Torrent clients are not actual people, but rather a method of downloading files that uses a peer-to-peer system. These clients give the digital world a faster way to get large files, such as movies. How torrent on an iPhone or iPad. Some cloud torrent services (including our example put.io) do actually have an iOS app, but most are browser-based only. As this is a generic guide we focus primarily on how to use a cloud service via its web interface. Get yourself a cloud torrent account.
Want to learn how to download torrents securely and anonymously. Well, p2p/file sharing is one of the most popular activities of internet users worldwide. However, despite its humongous reach, many governments have moved strongly against it.
Copyright infringement hunters have banned many popular torrenting apps and services from the internet, in a bid to stop users from indulging in this activity. Even so, it is entirely possible to download torrents, while remaining undetected using a VPN for torrenting.
How the Process to Download Torrents Works?
When it comes to downloading torrents, users will first have to install a p2p client. Some popular names include uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, Deluge, and qBittorrent. Once installed, you will have to either load a .torrent file extension or click on a “magnet” link to begin the download process.
You can find .torrent and magnet links on torrent websites like thepiratebay.org, RARBG, 1337x, Torrentz2, etc. In some countries, these websites have been banned by copyright infringement agencies, in an attempt to stop people from downloading pirated content.
At the same time, if you are caught downloading a pirated file via torrents, you can even fall victim to DMCA notices and hefty fines. This is why using a VPN is crucial for p2p/torrenters. In fact, most torrent websites will even provide warnings after warnings to use one to stay anonymous.
The reason for this is simple; a VPN cloaks your original IP address by assigning you a new one from a different location and adding encryption to all incoming and outgoing traffic, which passes through a secure tunnel. Therefore, identifying you becomes close to impossible.
Not only does this allow users to torrent anonymously, but it also gives them the ability to avoid copyright infringements notices. Since VPNs also offer features like Split Tunneling, SOCKS5 Proxies, Automatic Kill Switches, and DNS Leak Protection, you remain secure at all times!
How to Download Torrents Anonymously with a VPN?
If this is your first time downloading a torrent with a VPN, you may be a little confused about how the entire process works. To provide assistance, I have added step-by-step instructions below. Follow them accurately to enjoy downloading torrents anonymously:
Step 1: Get a Torrent-Friendly VPN Service
Before we begin, it is imperative that you select the right VPN service for your torrenting needs. In our recommendations, we list 5 providers; Surfshark, PureVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. All options are great for p2p/file sharing.
However, if you want to receive the best value, I recommend going for Surfshark. A 2-year plan will cost you a minimal $2.21/mo . Once subscribed, download the relevant VPN client for your platform/device.
Step 2: Configure your VPN Connection
Now, that you have subscribed and installed a VPN, it is time to configure the connection. Instead of using the L2tp/IPSec protocol, I advise opting for OpenVPN (TCP or UDP) protocol. Make sure to also enable features like DNS Leak Protection and Network Kill Switch.
To enable Kill Switch, go to “Settings”, select the “Connectivity” menu, and toggle the button to “on”. For other configurations, go to the “Advanced” menu, change the protocol to OpenVPN, and activate the NoBorders mode (to speed torrents by allowing trackers from banned countries).
Step 3: Choose a Specialized P2P Server
After the configuration process is complete, you simply need to connect to a specialized P2P server. You can obtain these either from the chat support of your VPN provider. For some clients, you may even have a separate listing of p2p servers available for torrenting.
For instance, Surfshark makes available different servers for varied needs. These include Physical, Virtual, P2P, and MultiHop. Choose any from the list of options available. To ensure your connection is protected, do not forget to conduct a test on IPleak.net.
Step 4: Install and Download a Torrent Client
Once you are connected to the VPN, you will have to install the Torrent client. There are many popular options available in the marketplace. These include uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, Deluge, and qBittorrent, all of which offer a great balance of speed and performance.
I have selected uTorrent for downloading torrent files, as their client is very small in size, and offers plenty of configuration options as well. You can even update the torrent trackers list and add SOCKS5 proxy to improve speeds when downloading torrents.
Step 5: Open a Torrent Website
You can find .torrent and magnet links on torrent websites like thepiratebay.org, RARBG, 1337x, Torrentz2, etc. In some countries, these websites have been banned by copyright infringement agencies, in an attempt to stop people from downloading pirated content.
I selected thepiratebay.org to download a torrent file. I wanted to listen to Eminem’s latest album called “Music To Be Murdered By”. I opened the link and clicked on the “Magnet” link, which then loaded directly from the uTorrent client.
Step 6: Select and Download a Torrent File
After you have opened the magnet link, uTorrent will load the file. You just now have to wait for it to get downloaded. As you can see below, I had no issues downloading the “Eminem – Music To Be Murdered By” and neither did i receive any DMCA notices.
5 Best VPNs to Download Torrents in 2020
If you want to download torrents securely and anonymously, without encountering any DMCA or copyright infringement notices, check out these 5 Best VPNs to Download Torrents:
1. Surfshark: Best VPN Service for Torrent
Number of Servers: 1,700+ | Countries: 63+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.3 | Maximum Devices Supported: Unlimited | Price: $2.21/mo on a 2-year plan
Based in the British Virgin Islands and launched in 2018, Surfshark is a great option for torrenting with apps available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even Linux. You have access to 1,700 servers in 64+ countries with a specialized listing available solely for p2p/torrenters.
The provider itself offers plenty of advanced features, remarkable speeds, and unblocking capabilities. For testing the service, you even have a Surfshark Free Trial available on iOS and Android devices. As for other platforms, there is a 30-day refund guarantee.
- 1,700+ Servers in 60+ Countries
- BVI is a Safe Jurisdiction
- Strict No-Logging Policy
- Automatic Kill Switch
- DDoS Protection
- Only Static IPs Available
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of Surfshark!
2. PureVPN: Cheap VPN for P2P Users
Number of Servers: 3,200+ | Countries: 140+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.8 | Maximum Devices Supported: 10 | Price: $3.33/mo on a 5-year plan
Headquartered in Hong Kong and founded in 2007, PureVPN is the best option for budget-hunter torrenters. For the low price, the VPN comes equipped with a huge list of advanced features like built-in encryption, DNS Leak Protection, Automatic Kill Switch, and more.
For connectivity, users have access to a network infrastructure of 3,200+ servers in 140+ countries worldwide. As far as privacy is concerned, PureVPN has been audited by Altius IT. For testing its security, you can even get a PureVPN free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.
- DDoS Protection Feature
- 3,200+ Servers in 140 Countries
- VPN Hotspot and NAT Firewall
- Multiple Protocol Support
- Allows Split Tunneling
- Free Trial Unavailable
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of PureVPN!
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3. NordVPN: Secure VPN for P2P/Torrenters
Number of Servers: 5,300+ | Countries: 59+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 | Maximum Devices Supported: 6 | Price: $3.71/mo on a 2-year plan
Based in Panama and launched in 2012, NordVPN is a great option for those who want to leverage maximum security and privacy when downloading torrents. All of their applications are incredibly reliable, lightweight, and offers unmatched speeds, especially on p2p servers!
Priced at a minimal $3.71/mo on a 2-year plan, torrenters of NordVPN get access to over 5,300+ servers in 59+ countries worldwide. You can even test the service via NordVPN’s Free Trial and 30-day refund guarantee.
- 5100+ Servers in 59+ Countries
- Dedicated IPs available
- Unblocks US/UK Netflix
- Multi-Logins on 6 Devices
- Torrenting/P2P is Allowed
- No Port Forwarding
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For more information, check out this full 2020 NordVPN review!
4. ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN for Torrenting
Number of Servers: 3,000+ | Countries: 90+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.6 | Maximum Devices Supported: 5 | Price: $6.67/mo on a 1-year plan
Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and established in 2011, ExpressVPN is the preferred choice for many torrenters, as it offers one of the fastest experiences ever. Much of which is owed to ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer Technology, which makes them more reliable than the competition.
The UI and UX are simply amazing on all applications offered by ExpressVPN. For connectivity, users have access to 3000+ servers in more than 160 locations worldwide. You can even get an ExpressVPN free trial for testing the product or avail their 30-day refund policy.
- Multi-Logins on 5 devices
- Torrenting/P2P is allowed
- Unblocks American Netflix
- 3000+ Servers in 94 Countries
- Round-the-Clock Live Support
- Plans are Expensive
For more information, check out this full 2020 review of ExpressVPN!
5. CyberGhost: Great Balance of Price & Value
Number of Servers: 6,200+ | Countries: 88+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.4 | Maximum Devices Supported: 5 | Price: $2.75/mo on a 3-year plan
Based in Romania, CyberGhost is a renowned choice for unblockers and streamers around the world, but it’s a great tool for torrenters as well. For connectivity, users have access to over 6,200 servers in 88+ countries worldwide, the largest server network in the industry.
Users even have access to features like 7 simultaneous connections, Wi-Fi protection, and a navigation bar for finding specific servers. You can even use it to bypass blocks and VPNs on Netflix and other popular streaming sites like Voot, Hotstar, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Now!
- Multi-Logins on 7 Devices
- 6,200+ Servers in 90 Countries
- 1-Day Free VPN Trial Available
- Dedicated Streaming Servers
- Zero WebRTC/DNS/IP leaks
- Slow Customer Support
Qbittorrent
For more information, check out this full 2020 CyberGhost review!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Torrenting anonymous?
No, if you download a torrent file directly with your IP address provided from the local ISP provider, you will easily be tracked and if caught downloading a pirated file, even receive a DMCA notice. To stay anonymous, you will need to use a VPN service.
Will a VPN affect my torrenting speed?
VPNs do add encryption to your connection with all incoming and outgoing traffic passing through a secure tunnel. As a result, the speed does get affected, but in circumstances, your ISP throttles your bandwidth, you may see better speeds!
Wrapping Things Up
And with this, we come to an end for this how to download torrents guide. I hope the instructions are easy to follow and you do get a VPN to anonymous your p2p/file sharing activities.
With all factors taken into consideration, Surfshark is one of the best choices available for torrenters. However, if you need an alternative, do consider signing up with PureVPN.
Feel free to drop a comment below, if you have any questions/concerns that need answering. Also, do not hesitate on sharing the guide with other torrenters!
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