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Best Free VPN for Torrenting – ExpressVPN for Torrents

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Out and about looking or the best free VPN for torrenting without having to shell out a single buck for the premium ones? Here’s a complete breakdown of the best free VPNs you can use to download torrents, and why we recommend a premium service such as ExpressVPN instead.

For as long as the internet has existed on a personal user scale, we’ve been trying to not just communicate, but share content with one another. For years, electronic mail was the only way to get across images, audio files, videos, and documents across to users all around the world, but the significant increase in the overall user base of the World Wide Web has led to the creation of media sharing platforms online. Despite the popularity that video sharing platforms such as YouTube have received, the inception of file-sharing platforms, especially P2P (peer-to-peer) has changed the way large chunks of files are shared among users online.

Although the technology behind P2P was initially created to make large file sharing simpler, it has manifested into a way for sharing of copyright content, leading to a swarm of online piracy. We aren’t here to beat around the bush or discuss whether using torrents is morally questionable. But it is a fact that torrenting is not going away any time soon, and if you’re among those who indulge in this way of life, then being secured by a virtual private network (VPN) is bare essential. However, not all VPN services are built the same way, and with a variety of both, free VPN for torrenting along with premium ones out there, making the right choice isn’t an easy task.

Torrenting without a VPN is risky

If you’ve been a torrent user for years, you’re probably aware of the severe crackdown on torrenting websites all across the globe. Not only have some of the giants in the world of torrents been shut down for good, but the ones that still stand, are always facing an existential threat. As an end-user, there are certain risks involved when using these available torrent services, which makes the use of a VPN service essential.

Copyright issues – Billion-dollar movie studios and production companies do not have the time to go around looking for folks who are distributing their copyright content for free. They hire companies that look all over the World Wide Web for unauthorized and unregulated distribution of content produced by their clients and file lawsuits against the individuals who share it. Violating the terms of use can lead to heavy penalties for the users, and in some severe cases, can also land them in federal custody.

Malicious websites – The hostile takedown of some of the legitimate sources of torrents by federal authorities have left a vacuum for newer, less secure websites to take their place. This has led to the rise of torrent websites packed with excessive adware, virus-ridden content with activities related to phishing to surface. Apart from being bombarded by pop-up ads dozens of times upon a single visit, it even leaves your computer at risk of being affected by malware which can wreak havoc on your system.

Internet speed throttling – Since the free torrent websites still need to be able to afford the server costs and general maintenance, they not only resort to ad banners but also throttle the download speed for the content that the users can get their hands on. Additionally, your internet service provider (ISP) will also put a cap on the maximum download speed based on the source you download the torrent from.

Free VPN for Torrenting – Is it worth it?

One of the primary reasons why users choose to use torrents is to either access content that is not officially made available in their region of residence, or to fetch paid content, applications, and other files for free. When using torrents to get your hands on some premium content for free, it can seem counterintuitive to then go around and pay a premium price for the VPN that you’re using to cover up your activities online, when a free one can do the same – so it seems.

While some of the free VPN services out there can help you mask your IP address and grant you access to the torrent websites that your ISP has blocked you from, they are far from being foolproof. These free VPNs are not only just a makeshift proxy but in some cases, also steal user data to profit from its user base, which defeats the purpose of anonymity and privacy.

Additionally, a free VPN for torrenting will generally not offer security features such as no-log policy and other security barriers, which defeats the purpose of having a VPN in the first place. However, if you are dead set on not spending a single cent on torrenting, here are some of the free VPNs for torrenting that get the job done. However, these VPNs services lack the quality of service and security that is necessary to safely and optimally download torrents online.

1. Windscribe VPN

Offering a private window into the internet to users for years now, Windscribe is among the VPN services that have gained popularity not by advertising, but by word of mouth. Although the best experience of the VPN service comes when you spend for the premium subscription, it continues to be one of the best free VPN services out there.

Offering connections to 11 different remote servers across the world for the free members, you can have multiple connections across devices and enjoy a bandwidth of 10GB per month, which should help you plenty of torrents online all month long.

2. Hide.me VPN

A VPN Service which has made its way across desktop platforms, as well as Android and iOS for secure mobile browsing, Hide.me is a big name in the business. To unlock the full potential of this torrent client, along with unlimited bandwidth, you do need to subscribe to the premium service.

But even with the free membership, your browsing experience is secure with PPTP, IPSec, and several other security protocols. You do get only 2GB on data allowance to use this free VPN for torrenting, and the availability of just 3 servers along with 1 active connection per account holder also limits the usability.

3. Hotspot Shield VPN

Popularized on the mobile platform at first, Hotspot Shield has become a mainstream VPN client which is available for desktop platforms as well. Offering no cap on the download and uploads speed with fast transfers that are guarded by the latest security protocols, Hotspot Shield VPN only falls behind when it comes to the 500MB data allowance.

However, the data allowance is renewed every day, so you can start back the torrent downloads again in case of larger files while being able to use one device connection per account on the free subscription.

4. Betternet VPN

This is the only free VPN for torrenting on the list which gives you unlimited bandwidth to download gigantic torrent files in a protected manner. Getting started is simple, and you get support across all devices, included web support on Google Chrome, mobile Android and iOS apps, as well as desktop clients for Windows and Mac OS X as well.

The only reservation we have when it comes to Betternet VPN is the fact that it does not uphold a no-log policy, which again, is counterproductive when it comes to online security.

Our Recommendation – ExpressVPN for Torrents

It won’t take you to long to realize that free VPNs for torrents are either too inefficient to be useful, they won’t offer you the amount of bandwidth required to freely download content, or simply don’t offer the quality of speed and security necessary. The growing concern of internet privacy has led to the rise of plenty of great VPN service providers, and none of them has risen to the top faster than ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN covers 90+ countries – If you’re looking to access the local or national websites of a country far away, ExpressVPN has got you covered. With more than 160 server locations established in a total of 94 countries, you can spoof your IP address to appear from any of the enlisted countries, choose among 160+ different server locations, and get the fastest transfer speeds going.

Unlock entertainment content – For those who just want to take a look at the catalog of movies and TV shows that Netflix offers outside of your country of residence, or wish to try out services such as BBC iPlayer which is not available to residents outside of the UK, enabling ExpressVPN grants you access to a world of entertainment that you are yet to discover.

ExpressVPN on all devices – Whether you want to set up the VPN service on your mobile phone to make VOIP calls and go under the detection radar, or wish to unlock the power of torrents with ExpressVPN, there’s an app to do it. You get support for all of the popular platforms such as Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, and even VPN-enabled routers.

Keeping you secure – To keep your online activities private and away from the prying eyes of your ISP, the government, and especially hackers, ExpressVPN has the highly strengthened 256-bit encryption in place. Since your IP address is hidden, your location and your identity are also safeguarded for complete anonymity.

Built for torrenting – A single second of a drop, in the connectivity can leave your online user activity open for the ISP as well as the federal surveillance departments to snoop in and find out what you’ve been up to. ExpressVPN deters this mishap by offering the Network Lock feature, which acts as a kill-switch for your internet connection, effectively disabling the connection every time there’s a drop in connectivity between the device and the remote servers.

Finals Words

Whether you’re a good Samaritan who only uses torrents to download open-source content from the internet or a loyal member of the pirate ship downloading content from anywhere and everywhere, you need the protection that is awarded by some of the best VPN service providers out there. We’ve scoured through the vast depths of the internet to find, free and reliable VPNs for torrenting, and while they may not be perfect, you can get the job done with them.

However, we do recommend that you spend a few dollars to make the most out of the unlimited bandwidth, top of the line security, high-speed connectivity, and ease of use that comes with ExpressVPN. The best part is that ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re unsatisfied with it, you can grab a full refund, effectively making it a free VPN for torrenting that you get to try out for a month.

Which is the free VPN service that you’re going to look towards for all your torrent downloads, or do you prefer to take the high road with ExpressVPN? Do share your thoughts in the comments section right down in the comments section.

Proxy Vs VPN – What’s the Difference?

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Can’t decide between proxy vs VPN when it comes to choosing the tool to safeguard your online browsing experience? Here’s everything you need to know about these two services and the uses both of them have to offer.

The inception of virtual private networks took place to fulfil the necessity of securing online activity for corporate and business entities. Over the years, improved infrastructure, faster internet technology, and the growing interest of public has led to widespread demand for VPNs all across the globe. Not only have VPN services become popular for accessing geo-restricted websites and web-based services, but also as a means to protect the user’s data and keep the prying eyes of the federal authorities at bay.

Generally speaking, a VPN service allows you to connect to a remote server, which changes your IP address, thus effectively hiding your location and user activity. However, there is yet another networking technology that allows you to do the same, which is called proxy server. Since proxy servers also allow you to mask your IP address, it would be safe to assume that the two security options are the same. However, taking a closer with proxy vs VPN reveals some key differences between the two, which every user should be aware before they choose either of these services to safeguard their internet browsing experience.

What is a VPN Service?

Imagine your IP address to be a fingerprint through which your ISP, and even government authorities can track your geological location on the map. The way a virtual private network is designed to work is that it allows you to hide the IP address of your device, effectively hiding your location of access as well. A VPN works as a software for your computer, mobile phone, or can even be installed on your wireless router.

A dependable VPN service not only changes your IP address, but secures the network connection as well. The data that is sent out and received by your computer or mobile device when using a VPN service, is first routed to a remote server, which encrypts it. The encrypted data is then rerouted, thus spoofing your location, while ensuring that the browsing data cannot be identified and traced back to you.

Pros of using a VPN:

  • Premium VPN services offer end-to-end encryption along with a slew of security features that allow you to keep your browsing data on a lockdown.
  • The ability to change your IP address gives you a way to get past geo-restrictions set by web-based services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
  • A dependable VPN service would be available not just for the computer, but for mobile phones and media streaming devices as well.
  • ISP throttling can be bypassed when using a VPN service.

Cons of using a VPN:

  • Premium VPN services, although worth the added cost, can be expensive to use at times.
  • VPN services are generally frowned upon by banking and legal authorities due to their close association with hackers.
  • Data encryption does offer protection, but the time it takes for the data to reach the remote servers and then be encrypted before being transferred, can slow down your connection in certain cases.

What is a Proxy Server?

A means to effectively make your browsing experience anonymous, proxy servers take a simplified approach in comparison to VPN services. Generally speaking, proxy servers were introduced as a means to facilitate browsing privacy by simply acting as an extended bridge between devices and the network. Unlike VPN services which have an entire framework of remote servers that are tied together using a web-based software, proxy servers are fairly lightweight and do not require a software platform to be established.

A proxy server serves just one purpose, which is hiding your IP address, and unlike VPN which requires connecting to a remote server, a proxy can be set up on a local server as well. Proxy servers, being feasible and fairly easy to establish, are large available for free all over the internet, allowing you to access a website or online service outside of your country, with no security protocol in place whatsoever.

Pros of using a Proxy Server:

  • Public proxy servers, which are easy to obtain online, are free to use and can be accessed at anytime from anywhere.
  • Simplified setup allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and gain access to regional websites and online services.

Cons of a Proxy Server:

  • Proxy servers can be run by any entity, who can easily gain access to the data that you’re transferring while using their proxy server.
  • Most public proxy servers have no form of encryption in place, while leaves you vulnerable to phishing and federal surveillance.
  • Proxy servers are barely ever established permanently, and can be blocked by websites when flagged.

Proxy Vs VPN – Which one should you choose?

The end-user who is looking for a way to bypass the regional restrictions put forth by their ISP or the government agencies is just looking for a solution that works. In theory, when you compare proxy vs VPN in terms of functionality, both of these services are able to deliver the ability to hide your IP address.

What makes VPNs better

If basic browsing is not your only purpose, and you need more than just anonymity online, a VPN service is required. Apart from barring access of your personal browsing information from prying eyes when you’re connect to a public Wi-Fi network, a VPN service also helps you encrypt every kilobyte of data that is transferred to and from your devices. Whether you want to access your financial information securely, or need multiple layers of security that is enabled at all times, a virtual private network service is what you need.

What makes Proxy better

If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward way to access a website that has been blocked in your region, proxy servers can help you with it. You can turn towards the basic options for a free proxy server that lets you connect instantaneously, regardless of the computer or mobile device you use it from. The process involves no software installation, and can be done for most of your regular browsing needs, such as watching Netflix from another region, or just browsing through regional websites on a public domain.

We Recommend ExpressVPN

If you don’t mind shelling out a few bucks for a VPN service rather than depending on an unreliable public proxy server to mask your IP address, there are plenty of service providers to choose from. We’ve sieved through the market and hand-picked ExpressVPN, not just based on its longstanding reputation in the online web security market, but the number of security and functionality features that it has to offer.

Bypassing Geo-restrictions – Depending on where you live, you won’t be able to access the services online, but ExpressVPN offer you a way around this. Allowing you to connect to hundreds of remote servers across the world, you can choose to log in from more than 60 different locations.

Avoid ISP Logging – Even if a website or service is not barred in your region, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep an on-file record of the user data. The online activity that you perform on your devices can be logged, which poses not only a privacy treat, but the problem of being fined for unauthorized usage as well.

High-speed Streaming –When you choose a mediocre VPN service that helps you get past the ISP but underperforms in terms of connectivity, you could end up with minutes of buffering, which can impact the browsing experience. With ExpressVPN and its smart filtering of servers that rank highest on the Speed Index, you can choose a network server with the fastest speeds on your computer and mobile devices.

Native Support – The sheer popularity of ExpressVPN not only makes it a viable solution for desktop and mobile devices, but for computers, streaming devices, and even wireless routers. Easily choose your service location, and even monitor your streaming speeds for a surreal viewing experience, all from the official ExpressVPN app.

Final Words

As the treat to privacy grows, and the malicious activities of phishing and data breaches become a common sight, even the end-user is looking to find ways to secure their online browsing experience. The purpose of hiding the IP address of a device is resolved by proxy servers as well as VPNs, but the two technologies perform differently, whereas as one only offer anonymity (proxy), and the other offering you encrypted data transmission as well (VPN).

At the end of the day, the competition between proxy vs VPN boils down to the what serves your need the best. So are you going to choose the affordability and ease of use that comes with setting up a proxy server, even if it does not push forth high-level security? Or would you rather spend a few more dollars but secure your network connection with the best in the business? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section right down below.