4 Best VPNs With Port Forwarding: Gaming & P2P in 2025

Port forwarding is essential for hosting game servers, improving P2P speeds, and accessing remote devices. However, most VPNs block it outright due to security risks. Even when VPNs do support port forwarding, they often implement it in a way that’s either unsafe, difficult to configure, or both. That means many users end up frustrated with unreliable connections, limited functionality, or even security vulnerabilities they weren’t warned about.

My team and I tested over 40 VPNs to find the ones that offer port forwarding without compromising security or ease of use. We looked for VPNs that allow seamless setup while preventing common threats like unauthorized access and IP leaks. We also analyzed their real-world impact on gaming, torrenting, and remote access performance.

Private Internet Access is my top recommendation because it lets you enable port forwarding easily while keeping your connection secure. Plus, its customizable security gives you the flexibility to optimize your connection for either speed or security. You can try PIA risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, it’s easy to get a full refund. 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.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs With Port Forwarding in 2025

Best VPNs With Port Forwarding — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Overall Best VPN With In-App Port Forwarding for Secure Connections

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2025

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA lets you enable port forwarding directly in its app, making it a great choice for torrenting, gaming, and remote access. You can turn it on in the network settings, where PIA automatically assigns a port number for your connection. We tested it with a torrent client, and the process took less than 2 minutes from setup to use. The forwarded port is securely tunneled through the VPN, so you don’t have to worry about exposing your IP.

PIA offers port forwarding for all major devices

We recorded strong speeds with port forwarding enabled. During our tests on PIA’s nearby servers, we had fast speeds that hovered around 202Mbps. Our 2.5GB public domain file downloaded in under 3 minutes, compared to over 8 minutes without port forwarding. The connection remained stable throughout, with no slowdowns or interruptions.

PIA’s customizable security settings let you optimize your connection based on your needs. You can choose between WireGuard for better speeds or OpenVPN for enhanced security. With OpenVPN enabled, it’s possible to adjust encryption levels between AES-128 and AES-256 — AES-128 provides faster performance with a small security tradeoff.

The only problem is that PIA may feel technical for beginners. But as one of the most feature-rich VPNs available, it’s ideal if you like having more control of your connection. You can get PIA for as little as $2.19/month. And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it risk-free.

Useful Features

• P2P support on all connections. PIA allows torrenting on all its servers, and you get thousands of IP addresses to use with port mapping. However, not all PIA servers support port forwarding — most do, but US locations don’t. That said, there are plenty of alternative server options in regions where port forwarding is available.
• Unlimited connections. You can connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time, making it a great choice for households or users with multiple devices. There’s no need to log out of one device to use another.
• Dedicated IPs in 10+ countries. Unlike shared IPs, a dedicated IP is assigned only to you and can help bypass CAPTCHAs, access banking apps, and avoid IP bans. This is also great if you need port forwarding with a dedicated IP for cases like hosting a game server, setting up remote access, or managing self-hosted services.
• Multi-hop with proxy. The VPN supports multi-hop connections with SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxies for added privacy. This routes your traffic through an extra location before reaching its destination, making it harder for trackers to detect your real VPN connection.

2. PrivateVPN — Manual Port Selection for More Control Over Your Connection

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

Unlike most VPNs that assign a fixed forwarded port, PrivateVPN lets you manually choose your own. As soon as you connect, a random port number appears above the disconnect button, but you can override it with your preferred port. This level of control is rare — you can configure specific ports for torrenting, game servers, or remote desktop access easily from within the app.

After setting up your port, you can switch back to the Simple view for convenience

PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature enhances privacy by scrambling VPN traffic, making it look like regular internet activity. This helps get around tough firewalls, ISP throttling, and VPN blocks. The app also lets you switch between ports 22 and 443, making it harder for networks to detect and restrict your VPN connection. This means you can use the VPN with port forwarding even on restrictive networks.

On the downside, its smaller server network can lead to congestion at peak times. However, since PrivateVPN owns its entire infrastructure, it has more control over server maintenance, security, and performance optimizations. We never experienced overcrowding in our tests, but if you do, you can switch to a less crowded server to restore speeds.

You can get a PrivateVPN subscription for as low as $2/month with its long-term plan. The plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free without any financial risk.

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. Running a server on an open port exposes your connection to risks. However, PrivateVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch to keep the data exchanged between your device and connected clients private, reducing the risk of interception or tampering.
• User-friendly apps. PrivateVPN offers two interface modes: a Simple view for quick connections and an Advanced view for fine-tuning settings. This makes it easy to use for beginners while still providing full control over port forwarding, encryption levels, and protocols for experienced users.

3. Proton VPN — VPN Accelerator and Port Forwarding for Fast Connections

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN's Accelerator feature enhances performance by optimizing CPU usage and improving TCP connections across all ports. Activating it is straightforward — simply toggle it on in the settings. During our tests, enabling Proton VPN’s Accelerator resulted in noticeable speed improvements. This means you can game and download large files without slowdowns.

VPN Accelerator and port forwarding boost your speeds, which is excellent for lag-free gaming

Proton VPN offers dynamic port forwarding, which assigns a new port each time you connect to a supported server. This enhances security by reducing the predictability of open ports, making it harder for attackers to target them. While testing this, it worked seamlessly with torrent clients and gaming servers, providing stable connections and strong security.

That said, port forwarding isn't available on the macOS app, but you can configure this manually. On other devices, it can be activated in the Advanced Settings section. 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. ​

Although it’s slightly more expensive than other VPNs on the list, you can get Proton VPN for just $4.49/month. The service also has a 30-day refund policy, so you can test it before committing.

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.
• NetShield. Many torrenting and file-sharing sites are loaded with intrusive ads, trackers, and malicious scripts. Proton VPN’s NetShield blocks these threats at the DNS level, preventing ads and malware from loading.

4. hide.me —  Dynamic Port Forwarding for Seamless Connections

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

hide.me makes port forwarding effortless by using UPnP and NAT-PMP, which automatically open and close ports as needed. This means you don’t have to manually configure anything — your torrent client, gaming server, or remote desktop app can request ports dynamically. Since ports are only open when in use, it also reduces security risks compared to static port forwarding.

It’s customizable and super easy to use, too. You can enable port forwarding directly in the hide.me app, or manually activate it by adding ‘@pf’ to their username when connecting. Once enabled, hide.me worked seamlessly with torrent clients, VoIP apps, and game servers in our tests. Plus, you can customize it and restrict internet access for specific apps, ensuring they only work when connected to the VPN.

You’ll need to restart the assigned apps for this feature to work

One drawback is that long-distance connections can be slower due to higher latency. However, nearby servers provided consistently fast speeds, keeping downloads, gaming, and video calls smooth. If speed is a priority, choosing a server closer to your location ensures the best performance.

The VPN offers affordable long-term plans starting at $3.84/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.

Best alternative to Private Internet Access

Our Score: 9.9

If you are interested in a port forwarding setup through a router, I recommend ExpressVPN. It supports port forwarding via its custom router firmware, but this means that your forwarded traffic is transferred outside of the VPN tunnel and isn’t encrypted. Because of this, it’s faster than the VPN-encrypted alternatives, but it’s the most suitable to use if an encrypted connection isn’t paramount.

Our Score: 9.9

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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.

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.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs With Port Forwarding

Our testing criteria involved analyzing each VPN's port forwarding capabilities across multiple scenarios to ensure they work reliably and securely. We looked at factors such as the type of port forwarding offered, ease of configuration, and whether it was included in the base subscription or required add-ons. We also evaluated speeds while port forwarding was active.

Security was another crucial testing factor since port forwarding can create vulnerabilities if not implemented correctly. We checked for IP/DNS leaks and tested kill switch effectiveness while ports were forwarded. Plus, we verified each VPN’s logging policies to ensure your data remains private. For all the details on our testing procedures, visit our methodology page.

Port Forwarding Types

Port forwarding is classified into different types based on how ports are assigned and managed. The right type depends on whether you prioritize stability, security, or automation. Each method has its advantages and is suited for specific use cases like gaming, torrenting, remote access, and hosting services.

Static Port Forwarding

This method keeps a specific port permanently open and assigned to a device or application. It’s commonly used for game servers, remote desktop connections, and self-hosted websites since it ensures a stable and predictable connection. Businesses often use static port forwarding for secure remote access to internal servers or to give employees a connection to company resources from external locations.

Since the assigned port doesn’t change, it simplifies external access but also presents security risks if left open for extended periods. To mitigate potential vulnerabilities, it’s important to combine static port forwarding with additional security measures such as firewalls and strong authentication.

Dynamic Port Forwarding

Unlike static port forwarding, this method assigns a new port each time a connection is established. Some VPNs use dynamic port forwarding to enhance security by rotating port numbers, making it harder for attackers to target specific ports. While this improves privacy, it requires frequent reconfiguration in applications that rely on a stable port.

UPnP and NAT-PMP Port Forwarding

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and NAT Port Mapping Protocol (NAT-PMP) allow devices to request ports automatically without manual configuration. This is useful for gaming, VoIP services, and P2P applications that need temporary port access. However, since these protocols open ports dynamically, they can pose security risks if left enabled on an unsecured network.

Manual vs Automatic Port Forwarding

Manual port forwarding requires users to configure ports and IP addresses in router settings, offering more control but requiring technical knowledge. Automatic port forwarding, like UPnP, simplifies the process by allowing applications to handle port requests, making it easier to set up but potentially less secure.

Each type of port forwarding serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one depends on the level of control, security, and ease of use required.

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.

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 (TCP). Make sure your firewall and router allow Protocol ID 47 (GRE), which is required for data transmission.
• 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 Ports 500 and 4500 (UDP). Ensure Protocol ID 50 (ESP) is allowed in firewall settings.
• WireGuard: Set the Port to 51820 and Protocol to UDP.

4. Connect. Your forwarded port now allows external devices to access specific services inside your VPN network, such as remote desktop, game servers, or self-hosted applications.

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. Ensure your firewall allows traffic on the forwarded ports; otherwise, the connection may be blocked.

FAQs on VPNs With Port Forwarding

Is port forwarding with a VPN safe?

Port forwarding can be safe, but it depends on how it's configured and which VPN you use. Since port forwarding allows external connections to reach your device, choosing a VPN that implements it securely is important. Some VPNs offer features like automatic port reassignment or restrict port forwarding to specific servers to minimize vulnerabilities.

Even with a secure VPN, proper configuration is key. Limiting the number of open ports, using a firewall to block unwanted traffic, and disabling port forwarding when not in use can help keep your connection safe. If done correctly, VPN port forwarding is generally secure for torrenting, remote access, and hosting private services.

Is there a VPN that offers a static or dedicated IP and port forwarding?

Yes, the first VPN in this list offers both, but the dedicated IPs don’t support port forwarding. You have the option to buy a dedicated IP address as an add-on with PIA, but only its regular server network supports port forwarding. This is because it uses a dynamic system where the port is randomly assigned for each connection.

Does ExpressVPN and NordVPN support port forwarding?

No, ExpressVPN and NordVPN do not support port forwarding. Both VPNs intentionally block port forwarding for security reasons, as open ports can increase the risk of external attacks. If you need a VPN with easy port forwarding setup, the #1 VPN is your best bet.

ExpressVPN only allows port forwarding on its custom router firmware, but the forwarded traffic bypasses the VPN tunnel and isn’t encrypted. This setup can improve speed for some use cases but lacks VPN protection. NordVPN completely blocks port forwarding across all its servers.

Why isn't port forwarding working with my VPN?

Port forwarding may not be working because your VPN doesn’t support it — many top VPNs block it for security reasons. If your VPN does allow port forwarding, make sure it’s configured properly.

Firewall or antivirus software may also be blocking incoming connections. If you're using a VPN on a router, ensure your router supports port forwarding and isn’t running double NAT or restricted by CGNAT. If you suspect your ISP is blocking it, you may need a dedicated or static IP.

Is there a VPN with both port forwarding and split tunneling?

Yes, all the VPNs on this list offer both port forwarding and split tunneling, but how they implement these features varies. Some allow port forwarding on most servers, while others restrict it to specific locations. Split tunneling is generally available across desktop and mobile apps, letting you choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which uses your regular internet connection.

If you need both features for torrenting, gaming, or remote access, look for a VPN that offers manual port selection and flexible split tunneling options.

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

It's extremely rare to find a free VPN that supports port forwarding, as most free services block it for security reasons. Port forwarding requires dedicated resources and increases the risk of abuse. That’s why only a few premium VPNs offer port forwarding.

Even if a free VPN offers port forwarding, it often comes with strict limitations, such as low bandwidth, a small server selection, and slower speeds, making it impractical for torrenting, gaming, or remote access. Additionally, many free VPNs log user data or display ads, which compromises privacy.

Get the Best VPN With Port Forwarding

Many VPNs don’t support port forwarding, but when combined with strong security features, it offers a lot of advantages. It allows you to get better seeding ratios on torrent clients, host game servers, and remotely access your home network without compromising privacy

The best VPN for port forwarding is Private Internet Access. It has this capability available directly in the app with fast speeds to keep your connections uninterrupted. Plus, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee when you sign up, so you can try PIA for free.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs with port forwarding…

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.

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