading copyrighted content without permission is illegal in most countries.
Is it safe to use a P2P VPN?
It depends on the VPN provider. Premium and well-known providers will usually guarantee a safe connection with advanced security measures. On the other hand, you should be very careful with less known and free options that log your data.
Can I use a P2P VPN on mobile?
Yes, most VPN providers offer solutions such as dedicated apps for iOS and Android that support Peer-to-Peer connections for torrenting and other applications.
Will a P2P VPN slow down the internet speed?
Using a VPN always will have an impact on your internet speed because of encryptions that add more layers to the connection. However, the best VPN providers use advanced technology and high-speed servers to minimize the impact.
