The internet has brought an unprecedented amount of access to the fingertips of anyone with a computer and a data connection. It has served as the great equalizer of our time by democratizing knowledge and allowing even the least privileged members of society to have access to information once reserved for elites. Much of this information is available with a simple Google search, while other data can be found using torrents.
A torrent is a file that contains metadata about files and folders, as well as a list of network locations and trackers, that helps users find one another and form distribution groups. In plain English, a torrent file allows users to share data through collaboration via the simultaneous download of different parts of a file. This is achieved through a torrent downloading client, such as BitTorrent.
While there are many legitimate way of using torrents to download files, it is no secret that many participate in the downloading of copyrighted materials. While we do not condone this action, it is not our place to guide readers either way. We can only recommend being safe online using a good torrent VPN.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a virtualized extension of a private network that allows users to send and receive data as though they were on that network. This enables users to have privacy while browsing the internet, data encryption, and even location spoofing.
Why do I need a VPN for torrenting?
Torrenting exposes your IP address to anyone who cares to find it. This can be harmless, but if you are downloading files that are of a questionable legality, the authorities can use this information against you by contacting your internet service provider and obtaining your information. In some cases, internet service providers will contact you directly in response to illegal downloading.
What they do in response to illegal activity is their decision, but they have the right to prosecute. Past lawsuits over illegal torrent downloading have resulted in awards of millions of dollars to music and movie companies. If this is something that you would rather avoid, using a VPN for torrenting may be a great option.
How does VPN torrenting differ from general torrenting?
A VPN service gives you a safe platform from which to use the internet. It accomplishes this by preventing your true IP address from appearing when downloading torrents. Companies that offer VPN for torrenting handle the copyright legalities by placing their servers in countries which don’t have strict copyright laws, like Sweden or various island nations.
How do I choose a torrent VPN?
Many companies offer VPNs for torrenting. Choosing the one that is right for you may be based on many factors.
Location
The best torrent VPN for someone in America, may not be the best VPN for someone in Europe. This is due to different countries having different copyright laws. The location of the VPN company will determine the access they can grant you to certain sites and files. If the company’s country of origin has no strict laws, they can create a platform from where customers can share files legally.
Cost
VPNs are usually paid services, but free VPN services are available. While free options are available, they are usually not well-featured and have bandwidth speed and download limits. Budget is one of the biggest things to consider when choosing a VPN.
Platforms
The device you want to torrent from needs to be supported by the particular VPN torrenting service. Each company has their own applications, so you must check whether your computer or phone is compatible with their applications.
Service
Because good service will benefit your torrenting experience, look for the best torrent VPN which not only has good customer service to help you out, but also a stable infrastructure. The best VPN for torrenting provide access to servers in various countries.
Logs
Some VPN services keep data logs of their users online activity. Ensure that your VPN has a strict no-logging policy so that your download history is kept private and cannot later be used to implicate you.
What are your options for the best torrent VPNs?
Referring to the criteria above helped us compile a list of the best torrenting VPN services. You should use this as a merely stepping point from which to do your own research to find a VPN to fit your needs.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN claims to be the number one trusted leader in VPN. This may be due to their extremely secure and fast network, which is SSL secured with an impressive 256-bit encryption. They also have over 145 VPN locations in 94 countries.
Constantly updating and optimizing, ExpressVPN is a future proof solution.
IPVanish
Known for their lighting-fast speeds, high-level security, and commitment to customer privacy, IPVanish is one of the simplest VPN solutions out there. They proudly claim over 750 anonymous servers, 40,000 shared IPs, and locations in more than 40 countries.
With features like SOCK5 web proxy and 256-bit AES encryption, IPVanish not only sells VPN, they sell peace of mind.
Buffered
Many VPNs claim to be the fastest and most secure, but in the case of Buffered, that may be true. Buffered highlights user-friendly features like unblocking of location-specific video content and security from hackers, making them great for newbies.
Their five-star ratings all over the web are a testament to Buffered’s commitment to excellence.
VPNArea
Although VPNArea is not as popular as the ones above, it should not be ruled out as a great option for surfing, streaming, and, of course, torrenting. Armed with a 256-bit AES encryption and a base in Bulgaria – a country with very loose privacy laws – VPNArea is a well rounded service on which users can feel safe and protected.
Now that you know a little more about torrents and VPNs, we hope you find exactly what you’re looking for with torrenting.
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