In this post, I want to share my personal journey of configuring a VPN for torrenting that ticks all the boxes: easy to set up, private, anonymous, and affordable. The twist? I don’t have any notable technical or networking expertise!
If you’re like me and want a headache-free solution, I’ll walk you through my experience and also touch on some of the commercial VPNs I’ve tried for torrenting.
If you’re too busy to read my piece, here’s the TL;DR: I bought a WireGuard VPS from Cloudzy for just $4/month—which is cheaper than most VPN services you can buy. The setup process was incredibly simple—literally, the whole process of purchasing and configuring it took under 5 minutes—and I was up and running with my own VPN. It’s been smooth sailing ever since. However, if you’d rather not set up your own, my top commercial VPN recommendations are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. If you’ve used any other cheaper VPNs, please share them with me.
Now, let’s dive into the details for those who want to optimize for best practices and value my personal insights.
Self-Hosting a VPN for Torrenting
For those of you who don’t know what VPN self-hosting means, it refers to hosting a VPN server software on infrastructure that you own or control. When you purchase a commercial VPN service, you typically use a VPN client that runs on your device (e.g., PC, phone, etc.) to connect to a server application hosted on the provider’s cloud servers. The provider handles everything for you. In self-hosting, you do both: set up the server and use the client to connect to it.
There are many free VPN options available, but I stumbled across WireGuard while searching for an easy and cost-effective way to set up my own VPN for torrenting. As someone with no technical background, I found WireGuard’s simplicity to be a lifesaver.
For hosting, you can choose from various options like shared hosting or VPS. Personally, I found a VPS to be the best fit for my needs because it gave me a dedicated IP address and dedicated resources—at least with Cloudzy. I discovered Cloudzy on Google and have been fairly satisfied with their service.
One of the main reasons I chose Cloudzy was that they already had WireGuard pre-configured on their servers, so I only had to follow a few simple steps to get started. If you prefer, you can set up WireGuard yourself on their servers or choose another provider entirely.
Another noteworthy feature of Cloudzy is their commitment to privacy. If you don’t want to provide your personal credentials, they’re a perfect choice since they don’t ask for them. They even offer cryptocurrency payment options, which makes the setup more anonymous and secure.
So, I picked a VPS, and with Cloudzy’s clear instructions, I had everything ready to go—no complex configurations, no headaches. After setting up the VPN, you’ll need to install the client program on your device. Simply download WireGuard’s app from their official website and run it.
Now, it’s time to go! After completing the setup, I tested my connection, and everything worked flawlessly with blazing-fast speeds.
This setup gives you complete control over your VPN, ensuring no one logs your activity while keeping your costs low. Plus, there’s something inherently satisfying about running your own server.
What to Look for in a VPN for Torrenting
If self-hosting isn’t your thing, you can always rely on commercial VPNs. But not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to torrenting. Here’s what to prioritize:
- Torrent-Friendly Policies: Look for VPNs that explicitly allow P2P traffic. Some providers throttle or block it altogether.
- No-Logs Policy: Your VPN should not keep logs of your activity for maximum privacy.
- Speed: Torrenting requires a fast connection. A slow VPN can bottleneck your downloads.
- Kill Switch: This feature cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring your real IP isn’t exposed.
- DNS Leak Protection: To keep your identity truly hidden.
Best Commercial VPNs for Torrenting
Here are my top commercial VPN picks based on my prior experience:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers fast speeds, a strict no-logs policy, and excellent torrenting support. Its user-friendly interface makes it perfect for beginners, although it is on the pricier side.
2. NordVPN
With dedicated P2P servers, NordVPN is built for torrenting. It also offers features like Double VPN for enhanced security. I used to like their service, but over time, it became less reliable for me. I had to reconfigure certain settings and couldn’t maintain a stable connection, so I eventually switched providers. However, I’ve heard from others who are satisfied with their experience, so why not give it a mention? You might be lucky and get a good service too!
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is budget-friendly without compromising on features. It allows unlimited device connections, which is a rare find. The only downside is its slower connection speeds on both upload and download sides.
Final Words
For torrenting, a good VPN setup is crucial to ensure safety, anonymity, and efficiency. Self-hosting with WireGuard is a fantastic option if you’re looking for affordability and control—it’s surprisingly easy, even for non-techies like me.
Regardless of the path you choose, taking the step to secure your torrenting activity is worth it. After all, in an age of increasing online surveillance, a little privacy goes a long way.
Have you tried setting up your own VPN or have a favorite commercial provider? Share your experiences.