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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: 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: 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.

5 Best VPNs With Port Forwarding Support in 2024

James Everard Updated on 28th August 2024 Fact-checked by Christine Johansen Senior Writer

Using port forwarding with a VPN is a convenient way to host gaming servers, boost torrent seeds, and remotely access home networks. However, there aren’t many reliable VPNs that offer port forwarding since it can pose potential security risks.

That’s why my team and I tested over 50 VPNs and found the best providers with port forwarding. They have fast speeds, global server networks, and robust privacy features for reliable connections and safe online activity.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for port forwarding. It has the fastest speeds we tested, bank-level encryption, and a router-friendly interface, making it ideal for hassle-free port forwarding. Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN Today >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Port Forwarding in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    Supports port forwarding via router setup with the best speeds we’ve tested.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  • Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Switch encryption to balance speed and security for different port forwarding activities.
  • PrivateVPN
    PrivateVPN
    Simple in-app port forwarding that’s ideal for experts and beginners alike.
  • Proton VPN
    Proton VPN
    VPN Accelerator boosts speeds for port forwarding and other activities.
  • hide.me VPN
    hide.me
    Stealth Guard can bind port forwarding apps to the VPN to avoid leaks.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Port Forwarding — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Best Port Forwarding VPN With Excellent Speeds and Robust Security

Best Feature A hassle-free port forwarding functionality
Fastest Speeds 248.56 Mbps (3% drop)
Security and Privacy Military-grade encryption adds a level of security to your entire online activity, including any traffic related to port forwarding
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries to quickly join international gaming tournaments
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN stands out by providing hassle-free port forwarding functionality, allowing you to easily redirect inbound traffic to specific devices or applications on your network. By configuring port forwarding through your router, you can optimize your online experience for gaming, file sharing, remote access, or hosting services. Just make sure you have a v1 or v2 router and that your ISP supports port mapping (ISPs using Carrier-grade NAT usually don’t).

During our ExpressVPN speed tests, we got fantastic results. After setting up port forwarding on a router, we got no slowdowns or input delays. Speeds only decreased by 3%, which isn’t noticeable. This ensures low ping (even on strict NAT) and faster torrenting. Such speeds are partly down to Lightway, ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, built for speed and security.

Screenshot showing fast torrent downloads with ExpressVPNThanks to ExpressVPN’s impressive speeds, I quickly downloaded large torrent files

ExpressVPN’s security and privacy features protect your devices and mitigate potential risks associated with opening ports. For example, it masks your IP address, reducing the risk of exposing your devices to potential attackers on open ports. Plus, ​data leak protection ensures that while port forwarding is enabled, your DNS requests remain encrypted within the VPN tunnel.

My only gripe is the slightly expensive subscriptions compared to the rest of the VPNs on this list. Luckily, ExpressVPN constantly runs generous deals and promotions. When I subscribed to the long-term plan, I got 48% off and 3 extra months for free for just $6.67/month. You can also test ExpressVPN without risk since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I requested a refund via 24/7 live chat and got my money back in just a few days.

Useful Features

  • Custom router firmware and app. ExpressVPN offers its own router firmware and apps for supported routers, making setting up port forwarding even easier.
  • Network-wide P2P support. The VPN supports P2P traffic on every server for reliable torrenting.
  • RAM-based servers. All ExpressVPN servers are RAM-based, meaning that any data regarding your online activity is inaccessible and regularly wiped with every server reboot.
  • ExpressVPN Keys. A cross-platform password manager that works on mobile devices and browser extensions (available for Chrome and Firefox).

ExpressVPN Offer September 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 48% off! Don't miss out!
ExpressVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Fastest speeds of the VPNs we've tested
  • Works reliably with global platforms
  • Industry-leading privacy protection
  • More expensive than some VPNs

2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Adjustable Encryption to Balance Speed and Security

Best Feature Customizable settings to speed up file sharing through port forwarding
Fastest Speeds 221.98 Mbps (12% drop)
Security and Privacy Kill switch disconnects your internet in case a VPN connection drops, protecting your port forwarding activity from accidental leaks
Server Network A staggering 29,650 servers in 91 countries
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

You can customize PIA’s security to prioritize speed or security on all ports. I used 128-bit encryption to enhance torrenting speeds, but when connecting to a remote PC, I switched to 256-bit encryption to protect my sensitive data. This encryption is more robust but slightly reduces your speeds. I also tested PIA for IP/DNS leaks, which came clean.

Unlike ExpressVPN, PIA offers a port forwarding feature directly in its desktop apps. This means that the forwarded ports are automatically integrated securely through the VPN tunnel. The VPN also offers multi-hop connections and a SOCKS5 setup that routes your traffic through a proxy, in addition to the VPN that keeps you extra safe while torrenting.

Screenshot showing how to activate PIA's port forwardingPIA offers port forwarding for Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux

PIA offers dedicated IP addresses for a small extra charge. They’re available in 10 countries: the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, and Singapore. A dedicated IP address provides a consistent and fixed IP, which can be beneficial when using port forwarding, particularly if you host servers requiring a stable IP address.

In fact, PIA’s app may be a little technical for VPN beginners. But if you’re a techie like me, you’ll enjoy exploring its feature-rich submenus. Plus, you can get PIA for as little as $2.03/month. You’ll find the longer plans are the most pocket-friendly. And, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it for free.

Useful Features

  • P2P support on all connections. You get thousands of server addresses to choose from to use with port mapping. It's important to note that the US servers don’t support port forwarding, but given the extensive server network, alternative options are always available.
  • Alternative port forwarding options. Even though you can easily set up and manage port mapping directly from the PIA client or app, the VPN offers a manual port forwarding option as an alternative (useful for Linux).
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections. It’s possible to connect multiple devices to the VPN simultaneously without any restrictions, ensuring that all your devices benefit from the privacy and security provided by PIA.

September 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!
Private Internet Access Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Massive network of servers worldwide
  • Many customizable security settings
  • Unlimited simultaneous devices
  • Tricky for beginners to navigate
  • Based in the US

3. PrivateVPN — Beginner-Friendly VPN to Quickly Set Up Port Forwarding

Best Feature The apps are user-friendly, making them a great choice if you haven’t used a VPN with port forwarding before
Fastest Speeds 206.41 Mbps (18% drop)
Security and Privacy A no-logs policy ensures that your online activities and forwarded port connections remain secure and private
Server Network 200 servers in 63 countries to safely access the content you want

PrivateVPN's user-friendly apps allow you to quickly set up port forwarding. When you connect to a server, you'll see a random port number conveniently displayed above the disconnect button. If you want more control, you can manually change this port number to one of your choosing. This means you don't have to deal with complicated setups or wait for approval on port forwarding requests.

Screenshot showing PrivateVPN's Advanced ViewAfter setting up your port, you can switch back to the Simple view for convenience

I appreciate Stealth VPN, its obfuscation feature, that provides added privacy to your connection. With this enabled, PrivateVPN disguises your VPN connection as regular internet traffic by scrambling your data. You can even toggle between ports 22 (used for Secure Shell) and 433 (for secure website transactions).

I was disappointed to see that the VPN has only 200 servers, which means overcrowding can become an issue, especially while torrenting or gaming. However, whenever I came across a slower server, I could quickly find a less congested alternative. Plus, PrivateVPN makes a virtue of its smaller network by maintaining and streamlining it for maximum efficiency.

You can get a subscription for as low as $2/month. Opting for the longest plan provides the best value for money. Besides, you can try PrivateVPN for free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • Dedicated IP servers. PrivateVPN has dedicated IP servers that allow most ports to be forwarded except for hosting (80), FTP(21), and SMTP port 25.
  • Strong security and privacy. If you’re running a server on an open port and have port forwarding set up, a VPN can help secure the communication between the clients accessing your server and your device. It prevents eavesdropping or tampering with the data transmitted between the server and the clients with features like AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch.
  • Encryption switching. Like PIA, you can toggle between 128 and 256-bit encryption. Unlike PIA, you can’t adjust MTU packet size.
PrivateVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Great for P2P file sharing
  • Affordable subscriptions
  • Works on restrictive networks
  • Small server network
  • Sometimes speeds can be slow

4. Proton VPN — VPN Accelerator and Port Forwarding to Reduce Ping on Your Gaming Servers

Best Feature VPN Accelerator feature lets you increase port connection speeds with 1 click
Fastest Speeds 229.30 Mbps (9% drop)
Security and Privacy IP/DNS leak protection and NetShield ad/tracker/malware blocker
Server Network 7,154 servers in 112 countries, including P2P-optimized servers

Proton VPN has a VPN Accelerator feature that helps reduce ping for gaming server owners. It uses different technologies to overcome CPU limitations and improve TCP connections on all ports. Even though it sounded complicated, I only had to slide a single toggle to enable it. When testing Proton VPN’s Accelerator feature, it noticeably improved our speed.

Screenshot showing how to activate VPN Accelerator on Proton VPN's Preferences panelVPN Accelerator and port forwarding boost your speeds, which is excellent for lag-free gaming

Enabling Proton VPN’s port forwarding feature is simple — just head to the Advanced Settings section to activate it. When you connect to a P2P server, copy the port number from the information panel at the top of the main window. You’ll need this number to configure port forwarding on third-party software like your BitTorrent client. While port forwarding isn’t available on the Mac app, you can configure it via OpenVPN or WireGuard.

You can get Proton VPN for just $4.49/month. The service also has a 30-day refund policy. Unfortunately, it will only refund your money based on the remaining days of your subscription (pro-rated). However, this policy is still reliable.

Useful Features

  • Split tunneling. You can enjoy the benefits of port forwarding for specific applications or devices while selectively routing other traffic outside the VPN. This can be useful if you want to boost your torrenting speeds but play online games on your regular network.
  • Port forwarding shortcut. Proton VPN lets you access the port forwarding settings from the Quick Settings bar on the app’s main screen.
  • Dedicated IPs. Like PIA, Proton VPN offers dedicated/static IPs for a small additional fee.
Proton VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Top-notch security features
  • Offers a free plan
  • Lacks smart DNS
  • Live chat isn't available 24/7

5. hide.me — Stealth Guard Security to Protect Your Open Ports From Leaking Data

Best Feature Stealth Guard to protect your data from accidental leaks
Fastest Speeds 179.26 Mbps (28% drop)
Security and Privacy AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch to safeguard your private information
Server Network 2,600 servers in 91 countries

Stealth Guard lets you customize when the VPN kicks in to prevent accidental data leaks. There are two options — Bind Internet to VPN keeps your entire network connected to hide.me, whereas Limit Apps to VPN lets you choose specific apps (like your torrenting client or gaming server) to use the VPN traffic.

Screenshot showing how to limit apps to VPN on the hide.me appYou’ll need to restart the assigned apps for this feature to work

hide.me features dynamic port forwarding (UPnP). You can easily enable it in the Member Settings under Fixed IP /UPnP. Port mapping enables you to redirect incoming traffic from specific ports to devices or applications on your local network, facilitating activities such as hosting servers or accessing devices remotely (like security cameras when you’re not at home).

One downside is that the long-distance servers were quite slow. However, hide.me's nearby servers delivered fast speeds for torrenting and gaming.

The VPN offers affordable long-term plans starting at $2.69/month. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it for free.

Useful Features

  • UPnP server implementation. Since UPnP is not authenticated, hide.me provides its own, in-house built UPnP server implementation to avoid this security flaw.
  • Helpful customer support. hide.me provides 24/7 live chat, tickets, knowledge base, and user community to assist you with port forwarding setup whenever you require it.
hide.me VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Bolt feature increases speeds
  • Solid data leak protection
  • Pricey premium plans
  • No dedicated apps for smart TVs

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Quick Comparison Table: Port Forwarding VPN Features

If you're having difficulty deciding on a service, the comparison table below can assist you in choosing the best VPN with port forwarding. I considered server coverage, fast speeds to allow for high-data activities, and security features to ensure private and rapid port forwarding.

Lowest Price Server Network Speeds Port Forwarding Setup
🥇ExpressVPN $6.67/month 3,000 servers in 105 countries 248.56 Mbps (3% drop) Router configuration
🥈Private Internet Access $2.03/month 29,650 servers in 91 countries 221.98 Mbps (12% drop) Feature available for Windows, macOS, and Android apps
🥉PrivateVPN $2/month 200 servers in 63 countries 206.41 Mbps (18% drop) Feature available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and manual configuration for Linux
Proton VPN $4.49/month 7,154 servers in 112 countries 229.30 Mbps (9% drop) Feature available for Windows, manual setup for macOS and Linux
hide.me $2.69/month 2,600 servers in 91 countries 179.26 Mbps (28% drop) Feature available for Windows and macOS apps

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs For Port Forwarding

We used a strict set of criteria for selecting the best VPNs for port forwarding. First, we made sure each service offered reliable port forwarding. Next, we only chose VPNs with bank-level security to mitigate for the vulnerabilities that port forwarding can bring. Finally, we conducted extensive speed tests to ensure each VPN could handle data-heavy activities.

For all the details on our testing procedures, visit our methodology page. It outlines the testing philosophy we employ to bring you the latest cybersecurity information. Feel free to use it as a template for your own research.

How to Set Up Port Forwarding Safely

Setting up port forwarding for a VPN service and on a router typically involves a few steps. Here's a general guide on how to do it — please keep in mind that the specific steps may vary depending on the VPN provider you are using.

It's important to note that the exact steps may also vary depending on your router's make and model. It's recommended to consult your router's documentation or seek specific instructions from the manufacturer's support resources for detailed guidance on configuring port forwarding on your particular router model.

Safety tip! Since port forwarding can leave you more vulnerable to hackers, I recommend taking a couple of precautions. First, make sure that your device is updated to the latest version. Also, it’s good to use an antivirus or malware blocker — some VPNs offer this feature. Lastly, be sure to use strong passwords and limit the number of devices you use port forwarding on.

Setting up Port Forwarding for Your VPN

1. Access your router's settings. Open a web browser on a device connected to your router and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. You may need to enter login credentials to access the router settings.

2. Locate the port forwarding section. The location and terminology may vary depending on your router's manufacturer and firmware. Look for a "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Servers" section in your router settings.

3. Depending on the VPN protocol you’re using, follow these settings:

  • PPTP: Set the Local Port to 1723 and Protocol to TCP for PPTP, and Port 47 with Protocol “Other” for the GRE tunnel.
  • IPSec: For the IPSec VPN tunnel, set the Local Port to 500 and Protocol to UDP, and Port 4500 with UDP Protocol for IPSec tunnel.
  • OpenVPN: Set the Local Port to 1194 and Protocol to UDP. IKEv2: Set the Port to 500 and Protocol to UDP.
  • WireGuard: Set the Port to 51820 and Protocol to UDP.

4. Connect. You now have the ability to create a VPN connection on another computer by utilizing the public IP address of your VPN server.

Setting up Port Forwarding on a Router

1. Determine the application or service's port forwarding requirements. Identify the specific ports that need to be forwarded for the application or service you want to use.

2. Access your router's settings. Open a web browser on a device connected to your router and enter 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Enter login credentials if prompted.

3. Locate the port forwarding section. Look for the "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Servers" section in your router settings. The location and terminology may vary based on your router's make and model.

4. Add a new port forwarding rule. Create a new port forwarding rule by providing a name for the rule, the desired port range (or single port number), and the IP address of the device that will receive the forwarded connections.

5. Specify the protocol. Select the appropriate protocol (TCP or UDP) for the port forwarding rule, depending on the requirements of the application or service.

6. Save and apply the settings. Once you have entered the necessary information, save the port forwarding rule and apply the settings. The router will now forward incoming connections on the specified port(s) to the designated device.

FAQs on VPNs for Port Forwarding

What’s the best VPN with port forwarding and static/dynamic IPs?

The best VPN that offers both port forwarding and static IPs is the second service in this list. It provides a port forwarding feature that’s easy to use and set up directly in the desktop apps. You also have the option to get a static IP address for a small additional monthly charge. These are offered in 10 different countries.

What are the benefits of VPNs with port forwarding?

Port forwarding via a VPN enhances your ability to manage how traffic is routed through your network. Only a few reliable VPNs offer this capability, boosting performance by directing incoming traffic to specific devices​. This is beneficial for applications like gaming, torrenting, and accessing remote desktop services. Port forwarding allows for a more reliable connection setup, particularly when hosting services behind a NAT (Network Address Translation) firewall.

Why don't all VPNs support port forwarding and is it safe?

Some VPNs do not support port forwarding due to complexity, security risks, and its specialized nature. It requires the VPN provider to open and forward specific ports, which may not be necessary for most users. So far, only a handful of premium VPNs offer access to a port forwarding feature. This is because supporting port forwarding requires additional resources and maintenance from the VPN provider, which not everyone can afford.

Port forwarding can be safe when implemented correctly and used within a secure network environment. It’s a technique that allows external devices or networks to access specific services or applications running on your local network. By opening specific ports and directing incoming traffic to designated devices, port forwarding enables remote access to those services.

Can I use a free VPN with a port forwarding feature?

It might be difficult to find a free VPN with port forwarding functionality since most VPNs (even paid ones) don’t offer it. On top of that, port forwarding typically requires additional resources and maintenance from the VPN provider, which may not be sustainable for a free service. It’s advisable to use a reputable VPN service with a trustworthy money-back guarantee.

Get the Best VPN With Port Forwarding

Many VPNs don’t offer port forwarding, but it has many benefits if you have the necessary security features to back you up. You can get healthier seeds through your go-to torrent clients, set up gaming servers, or remotely access your home network.

The best VPN for port forwarding is ExpressVPN. It has an intuitive router app for easy port forwarding, plus the fastest speeds we’ve tested. It's also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can test ExpressVPN risk-free. Getting a refund is hassle-free if you’re not entirely impressed with the service.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for port forwarding...

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 48%!
2
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 83%!
3
9.2 /10
9.2 Our Score
Save 85%!
4
9.2 /10
9.2 Our Score
Save 55%!
5
9.0 /10
9.0 Our Score
Save 73%!
Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 48% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

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: 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

James conducts rigorous hands-on research and testing to evaluate dozens of VPNs for his articles. He's an advocate for digital freedom.

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