Is it worth getting a free VPN for torrenting?
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When you download a file on the Internet, it usually comes from one central server. However, this can be a slow way to share files when several people want to access the file at the same time. That’s why torrenting services – the peer-to-peer file sharing protocol that solves this problem – has gained so much popularity over the years.
Here, you share distinct parts of the file with everyone who tries to download it, and then everyone downloads directly from each other so everyone gets the whole file.
Torrenting is often used to share movies, TV, music, and games – it’s legally opaque at best. Some industry trade groups have tried to sue users, Internet service providers, and file-sharing sites for copyright infringement. Therefore, many users want to hide their torrenting activities, which is why they use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
So how do torrenting VPNs help, and will a freebie do the job? That’s what we’re here to explain.
- See also: High Quality & Value – Best Cheap VPNs
Without a VPN, people can watch what you torrent
Some torrent clients, such as BitTorrent, have built-in encryption. But if you use generic trackers, it is still possible to determine when and what you are torrenting. Sites like I Know What You Download highlight how easy it is to keep track of what you’ve been sharing.
Your ISP and other people snooping on your connection can tell if you are torrenting because of the shape of the traffic. Many ISPs automatically throttle connections containing torrent traffic, which slows down your internet. Also, if the authorities force them to, your ISP can hand over logs showing the times you were torrenting.
Why is a VPN useful for torrenting?
Using a VPN when torrenting can help protect your identity. Since all your traffic will be routed through the VPN server when you connect to other people on the torrent network, they will not see your real IP address – only the VPN server.
In addition, all your traffic will be encrypted, so it will be very difficult for anyone to see what you are doing with your Internet connection.
Using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN is the best ioption option when torrenting (Image credit: ExpressVPN)
Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?
Yes, a free VPN can It is used for torrenting, but there are many caveats.
Free downloads always have usage restrictions (with the rare exception of ProtonVPN) and many of them don’t allow torrenting at all. Others have strict bandwidth limitations that are nearly impossible to use for watching movies, games, music, and TV shows.
For example, Windscribe’s free plan supports torrenting, but its anonymous plan is limited to 2GB per month. While TunnelBear also allows you to torrent on its free plan and has excellent security, the bandwidth allowance is a paltry 500GB.
Is it worth getting a free VPN for torrenting?
If you need to download more than a few small files per month, a free VPN won’t provide enough bandwidth to be useful. Using a low-cost VPN for torrenting might be a much better solution, making your internet activities your own business only.
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Compare the 5 best VPN service providers for torrenting:
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