If you’re planning on torrenting, you should definitely use a VPN. Here’s why:
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the best way to protect your privacy when downloading torrents. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it impossible for anyone to track your online activity. This means that if you do accidentally download copyrighted material, you’re less likely to get caught up in a legal case for downloading or sharing content. If you want to download torrents without leaving your devices and personal data vulnerable to cyberattacks or spying third parties, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a must.
A VPN can also improve your torrenting speeds by bypassing throttling from your ISP. Throttling is when your ISP intentionally slows down your internet connection in order to discourage certain types of activity, like torrenting. By using a VPN, you can avoid throttling and enjoy faster speeds.
How to Set up ExpressVPN for Torrents
If you’re looking for a safe and reliable way to torrent, ExpressVPN is a great option. With ExpressVPN, your data is encrypted and protected, so you can torrent with peace of mind. Here’s how to set up torrent downloads on ExpressVPN in just 4 easy steps
1. First, download and install the ExpressVPN app for your device.
2. Launch the VPN app and connect to a server location of your choice.
3. Finally, check your IP to make sure the VPN is working and start torrenting!
I am new to Torrents, I don’t understand. What do I need to do exactly?
If you are completely new to torrents, the following will guide you with detailed steps, but first, it helps to have a basic understanding of how torrent downloading works, so you will know exactly what to look for.
Torrents allow users to download pieces of the file from multiple sources. This makes downloading large files much faster and more reliable. Torrents can be found on various torrent search directory websites and we have suggested some options in the past, however, in order to download a torrent, you also need to install a torrent download client: an application that allows you to open torrent files and start peer-2-peer transfers. There are many torrent clients to pick from, and they are not all equal or safe to use.
When downloading torrents, it’s important to take the proper precautions to protect your privacy and security. Here are some tips for safely downloading torrents:
Choose a Reputable Torrent Client
When downloading torrents, it’s important to choose a reputable torrent client. I was surprised to see many other VPN websites suggest uTorrent above others, but here at VPNPick, we have criticized uTorrent for having adware and tracking users for years. There are better options such as qBitTorrent or Transmission to name a couple, but we know that some users will still choose uTorrent, and in those cases, it is highly advised to always use a reputable VPN in conjunction with uTorrent.
After selecting your Torrent client, such as qBittorrent or Transmission (two open-source options) – ensure that you download the client from the official website.
Avoid Malicious Torrents
When downloading torrents, it’s important to avoid malicious torrents. Malicious torrents can contain viruses, malware, or other malicious software. To avoid malicious torrents, make sure to only download torrents from reputable sources. This part is tricky, as some websites portals go from being safe to completely overrun with malicious torrents. We suggest to search reddit for the latest up to date information on the safest torrent directories to use. We have suggested some websites previously on two articles found here and here.
1: Install the Torrent Download Client of your choice.
Like mentioned above, just make sure to take your time to verify that you are on the official website for the software to avoid downloading possible malware. As suggested, a good option is qBittorrent linked here, or Transmission Torrent Client linked here is an equally good choice.
2: Install and launch ExpressVPN’s Client on the device you will download from and connect to a server.
Once you have signed up for an ExpressVPN plan, download the software to your selected downloading machine and install it. Before you start downloading any torrents, you need to connect to a secure VPN server. So, make sure that if you have any torrents queued, that they remain paused until you’re all set.
Once the app is installed and launched, select a server of your choice to connect to. Although any server can be used for torrents, if you plan on downloading copyright material, we suggest to use servers in countries with lax laws regarding downloading and sharing copyrighted content.
Step 3: Test your VPN connection on an IP and DNS leak test website.
As a new user, it would be wise to test your connection before proceeding. Although ExpressVPN is dependable, user error is possible. Once connected to a server location of your choice, you should be able to match your IP and country to this new server connection by using a free online test such as dnsleaktest.com.
ExpressVPN also has a Kill Switch option under the General parameters called ‘Network Lock’ that can be, and should be used if you want to make sure you never leak any data in case the VPN server connection drops. Kill switches should always turned on to ensure VPN protection at all times.
Step 4: Visit a Torrent Directory Website to find content and launch your torrent files or magnet links.
Once you have searched and found specific torrents you wish to download, the torrent website will typically give you the option between clicking a Magnet link, or downloading the Torrent file. The magnet link option will attempt to automatically launch your Torrent Client for you and start the download, whereas downloading the torrent file will require you to open it by double clicking it, or opening it from the Torrent Client for to start downloading.
It’s really that simple. However, keep in mind that once the torrent is done downloading, it will keep uploading and sharing the same content to other users on the peer-2-peer network seeking to download the same files. You have to manually pause or delete torrents from your list to permanently stop sharing them. Just remember that sharing is caring and keeping a good share ratio is what makes torrents work in the first place.
Is torrenting illegal?
Torrenting is a peer-to-peer file sharing protocol that allows users to share large files over the internet. Torrenting is not illegal, downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal in many countries. A VPN can help protect your privacy when torrenting by encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP address from potential copyright holders. However, it is important to choose a reputable VPN service that does not keep logs of user activity.
ExpressVPN supports Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing on every server, making it easy to download torrents safely and without interruptions. However, it is important to note that using a VPN does not give you permission to engage in illegal activities. Downloading copyrighted files is illegal in most countries and violates the terms of service of most VPNs. Make sure that the torrents you access are freely available in the public domain or use servers in locations where all torrents are legal.
How a VPN works and Benefits Safe Torrenting
If you’re looking for a way to torrent safely and securely, you may want to consider using ExpressVPN. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of using this type of VPN service.
A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet connection and makes it harder for third parties to track your online activity or steal your personal information. ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services available, and it offers a number of features that make it ideal for torrenting.
For starters, ExpressVPN hides your IP address, ensuring that your identity and location remain confidential. This is important because your IP address can be used to identify you and your location. By hiding your IP address, ExpressVPN makes it more difficult for someone to track your online activity or steal your personal information.
In addition, ExpressVPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions, making it possible to access blocked websites and content. This is especially useful if you’re trying to access content from another country. For example, if you’re in the United States but want to watch a British TV show that’s only available in the UK, you can use ExpressVPN to connect to a server in the UK and access the show.
Is a Free VPN a Good Choice for Torrents?
Probably not. For starters, you cannot assume that your data is secure if the company providing you the VPN servers is not making any income from you directly. Additionally, you will likely have slow servers, or limited amount of download bandwidth available, rendering the process of downloading large amounts of data really difficult. Torrents may sometimes be completely restricted from free services due to the high bandwidth required.
More Reasons to use Torrent Downloads with ExpressVPN
Privacy and security are the top of the list requirements for using torrents on a VPN and with a no log policy, ExpressVPN has earned customer trust for many years, keeping the browsing data of their users log free. Additionally, encryption used to keep browsing data secure from third parties is always kept updated and using the latest and greatest AES-256 bit encryption protocols and security features available.
ExpressVPN provides solid servers that work all the time, with matching quality and intuitive software that allows you to quickly find the best servers based on your location. Speed is important when it comes to downloading or uploading files. ExpressVPN also provides a service that will completely bypass any throttling caused by your internet service provider. The list of server sis extensive and covers almost 100 countries, so you never have a shortage of locations to connect to.
There are no restrictions on servers for torrents and peer-2-peer transfers as we previously mentioned, and even though we suggest to pick strategically placed servers for locations where there are no downloading restrictions, this is not a must with ExpressVPN.
