Using NordVPN for Torrenting: Recap of First Impressions

VPN
1

I recently got into the realm of VPNs and torrenting. While I’m no expert yet, I wanted to share my first insights, particularly regarding the effective use of a VPN for torrenting.

My initial thoughts of NordVPN features for torrenting

I went with NordVPN as my first one - it seemed torrent-friendly and it ranked good on Reddit. On top, I found a discount code justdeal, so it was a no brainer.

As I’ve come to find out, it’s one of the best VPNs for P2P. Sadly, they don’t allow torrenting on all their servers, but there are around 50 countries like Switzerland and Canada. So far there’s enough for me to choose from.

Regarding speed, I’ve observed that NordVPN has generally performed well in comparison to other premium VPNs. While I felt a speed reduction when using it (as is typical with VPNs), it hasn’t been overly significant.

Yeah, NordVPN has all those key features you’d expect, like a kill switch and split tunneling (though, just a heads up, split tunneling only works on Android, Android TV, and Windows). I saw they also have a Double-VPN and an Onion Over VPN functionality, which I’m yet to try out.

One thing that Nord lacks is port forwarding. On the bright side, open ports remove the layer of security so without them, leaks are less likely to happen.

Was it tricky setting NordVPN up?

For someone just starting, I found torrenting with NordVPN pretty easy.

  • Connect to one of their P2P-optimized servers
  • Launch your usual torrent client
  • That’s pretty much the whole process. I’ve successfully set up NordVPN with both uTorrent and qBittorrent, and it’s been smooth sailing.

Another thing I’d like to mention is they also offer a SOCKS5 proxy for torrenting. But remember, a proxy isn’t the same as a VPN – it won’t encrypt your connection.

I’m interested to see how it progresses but as for the start, so far so good.

2

Can you explain more which other Vpns you compared against? Which speeds did you get, and does it support port forwarding?

3

If no port forwarding doesn’t cause you major concerns, you can keep using it further on.

4

Additional layers of security are usually at the cost of speed. But ugh, with all the fines out there, I’d rather be patient and pay a few euros per month

5

Can someone explain clearly how port forwarding impacts torrenting? Is this because the seeding or torrenting not working at all?

6

FWIW, I’ve been using Nord for nearly 3 years, and I have zero complaints. I’m getting fast downloads using them in conjunction with Spectrum as my ISP. When I first signed up I had T-Mobile as my ISP and I’d frequently get throttled, but 2 years ago I switched to Spectrum and it’s been smooth sailing. I’m not persistently using the vpn for all internet usage, but when I fire it up before torrenting with qbittorrent it works like a charm every time.

7

I’ve been using VPN for other purposes like streaming my favourite TV shows, however, have not tried to use it for torrenting, so thanks for showing another way to use VPN.

8

The setup was super easy for me

9

Can anyone vouch for the validity of that table? I’ve been researching VPNs myself to hop on one in the near future but all of the VPN dedicated subs, especially that one, are flooded with bots. The top rated VPNs on there are nord and shark, with high marks in customer service and speed, respectively - despite most real comments I can find on here stating the complete opposite for both. Does anyone have a reliable reference for this?

Edit: my bad didn’t realize what sub I was in :face_exhaling: nvm