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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

3 Best Free VPNs for Torrenting: Fast & Safe to Use in 2025

Doris Muthuri Updated on August 21, 2025 Fact-checked by Anneke van Aswegen Senior Writer

Many free VPNs either block torrenting, leak your data, or significantly slow your connection. Some even log your activity, show intrusive ads, or lack basic security features like encryption or a kill switch.

So, my team and I tested 40+ free torrenting VPNs to find the safest ones that allow P2P traffic. Most VPNs we tested didn't make the cut because they lacked torrent support, had weak security, or came with other severe limitations. My top options offer solid security, conceal your IP address, and won't log your activity. That said, even the best free VPNs have downsides, such as slower speeds, limited server options, or monthly data caps. If you’d like to avoid these restrictions while torrenting, your best option is to use a low-cost premium VPN.

Be advised. Torrenting is legal in most countries, but sharing copyrighted material is illegal almost everywhere. File sharers are regularly prosecuted, and penalties can run to thousands of dollars. Please use your VPN responsibly and only download copyright-free content. The vpnMentor team and I condemn copyright infringement.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Torrenting VPN Features

The table below compares the features of all my recommended free VPNs for torrenting. Here, you can view each VPN's average speed, number of servers, monthly data limit, and whether it features an automatic kill switch.

Furthermore, I've highlighted whether each VPN is headquartered outside the 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction. This is a vital factor to consider if you aim to protect yourself from possible governmental monitoring.

Speeds Monthly Data Limit Port Forwarding Kill Switch Server Locations Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes? Sign-up Required
🥇hide.me Very fast Unlimited Yes Yes 8 locations Yes, based in Malaysia Only for Android devices
🥈Hotspot Shield Fast Unlimited No Yes 5 locations No, based in the United States No
🥉Tunnelbear Decent 2GB No Yes 47 locations No, based in Canada Yes

Note. Do not use the listed VPNs for downloading copyrighted content.

Most Affordable Premium VPN
Our Score: 9.3
While we only recommend safe providers on this page, free VPNs have limitations. Some can risk your privacy. They have to make a profit somehow, which may involve harvesting and selling your data to third-party advertisers, or worse. Even reputable free VPNs have restrictions, such as data caps, limited server networks, and slow speeds. An affordable premium VPN like Surfshark is a more reliable and secure option. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and prices start from $1.99/month for a long-term option. Plus, it works great for torrenting, streaming, and gaming, and offers unlimited data and simultaneous device connections.

Best Free VPNs for Torrenting — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. hide.me — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection for Torrenting

Best Feature Manually adjust settings for more control over your privacy and speed when torrenting
Security and Privacy SoftEther protocol uses SSL/TLS encryption, so your torrent traffic is protected against monitoring
Speeds Only a 6% speed drop on free US servers keeps torrenting smooth
Data limit Unlimited data for torrenting to your heart’s content

hide.me lets you customize security settings to optimize your torrenting speeds without compromising protection. You can choose your security protocol (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SoftEther), turn port forwarding on or off, and use split tunneling. I always use the latter to run my torrent traffic through the VPN while keeping other apps on my regular connection for better performance. During tests, running WireGuard with SOCKS5 proxy gave us faster connections while keeping our real IP hidden behind the VPN.

screenshot of hide.me's app showing how to customize the kill switchFine-tune hide.me's kill switch to stop only your torrenting client from working should the VPN drop

Auto Connect adds an extra layer of protection by activating the VPN before you start torrenting. Once enabled, the app automatically launches and connects to a server whenever you start your device or open a torrent client. This reduces the risk of going online unprotected and helps keep your IP address hidden from the beginning of your session.

P2P is allowed on all hide.me's free servers in 8 locations, including Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, and 2 in the US. Plus, unlike most free VPNs, you get unlimited data.

The downside is that you have to take a couple of steps to torrent with hide.me. Support recommended that I set up its SOCKS5 connection with a torrent client with StealthGuard enabled. Luckily, hide.me's site provides easy-to-follow steps to torrenting, and support is very helpful. After completing this step, I had no issues using it for P2P traffic.

Note. It's illegal in most countries to use hide.me to download or share copyrighted files without proper permissions.

Useful Features

  • 24/7 support. Unlike many VPNs that limit support for free users, hide.me offers 24/7 live chat assistance at no cost. If you run into issues while torrenting, help is always available — no matter where you are.
  • Stealth Guard. This feature locks down specific apps (like your torrent client) and only allows them to access the internet when the VPN is active. It acts like a targeted kill switch for torrenting.
  • Privacy-first VPN. hide.me is based in a privacy-friendly country (Malaysia) and has a strict no-logs policy. It doesn’t store your IP address, connection timestamps, or anything else that might put your privacy at risk.
Price
$3.84/month (26 Months + 2 Free Months)
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat Support
hide.me VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Tons of customizable security features
  • Unlimited monthly data
  • Free servers in 8 locations
  • Capped speeds
  • No server selection after 10GB of data

2. Hotspot Shield — Speed-Optimized Hydra Protocol Provides Fast Downloads

Best Feature Fast speeds over short and long distances, thanks to a proprietary protocol
Security and Privacy AES 256-bit encryption to keep your data protected while torrenting
Speeds Excellent speeds at only a 13% reduction, testing free US servers
Data limit Unlimited; to download and upload files without hitting a cap

Despite being free, Hotspot Shield delivers fast speeds and stable connections thanks to its proprietary Hydra protocol. This gives you decent download times even if you’re far from its free server locations. We downloaded His Girl Friday (a copyright-free movie) in less than 5 minutes during tests. You also get access to 800+ free servers in 5 locations, which are pretty evenly spread out in the US, UK, and Singapore.

Hotspot Shield connected to a New York server over an online speed testHotspot Shield offers WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols, which may give you even faster downloads

The free app includes built-in malware protection, which blocks access to sites known for hosting malware or phishing content. So, you're protected from downloading harmful files or landing on fake tracker pages when browsing torrent sites or searching for magnet links. The free app also protects your P2P data with the same level of encryption as the paid one (AES 256-bit). Plus, it also offers an automatic kill switch and leak protection.

The free plan limits you to only one device connection. However, the good news is that Hotspot Shield doesn’t require any sign-up info, so you can effectively use it on unlimited devices.

Note. It's illegal in most countries to use Hotspot Shield to download or share copyrighted files without proper permissions.

Useful Features

  • Built-in speed monitor. The Hotspot Shield app shows real-time download and upload speeds. This helps you test server performance directly in the app, so you can switch servers if speeds drop during torrent downloads.
  • Automatic protocol selection. The app automatically switches between protocols based on your network conditions. So, you stay connected to the most stable and fastest option, which is helpful when you're seeding torrents over long periods.
  • One-click connect. You can launch and connect to a VPN server with a single click. This makes it fast and easy to turn on protection before starting your torrent session.
Price
$7.99/month (Yearly subscription)
Money-back guarantee
45 Days
Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat Support
Hotspot Shield Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Speed-optimized Hydra protocol
  • Unlimited monthly data
  • Supports torrenting traffic
  • Ad-supported
  • Logs anonymized data
  • Limited streaming abilities

3. TunnelBear — A Fun, User-Friendly App Makes Secure Torrenting Easy

Best Feature Easy-to-use and quirky apps for stress-free P2P protection
Security and Privacy No-log policy to keep your online identity and torrenting activities private
Speeds Better download speeds on nearby servers
Data limit 2GB//month, enough for a few file downloads

TunnelBear’s apps have a playful design that makes securing your P2P traffic straightforward and fun, even for beginners. In our tests, its simple layout and animated world map made it easy to pick a server. Just click a location, and a cartoon bear digs its way there with a friendly “roar!”

Screenshot of Tunnelbear's security features on Windows appSecurity features are also easy to find and configure

With the free app, you get access to servers in all of TunnelBear's 47 countries, a rare feature among free VPN services that support P2P file sharing. This broad coverage means you’ll likely find at least one connection near you to get the best torrenting speeds. Our average download speeds reduced from 214Mbps to 147.19Mbps during tests.

Unlike hide.me and Hotspot Shield, TunnelBear only grants 2GB of data per month, but it’s adequate if you're not a heavy file sharer. As with most freemium plans, it’s a good way to test the VPN to see if you’d prefer to subscribe. However, TunnelBear allows you to connect as many devices as you like with the free plan so that you can secure your entire household.

Note. It's illegal in most countries to use TunnelBear to download or share copyrighted files without proper permissions.

Useful Features

  • Vigilantbear. Even free users get TunnelBear’s kill switch, which blocks traffic if the VPN drops, preventing accidental IP exposure while torrenting. Your torrenting activity is also kept secure with AES 256-bit encryption and leak protection.
Price
$3.33/month (3 Years)
Money-back guarantee
0 Days
Customer Support
Email support
TunnelBear VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Free servers in 47 countries
  • Works with some streaming platforms
  • Fun, quirky app design
  • Only 2GB of monthly data
  • Doesn't offer apps for some devices
  • Not router compatible

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for Torrenting

We tested over 40 free VPNs to find the ones that truly support safe torrenting. Our first step was to check which providers allow P2P traffic on their free servers. We then ran real-world speed tests using clients like uTorrent and qBittorrent to see how each VPN handled large file downloads. We paid close attention to bandwidth limits, server congestion, throttling, and connection stability, since slow speeds or tiny data caps can make free VPNs unusable for torrenting.

We made sure to check for key security features that protect your privacy while torrenting. These included leak protection (DNS, IPv6, WebRTC), a working kill switch, split tunneling, and port forwarding where available. We paid close attention to any hidden trackers or unnecessary permissions that could pose privacy risks.

Our team of experts regularly tests and updates information about VPN performance for various use cases. Visit our methodology page to learn more about our comprehensive testing process and evaluation criteria. You can also use the same criteria to help you choose the right VPN for your torrenting needs.

Expert Tip: The Hidden Risks of Using Free VPNs for Torrenting

Free VPNs can put your privacy at serious risk when torrenting. That's why we extensively tested each VPN on this list to verify its security features and privacy practices. While my recommended options have some limitations, they won't compromise your safety like many other free VPNs.

Here are the main risks to watch out for with free VPNs:

  • Data collection and selling. Many free VPNs make money by collecting your torrenting activity, browsing history, and IP address to sell to third parties. Always check the privacy policy - if the VPN isn't transparent about how it handles your data, avoid it.
  • Weak security features. Some free VPNs lack essential security features like kill switches and leak protection. During my tests, I found that VPNs like CrossVPN regularly leaked IP addresses during torrenting sessions, exposing users' real locations.
  • Malware risks. Free VPNs often contain hidden malware or intrusive ads. For example, Betternet's Android app was found to have 14 different tracking libraries and malware detected by multiple antivirus programs.
  • Suspicious business practices. Many free VPNs generate revenue through questionable means. UFO VPN, for example, was caught storing detailed user logs despite claiming a "no-logs" policy, while others bombard users with malicious ads.

Free VPNs to Avoid for Torrenting

During my assessments, I found that certain free VPNs are deficient in the security features needed for secure torrenting. These VPNs could expose you to viruses and may even monetize your data by distributing it to third parties.

  • Hola VPN. This is not a VPN but a P2P network — it doesn’t have its own servers. You share your IP address and bandwidth with other free users. This means that any random stranger can use your IP address, and if they do something illegal, you could get into trouble for that.
  • TurboVPN. This VPN was found to have malware embedded in the app and is riddled with intrusive ads.
  • Betternet. It’s hard to trust this VPN since previously, its Android app was found riddled with trackers and malware.
  • Psiphon. It records sensitive data such as some ISP and geographical info. Plus, it has weak security and can leak your data.

Quick Guide: How To Use a Free VPN for Torrenting in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN.
    Select a free VPN that supports P2P traffic, offers strong privacy protection, and provides fast speeds.
  2. Connect to a server.
    For the best performance, select a server close to your location.
  3. Start torrenting.
    Open the torrent client of your choice (like uTorrent), and start downloading.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Torrenting

Are free VPNs safe for torrenting?

Yes and no — it totally depends on the VPN provider you choose. All the free VPNs on this list are safe for torrenting. They will keep your torrenting activity private from everyone, including ISPs and other peers on the P2P network. Plus, they all have a strict no-logs policy, so your data is kept private.

That said, many other free VPNs collect and sell your data to third parties in order to make a profit. Some also have weak security and may leak identifying information since they don’t have the resources to properly protect your connection. Therefore, it’s important to choose a VPN that can truly keep you safe.

It's worth noting that freemium VPNs may be a safer choice than strictly free VPNs. That’s because they have the resources and revenue of the premium version to ensure their free app is safe and secure. VPNs that only offer free service often have to make money from other sources, such as by selling your data or bombarding you with ads — both of which put your privacy and security at risk.

Is using a VPN for torrenting legal?

Using a VPN for torrenting is legal in most countries, but with important caveats. A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your IP address — both legal activities. However, using a VPN to download copyrighted content without permission remains illegal regardless of whether your traffic is encrypted.

Additionally, some countries like China and Russia heavily restrict or ban VPN usage entirely. I recommend checking your local laws before using any VPN service. The vpnMentor team does not support using VPNs for illegal activities.

Are free VPNs fast enough for torrenting?

Some of them are, but most free VPNs have speed caps and data limits. The VPNs shortlisted here all had speeds fast enough for torrenting. However, the strictly forever-free options all offer limited monthly data, which you’ll quickly exceed while torrenting.

What's the best free VPN for torrenting on Windows and Android?

All the VPNs listed above are compatible with Windows and Android. That allows you to file share on your PC and Android devices without any problems.

That said, it’s important to choose a free VPN that will keep your torrenting activity safe on Android. Many free Android VPNs leak your data and do not protect your privacy at all. Some have been known to sell user data for profit.

Can I use Tor or other alternatives to torrent instead of a free VPN?

It may be possible, but it brings complications. With Tor, your ISP won’t see your file-sharing, but it will see your use of Tor. This can raise suspicions because Tor can be used to access the dark web. It’s also incredibly slow, even for regular web browsing, so it’s only suitable for downloading the smallest of files. A free VPN with many servers is a better alternative for fast downloads and uploads.

Proxies like SOCKS5 are slightly faster than VPNs, primarily because they don’t encrypt your data. However, ISPs, hackers, and government agencies all have the potential to monitor your file sharing, so it’s only advisable if security and privacy aren’t a concern.

Can I improve torrenting performance with a free VPN?

In some cases, yes. Some ISPs throttle high-bandwidth activities, such as torrenting, leading to restrictive speeds. However, as all the free VPNs on this list hide your online activity, your ISP won’t be able to detect your torrenting, meaning they won’t know to throttle you.

Is port forwarding necessary for torrenting with a VPN?

No, port forwarding isn’t required for torrenting with a VPN, but it can help improve performance in some cases. Most torrent clients can connect and download files just fine without it. However, enabling port forwarding can allow more peers to connect to your device, which may improve seeding and increase download speeds, especially if you're behind a strict NAT firewall. That said, we could only find that hide.me's free plan currently supports port forwarding.

How can I check if my free VPN is leaking my IP address?

You can check for IP leaks by using an online leak testing tool while your VPN is connected. Visit a free IP leak checker website like vpnMentor's, and compare the IP address shown with your real one. If it shows your actual IP, your VPN is leaking data, which can expose your torrenting activity. To stay protected, use a VPN with built-in leak protection and a working kill switch. Free VPNs often lack these features, so it’s essential to test them before torrenting.

Get the Best Free VPN for Torrenting

After testing several free VPNs, I've found a few that offer good torrenting speeds without compromising your privacy. But still, you have to be aware that you'll always be laden with strict limitations when using a free torrenting VPN — and any service that claims otherwise is likely a scam.

hide.me's free plan proved the best for fast P2P file sharing while keeping your online identity and activities private. It's highly customizable, doesn't cap your data, and you can get access to 8 locations. The downsides are that you can only connect one device and that there are some steps to follow before you can start torrenting.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Doris is a tech writer and a cybersecurity researcher for vpnMentor. She is enthusiastic about educating people about their rights to online freedom and provides actionable ways to protect their data.

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