uTorrent is one of the most popular BitTorrent clients available on the market. BitTorrent clients facilitate peer-to-peer file sharing. When downloading a file with the BitTorrent protocol, the client downloads pieces of the file from other users simultaneously – this means that BitTorrent is a fast way to download files.
In fact, as long as enough users allow other users to download the file in question from their computer (this is known as seeding), this protocol can be faster than HTTP and FTP when it comes to transmission speeds.
While BitTorrent clients such as uTorrent are convenient ways of sharing and downloading files, there are inherent risks with them. This process involves connecting to other users’ computers and also having other users connect to your computer to access files. Your IP address is also shared during this process.
Fortunately, you can protect yourself with a VPN. When using a VPN, your connection is routed through a secure third-party server. This also assigns you with a different IP address, isolating you from prying eyes.
In this article, I cover the best VPNs for protecting you while using uTorrent in detail. However, if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.
Best VPNs for uTorrent:
- NordVPN: My number one VPN choice for uTorrent. It has a large network that consists of over 5,000 servers and offers fast speeds and strong security measures. In addition, subscriptions come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best affordable option for uTorrent. It has over 3,200 servers and strong security measures in place. It doesn’t compromise on quality despite its affordable pricing.
- ExpressVPN: A great option for streaming thanks to its fast connection speeds. This secure platform is also a good option for torrenting.
- CyberGhost: Has a large number of servers and a robust network that can cope with the demands of torrenting.
- PrivateVPN: This privacy-focused option will keep you safe while torrenting and can access streaming platforms reliably.
- IPVanish: A popular option with Kodi streaming users. This makes it well suited for torrenting too, thanks to its fast connection speeds.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): A lightweight and secure option that is well suited to torrenting.
- Atlas VPN: This is a small but robust provider with strong security measures in place that will keep you protected while torrenting.
There are many different VPN choices available on the market. However, I chose the ones listed below based on the following criteria:
- Strong encryption offered
- No logs stored
- Fast connection speeds
- Apps for a wide range of devices
- Built-in VPN kill switch
You can find out more information about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section found later in this article.
Best VPNs for uTorrent
So, without further ado, here are my best VPNs for uTorrent.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN has a large, global network of VPN servers that spans around 60 countries. In total, there are over 5,000 servers. This service’s fast connection speeds make it an excellent option for streaming and it can also access many different services, such as Instagram.
NordVPN also has strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. This service also doesn’t store any logs and accepts cryptocurrency payments. These payments don’t associate users’ names with payments, unlike traditional credit card payments.
Users can download the client apps for NordVPN for many different devices as well. This includes apps for Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and even Linux. Some routers can have this service manually installed on them. Users have the option of connecting six of their devices simultaneously. The customer service team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.
Pros:
- Fast connection speeds
- Strong security measures in place
- No logs are stored
- Apps are available for many different platforms
- The customer service team is available 24/7
Cons:
- The desktop app can be slow at times
BEST VPN FOR UTORRENT:NordVPN is one of the best options available for Instagram. It has over 5,000 servers, strong security measures, and it can access a wide variety of services in addition to Instagram. It also comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on quality. It has a network that consists of over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. It offers fast connection speeds and strong security features too. It is also capable of unblocking a wide variety of services.
In addition, Surfshark’s security measures are solid. This provider offers 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks and there is a kill switch in place. There is also an option for traffic scrambling.
Surfshark’s apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also have this service manually installed on them. The customer service team is available 24/7 and you can connect an unlimited amount of devices simultaneously.
Pros:
- Fast connection speeds
- Can acess many different services
- Strong security measures are in place
- An unlimited number of connections is supported
- Cryptocurrency payments are supported
Cons:
- Some servers are a little slow at times
BEST AFFORDABLE VPN FOR UTORRENT:Surfshark is very competitively priced. On top of this, it can access many different services without hassle. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers across 94+ countries. Its server network is one of the fastest out there and is great for streaming services. In addition, ExpressVPN can access many different services, including streaming services.
This provider also ensures the safety of its users with a number of different security measures. These include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. In addition to the regular website, there is also a .onion site which must be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. This lets users protect their anonymity since the TOR network is heavily encrypted. No logs are stored by this service.
ExpressVPN has apps available for a number of different operating systems. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. In addition, this service can also be installed on some supported routers. Five simultaneous connections are allowed and the customer support team is available 24/7.
Pros:
- Fast connection speeds
- Can access many different services
- .onion site available and cryptocurrency payments are supported
- Strong security measures are in place
Cons:
- A little more expensive than some other options.
FAST UTORRENT OPTION:ExpressVPN is one of the faster VPN options available. It also has strong security measures in place and can access many different services. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost has the largest number of servers available out of all of the other providers on this list. It can access services such as ITV, Amazon Prime, and Netflix effortlessly. Its connection speeds are also fast. In total, CyberGhost has over 9,700 servers located in 91+ countries. Its connection speeds are also quite fast and it is a solid option overall for those who need to access geographically restricted services.
CyberGhost has strong security measures in place which include protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. This provider also has 256-bit AES encryption and no logs are stored. A kill switch is included as well that stops your IP address from being leaked if your VPN becomes disconnected. CyberGhost also accepts cryptocurrency payments, which are more anonymous than traditional credit card payments.
Users can download CyberGhost apps for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. The customer support team is available 24/7 and seven simultaneous connections are supported.
Pros:
- Clients are easy to use
- 24/7 live chat service is provided
- Huge server network spread across a large number of countries
- Strong security and privacy measures
Cons:
- Blocked in the UAE and China
- Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers
LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a network that consists of over 9,700 servers. This large network gives users many different options for bypassing geographical restrictions. It also offers strong security measures and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider that has a small network of just over 200 servers. These servers are spread across about 63 countries. While the total number of servers is small, this service doesn’t skimp on quality. Streaming speeds are fast and this service can access several services.
In addition, PrivateVPN has several strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, protection from IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and this service stores no logs. On top of that, this provider accepts cryptocurrency payments that allow for a greater level of anonymity.
PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Linux devices and routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. It should be noted that customer service agents for PrivateVPN can only be reached during regular Swedish business hours (PrivateVPN is a Swedish business). Despite this, the quality of customer service is excellent. This VPN allows for 10 device connections simultaneously.
Pros:
- Can access many different services
- Fast connection speeds
- No logs are stored
- Works in China
Cons:
- Small server network
- Customer support isn’t available 24/7
PRIVACY-FOCUSED OPTION FOR UTORRENT:PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused service. It has strong encryption in place and stores no logs. It also offers fast connection speeds and can access many different services. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. IPVanish
IPVanish is a secure platform that has strong streaming speeds. For this reason, it has been endorsed by the Kodi community for several years. IPVanish is also able to access many different services.
The security features included with this provider are critical for user safety. They include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There is also a traffic scrambling option provided.
IPVanish apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. In addition, this service can also be manually set up on some routers and on Linux. An unlimited number of simultaneous connections is allowed and the customer support team is available 24/7.
Pros:
- Fast connection speeds
- Unlimited number of connections allowed
- No logs are stored
- Great option for Kodi users and torrenters
Cons:
- Apps don’t work in China
- Some servers don’t work with Netflix
FAST STREAMING AND UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is a secure platform and fast streaming speeds are offered. Users also have the option of unlimited connections and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
7. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option. It has several customization options and allows users to change the app’s interface to their liking. In addition, this service makes use of the lightweight and fast WireGuard VPN protocol. This service can also access many different services without any issues.
Strong security features are offered by PIA. This provider gives you a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and doesn’t store any logs.
PIA apps can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS as well. PIA’s customer service can be reached via the provided live chat 24/7 and 10 connections can be supported at once.
Pros:
- Strong security measures in place
- Can provide secure access to many different services
- WireGuard VPN protocol supported (fast and efficient)
- Several customization options provided
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well in China
- App design could be improved
LIGHTWEIGHT UTORRENT OPTION:PIA is lightweight and fast. There are also several customization options. It gives access to many restricted services and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
8. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN has just over 750 servers in 40+ locations. This provider’s network is fast and secure and can unblock many different services. Atlas VPN is a newer provider but it doesn’t cut back on quality.
The provider has a lot of security measures in place. These include a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. The service stores no logs and MultiHop servers are in place that can encrypt users’ data twice. Atlas VPN also allows users to make payments with cryptocurrency. This type of payment allows for a greater level of anonymity since names aren’t associated with this type of payment.
Atlas VPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. In addition, an unlimited number of connections are supported.
Pros:
- Can access many different services
- Connection speeds are fast
- MultiHop servers encrypt data more than once
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in China
- Customer service could be improved
SOLID UTORRENT OPTION:Atlas VPN is a newer service but it offers quality features. It offers fast speeds and strong security. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for uTorrent
There are many different VPN options available on the market. However, they are not all created equal. I reviewed many different VPNs to come up with the list above. Here are some of the factors I considered as part of my testing methodology when making my choice of the best VPNs for uTorrent.
- Fast connection speeds: When torrenting, we usually download bigger files. This means that it can take a while for the download to complete if the connection speed is slow. It is therefore important to have a VPN that provides fast connection speeds. All of the VPNs reviewed here are capable of streaming HD content without buffering and are therefore able to cope with the demands of torrenting as well.
- Large server network: It is important to have lots of choices when it comes to server locations. This allows users to bypass possible restrictions that may be put in place on their torrenting activity based on their location or even where they work. This can also give users the option to choose servers that aren’t being used as much as others during peak periods, ultimately allowing for faster streaming speeds.
- Security features: One of the biggest benefits of using a VPN is its ability to protect you while online. Strong encryption is offered by all of the options listed above, as well as kill switches which don’t allow your IP address to be leaked if your VPN connection drops out.
- Ability to access services: Depending on a user’s workplace or where they live, it is possible that streaming might be restricted. It is important to have a VPN that is able to bypass such restrictions. For this reason, I only chose VPNs that are capable of doing so.
How to bind your VPN IP to uTorrent
The Windows uTorrent client allows users to limit downloads to a specific IP address. This means that you can ensure that you’re only torrenting while connected to a specific VPN server. If your connection to the VPN server were to drop out, your download would stop. This ensures that your original IP address isn’t leaked.
This is a nice second line of defense for protecting your IP address in addition to the VPN’s killswitch. Unfortunately, this feature is only limited to the Windows version of uTorrent. To use this feature, which is referred to as the IP bind feature, do the following:
- Connect to your preferred VPN server.
- Next, take note of your IP address after connecting to the VPN server.
- In uTorrent, go to Options>Preferences>Advanced.
- Type “IP” in the filter field.
- Now, click net.bind_ip in the results. Paste your IP address in the Value field and click Set.
- Do the same for net.outgoing_ip.
- Press OK and restart the uTorrent client.
Best VPNs for uTorrent FAQs
Can I just use a free VPN?
I don't recommend using a free VPN. Free VPNs aren't usually able to bypass restrictions on activities such as torrenting. In addition, they usually don't have robust server networks. This means that servers can get overloaded easily, leading to slow download speeds. Many free VPNs also limit the amount of data that users are allowed to transfer, which isn't very useful for a data-intensive activity such as streaming.
Free VPNs aren't as careful as paid VPNs with user data. Some free VPNs have been known to sell user data for a profit. If you want a fast, reliable VPN service, then I recommend using a top-tier, paid VPN service such as one of the options reviewed here.
Are VPNs legal?
Yes, using a VPN is completely legal. However, using a VPN to carry out illegal activity is not. Breaking the law while using a VPN doesn’t protect you from the possible consequences. With that being said, don’t take anything in this article as legal advice.
Is using uTorrent illegal?
No, using uTorrent isn't illegal and the software is legal to use. However, if you download copyrighted material such as movies, music, TV shows, or software, this may be illegal depending on your jurisdiction.
Are VPNs safe?
Yes, VPNs are safe to use. Using a VPN while browsing is safer than not using one. While using a VPN, your IP address will be masked, and your identity will be protected and you will even be granted increased security in environments such as when you are connected to an open WiFi network. A reputable VPN with high security standards will keep you safe online.
Will a VPN slow down my downloads?
Your internet speeds will always be slower when connected to a VPN. However, this change is negligible with a top-tier VPN such as the providers reviewed here. You probably won't notice a significant change while using one of these VPNs.
Contents [hide]
- Best VPNs for uTorrent
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. PrivateVPN
- 6. IPVanish
- 7. Private Internet Access
- 8. Atlas VPN
- Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for uTorrent
- How to bind your VPN IP to uTorrent
- Best VPNs for uTorrent FAQs
- Can I just use a free VPN?
- Are VPNs legal?
- Is using uTorrent illegal?
- Are VPNs safe?
- Will a VPN slow down my downloads?