ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN for torrenting. It boasts a vast, P2P-friendly server network and a proven no-logs policy. It delivers lightning-fast download speeds and is fully leakproof. These attributes make using ExpressVPN for torrenting a fast and safe experience.
This article will explain the features that make ExpressVPN suitable for torrenting. It will also include our speed and leak tests, instructions for configuring qBittorrent with ExpressVPN, and some alternative VPN recommendations. Finally, we’ll answer common questions we’ve encountered during our research.
How to torrent with ExpressVPN – fast guide:
- Get an ExpressVPN subscription.
- Download ExpressVPN to your system.
- Open the app and go to the Options menu.
- Check the first box under Network Lock.
- Click OK, and you can start torrenting with ExpressVPN.
Is ExpressVPN good for torrenting?
ExpressVPN ranks highly on our list of the best torrenting VPNs. Torrent traffic is enabled across its network of 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries. The provider undergoes frequent audits of its services and no-logs claims to ensure the privacy of its users.
We’ve performed tests to ensure the VPN does not leak data. We’ve also tested ExpressVPN’s speeds while torrenting, and the VPN performed excellently. Speed reduction was negligible regardless of server distance.
ExpressVPN has a built-in kill switch mechanism called Network Lock, which disables internet traffic if your connection suddenly drops. In addition, the VPN has an app-based split tunneling feature, allowing you to route torrent traffic via split tunnel for a slight speed boost.
The VPN secures your data using the in-house Lightway protocol, AES-256 bit OpenVPN, or IKEv2/IPSec (exclusive to Mac and iOS). Apps are available for all major systems, including Windows, Android, Linux, and Apple devices. You can use ExpressVPN on up to eight devices simultaneously per subscription.
Our ExpressVPN review provides more details about the app. If you prefer, you can check out our video review below.
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Why use a VPN for torrenting?
Using ExpressVPN for torrenting will secure your real IP in the torrent swarm. Moreover, a VPN will encrypt your online data, making it indecipherable to any unauthorized third parties. Not even your ISP or local network administrator will be able to tell that you’re torrenting.
Masking your IP is the best way to stay safe against cyber threats such as port scanning and DoS/DDoS attacks. More importantly, you won’t have to worry about copyright trolls sending you threatening messages about supposed content you’ve torrented.
How to set up ExpressVPN for torrenting
It’s easy to get this VPN up and running. Here’s how to torrent safely with ExpressVPN:
- Sign up for ExpressVPN—its hassle-free money-back guarantee lets you test the service for 30 days risk-free.
- Install the VPN on your system.
- Launch the app, sign in, and connect to a server. All ExpressVPN servers support torrenting, so just choose one close to your area.
- Go to the app settings and enable Network Lock (the kill switch, basically).
- Click OK to save your settings, and you’re good to go.
Testing ExpressVPN for torrenting
Is ExpressVPN private and fast when it comes to torrenting? Here’s how the VPN did in our leak and speed tests.
IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests
We used Browserleaks to verify whether ExpressVPN leaks your IP through either of these three avenues. Fortunately, the VPN passed each test with flying colors.
You can safely torrent with ExpressVPN without worrying about your true IP being exposed in the swarm. This also applies to WebTorrent, uTorrent Web, and similar clients thanks to the VPN’s WebRTC leak protection.
Speed tests
We tested ExpressVPN’s mettle on a 500 Mbps ethernet connection located in Romania. First, we downloaded a 4.67 GiB file and established a baseline speed of 34.8 MiB/s for comparison.
Afterwards, we connected to a server close to our location (Romania) and a distant one (Brazil). Here are the results of our speed tests after downloading the same file. Values were recorded after the connection speed had stabilized.
Close-by server (Romania): 30.3 MiB/s. Speed reduction: 12.93%
Distant server (Brazil): 26.4 MiB/s. Speed reduction: 24.14%
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs for torrenting out there. As you can see, even distant servers barely reduced our download speeds.
Obviously, many things could affect speed test results, such as the number of seeders in the torrent, which protocol you use, server distance, connection quality, and more. Regardless, they’re a decent indicator of ExpressVPN’s reliability.
If things don’t work out, you can always use ExpressVPN’s generous 30-day money-back plan to try a different option.
What are the best ExpressVPN settings for safe torrenting?
Here are some ExpressVPN settings you should enable for fast and secure downloads:
- Enable ExpressVPN’s Network Lock (kill switch) from the Options menu. This will prevent your torrenting activity from being exposed if the VPN suddenly disconnects.
- Use the provider’s Lightway protocol for enhanced speed and security.
- ExpressVPN is completely torrent-friendly, so connect to a server in your area for optimal performance.
Is ExpressVPN trustworthy?
ExpressVPN has a long history of being a trustworthy VPN provider. It’s equipped with stellar encryption and has undergone more audits of its services than most competitors. Best of all, the company does not log any data that could be used to identify you.
That said, it does log minimal data for technical purposes, including:
- Whether you’ve successfully connected on a specific day (no detailed timestamps).
- An aggregate sum of data you’ve transferred (in MB).
According to the provider, this helps them identify users that consume excessive amounts of data and may impact the service quality for others.
Finally, the VPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), an excellent jurisdiction with strong privacy laws that’s well outside the influence of the Five Eyes alliance.
ExpressVPN alternatives for torrenting
It never hurts to try out all the different torrenting options out there. So, here are some other VPNs you can check out:
- NordVPN: Our top-ranked VPN for torrenting. Features a widespread network (111+ countries), 5,300+ P2P-capable servers, and top-speed connections. Has a fully audited no-logs policy and supports SOCKS5.
- Surfshark: For torrenters on a budget. Fully-featured no-logs VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections, 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, and impressive speeds.
- IPVanish: Super fast torrenting VPN with 2,400+ P2P-friendly servers in 90+ locations to choose from. Keeps no logs of user activity and includes a SOCKS5 proxy.
- CyberGhost VPN: Massive server fleet in 100+ countries, excellent speeds, and cost-effective plans. Maintains a strict no-logs policy.
- PrivateVPN: Minimalistic VPN with a built-in port forwarding feature. Is decently fast, supports multiple streaming services, and doesn’t log your data.
- PureVPN: Super fast, budget-friendly, no-logs VPN with a 31-day money-back guarantee. Provides port forwarding for an additional fee.
- Proton VPN: Highly secure zero-logs VPN. Offers a VPN Accelerator feature for high-speed downloads, and includes port forwarding at no cost.
How to setup qBittorrent with ExpressVPN
To ensure your IP and torrent traffic are never exposed outside the VPN tunnel, you can bind qBittorrent to ExpressVPN. Here’s a quick guide on what to do:
- Launch ExpressVPN and connect to a server near you.
- Click the Settings icon (three horizontal lines), then click Options.
- Under Network Lock, check the option that says Stop all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly and click OK.
- Open qBittorrent, then click Tools > Options.
- Choose Advanced in the left panel.
- Select ExpressVPN from the Network interface drop-down menu.
- Click OK to complete the process.
The ExpressVPN interface might be named “Local Area Connection” or “Ethernet.” Navigate to your Network Connections menu and you’ll see ExpressVPN entries with either of these descriptions:
- ExpressVPN TAP Adapter – for OpenVPN connections.
- ExpressVPN TUN Driver – for Lightway connections.
You can rename them to find them more easily in qBittorrent.
Using ExpressVPN for torrenting FAQs
Does ExpressVPN have P2P servers?
ExpressVPN allows P2P file-sharing on its entire server network. Connect to the nearest location to enjoy the fastest possible speeds.
What protocol does ExpressVPN use for torrenting?
ExpressVPN typically uses its fast, in-house Lightway protocol for torrenting. Unless you manually pick the protocol from the VPN’s settings, ExpressVPN automatically chooses the best one for your network.
Does ExpressVPN work with qBittorrent?
Yes, ExpressVPN works well with qBittorrent and most other torrent clients, including Transmission, Deluge, uTorrent, and so on.
Does ExpressVPN block BItTorrent?
No, ExpressVPN does not block BitTorrent, nor does it block or throttle torrenting traffic in any way.
Does ExpressVPN have a SOCKS5 proxy?
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN does not have a SOCKS5 proxy feature. If you’re looking for a capable VPN with a SOCKS5 option, we recommend NordVPN instead. Alternatively, you can check out our list of the best SOCKS5 VPN for several more providers.
Is using a VPN enough for torrenting?
With proper setup, a VPN should be enough to protect you while torrenting. In addition, we recommend using an antivirus to secure your system against any malware-infected downloads.
Is torrenting with a VPN slower?
Yes, torrenting with a VPN is slower, as your data needs to travel farther to reach you. Additionally, VPNs add a small amount of data called encryption overhead, which takes up some resources. Read our guide on making torrent speeds faster while using a VPN.
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