How to Torrent Anonymously & Safely: A Complete Guide for 2024

Torrenting comes as a form of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file transfer. When multiple users are looking to download a particular file, they all get connected to a single server source. With the whole file still intact on the server, bits of the file gets sent to connected users — one user per bit. A torrent is what breaks up the large file into small chunks. This way, each user has a unique bit of the large file. The torrent file sent to you (from the server) keeps track of who has the next bit and alternates you with them each time.

With the way torrenting is set up, files get uploaded and downloaded between different users. Downloading from this network of peers put you at the risk of having your device corrupted by a virus or malware. Using an unprotected IP address when torrenting could leave your PC open to attacks. Your privacy and security could be compromised to a large extent. So, staying anonymous while torrenting is obviously important, and this shows you how.

Why Do I Need to Remain Anonymous While Torrenting?

Ordinarily, surfing the internet leaves you exposed to bugs, hackers, government agencies, and other cyber snoops. Being more complicated, torrenting leaves you at a much higher risk of getting compromised. To download torrents, you have to exchange files with other users. Cyber crooks take advantage of how torrenting is set up to bug torrent users. With this P2P file transfer protocol, it’s already made easy for them.

In another light, most of the files people torrent are copyrighted, so you can be sanctioned for torrenting in any way deemed fit by the government or the author as the case may be. So, it’s either you stop torrenting or get anonymous. Getting anonymous, internet users have been downloading copyrighted files at relatively no cost. Now, it’s — “Why wouldn’t I want to stay anonymous while torrenting?”

How to Mask My Identity Online While Torrenting

The safety of maintaining an anonymous status while torrenting can never be overemphasized. To get anonymous, you should use the services of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN helps to cover your tracks while you download torrents or do any other thing online.

Depending on the developers, VPNs are optimized with various encryption details that are set to keep your cyber experience private and secure all the way. With selected VPNs, these features come in different combinations. Also, VPNs are generally easy to use. You just have to navigate through and let it do all the work. It’s left to you to decide which one catches your attention or matches your intention the most.

Top VPNs for Anonymity Online

Anonymity comes with high grade security and privacy features. To torrent without putting your device at risk, you need a high-quality VPN. 3 of the best that deliver top-notch security are discussed as follows;

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

Try ExpressVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

ExpressVPN has servers with very fast download speed. So, you don’t have to worry about this VPN reducing your speed. If any effect, it enhances download speed. These servers are also optimized to support Peer-to-Peer file transfer.

It has a kill switch feature that disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. ExpressVPN also uses military-grade encryption and IPv6 leak protection. The provider delivers a secure connection that will not compromise your safety. In addition, this VPN’s trusted no-logs policy keeps your privacy intact. The network itself doesn’t keep logs of your data at all. To this effect, no one else can access your data. So you can download torrents as much as you want without being exposed.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

Try NordVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

NordVPN has servers optimized for P2P file transfers. So, you can upload and download torrent files without stress. With the encryption and privacy features stuffed into this network, you can be sure to torrent with absolute anonymity. This VPN uses the untouchable military-grade AES-256 encryption. This keeps your connection secure all day long.

NordVPN has a kill switch,  as well as DNS and IPv6 leak protection that makes sure you are not left prone to invasion at any moment in time. So, you’re covered at all times. Also, when you get this VPN, you get the privilege of being under the additional protection of its ad blockers. NordVPN also blocks trackers and malware. These keep pop-ups and other bugs away from you while torrenting.

Best for connecting multiple devices

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• 3,000+ servers

Visit Surfshark

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

SurfShark‘s servers are optimized for torrenting. Your security while torrenting is guaranteed by the all-reliable military-grade encryption and its special Double VPN feature. This feature, called Multihop, connects you through 2 servers. So, you can be sure you’ll get an extra layer of security.

Privacy comes easy on SurfShark with its zero-logs, kill switch, and leak protection details. Another special feature that makes SurfShark stand out is the CleanWeb. This feature blocks ads, trackers and malware that may pop up in a bid to compromise your safety and privacy while torrenting.

Can I Use a Free VPN Instead?

Free VPNs always have a way to make you pay in kind. It’s okay to be thrifty but in this case, you might end up paying in the most extreme way. If the server isn’t slow, the connection might drop, consistently leaving you open to invasion by hackers.

Some free VPNs keep logs and use low standard encryption that won’t be able to protect you against top level hackers. These free VPNs are not efficient enough for P2P file sharing. Premium VPNs, on the other hand, give you all you need at a price. But you can be sure you’re getting the qualitative value of what you paid for.

Conclusion

It should be very clear now why it is so important to stay 100% anonymous while torrenting. Premium VPNs help attain such a state of anonymity. While there are free VPNs, they’re not good enough for tormenting. This is because they compromise your safety one way or another. Choose any of the 3 VPNs discussed in this review and you’ll have the best torrenting experience.