Best VPNs for torrenting: File sharers and movie downloaders, take note
This just in: Torrenting is so hot right now.
Unlike most things that came into being in 2004 — Livestrong bracelets, Napoleon Dynamite, Lindsay Lohan's debut studio album Speak — the popular torrent client BitTorrent is seeing a modern resurgence. That's according to Sandvine's latest Global Internet Phenomena Report, an annual study of the state of internet traffic, which went on to cite the competitive streaming service market as the reason for this uptick in BitTorrent usage (and online piracy in general).
The logic makes sense, TBH: More and more companies are pulling their content from Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video to put them on their own streaming platforms as "exclusives." (Lookin' at you, NBCUniversal.) So, instead of paying for a bunch of different streaming service subscriptions, why not just cherry-pick your favorite titles via torrenting? Read more...
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BEST OVERALL CHOICE (PAID)
ExpressVPNWhether you're a regular or occasional torrenter, this ultra-secure, fast, and user friendly VPN will serve you well.
- Monthly plan: $12.95/month
- Six-month plan: $9.99/month
- 12-month plan: $8.32/month
BEST OVERALL CHOICE (FREE)
WindscribeWindscribe is pretty remarkable for a free VPN, but users should be mindful of the implications of its location within a Five Eyes country.
- Free plan: Requires confirmed email address
- Monthly plan: $9/month
- Annual plan: $4.08/month (billed $49 every 12 months)
BEST VALUE
SurfsharkIt still has a few kinks to work out, but we're already impressed with this 1-year-old VPN — especially at such a great price point.
- Monthly plan: $11.95/month
- 12-month plan: $5.99/month (billed $71.88 every 12 months)
- 24-month plan: $1.99/month (billed $47.76 every 24 months)
BEST FOR SECURITY WORRY-WARTS
NordVPNWith industry-leading security features and a stringent no-logging policy, this Panama-based service should be your go-to VPN if you're paranoid about privacy.
- Monthly plan: $11.95/month
- One-year plan: $6.99/month
- Two-year plan: $3.99/month
- Three-year plan: $2.99/month
BEST VPN FOR NOVICES
CyberGhost VPNJust getting into VPNs? The friendly CyberGhost will walk you through the basics and help you torrent anonymously.
- Monthly plan: $12.99/month
- One-year plan: $5.99/month (billed $71.88 every year)
- Two-year plan: $3.69/month (billed $88.56 every two years)
- Three-year plan: $2.75/month (billed $99 every three years)
BEST FOR SPEED
IPVanish VPNThis VPN will appeal to torrent buffs who want a good balance of speed and security.
- Monthly plan: $10/month
- Quarterly plan: $8.99/month (billed $26.99 every three months)
- Annual plan: $6.49/month (billed $77.99 every year)